Join us for the fifth CicLAvia Sunday of the 2025 season—and our 62nd event since 2010! CicLAvia—Historic South Central meets Watts on Sunday, September 14th, from 9am - 4pm.
We’ll celebrate over 6 miles of open streets connecting Historic South Central, Florence-Firestone, and Watts.
Enjoy this edition of our Local Gems blog featuring a few of the MANY things to see and do along the route. Thanks to everybody who contributed their local gems. Remember, you can plan your day with the CicLAvia Interactive Digital Map!
There is a great deal of rich history, culture, and art to enjoy from South Los Angeles to Watts. Keep in mind that CicLAvia is not a race! Take it slow, snap some photos, and learn some history with us at CicLAvia—Historic South Central meets Watts!
Central Ave Historic Corridor
S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Central Ave is a large north-south route that starts in DTLA and ends in Carson. This avenue has played a crucial role in the development of jazz music, the Civil Rights movement, and the enrichment of life for Black Angelenos.
Iglesia de Jesucristo Ministerios Juda (formerly the Lincoln Theatre)
2300 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
The Lincoln Theatre, opened in 1927, is the last theater standing that was built to cater to the African-American community. It is commonly referred to as the “West Coast Apollo” for its significance as a cultural hub and performing arts center. Today, the Lincoln Theater is the home of Iglesia de Jesucristo Ministerios Juda, a Spanish-speaking congregation.
Seniors and Children First mural by Michon Sanders
2415 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
This mural by Michon Sanders displays the intimate setting of a gathering of Black folks, whether it be for a birthday, holiday, or funeral. The title draws from the unspoken rule in Black culture where the elders and kids always are the first to serve themselves food. Sanders adds to art by saying, “I hope viewers hear that we, as Black people, are so much more than the spectacle or its aftermath. We are everything in between, community, love, celebration—not just pain, grief and resilience. I hope the humanity of Black People is heard.”
Liberty Savings and Loan Association Building
2508 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
The Liberty Savings and Loan Association Building was the first African-American-owned savings and loan on the West Coast. Organized in 1924, this institution gave Black Angelenos the opportunity for home loans when white lenders refused to do so.
Bowers Retail Square (Bowers & Sons Cleaners)
2509 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
Bowers Retail Square and Bowers & Sons Cleaners is a whole block and business that has been part of the South Central neighborhood since 1960. When Horace and Alice Bowers made the purchase of their dry cleaners, they did so for the betterment of their family and future generations. To this day, their dry cleaning business is a staple in the community and has inspired many other African-American businesses. Check out their Oscar-nominated documentary for more information and behind-the-scenes moments.
A Place Called Home
2830 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
A Place Called Home is a nonprofit youth and community center in South Central Los Angeles, founded in 1993 in response to the LA Civil Unrest. It provides a safe, supportive space where young people—from elementary school through their mid-twenties—can access resources and opportunities to thrive emotionally, socially, and economically.
Vamos Rams mural by @mrbbaby
2901 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
Alongside the above address, you will see a large LA Rams mural done by renowned artist Michelle Ruby (Mr B Baby).
Historic Central Ave Jazz Clubs Corridor
S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA
From the years 1920 through 1950, South Central Avenue was a hotspot filled with multiple jazz clubs and hangouts. Unfortunately, many of them are no longer here, but their memory still lives on forever. Check out this article here for the full list of clubs.
Los Angeles Fire Department—Station No. 14
3401 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
During the Jim Crow era, African Americans faced widespread discrimination and segregation. In 1936, the establishment of Fire Station No. 14 marked the opening of Los Angeles’ second all-Black fire station. This milestone allowed Black firefighters to serve their own community and turned Station 14 into a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.
Florence Mills mural by Myisha Arellanus
1044 E Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90011
Named after Florence Mills—the celebrated 1920s Black entertainer known as the “Queen of Happiness”—the Florence Mills Apartments feature two striking murals of her visible from the street. Commissioned to honor her legacy, the murals serve both as a tribute to her contributions to entertainment and equality and as a source of inspiration for the community.
SOUTH CENTRAL mural by @brushwork
4050 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
A vibrant mural by local artist @brushwork adorns the side of El Montoso Market, created in 2017. Featuring rich shades of green, the artwork depicts farmers with fresh produce, musical instruments, soccer balls, and a gentle outline of the LA skyline—capturing both community spirit and city pride.
First LA Black Panthers Headquarters
4115 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
Founded in Oakland, CA, in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, the Black Panther Party quickly expanded its reach. In 1968, Alprentice "Bunchy" Carter established the first chapter outside of Oakland, right here in Los Angeles, CA. Although the original two-story building no longer stands, the party's message and legacy last forever. To learn more about the Black Panthers in Los Angeles, check out the information marker at the location mentioned above. Alprentice "Bunchy" Carter's final resting place is at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens in Compton, CA.
Central Avenue Jazz Park
4222 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
The Central Avenue Jazz Park is a pocket park that hosts a yearly jazz festival, honoring the area’s musical history. At the park you’ll see a ceramic tile mural by Robin Strayhorn and local high school students, which honors jazz musicians such as Ray Charles, Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, and MUCH more.
Dunbar Hotel
4229 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
The Dunbar Hotel is a historical landmark known for providing housing to traveling African-Americans during segregation. During its heyday, many famous actors, musicians, and athletes were known to have stayed there.
Don’t Move, Improve mural by Elliott Pinkney
1068 E 42nd Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90011
This large-scale mural, done by renowned artist Elliott Pinkney, shows the many faces of South Central Los Angeles with a quote stating, “Don’t move, improve.” Encouraging the local neighborhood to better the area and pour into it for future generations, rather than packing up and moving elsewhere. In the mural you will also see famous Black athletes, leaders, and scholars such as Jack Johnson, former LA Mayor Tom Bradley, and Ralph Bunche, along with many more.
Former Golden State Mutual Site
4261 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
Golden State Mutual was California’s first African-American-owned insurance firm. This firm was founded in 1925 and played a key role in the development of African-American business throughout all of the United States. Although the business is no longer there, you can see the building where it once stood.
Central Avenue Constituent Services Center
4301 S. Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
The Central Avenue Constituent Services Center helps local residents connect with relevant agencies and services. The center incorporates public gardens and open spaces, contributing to the revitalization of Central Avenue and the overall well-being of the community. In addition, the Central Ave Farmers Market (Food Access LA) is held here every Thursday from 8am to 2pm.
USPS - Col. Leon Washington Jr. Station
4352 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
As you make your way south along Central Avenue, on your left-hand side you will see a USPS office dedicated to Col. Leon Washington Jr., who was a newspaper publisher and founder of the LA Sentinel. Around the mid-1930s, the LA Sentinel was the largest African American-owned newspaper west of the Mississippi River.
Dolphin’s of Hollywood
1065 E Vernon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
Dolphin’s of Hollywood, founded by John Grayton "Lovin' John" Dolphin, was a celebrated record store that pioneered the advancement of R&B music. Despite being declined by multiple Hollywood record stores, Dolphin opened his own and made it a place for Black people to hang out, buy and listen to records, and share ideas.
LAPL - Vernon-Leon H. Washington Jr. Memorial Branch
4504 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
The Vernon–Leon H. Washington Jr. Memorial Branch has been part of the Los Angeles Public Library system since 1901. Designed by architects Charles H. Kysor and Charles H. Biggar, the branch was renamed in 1975 to honor Col. Leon H. Washington Jr. Today, it remains a vital resource hub for the community, offering a wide range of LAPL services.
African-American Soldier mural by Patrick Henry Johnson
5115 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
On the side of Benjamin J. Bowie American Legion Post #228, you’ll find a large-scale mural by Patrick Henry Johnson. The mural commemorates African-American soldiers who served in the United States Armed Forces.
LA Metro Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor Project
Along Slauson Ave and Hyde Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Taking Metro to CicLAvia—Historic South Central meets Watts? Make your journey easier—and more scenic—by riding the NEW Rail to Rail Bike Path! This 5.5-mile-long separated bike path connects you to Fairview Heights Station (K/Pink Line), Slauson Station (J/Silver Line), and the Slauson Station (A/Blue Line)! But wait, this is just Segment A of the whole project! Check out this LA Metro article for future plans for Segment B!
Juanita Tate Marketplace
1040 Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
Juanita Tate was a local advocate who played a key role in shaping real estate development while championing environmental justice, affordable housing, and economic opportunity for all South Central residents. Due to the food disparities in South Central after the 1992 Riots, Juanita Tate fought hard to bring these businesses together and provide for the community.
United States Postal Service, Los Angeles Processing and Distribution Center (USPS LAP&DC)
Along Central Ave, between Gage Ave and Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90052
Have you ever shipped something in the mail? Have you ever received a letter in the mail? Chances are that your items have passed through the USPS LAP&DC! This facility holds the title as the largest distribution center in the USA and roughly processes about a million parcels a day.
Youth Justice Coalition L.A. (YJC)
7625 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001
The Youth Justice Coalition (YJC) is an organization that holds classes and activities for the youth of South Central. The YJC works to,
“... build a youth, family, and formerly and currently incarcerated people’s movement to challenge America’s addiction to incarceration and race, gender and class discrimination in Los Angeles County’s, California’s and the nation’s juvenile and criminal injustice systems.”
Ted Watkins Memorial Park
1335 E 103rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90002
Ted Watkins Memorial Park is a green space and recreation area to play sports, BBQ, skate, or hang out! This 28-acre facility was named after the founder of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) in 1995.
103rd St / Watts Towers Station (Pacific Electric Watts Depot)
10100 Grandee Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90002
The 103rd St/Watts Towers Station, located slightly off route, was formerly known as the Pacific Electric Watts Depot. Back then, this station played a vital role in transportation from Long Beach to Los Angeles for the red car system. If you look closely at the bottom photo, you will see a red car in DTLA heading to Watts. It was one of the first buildings in Watts, and its unique wood structure was the only one to have survived the Watts Uprising of 1965.
Watts Towers
1765 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002
Located about a mile off the route are the renowned Watts Towers, an artistic feature that consists of multiple clay, glass, and rock sculptures constructed by Sabato Rodia in the early 1900s.
There's so much history in this area, so as you go about your day, be sure to take in all the beauty and unique sights this route has to offer. If you’re interested in learning more about South Central Los Angeles, give this podcast a listen from About The Journey! Post your favorite gem moments along the route and tag @ciclavia on socials!
We can't wait to see you all at CicLAvia—Historic South Central meets Watts on Sunday, September 14th!
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Photo Credits: Wikipedia, Sandy Altamirano, Josué L. Hervey-Yoo, @forgottenmadness_la, @youngmusiciansfoundation, Farah Sosa, Sebastian Auer, @uspostalservice, and Jon Endow.
