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. The decision was announced on Friday, December 12, 2026, by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) while flanked by civic and community leaders during a celebratory press conference and community reception held at the California African American Museum.
“Today is a powerful moment for South LA – our community, our culture, and our future,” Senator Smallwood-Cuevas said. “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.
“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,” Senator Smallwood-Cuevas added.
“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,” Mayor Karen Bass said. “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,” Mitchell said. “This designation honors that legacy and impact while helping to ensure that longtime residents and businesses can remain rooted and thrive.”
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.
“What a historic moment for Black Los Angeles,” said Karen Mack, Executive Director of LA Commons. “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.”
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.
“This designation recognition is a step toward repair,” Aminah Muhammad, President of the Leimert Park Village Merchants Association, said. “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.”
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. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, a longtime worker rights and racial equity advocate whose 28th District includes South LA, championed the creation of the Historic South LA Black Cultural District to preserve the community’s rich history and culture, and stimulate economic growth by promoting local Black-owned businesses, creating jobs and drawing tourism. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas secured $3 million in state funding to support the installation of cultural markers and monuments for the proposed cultural district.
