For the first time, South LA is being recognized as
The Historic South LA Black Cultural District,
which was designated by the state of California
as an official Cultural District on December 12, 2025.
A cultural district is a geographic area with a high concentration of cultural resources, and South LA has the highest concentration of Black residents, businesses and cultural landmarks in California! Before this designation, there were 14 cultural districts in California, and not a single one of them recognized a Black community — until now! LA Commons was tapped as a key partner by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, representing District 28, to help lead this initiative. Together, we are working on leading an arts-centered approach to the community awareness, engagement and planning efforts that will bring this newly designated Black Cultural District to life!
Historic South LA Black Cultural District in the News!
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South L.A. just became a Black cultural district. So where should its monument stand?
LA Times, February 19, 2026
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South L.A. becomes state’s first Black Cultural District
LA Wave, December 18, 2025
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South Los Angeles designated California’s first Black Cultural District
See Great Art, December 15, 2025
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New Black cultural district could make South L.A. a model for the nation
LA Wave, June 27, 2025
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California Backs South LA Black Cultural District With $3 Million in State Funding
LA Focus, June 26, 2025
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Historic South L.A. Black Cultural District Designation Moving Forward
Forbes, June 19, 2025
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South LA Leaders Join Smallwood-Cuevas to Launch Historic Black Cultural District
LA Sentinel, March 12, 2025
Press Releases
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LA Commons Tapped to Lead Arts and Community Engagement Effort to Move Forward California’s First Ever Black Cultural District
December 19, 2025
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LA Commons Joins Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas in Mobilizing Cultural District Designation for South Los Angeles
June 19, 2025
Program
LA Commons is proud to join forces with Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Coalition for Responsible Community Development, and Los Angeles City Planning to formally bring the state-designated Historic South LA Black Cultural District to life, through the California Arts Council's California Cultural Districts program. This pivotal initiative aims to formally recognize South LA’s deep and enduring cultural contributions, including shining a spotlight on legendary areas of the community such as the Crenshaw Corridor, Leimert Park and Historic Central Avenue.
In support of this effort, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas allocated $3 million of state funding in 2023 for the design and construction of monument(s), and an additional $2.5 million in 2025 to seed the development of the Black Cultural District, bolstering local readiness for forthcoming international events being hosted in Los Angeles (i.e. Olympics, World Cup, etc.), and the future.
