This project is a 1.3-mile outdoor museum experience honoring the history of Black Los Angeles. It is an attempt to right the course of historic disinvestment, and to preserve the cultural heritage of one of the most influential African American diasporas in the US. This vision came to light after the planning of the LA Metro Rail extension that connects LAX to Downtown. The decision to route the underground line above grade at the heart of this African American community proved that infrastructure development reflects the same values when the 10 Freeway bulldozed its way to the Santa Monica beaches seventy years ago. As history continues to rhyme at the expense of others' blight, this time the community of South LA said they would turn this insult into an opportunity. This project will buttress the artistic legacy of Black Los Angeles and cement the foundations for future growth and expansion. This multimedia experience is anchored by permanent and rotating art installations, new public parks and shaded spaces to gather, remember, learn, and stroll.
A Living Organism
African American migration within LA has concentrated the “heart” of Black LA in South Central LA. Along a legendary boulevard and its surrounding neighborhoods, Black LA culture has taken root and flourished. The diagrams below do not reflect the final design, they show design process and highlight the project’s topography change, conceptual reach and thematic organization. The design was driven by a unifying idea: “Grow Where You’re Planted” which is inspired by the African Giant Star Grass. Used by slave traders as bedding in their ships, the grass thrives in alien lands despite inhospitable conditions. Today, it remains a profoundly resonant reminder of African American history, its diaspora, and black resilience in the face of racism and violence. Much like the Star Grass, the roots of the museum will continue to grow and evolve.
Thematic Nodes and Pocket Parks
Organized around four major cross-street intersections, each node is centered around four thematic lenses: Improvisation, Firsts, Dreams, and Togetherness. The project will feature ten pocket parks and major builds such as Sankofa Park and the Gateway monument. The Museum is bookended by the Metro stations on each end.
Improvisation
The theme of “improvisation” provides a common ground where art merges the virtuoso with the immediate and instinctive. This area becomes a major point of arrival from the southern section of the city and the airport.
Firsts
First-person stories of significant moments and historical figures tell personal accounts of prominent figures that rose to local and international attention. Key interventions at this area include two new pocket parks anchoring the Southern corners of the intersection.
Dreams
This is the realm of the dreams, the seemingly impossible, where aspirations meet the sky. An existing 600-foot-long mural represents the oldest artistic asset featured in the project. Adding a new parklet above the area will create a visual connection with the pocket park across the street, which in turn will provide a panoramic view of the mural almost impossible to perceive before.
Togetherness / Sankofa Park
The resilience of Black culture is born out of a togetherness that is both ancestral and perpetual. This is a stage where Black people come together in everyday life to celebrate, mourn and resist. Togetherness is home to Sankofa Park, the largest architectural intervention in the project.
Designed for gathering, performances, protest, and more, Sankofa Park will be the largest attraction on the mile. The Togetherness node takes advantage of the topography to provide visitors with an 180 degree view back at the entire museum experience. Inspired by the Sankofa, which is an African bird from Ghana said to to fly forward while looking back. This park is a reminder to focus on our future without ever forgetting our past.
