Downtown Los Angeles is a vibrant city with a rich Black cultural tapestry that provides unique experiences from historical sites, to artistic expressions and delicious culinary adventures. Add community events, and Downtown LA has a Black Historic Experience for everyone. Here are 10 Great Places to Celebrate for Black History month in 2024…
1. Mayor’s Office Innovation’s Black History Month Celebration: Attending this annual event hosted by the LA Mayor’s office and Our Authors Study Club (OASCLA. org) promises keynote speakers, live performances, traditional soul food and community engagement activities celebrating Black history and announcing a full knights if events sponsored by OSHGA with closing reception Feb 22nd. www.oascla.org
2. GRAMMY Museum’s “Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit”: Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with this immersive exhibit. Explore music, dance, art, fashion, and activism through interactive displays, gaining a deeper appreciation for this influential cultural movement. www.grammymuseum.org
3. African American Firefighter Museum: Take a free guided tour of this historic fire station, learning about the legacy of Black firefighters in Los Angeles. Discover their bravery, dedication, and crucial role in shaping the city’s fire service. Tours are available every Sunday. www.aaffmuseum.org
4. Bob Marley Day Celebration: Commemorate the reggae legend beginning February 6th at the Skid Row History Museum. Opening night brings a community event filled with music, food, and cultural activities celebrating Bob Marley’s message of peace, unity, and love. www.skidrowhistorymuseum.org
5. Support Black-Owned Businesses: Show your support by patronizing Black-owned businesses throughout Downtown LA. Enjoy authentic soul food dishes like Mac and cheese, fried chicken and collards at Fixins Soul Kitchen at LA Live or savor mouthwatering Southern-style modern soul-fashion at Joyce on 7th and Grand. Remember, this list is just a starting point – explore and discover diverse businesses across various sectors, pick up a copy of the Downtown Weekly for for a weekly list of owned businesses showcased by a black star on our full page map. www.issuu.com/thegrawn
6. Kobe Bryant Statue at Crypto.com Arena: Pay homage to the basketball legend and his impact on the community. The first of three statues slated for the location, this 19-foot bronze statue depicts Kobe in his iconic pose, commemorating his achievements at and his enduring legacy as an inspiration to many. www.cryptoarena.com
7. First Pentecostal Church Site in Little Tokyo: Stand at the birthplace of the global Pentecostal movement, marked by a plaque and a grapefruit tree in Little Tokyo, honoring founders William J. Seymour and Jennie Seymour. Reflect on the significance of this site for religious history and its lasting impact on Christianity.
8. Jean-Michel Basquiat Exhibition at MOCA Grand Avenue: Explore the brilliant and dramatic artworks of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a key figure of the 1980s whose work remains influential today. This major retrospective features over 100 works from throughout his short but impactful career. www.moca.org
9. Biddy Mason Memorial Park: Discover the inspiring story of Biddy Mason, a formerly enslaved woman who became a landowner and philanthropist in downtown LA. Explore the 80-foot timeline wall showcasing her extraordinary journey and contributions to Los Angeles development spanning Buddy Mason Square located at 333 S. Spring.
10. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – Virtual: Explore the legacy of this renowned dance company and its founder, Alvin Ailey, through their website’s treasure trove of resources. Enjoy videos of past performances, delve into the company’s history, and mark your calendars for their upcoming live performance at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on March 20th-24th, 2024. www.musiccenter.org
Remember, engagement with the community is key. Talk to local residents, visit cultural centers, and support Black-owned businesses while embracing the opportunity to learn, celebrate, and connect with the diverse and vibrant stories that paint the rich tapestry of Black history in Downtown Los Angeles.
