State Designates South LA as Black Cultural District
Historic South LA Black Cultural District
Dear Neighbors,
I’m proud to announce that the California Arts Council unanimously voted last week to officially designate Historic South LA as California’s first ever Black Cultural District! This designation acknowledges the deep historical, cultural and economic contributions that Black communities have made – and continue to make – in this region.
South LA is an epicenter of rich culture – from dynamic artists and lively music venues, to historic churches and popular soul food eateries. This designation uplifts the stories, traditions and creativity that are rooted here while ensuring that they remain protected.
By establishing Historic South LA as a Black Cultural District, California is clearly demonstrating its fervent support for diversity, cultural preservation and intergenerational opportunity. This designation also opens the door to new investments and partnerships that amplify the unique voices of South Los Angeles.
To the residents, businesses, artists and activists in South LA: This is your moment. You made this happen. We will stand with you to preserve cultural spaces and build economic revitalization in this community for generations to come.
Shown at the Historic South LA Black Cultural District designation press event are (from left) Yvonne Farrow, Co-Director, Vision Theatre Performing Arts Center; Hakeem Parke-Davis, Planning Deputy, LA City Councilwoman Heather Hutt; Aminah Muhammad, President, Leimert Park Merchants Association; Vince Bertoni, Director of Planning, LA City Planning; Cameron Shaw, Executive Director, California African American Museum; Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas; Jacqueline Hamilton, Deputy Mayor, LA Mayor Karen Bass; Daniel Tarica, General Manager, City of LA Cultural Affairs Department; Ken Bernstein, Principal City Planner, Historic Resources, LA City Planning; Karen Mack, Executive Director, LA Commons; Xavier Clark, Planning Deputy, LA City Councilman Curren Price Jr.; and Terri Osborne, Planning Deputy, LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson.
State Unanimously Votes to Officially Designate Historic South LA as California’s First Ever Black Cultural District
South Los Angeles has achieved an extraordinary milestone with the California Arts Council’s unanimous vote to officially designate the area as the state’s first ever Black Cultural District. I announced their decision last Friday during our celebratory press conference and community reception held at the California African American Museum.
The newly designated Historic South LA Black Cultural District will enable the region to bolster community-driven economic development, enhance cultural preservation endeavors, and uplift Black artists, innovators and residents who have shaped this community for decades. The designation will not only put an international spotlight on this historic community, it will provide important funding opportunities that will preserve the community’s rich history and culture as well as stimulate the local economy. It will also make South LA a destination for tourists seeking an authentic Black cultural experience. A cultural district designation is crucial for South LA’s future economic growth, especially as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in addition to other major global events in the years ahead.
The cultural district designation is particularly timely given the nation’s current divisive political climate that has threatened diversity programs across the country. At a time when federal actions are putting DEI initiatives and cultural institutions at risk, California is charting a different path: One that is rooted in inclusion, equity and respect for all communities of color.
The designation follows years of advocacy, community engagement and state action that I’ve led in partnership with LA Commons, a community engagement nonprofit that facilitated a public outreach effort to ensure that local residents and stakeholders play a meaningful role in shaping the cultural district’s creative vision.
Word of the cultural district designation has already energized and excited business owners throughout South Los Angeles, many of whom see the recognition as a catalyst for new investment, increased visibility, and expanded opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Business leaders say the designation will help strengthen South LA’s cultural identity, attract visitors, support creative industries, and empower long-standing businesses to grow and thrive.
South Los Angeles is home to California’s highest concentration of Black residents, businesses and cultural landmarks. While 14 cultural districts are currently established across the state, none represent historically Black communities. By designating Historic South LA as a Black Cultural District, it will preserve the community’s rich history and culture, and stimulate economic growth by promoting local Black-owned businesses, creating jobs and drawing tourism. The California Legislature approved $3 million in state funding to underwrite the installation of cultural markers and monuments for the cultural district.
Far Left Photo: Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (third, left) is shown at the Historic South LA Black Cultural District designation press event with (left to right) Aminah Muhammad, President, Leimert Park Merchants Association; Umaar Askia, Co-Owner, Nappily Naturals & Apothecary; Sharon Williams-Askia, Co-Owner, Nappily Naturals & Apothecary; Karen Mack, Executive Director, LA Commons; and Lula Washington, Founder, Lula Washington Dance Theatre.
Center Photo: At the Historic South LA Black Cultural District designation press event are (from left) Jacqueline Hamilton, Deputy Mayor, LA Mayor Karen Bass; Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas; Daniel Tarica, General Manager, City of LA Cultural Affairs Department; Ken Bernstein, Principal City Planner, Historic Resources, LA City Planning; and Vince Bertoni, Director of Planning, LA City Planning.
Far Right Photo: Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas is shown interviewed by a TV news reporter during the press event announcing the Historic South LA Black Cultural District designation.
Community Voices
Mayor Karen Bass
“This designation exemplifies South Los Angeles’ history of creating and inspiring generations of prominent Black artists, entrepreneurs and civic leaders who have continued to enrich and shape the culture and legacy of Los Angeles. I want to thank Senator Smallwood-Cuevas for championing this effort in Sacramento and delivering for thousands of Angelenos. With major events coming to Los Angeles, I look forward to the world visiting and experiencing the state’s first Black Cultural District – South Los Angeles.”
– Mayor Karen Bass, City of Los Angeles
Supervisor Holly Mitchell
“The history, people and global cultural influence of South Los Angeles are tied to our shared past, present and future. This designation honors that legacy and impact while helping to ensure that longtime residents and businesses can remain rooted and thrive.”
– LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell
Caroline Beteta
“The designation of the Historic South LA Black Cultural District will preserve the community’s heritage and create an unforgettable, authentic destination for visitors who want to experience the art, history and innovation that have defined South Los Angeles for generations. Travelers spent $17.9 billion on arts and culture experiences in 2024 – and more than 1 in 5 domestic travelers prioritize historical sites when visiting California. This demand underscores the value cultural districts provide toward powering California’s travel economy and abundance of offerings for visitors and Californians alike.”
– Caroline Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California
Karen Mack
“What a historic moment for Black Los Angeles. This designation affirms what we've always known: That our creativity, our stories, and our history matter. LA Commons is honored to be part of this journey, and we are committed to ensuring that this new cultural district benefits the community through youth leadership, artist engagement, public art, and programming that brings people together.”
– Karen Mack, Executive Director, LA Commons
Aminah Muhammad
“This designation recognition is a step toward repair. For a community long displaced, overlooked and underinvested in, a Black Cultural District in South LA signals hope – an acknowledgement that our culture has value, our presence has meaning, and our future deserves protection.”
– Aminah Muhammad, President, Leimert Park Village Merchants Association