January 21, 2026
SACRAMENTO, CA — The NAACP California Hawai’i State Conference (NAACP CA/HI) applauds the California Arts Council’s recent designation of new Cultural Districts, including Oakland’s Black Arts Movement Business District and the Historic South Los Angeles Black Cultural District. These designations strengthen creative economies, preserve cultural heritage, and advance equity in the arts across California.
“The new Black Cultural District designations recognize the contributions and lasting impact of Black artists while expanding opportunity, strengthening creative economies, and advancing equitable investment in Black cultural expression,” said Rick L. Callender, Esq., President, NAACP CA/HI.
Designated cultural districts provide state certification, technical assistance, joint marketing, branding resources, and modest grants to help communities harness their cultural assets for broader social and economic impact.
In addition, NAACP CA/HI continues to invest in the next generation of Black creatives through ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics). This signature program supports high-achieving African American high school students in categories including visual arts, creative writing, music, drama, and dance. “While cultural districts provide space and recognition for artists, ACT-SO fuels the dreams of young creatives who are future innovators of our cultural landscape,” said President Callender.
The NAACP CA/HI calls on public agencies, private partners, philanthropies, and community advocates to expand investment, education, and infrastructure support for artists of color and underserved cultural communities. Equity in the arts requires collaboration, community ownership, and sustained resources so that creative expression is accessible to all.
For more information about California Cultural Districts, visit caculturaldistricts.org/discover-the-districts.
About NAACP California Hawai’i State Conference
The NAACP CA/HI promotes equality, justice, and opportunity for all, working to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights and to eliminate racial discrimination. Its arts and youth programs empower communities through cultural expression, civic engagement, and leadership development.
