Delis Aleandro | (310) 566-1523 |  

The Black Lives Matter Too Committee was formed after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. We are dedicated to educating others on the history and systems of injustice, raising awareness for the issues affecting the Black community, and gathering in prayer and action so that we can help end the oppression, discrimination, and racism affecting our Black brothers and sisters. We have seen and experienced the sin of racism and the injustices that have affected people of color for far too long, and we demand change. 

Upcoming Activities 

Celebrate Juneteenth!

On June 19, 1865, about two months after the Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Va., Gordon Granger, a Union general, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two and a half years earlier on Jan. 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln.

Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s.  The term Juneteenth comes from combining the month and day, and in recent years, the holiday has gained a renewed interest.

Join other parishioners as we attend this year’s City of Santa Monica 31st Annual Juneteenth Celebration!

June 17, 2023

1:00 pm to 7:00 pm 

Virginia Avenue Park

310.458.8688

2200 Virginia Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Our plan is to meet up at 12 noon at Holy Grounds at St. Monica and either carpool or Uber/Lyft to Virginia Avenue Park. You can also meet us there. Once we arrive, our first goal is to find a spot together to picnic with one another at the park. There are food trucks, or you can bring your own food. After a spot of lunch, we will tour the exhibits and marketplace and enjoy the live music.

Contact Delis at if you would like to join us.

All ages are welcome and it is free!

For more information on the City of Santa Monica Juneteenth celebration, please visit https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4zy0npxfwtm9gwz27a6wfzhf5k/202306171300

Delis Aleandro | (310) 566-1523 |  

The Black Lives Matter Too Committee was formed after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. We are dedicated to educating others on the history and systems of injustice, raising awareness for the issues affecting the Black community, and gathering in prayer and action so that we can help end the oppression, discrimination, and racism affecting our Black brothers and sisters. We have seen and experienced the sin of racism and the injustices that have affected people of color for far too long, and we demand change. 

 

 

Upcoming Activities 

Celebrate Juneteenth!

 

On June 19, 1865, about two months after the Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Va., Gordon Granger, a Union general, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two and a half years earlier on Jan. 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln.

 

Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s.  The term Juneteenth comes from combining the month and day, and in recent years, the holiday has gained a renewed interest.

 

Join other parishioners as we attend this year’s City of Santa Monica 31st Annual Juneteenth Celebration!

 

June 17, 2023

1:00 pm to 7:00 pm 

 

Virginia Avenue Park

310.458.8688

2200 Virginia Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404

 

Our plan is to meet up at 12 noon at Holy Grounds at St. Monica and either carpool or Uber/Lyft to Virginia Avenue Park. You can also meet us there. Once we arrive, our first goal is to find a spot together to picnic with one another at the park. There are food trucks, or you can bring your own food. After a spot of lunch, we will tour the exhibits and marketplace and enjoy the live music.

 

Contact Delis at if you would like to join us.

 

All ages are welcome and it is free!

 

For more information on the City of Santa Monica Juneteenth celebration, please visit https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4zy0npxfwtm9gwz27a6wfzhf5k/202306171300

 

 

  

Black History Month

Black History Month

This February, we honor the black community's contributions, struggles, and milestones: activists, civil rights leaders, writers, and more. They inspire our commitment to social justice and raise awareness for the black community's achievements, issues, and history. 

 

The Black Lives Matter Too Committee has curated resources from our local community - we invite you to explore and learn more about the black community here in Santa Monica, regionally, and beyond. 

Check back each week, as we have Memorable Quotes Mondays and Fact Fridays throughout the month to celebrate Black History Month!

*Click the button on the right for our Black History Month page!

 

Black History Month Mass & Keeper of the Flame Presentation 

Saturday, Feb. 19 | 5:00 p.m. | Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Annually, the African American Catholic Center for Evangelization (AACCFE) honors those men and women who have kept the flame of evangelization alive in their respective parishes.

 

We are happy to announce that our very own Tola Alade Lutz has been chosen as this year’s Keeper of the Flame. Tola will be recognized at the ADLA Black History Mass Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles.

 

As a leader on the Black Lives Matter Too Committee, Tola last led the effort to educate our parish community on the challenges faced by Black Americans, our faith’s call to justice, and the contributions of Black Catholics. She has been a member of our community for over 12 years, as an active member of the school's Confirmation Team, YMA Socials, Special Events, YMA Core Team, Thanksgiving Boutique, and the Black Lives Matter Too Committee. Professionally, she works as a senior strategist and business development professional at a cyber technology firm. Tola met her husband, married, and baptized their child at St. Monica.

 

We honor Tola for her commitment to service and evangelization for the cause of Black Catholics in our community!

Click Here to Download the Flyer

  

 

Black Catholic History Month

Black Catholic History Month

Intro to the gallery of Black Catholics on their way to sainthood.

 

Add Post Manage

• Sister Thea Bowman
  Embrace Action | Black Catholic History Month Created on Thursday, 18 November 2021
  

  In celebration of National Black Catholics Month, we are sharing more about the six African Americans who are currently in the process for sainthood. One of them is Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman (December 29, 1937 – March 30, 1990). Thea Bowman was the daughter of ...

  Read more...
• Venerable Augustus Tolton
  Embrace Action Black Catholic History Month Created on Thursday, 18 November 2021
  

  In celebration of National Black Catholics Month, we are sharing more about the six African Americans who are currently in the process for sainthood. One of them is Venerable Augustus Tolton (April 1, 1854 – July 9, 1897). Augustus Tolton was a former slave who was bap...

  Read more...
• Venerable Mother Henriette Diaz DeLille
  Black Catholic History Month Created on Thursday, 18 November 2021
  

  In celebration of National Black Catholics Month, we are sharing more about the six African Americans who are currently in the process for sainthood. One of them is Venerable Mother Henriette Diaz DeLille (March 11, 1813 – November 17, 1862). Born in 1812, DeLille, a d...

  Read more...
• Venerable Pierre Toussaint
  Black Catholic History Month Created on Thursday, 11 November 2021
  

  In celebration of National Black Catholics Month, we are sharing more about the six African Americans who are currently in the process for sainthood. One of them is Venerable Pierre Toussaint (June 27, 1766 – June 30, 1853). Toussaint was born in Haiti and brought to N...

  Read more...
• Saints Monica & Augustine
  Black Catholic History Month Created on Tuesday, 09 November 2021
  

  Did you know there are over 900 Black Catholic saints? In celebration of National Black Catholics Month, we are sharing more about our namesake, Saint Monica of Tagaste, Africa, and her son, Saint Augustine of Hippo. Christianity first arrived in North Africa in the 1s...

  Read more...

 

Mission

The Black Lives Matter Too Committee was formed after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. We have seen and experienced the sin of racism and the injustices that have affected people of color for far too long, and we demand change.

 

Our goals are three-fold: 

1. To stand in solidarity with our Black brothers and sisters.
2. To make our community a more welcoming place for everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity.
3. To support those in our faith community to be actionable and resilient champions for equity and justice for Black people.  

In the gospel, Jesus implores us to “love our neighbor as yourself,” He reminds us that we are “all made in God’s image and likeness.” We’re each called to help create a more loving and just world and to embrace our uniqueness. Racism and white supremacy won’t die until everyone sees them as issues they need to solve personally rather than just Black issues they need to sympathize with. This starts with our Catholic community, which is why we have formed this group.

 

We are dedicated to educating others on the history and systems of injustice, raising awareness for the issues affecting the Black community, and gathering in prayer and action so that we can help end the oppression, discrimination, and racism affecting our Black brothers and sisters.

 

Contact the team: . 

 

African American Catholic Center for Evangelization

African American Catholic Center for Evangelization

St. Monica has long partnered with the African American Catholic Center for Evangelization. This organization serves Black Catholics in Los Angeles in collaboration with the Archdiocese and parishes to develop and support evangelization programs, fellowship, and education.

 

 

Events Archive

29th Annual MLK Jr. Prayer Breakfast

Proud Bird Restaurant

Saturday, January 14, 2023

8 am

St. Monica has reserved a table at this year’s 29th Annual MLK Jr. Prayer Breakfast. Hosted by the African American Catholic Center for Evangelization, the Breakfast is an uplifting memorial featuring a keynote speaker, special awards, and inspirational worship and music. St. Monica has long partnered with the African American Catholic Center for Evangelization. This organization serves Black Catholics in Los Angeles in collaboration with the Archdiocese and parishes to develop and support evangelization programs, fellowship, and education. Tickets are $50 each. To reserve a space, please get in touch with Dennis Hardwick at .

 

Juneteenth Celebration, City of Santa Monica

Sunday, June 18

A handful of parishioners did participate in this year’s Juneteenth City of Santa Monica Celebration on June 25 at Virginia Avenue Park. Like many festivals, we found a large display of art, crafts, and clothing booths, great food, and fantastic music. Next year, we’ll remember to bring our dancing shoes! The prayer presented by the Santa Monica Area Interfaith Council reminded us why it is important to celebrate this particular day of freedom. Our parishioners have already begun planning how St. Monica can be involved in 2023 and set up our booth distributing information on the Black Catholic American men and women up for sainthood in the Catholic Church, among other contributions of Black Catholics.

 

 

Our largest takeaway from the Festival was a reminder to celebrate Juneteenth all year. Here are some examples:

• Read up on Juneteenth:
  • https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/juneteenth
  • https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/199702383/1663017659
• Learn about Black Catholic Americans up for sainthood:
  Who will be the first Black Catholic saint in the United States? | America Magazine      
• Watch films or documentaries featuring Black stories
  • https://www.imdb.com/list/ls080005774/
  • And for families
    https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/allthemoms/2019/01/21/great-black-history-movies-watch-with-families-kids/2619269002/
• Support Black Owned Businesses
  https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-06-03/black-owned-businesses-in-los-angeles
• And, of course, there is always prayer!

The Archdiocese of Baltimore encourages us to “celebrate this day as a reminder of the transformative power of human liberation.” They promote all “to spend time with our families, reflecting on the meaning of the day by using this as a day of education about our collective history and taking the time to pray for real change.”

 

 

https://www.archbalt.org/a-prayer-to-celebrate-juneteenth-a-light-of-hope-for-freedom-and-justice/ 

 

Happy summer!

 

Anti-Racism Walk & George Floyd Memorial 2022:

We thank those who attended this year’s Anti-Racism Walk and George Floyd Memorial. We especially thank the following for organizing the event and making it all happen:

 

-Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson

-Black Lives Matter Committee: Brianna Rodrigues, Tola Alade, Delis Alejandro

-Dr. James Spellman, Principal, St. Monica High School

-Symphony W., High School student speaker

-St. Monica High School students

-Dennis Hardwick and St. Monica JustFaith Community

-St. Monica Elementary School Grade 7 Teacher Theresa Rentar and her class produced our signs!

 

It was a moving and heartfelt ceremony. 

 

 

George Floyd Memorial Prayer Walk

Wednesday, May 25 | 6:30 p.m. | Meet in front of the Church

Stand with us, pray, and witness our support for peace and ending inequality. We will begin with prayers and reflections in front of the Church, followed by a walk to the St. Monica statue at Wilshire and Ocean Avenue.

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast

 

 

 

Mass Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Call to Service

Monday, Jan. 17 | 3:00 p.m. | Livestream

Join Archbishop Gomez as we celebrate and honor the life of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this holiday with Mass. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Mass commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King’s Call for Service will be held on Monday, Jan. 17 at 3:00 p.m. - available via livestream - Click Here For More Information.

 

Twelfth Annual African American Catholic Ancestral Mass

Saturday, Nov. 13 | 12:00 noon | St. Odilia Catholic Church

An annual tradition, this liturgy recognizes our Most recent Ancestors who have made a significant contribution to the community.       

 

St. Odilia Catholic Church was established in 1926 as the Negro National Church of Los Angeles and today is recognized as the Mother Church for all Los Angeles African American Catholics. The first council of the Knights of Peter Claver was established at St. Odilia Catholic Church, leading the way for Councils, Courts, Assemblies, Chapters, and Juniors to be established throughout the Western United States. This led to African American Catholics from Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and many other states settling in South Los Angeles as parishioners of St. Odilia Catholic Church.

 

 

Speaker Forum: Why (What) is Black Catholic History Month?

Saturday, Nov. 6 | 10:00 a.m. via Facebook Live

The Forum will explore the reasons for the establishment of a Black Catholic History Month and review the lives of African American Catholics who are on the road to Sainthood; the contribution of African American Catholics in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; the History of the most significant lay African American Catholic organization, the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver, and their contribution to the History of Black Catholics in Los Angeles. Panelists include Bishop Edward Clark, Auxiliary Bishop Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Fr. Anthony Bozeman, Pastor, Church of the Transfiguration; Michele LeBlanc, Supreme Lady, Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary; Moderator is Sherry Haines Pierce, Social Media Strategist.

 

Click Here for the Event Flyer

 

An Evening with Patrick Saint-Jean, SJ, Psy.D.

Thursday, Aug. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | In-person and Zoom - FREE

 

We are happy to announce that Patrick Saint-Jean, SJ, will be presenting his book The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice on Thursday, Aug. 12, both in-person and via zoom. After the presentation, we welcome our in-person guests for a reception and book signing opportunity.

 

The book is designed to lead the reader through a month-long Ignatian “retreat,” focusing on racial justice following the format of the Spiritual Exercises. Ignatian spirituality offers us tools for today’s antiracist struggle, devices that are both spiritual and practical. As Patrick Saint-Jean, S.J., explains, the legacy of Ignatius of Loyola is accessible to Jesuits, Catholics, and all followers of Christ. His book inspires our inner journeys while it fuels racial justice in the outer world.

 

Patrick Saint-Jean, S.J., PsyD, currently teaches in the psychology department at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he is also a psychotherapist. He enjoys jazz, traveling, and learning new languages, and he plays the guitar, harmonica, and drums.

 

Three Catholic Churches are sponsoring Patrick Saint-Jean’s Southern California tour: Padre Serra in Camarillo, Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood, and the St. Monica Catholic Community.

 

The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice: A Month of Meditations with Ignatius of Loyola, Paperback – May 28, 2021

by Patrick Saint-Jean, S.J. (Author)

 

“Saint-Jean’s book beautifully weaves together several threads: the author’s personal experience as a Jesuit in formation who is both an immigrant and a Black man; poignant reminders of the long history of race-based violence; calls for racial justice; and the perennial wisdom of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, with their focus on examining our sin so that we are free to love God and neighbor. The result is an invitation to the interior work necessary to deepen our commitment to racial justice.”

 

-Very Rev. Brian G. Paulson, S.J., Provincial Superior, USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus

 

Click Here to Purchase via Amazon!

 

 

 

Anti-Racism Prayer Walk & George Floyd Memorial

Tuesday, May 25 | 6:30 p.m. | Meet in Front of the Church

Let us stand, pray and witness together to show our support for peace and to end inequality. Please wear a mask, and we ask that all in attendance adhere to social distancing guidelines. 

 

From the front of the church, we will walk to the Saint Monica statue at Wilshire Blvd. and Ocean Ave.