Sugar Hill, one of Los Angeles’s oldest neighborhoods, has long been a cornerstone of Black culture and activism. Situated in the heart of West Adams, it flourished as a cultural haven in the 1930s and 1940s, drawing artists, musicians, and activists like Hattie McDaniel and Ray Charles. Known as “Black Hollywood,” it earned this title through its significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Los Angeles and beyond.

The neighborhood’s rich history is intertwined with the fight for civil rights. Activists such as Thurgood Marshall and Loren Miller helped challenge racially restrictive covenant in this neighborhoods, leading to a landmark victory in California against housing discrimination. This advocacy played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and its Fair Housing Act provisions. However, despite this progress, the construction of the I-10 Freeway in 1964 devastated the community, displacing families and erasing landmarks that had once defined the neighborhood.

Today, Sugar Hill is a predominantly Black and Hispanic area struggling against the pressures of displacement and gentrification. Yet, Sugar Hill’s legacy as a hub of cultural exchange, activism, and artistic expression continues to resonate. In 2023, a grassroots initiative led by Architecture + Advocacy (A+A) sought to reclaim and preserve this heritage through a community-driven preservation project.

Architecture + Advocacy’s “Stories of Sugar Hill” campaign brought together residents, USC students, and community organizations like the West Adams Heritage Association (WAHA) and the Amazing Grace Conservatory (AGC). Over five months, the project conducted interviews, neighborhood canvassing, and workshops to collect stories and map Sugar Hill’s cultural significance. The goal was to document the neighborhood’s history, not just through its architecture but also through the voices of its residents.

The project culminated in a public walking tour in May 2023 that highlighted Sugar Hill’s architectural and cultural landmarks. Participants visited 16 sites, including the homes of cultural icons like McDaniel, and learned about their importance in Black history in Los Angeles. The tour featured a mix of spoken word performances and history lessons, with attendees reflecting on how the neighborhood has changed.

“Stories of Sugar Hill” also created a lasting online presence, including a digital guide and geo-tag map that helps share these untold stories with a broader audience. This effort was instrumental in shifting the preservation conversation to include architectural history and the living legacy of the people who made the neighborhood what it was. The project aimed to challenge traditional notions of preservation by focusing on cultural significance and community-driven engagement rather than merely architectural merit.

One of the key takeaways from the project was the realization that many of the buildings most important to residents, such as affordable housing and cultural venues, did not meet the traditional criteria for historic designation. As a result, A+A expanded its scope, helping the community recognize that preservation could extend to buildings that continue to serve as cultural hubs, even if they didn’t meet designation standards.

The collaboration also led to the creation of a free, interactive digital map documenting Black stories across West Adams, now a permanent fixture in the neighborhood’s preservation efforts. This map highlights the neighborhood’s history, not just in terms of architecture but also in terms of its social and cultural impact. It serves as a resource for future generations to understand the rich legacy of Sugar Hill and its ongoing fight for justice and equity.

Sugar Hill’s story is a testament to a community’s resilience that continues to inspire change. It shows that preservation is not just about saving buildings—it’s about honoring the people and cultures that make a place meaningful.

With the data collected and connections formed at the event, the research team is also creating a mini documentary series in partnership with FORT:LA, which highlights some of the historic properties in the neighborhood. We look forward to continuing to engage with the community in Sugar Hill. To learn more click here to visit their website.

The Conservancy awarded the Stories of Sugar Hill, a grassroots project a 2025 Preservation Award.