In a landmark move to honor and preserve South Los Angeles’ rich Black history and cultural legacy, California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, alongside community leaders, business owners, and residents, gathered at City Hall to announce the launch of the Historic South L.A. Black Cultural District.
The new district aims to officially recognize and protect South LA’s deep-rooted Black cultural heritage while serving as a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, and investment. Encompassing historic landmarks such as Leimert Park, the Crenshaw Corridor, and Central Avenue, the initiative will establish South LA as the first Black Cultural District in California.
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“For generations, historic South LA has been the Black mecca of entertainment, culture, and artistic expression,” said Aminah Muhammad, president of the Leimert Park Village Merchants Association.
“It’s one of the nation’s remaining Black cultural centers that can draw thousands to experience cultural festivals and events held throughout the year.”
Smallwood-Cuevas, whose 28th Senate District includes South L.A., spearheaded this initiative after learning that Los Angeles — home to the highest concentration of Black residents, businesses, and cultural landmarks in California — had no state-recognized Black cultural districts.
Following the announcement of the Historic South LA Black Cultural District, the Los Angeles Sentinel sat down with Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas to discuss the significance of this initiative, the steps needed to secure its designation, and how the community can play a role in shaping its future.
In this conversation, she shares how the idea for the cultural district first came to her attention, the resources it will unlock for South LA, and her broader vision for Black economic and cultural empowerment in the region.
L.A. Sentinel: What led you to push for the Historic South LA Black Cultural District?
Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas: I was in a budget hearing my first year in office and learned about California’s 14 designated cultural districts—none of which represented a Black community. I was shocked. South L.A. is home to California’s largest concentration of Black-owned businesses, cultural institutions, and historic landmarks.
We have Barbara Morrison’s Performing Arts Center, Lula Washington’s Dance Theatre, the Vision Theatre, the historic Central Avenue, and thriving Black-owned businesses like Somerville, founded by Issa Rae. Yet, we had no state-designated Black cultural district.
LAS: What does this designation mean for South L.A.?
LSC: First, it gives us state recognition and access to state funding for preservation, tourism, and economic revitalization. It also makes South L.A. a destination for global Black travelers looking for an authentic Black cultural experience—similar to Little Tokyo or Chinatown. This is crucial as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
We also secured $3 million in state funding to erect markers and monuments throughout the district — gateways similar to those seen in other cultural districts. We are working with L.A. Commons and a coalition of business owners, artists, and residents to determine how best to mark and celebrate this historic designation.
LAS: Is the district official yet?
LSC: Not yet. We are in the application phase and actively gathering community input. This will be a collaborative effort, and L.A. Commons is leading discussions to ensure the community has a say in shaping this district.
South L.A. is home to the nation’s fifth-largest Black population, surpassing Louisiana and Mississippi combined. The cultural district is designed not only to preserve history but also to stimulate economic development by supporting Black-owned businesses, creating jobs, and attracting tourism.
“Designating the Historic South LA Black Cultural District is a vital step in recognizing and preserving the deep-rooted history, culture, and contributions of the Black community in Los Angeles,” said Commissioner Pamela Bright-Moon of the L.A. County Arts Commission.
Ken Bernstein, principal city planner for Los Angeles City Planning’s Office of Historic Resources, emphasized how the cultural district aligns with efforts to preserve L.A.’s Black heritage.
“We are gratified to be partnering with Senator Smallwood-Cuevas and South LA community leaders on this exciting initiative. The Cultural District perfectly complements our work with the Getty Conservation Institute on African American Historic Places, Los Angeles. The new district will help showcase the distinctive history and culture of our communities as L.A. prepares to host global events like the Olympics,” Bernstein said.
The development of the Historic South L.A. Black Cultural District will unfold in multiple phases, each designed to ensure community involvement and long-term sustainability. The first phase involves community workshops, where residents, business owners, and local leaders can provide input on the district’s vision, boundaries, and cultural markers.
These conversations will help define the priorities and aspirations of South L.A.’s Black community. In the second phase, the project will officially launch with a series of public engagements and outreach efforts, bringing together stakeholders to refine the district’s objectives and collaborate on its execution.
The third phase will focus on installing physical and digital markers throughout the district including archways, murals, and interactive digital displays that share the historical and cultural significance of various locations. Finally, the fourth phase will introduce programs aimed at supporting local Black-owned businesses and fostering tourism, ensuring that the cultural district serves as an engine for economic empowerment.
Throughout each stage, community involvement will be crucial, as residents help shape not just the look and feel of the district, but its long-term impact on South LA’s economy and cultural identity.
“We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and by sharing them, we foster a deep sense of belonging,” said Karen Mack, executive director of L.A. Commons.
Smallwood-Cuevas emphasized that community involvement is crucial:
“We are building this rocket as we fly it, and we want the community to help shape this district. The goal is not just recognition, but long-term sustainability for our Black businesses, artists, and residents.”
With challenges such as gentrification and economic disparities facing Black communities across the country, leaders stress that sustaining this cultural district will require collective action.
“This designation is not the end but the beginning,” said Smallwood-Cuevas. “We are creating a table where Black business owners, cultural leaders, and residents can come together to compete for resources, secure funding, and shape the future of South LA. This is our time.”
For updates on the Historic South LA Black Cultural District and upcoming community meetings, visit https://www.lacommons.org/historic-south-la-black-cultural-district or contact Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas’ office.
