As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary and national debates intensify over the narrowing of Black History in classrooms, Los Angeles has made a clear declaration: Black History is a public trust — and it will not be erased!
Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC), in partnership with the Office of the Mayor, the Los Angeles City Council and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), officially opened the 76th Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC) Citywide Black History Celebration on February 4, in the Mayors’ Chambers followed by a ceremony inside the City Council Chambers at the Los Angeles City Hall.
New Self-Help Book “Blame It on the Feel of Pain” About Detangling From Past Pain
Get ready for a transformational journey toward inner peace as indie author Max W. Miller’s new self-help release, Blame It On The Feel Of Pain, inspires readers in a witty, down-to-earth book. Truth and compassion are foretold, using poetic frames called ‘The Wises,’ and the help of opinionated little emojis bringing laughter and thought-provoking conclusions throughout.
The author encourages her readers, whom she also calls partners, to stop wrestling with the hard knocks of the past. She expresses how voluntarily walking back into time precedes trauma healing. Confronting lingering pains is a step toward strength and hope for the future. ‘Blame It’ delves into the author’s life experiences, bringing to life the importance of using Full Circle Moments to find resolutions.
Throughout Blame It On The Feel Of Pain, the reader grows to understand through a unique interpretation that what we are destined to become grows out of the years we’ve already traveled. Further, our future hinges on how we address the pains of the past. Other expressions focus on how desires in the present are carved out of having a clear vision that old, lingering strongholds must be defeated. A history of suffering is a prerequisite for becoming fed up enough to demand enjoyment now!
To Get On the Road To Overcoming Your Trauma See Her Exclusive Interview
Order Her Book Blame It On The Feel Of Pain
The launch coincides with two historic milestones: America’s semiquincentennial and the 2026 national Black History theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” issued by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. At a moment when Black History faces renewed scrutiny across the country, Los Angeles’ continuous, city-supported observance stands as both commemoration and declaration.
Founded in 1945 by educator and cultural steward Vassie D. Wright, OASC began as a grassroots study collective when Black History was excluded from schools, libraries, and public institutions. Today, it remains one of the nation’s longest-running unified citywide Black History celebrations, sustained across generations and supported by nine Los Angeles mayors.
“Our founders understood that if we did not institutionalize the study of Black History, it could be silenced or erased,” said Lura Daniels-Ball, President of Our Authors Study Club, Inc. “Seventy-six years later, our responsibility is even clearer. We are not simply commemorating the past — we are protecting truth, affirming identity, and ensuring that future generations inherit the full American story.”
Honorary Chair Cookie Parker, Chair and Co-Founder of Yes2Jobs and a nationally respected technology entrepreneur and civic leader, emphasized the urgency of this year’s observance. “Black History is not a sidebar to American history — it is foundational to it,” Parker said. “As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, we must be intentional about lifting the voices of innovators, artists, and freedom fighters whose contributions shaped this country. Los Angeles is leading by example in making sure that history is visible, valued, and vigorously defended.”
During the City Hall ceremony, Councilmembers Heather Hutt (District 10), Nithya Raman (District 4), and Traci Park (District 11) presented honors to the 2026 award recipients.
Living Legends Pillar Awards were presented to:
• Denise Nicholas, actress and author, honored for her civil rights activism, groundbreaking television career (Room 222, In the Heat of the Night), and literary works including Freshwater Road and her memoir Finding Home.
• Charles Dickson, artist and sculptor, recognized for more than six decades of artistic leadership emerging from the Black Arts Movement and for transforming public spaces across Los Angeles into sites of cultural memory.
Hall of Fame Inspiration of Life Awards were presented to:
• DMA Anderson, technology entrepreneur, patent-holding inventor, and Founder & CEO of KORGI, for leveraging innovation to expand access and civic participation.
• Antwone Fisher, best-selling author and award-winning screenwriter, recognized for preserving Black History through personal narrative, including Finding Fish and his forthcoming Reflections Beneath the Buckeye Trees.
View the City Council presentation here:
YouTube.com/live/JWYLd6KkW2A?
“Evening with Authors” to Anchor Celebration
Anchoring the second half of the official OASC Citywide Black History Month programs is the Annual Evening with Authors:
Saturday, February 21 | 5:00 PM at Highways Performance Theater, Santa Monica, CA. Two Voices. Two Journeys. One Legacy. The evening features a live discussion, book signing, and reception with Denise Nicholas and Antwone Fisher. Earlier that day, a special 10:00 AM screening of The Antwone Fisher Story will be held for foster youth and guardians, followed by a Q&A with Fisher.
Additional Signature events include:
• “From Emmett Till to SNCC & Beyond: Words + Music + Art” (Feb. 20), a one-night-only multidisciplinary benefit performance commemorating Black History Month’s 100th anniversary, the U.N.’s World Day of Social Justice, and key Civil Rights Movement milestones. Highways Performance Theater, Santa Monica, CA.
• Citywide Multi-Denominational Worship Service: A Stand for Healing (Feb. 26 | 6:00 PM) at Second Baptist Church
• Dr. Carter G. Woodson Rising Voices Oratorical Contest (March 14 | 10:00 AM), with applications now open and a new college freshman and sophomore category.
All events are free and open to the public. Advance registration is required for select programs. Space is limited.
RSVP: https://www.oascla.org/rsvp
Full 2026 Event Calendar: https://www.oascla.org/events
Limited print copies of the 2026 DCA African American Heritage Month Guide will be distributed at official events.
For more than 80 years, OASC has served as a guardian of Black intellectual life — ensuring that Black History remains studied, honored, and publicly commemorated in Los Angeles. Join the celebration. Support the legacy. Stand with OASC as we enter a new century of Black History commemorations.
Membership: https://bit.ly/
Donations: https://bit.ly/oascdonor26
For press inquiries, contact (562) 270-4881 or oasc1945@gmail.com
Published Author in Her Family
Alexis Donald, MD, a trailblazing African American medical doctor and advocate for empowering young minds, is thrilled to announce the release of her highly anticipated children’s book, Mommy I Want to be a Doctor. Based on her own remarkable journey, this captivating story encourages children to dream big, believe in themselves, and fearlessly pursue their aspirations.
As the first medical doctor in her family, Dr. Alexis has always been driven by a passion for medicine and a desire to make a difference in the world. Her inspiring tale begins with her childhood dreams and takes readers on a heartfelt journey of determination, resilience, and triumph. To Order Her Book Click Here or on Amazon.
To see our exclusive interview with Dr. Donald Tap here.
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