South LA's Soul Shines: A Monument to Community

The "sister dreamer: lauren halsey's architectural ode to tha surge n splurge of south central los angeles" sculpture park opened in March 2024 on Western Avenue and 76th Street. Artist Lauren Halsey, who grew up nearby, has created an installation that merges ancient Egyptian and African aesthetics with contemporary South Los Angeles life.

The park features eight columns and eight sphinxes, with a central cube carved with neighborhood figures, businesses, and historical events. It serves as a powerful commemoration, giving visibility to local heroes and everyday people, with figures like Margaret Prescod and Susan Burton honored.

Halsey's center, Summaeverythang, which provides youth programming and served as a food pantry during the pandemic, underpins this community-focused artistic endeavor. The park is envisioned as a space for activation, education, and celebration, including future events like poetry readings and yoga workshops.

The project, organized by the Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND), has received significant support from foundations like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and contributions from notable figures. It also aligns with LACMA's planned satellite location in South Central, further cementing its importance within the city's art landscape.