By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-South Los Angeles, including Mid City, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Century City, Downtown Los Angeles) last week announced the California Arts Council’s unanimous vote to officially designate South Los Angeles as the state’s first-ever Black Cultural District.
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. Smallwood-Cuevas secured $3 million in state funding to support the installation of cultural markers and monuments for the proposed cultural district.
“Today is a powerful moment for South LA – our community, our culture, and our future,” said Smallwood-Cuevas following the vote. “South LA has been the epicenter of Black culture, activism and creativity for generations. This designation acknowledges the deep historical contributions that Black communities have made – and continue to make – in this region.”
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 the community for decades.
Smallwood-Cuevas noted that the 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 state lawmaker added.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her firm support for the cultural district designation, applauding the vote as a long-overdue recognition of the community’s profound cultural, artistic and historical contributions.
“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,” said Bass. “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.”
Also voicing support of the cultural district designation is LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, whose district includes South Los Angeles.
“The history, people and global cultural influence of South Los Angeles are tied to our shared past, present and future,” said Supervisor Mitchell. “This designation honors that legacy and impact while helping to ensure that longtime residents and businesses can remain rooted and thrive,” said Mitchell
The designation follows years of advocacy, community engagement and state action led by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas in partnership with LA Commons, which facilitated a community engagement effort to ensure that local residents and stakeholders play a meaningful role in shaping the cultural district’s creative vision.
