Black History is L.A. History

A guide to public places and spaces showcasing the impact of African Americans on Los Angeles

Each February, the City of Los Angeles celebrates African American Heritage Month. Angelenos of African descent have played a central role in L.A.'s diverse history since 44 pobladores moved to the region in 1781, 26 of whom were of African and mixed-race ancestry. Over the next 150 years, tens of thousands of African Americans migrated to California and began breaking barriers, purchasing land, opening businesses, building cultural institutions and engaging in civic affairs across the City. Today, African Americans comprise nine percent of the City's population.

The influence of African Americans on City government has been profound. L.A.'s longest serving mayor, Tom Bradley, was African American. The City's first African American council member, Gilbert Lindsay, started working for the City as a janitor before becoming one of its most prominent political leaders. Today, 15 percent of City workers identify as African American.  Click here to learn more about African American City employees. 

L.A. Controller Ron Galperin offers this map that highlights the City's strong African American history. While the list is not exhaustive of all important places, it focuses on those that are publicly-owned, designated by the City as  Historic-Cultural Monuments  or otherwise recognized as significant to the development of L.A.'s Black community.