California has officially acknowledged South Los Angeles as a significant center for Black art and music. The LA Times’s Kailyn Brown highlights the next phase, which involves the creation of a monument for the newly designated cultural district. Karen Mack, founder and executive director of LA Commons, emphasized the importance of this recognition, noting, “Black people have experienced quite a level of erasure in South L.A.”
The Historic South L.A. Cultural District covers about 25 square miles, bordered by Adams Boulevard to the north, Manchester Boulevard to the south, Central Avenue to the east, and La Brea Avenue to the west. With the designation confirmed, Smallwood-Cuevas and LA Commons are now discussing what form the monument will take, considering options such as a gateway, bridge, or sculpture.
Anthony Lane of The New Yorker reviewed an exhibition of Peter Strausfeld’s distinctive movie poster artwork, noting its impact on film culture. Strausfeld’s posters, typically devoid of photographic imagery and crafted through linocut printing, are characterized by bold lines and minimal color usage. Lane highlighted a 1973 poster for Claude Chabrol’s “Red Wedding” as an example, which starkly featured two staring figures and just three colors: black, white, and red.
In a different narrative, Christine Jacobson discusses the often-uncredited contributions of women to classic literature, citing how Henry James relied on Mary Weld as his amanuensis due to health issues. Weld’s work was an improvement over her predecessor, although she was likely paid less, reflecting a broader trend of undervaluing women’s contributions.
Meanwhile, Palestinian student Leqaa Kordia, involved in Gaza protests at Columbia, remains in ICE detention. Her recent disappearance and hospitalization have prompted calls for her release, highlighting the harsh conditions she faces. Legal team member Sadaf Hasan criticized ICE’s tactics as punitive and isolating, exacerbating the trauma of family separation.
