Historic South LA Black Cultural District
Black Cultural District (BCD) is establishing South Los Angeles as the first California Cultural District honoring Black life and culture.
South LA represents the 5th largest Black population in the nation – more than Louisiana and Mississippi combined. The South Los Angeles community has historically high rates of Black residency and home ownership rates that mirror state figures. It is also home to the largest concentration of Black cultural assets (museums, arts, entertainment, businesses, etc.) in the state.
Program
With Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas as its initiator, this long-overdue project will amplify the immense Black history of South LA, representing an opportunity to reverse exclusionary/racist community governance policies of the past.
The Cultural District will promote local assets and increase connectivity in the South LA community. In support of this effort, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas allocated $3 million of state funding for the design and construction of physical and digital boundary markers to enhance preparedness for the forthcoming international events being hosted in Los Angeles (i.e. Olympics, World Cup, NFL Super Bowl, NBA All Star Game etc.)
Program Phases
Phase I: Workshop events were organized to get community input
Phase II: Project Launch and community engagement
Phase III: Building of Street Archways and Development of Digital Markers showcasing stories and historical context
Phase IV: Support local businesses through resource development and launch tourism campaign
