In recognition of Black History Month, the Los Angeles Rams are hosting a series of community initiatives to honor the past and celebrate the future of Black culture. The Rams will reflect on artistic expression as a cornerstone of Black culture, serving as a powerful tool for storytelling, resistance, and community-building that the organization will highlight through their Canvas of Culture.
Below is a list of Rams led initiatives taking place in recognition of Black History Month and attached is a full list as well as more information on each initiative. Please RSVP to Rams communications if you plan to join us and for more information.
Da Poetry Lounge Slam Night on Tuesday, February 18
The Rams will support Slam Night at Da Poetry Lounge where six pre-selected poets will perform a poem that fits the themes of the night related to Kenny Washington, LA-native and UCLA standout who was the first Black player to be signed by an NFL team in the modern era ending a 12-year ban on Black players in the league.
Earnel Durden Black Coaches Symposium on Thursday, February 20
The Rams will continue to celebrate the organization’s trailblazers by hosting their second annual Earnel Durden Black Coaches Symposium in their locker room at SoFi Stadium for local high school tackle and flag football and youth tackle and flag football coaches. The programming also will include remarks from EARNEL DURDEN who attended Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles and upon his graduation, became the first Black student-athlete to attend Oregon State and went on to become the first Black assistant coach at UCLA and the Los Angeles Rams (1971-72).
Nickerson Gardens Mural Unveiling on Saturday, February 22
In continuation of the team’s series of cultural murals throughout Los Angeles, the Rams have teamed up with artist Brian Peterson to create a physical embodiment of the past, present, and future of Inspire Change. The mural will be designed at Nickerson Gardens where the team partnered with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) to install a 60-yard turf football field this past September.
Music Recording Celebration with Kobie Turner, Stix & former Watts Rams
Rams DE KOBIE TURNER teamed up with Watts native, rapper, producer and the founder of the THINKWATTS Foundation STIX for a multi-session music education program with local youth that formerly played for the Watts Rams. The first session consisted of the group sharing their passion for music in all its forms and at the second meet-up they recorded a song at EastWest Studios. The program will conclude with a final reflection and listening session. A video of the experience, produced by Rams Studios, will be live on all Rams channels to conclude the month.
