Item 4.A
11/29/22
1 of 6 Item 4.A
11/29/22
Item 4.A
11/29/22
2 of 6 Item 4.A
11/29/22
Item 4.A
11/29/22
3 of 6 Item 4.A
11/29/22
Item 4.A
11/29/22
4 of 6 Item 4.A
11/29/22
Item 4.A
11/29/22
5 of 6 Item 4.A
11/29/22
1 Vernice Hankins
From: Abby Arnold <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2022 11:56 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Statement of Apology to the African American Community (Item 4a)
EXTERNAL
Dear Council members:
Thank you for acknowledging Santa Monica’s historic racism through the listing of specific policies and acts that harmed African Americans in our community.
I would appreciate your consideration of adding a more recent example of action taken by the City that demonstrates racial harm.
The so‐called “Historic Belmar Park”, built on ground taken from homes owned by African Americans, is actually a soccer field for use by privileged children from Santa Monica and other communities.
The public art installation is on the edge of the playing fields, up against a heavily trafficked street. The commemorative area literally marginalizes Santa Monica’s historic Black community. The installation is on the least desirable and most dangerous margin of the park. The siting of this installation provides a buffer between the playing fields of the privileged and the dangerous vehicular traffic. It is very difficult to engage in conversation, teaching, or contemplation at this site due to the loud traffic.
Once again, in present times, Santa Monica continues to marginalize the African American experience. Please consider adding this current manifestation of racism to your inventory of harm.
Abby Arnold ______________________
(she, her, hers)Here's why
[email protected]
(310) 922-3636 (cell)
Item 4.A
11/29/22
6 of 6 Item 4.A
11/29/22