Why SouthLA?
No one can tell the story of a people and its culture, but its people.
The historical City of Los Angeles was officially founded in the year 1781.
According to “The Founders of Los Angeles,” published in 1954 by the Southwest Region of the National Association of Colored Women, this detailed, documented, scholarly book establishes beyond any doubt the heroic part the original eleven Black families played in the founding of Los Angeles.
“California,a Black Nation known as Califians (Khalifians), the indigenous inhabitants of the land who have lived or currently live in the geographic area within the current boundaries of California before and after the arrival of Europeans.”
I was born and raised on the Historic Eastside of Los Angeles, and a product of Historic Central Avenue and all it offered. Its art, music, culture, restaurants, churches, night clubs, businesses, e.g. Dolphins of Hollywood, The Dunbar Hotel aka Hotel Sommerville, “Jacobs” on 22nd & Griffith, Bill’s Taco House on Santa Barbara, Broadway Federal, Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company, Harrison Ross, Corner Johnson Funeral Homes, Radio Station KGFJ, local grocery stores, tailor shops, print shops, Second Baptist Church, and historic Bower’s Cleaners, which is still in operation today! Central Avenue the “Black” mecca of the West Coast. Historical fact, if you were non-white, all were relegated to living on the Eastside of Main Street. Yes, I am from the Eastside, and therefore consider myself an “Eastside Girl,” and proud of it!
SouthLA include the communities South of the 10 Freeway, of Compton, Watts, Willowbrook, Leimert Park, Crenshaw, Baldwin Hills, Inglewood, and Long Beach, has produced some of the most brilliant influential people around the world in education, politics, mathematics, science, art, music, sports and entertainment. A culture so rich and full of treasure, others try to claim it as their own.
SouthLA is 40 square miles that runs smack dab through the center of the City of Los Angeles. To get to Downtown from LAX and vice-versa one must travel through and Experience SouthLA. It is the Soul of the City, no matter how often they change boundaries, chop up neighborhoods or rename them. In my lifetime, derogatory terms are purposely attached to our vibrant communities. Some of these terms used are regional/ geographical directions that come with descriptions that present a false narrative of the people who established this great City that the entire world now wants to visit! Today, they feel more comfortable with the word “urban.”
The City of Los Angeles, SouthLA in particular, has always been an international City. Above, I stated a Historical fact that if you were non-white, all were relegated to living on the Eastside of Main Street, so its’ no surprise to see original ethnic groups still here. When you start Downtown along Historic Central Avenue you will find, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and of course, and the indigenous descendants, who were the most populous because ancient Americans, named Califians were here before Columbus came. (Many historians, including the renowned expert and Father of Ancient Africa Studies, Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, author of the bestselling book, They Came Before Columbus; David Imhotep Ph.D., The First Americans Were Black; and Cheik Anta Diop, The African Origin of Civilization, Myth or Reality among many, all concur and prove that the first Africans were here in ancient times, between 56,000 – 100,000 years ago.)
When Tom Bradley was elected Mayor of the City of Los Angeles in 1973, he served an unprecedented five terms. During his tenure, his initiatives reshaped an antiquated and ineffective form of governance into a modern Los Angeles. A man of quiet determination, Bradley spent a lifetime bridging racial barriers and used his skills to forge extraordinary coalitions, most notably between labor and business. He presided over a period of enormous growth in Los Angeles, leaving the gleaming downtown skyline of Bunker Hill and the start of a subway and light-rail system.
Mayor Bradley positioned the emerging metropolis to take its place as an international trade center. He brought the city a glowing spot on the world’s center stage with its smooth and lucrative hosting of the Olympic Games in the summer of 1984. His legacies can be seen in city institutions that bear his name, including the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. My take-away from the Bradley Administration is that he made sure each community had what they needed to grow and prosper.
With the 2028 Olympic Games marking 44 years since Los Angeles last hosted the event, this blog aims to spotlight the authentic voices and narratives of the city’s Black communities. As an *Eastside Girl* with deep roots in the area, I’m proud of my connection to the Founders and their contributions since 1781. This platform celebrates and amplifies these often-overlooked stories that form the bedrock of Los Angeles’ rich history.
Experience SouthLA
The Experience SouthLA blog will highlight the rich cultural heritage of South Los Angeles, share stories about historical landmarks, influential figures, and significant events. This blog will showcase up and coming attractions, restaurants, shops, and experiences that visitors will not find in mainstream travel guides. Exclusive features from different communities within SouthLA, detailing their unique characteristics, attractions, and local flavors. SouthLA has a vibrant food culture including food trucks, markets, and culinary traditions. The blog will cover the historic music scene, fine art galleries, theaters, and festivals that reflect our creativity. From time-to-time, I will include guest posts or interviews with local residents, business owners, and community leaders to provide authentic perspectives. There is adventure in eco-friendly attractions and businesses, that will educate visitors on how to respect and support the local community. Navigating the “inner city” can be fun so I will offer advice on transportation, safety, accommodations, and itinerary planning specific to SouthLA. Also, we will keep you informed about upcoming events, exhibitions, and seasonal activities. This blog is all about showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of SouthLA.
So, why SouthLA? Answer: Because we ARE the culture.
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