The history of African Americans in Los Angeles dates back to the original 44 settlers who founded the city of Los Angeles in 1781. Extensive research uncovered that at least 26 of the 44 settlers had some degree of African ancestry. With ethnically rich beginnings, the African American community has grown and flourished despite some difficult setbacks along the way. The community has greatly influenced not only the city of Los Angeles, but made a tremendous impact on the rest of the country. One of the best ways to experience African American culture in L.A. is during Black History Month with events by the California African American Museum, the Pan African Film & Art Festival, and many more.
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Black History Month Events in L.A.
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their important role in U.S. history. The event was originally the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Following is a list of Los Angeles events and cultural institutions participating in Black History Month.
African American Masterpieces at Los Angeles Museums
The cultural landscape of Los Angeles has been deeply influenced by African American artists and philanthropists and it continues to blossom because of them. In the visual arts scene, contributions by African American artists are plentiful and are constantly on view at many of L.A.’s world-famous museums. Read on for a guide to selected masterpieces in Los Angeles museums.
The Cultural Legacy of African Americans in Los Angeles
African Americans have played an integral part in the rise of Los Angeles to international culture capital. From the city’s very beginning, with the majority of its first settlers being black, through many trying times to breakthroughs in the film industry and two decades under the leadership of L.A.’s first African American mayor, Los Angeles simply wouldn’t be what it is today without these cornerstones in history.
Paul Williams: Architect to the Stars
African American architect Paul Revere Williams was a major contributor to the appeal of the local cityscape. A master of many styles, from English Tudor to Spanish Colonial and the casual California ranch-style, he dedicated his work to enhancing people’s lives by considering the local climate and light. Not only did he serve as a major ‘architect to the stars’, but he was involved in the conceptual design and redesign of many iconic L.A. landmarks such as the LAX Theme Building, the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building, the Shrine Auditorium, the Beverly Hills Hotel, and the First African Methodist Episcopal Church to name just a few.
The Definitive Guide to Leimert Park
If you’re in the market for an African dashiki or reggae inspired clothing, there are several shops in Leimert Park that will hook you up. Our primary reason however, for visiting the South Los Angeles neighborhood, is the food: succulent pork ribs, peppery jerk chicken and dreamy peach cobbler.
The Central Avenue Jazz Festival
From the early 1900s to the 1950s, Central Avenue in Los Angeles became the epicenter for music, especially with the sounds of large, active rhythm and blues and the lively, upbeat tones of jazz. With music as its binder, Central Avenue quickly became the heart and soul of the African-American community in Los Angeles. The Central Avenue Jazz Festival, a homage to the musical and cultural history of the avenue, provides a glimpse into L.A.’s history. The free two-day community festival presents a diverse selection of food, art, culture and vibrant music. The festival takes over several blocks of the historic street in the Vernon-Central neighborhood with food vendor booths, exhibiting pavilions, and stages featuring an eclectic range of live music performances.