The Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center stands as a beacon of artistic expression for visual and performing artists, while also serving a dynamic catalyst for multicultural influence within the performing art scene in Los Angeles. Its history began with its co-founders, C. Bernard “Jack” Jackson and Dr. J Alfred Cannon, who both envisioned leveraging visual artistry to enhance the lives of residents across Los Angeles. In August 1965, the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles erupted in a rebellion against police brutality and perpetual societal neglect. This traumatic event spurred Jackson and Cannon to form the Center in 1965 to bring their vision to life. Inner City annually bussed 30,000 Los Angeles Unified School District students to the Center to showcase dozens of live productions.

Inner City Cultural Center has pursued every avenue to infuse multiculturalism in all aspects of its performances. Its Inner City Repertory Company presented several productions, including Our Town, Tartuffe and The Glass Menagerie, with inclusive castings that exemplified the Center’s commitment to cultural diversity. Jackson’s vision was firmly grounded in principles that would later inspire global conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion. Many luminaries got their start within this optimistic space, including Denzel Washington, Beah Richards, Luis Valdez, Carmen Zapata and Louis Gossett. Today, C. Bernard Jackson’s legacy lives in a small corner of Leimert Park, but its impact continues to loom large, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries across the city.