Senator Smallwood-Cuevas Announces Unanimous State Vote Designating Historic South Los Angeles as California’s First Black Cultural District

In a historic and unanimous decision, the State of California has officially designated Historic South Los Angeles as the first Black Cultural District in the state, marking a transformative milestone for cultural preservation, economic equity, and community recognition. The announcement was made by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (SD-28) following the successful statewide vote, solidifying South LA’s legacy as a cornerstone of Black history, creativity, resilience, and civic leadership.

This landmark designation formally recognizes South Los Angeles as a cultural epicenter that has shaped California’s social, political, musical, and artistic identity for generations. From jazz, gospel, and hip-hop to civil rights leadership, entrepreneurship, and grassroots organizing, Historic South LA has long served as a cultural engine—now acknowledged at the highest level of state government.

The Black Cultural District designation is more than symbolic. It creates a framework for long-term cultural preservation, investment, and policy alignment, ensuring that legacy residents, artists, small businesses, and cultural institutions are protected and supported amid ongoing development pressures. It also positions South LA to access new streams of state resources and partnerships designed to uplift historically underserved communities.

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas emphasized that this achievement reflects years of community advocacy, coalition-building, and a shared commitment to honoring Black heritage in tangible ways. The unanimous vote signals statewide recognition that Black history is California history—and that it deserves intentional protection, celebration, and investment.

As California’s first Black Cultural District, Historic South LA now joins a growing network of officially recognized cultural districts across the state, serving as a model for how culture, community, and economic development can align without displacement. The designation affirms that cultural preservation and progress are not opposing forces, but mutually reinforcing priorities.

This moment also arrives at a critical time, as communities across Los Angeles continue to navigate gentrification, rising costs, and cultural erasure. The Black Cultural District designation provides an essential policy tool to help safeguard community identity while encouraging inclusive growth that benefits those who have built and sustained the neighborhood for decades.

Key Impacts of the Black Cultural District Designation

• Historic Recognition: Officially acknowledges Historic South Los Angeles as a foundational center of Black culture, history, and influence in California.

• Cultural Preservation: Supports the protection of legacy institutions, historic sites, artists, and cultural traditions rooted in South LA.

• Economic Empowerment: Opens pathways for targeted state funding, grants, and cultural tourism that benefit local Black-owned businesses.

• Anti-Displacement Focus: Strengthens strategies to prevent displacement of long-time residents and cultural stewards amid development.

• Policy Alignment: Aligns state, regional, and local policies to support equitable development centered on community needs.

• Creative Economy Growth: Elevates opportunities for artists, creatives, and cultural workers to thrive within their own communities.

• Statewide Model: Establishes a precedent for future Black Cultural Districts across California.

Community leaders, cultural advocates, and residents have celebrated the announcement as a long-overdue acknowledgment of South LA’s enduring contributions. The designation reflects a broader movement toward cultural equity and reparative policy—one that recognizes history while investing in the future.

As implementation moves forward, collaboration between state leaders, local organizations, and community stakeholders will be essential to ensure the district fulfills its promise. With this unanimous vote, California has taken a decisive step toward honoring Black legacy not only through words, but through action.

For full details on the announcement and official statement, visit:
https://sd28.senate.ca.gov/news/senator-smallwood-cuevas-announces-states-unanimous-vote-officially-designate-historic-south

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