Heritage: African American

Los Angeles

Los Angeles defies definition. Welcoming people from 140 countries and speaking 92 languages, LA is a hodgepodge of cultures, ethnic communities and history that is manifested in the African American community through music, the spoken word, dance, art, fashion, food and faith.

Just ask the residents of St. Elmo Village, an art space that provides a place for the creative community. For a more conventional setting, visit the California African American Museum, Museum of African American Art, Autry Museum of Western Heritage or the African American Firefighters Museum.

Leimert Park Village, a haven for artists, poets, musicians and shoppers, is home to several businesses owned and operated by African Americans. Home to the JazzAntiqua Dance & Music Ensemble, the Dance Collective presents and offers classes ranging from West African dance to salsa. As the day winds down and the evening begins, stop in World Stage Performance Gallery for the best in jazz, or Lucy Florence Coffeehouse for great coffee and homemade sweet potato pie.

Very few people know that Los Angeles’ first African American community was within the first pueblo at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Park or that the Pío Pico House (once a luxury hotel) was built by Pico, the last Mexican governor of California, who was of African-Mexican ancestry.

Tapping the grassroots populace is the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, dedicated to presenting renowned exhibitions at the Watts Museum of Art, History & Culture.

Further north is the Ford Amphitheatre with a diverse lineup that includes the Viver Brasil Dance Company, Instrumental Women 2003, featuring the “Lady Jazz” Orchestra, and the Lula Washington Dance Theatre.

You would have to hire someone to help you not find something to do in Los Angeles. Check out the annual Ragga Muffins/Bob Marley Festival, Watts Towers Day of the Drums Festival, or Los Angeles African Marketplace & Cultural Faire.

The black contribution to the world of American entertainment has been powerful, personal and profound. Every year the Pan African Film & Art Festival and the Hollywood Black Film Festival celebrate black cinema showcasing films from all over the world.

Once you experience the African American community and all it has to offer, you’ll return time and again, on each visit encountering a new adventure.