The Juneteenth Expansion of the Black Economic Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAEDC Releases Juneteenth Expansion of Black Los Angeles County Economic Report Highlighting Civic Leadership, Creative Enterprise, and Healthcare Innovation
Expanded report examines Black civic infrastructure, creative economy assets, healthcare leadership, and global connections shaping economic growth across Los Angeles County
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) has released a Juneteenth expansion of its Black Los Angeles County Economic Report, examining the people, institutions, industries, and community assets shaping economic growth and opportunity across the region.
Organized around three themes, Collective Leadership, Collective Enterprise, and Collective Wellness, the expansion explores Black civic infrastructure, the creative economy ecosystem, and the South Los Angeles Healthcare Corridor while documenting the partnerships and pathways driving entrepreneurship, workforce development, cultural influence, and economic mobility.
The report brings together perspectives from elected officials, healthcare leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, cultural institutions, and community organizations, illustrating how South Los Angeles continues to serve as a center of creativity, ownership, innovation, and global connection.
“Los Angeles County is home to one of the most influential Black communities in the world. This expansion captures the people, organizations, entrepreneurs, healthcare innovators, artists, educators, and cultural assets helping shape our region’s future,” said Stephen Cheung, President and CEO of LAEDC. “Released in recognition of Juneteenth, the report documents the work taking place every day to create opportunity, preserve culture, and strengthen economic mobility across Los Angeles County.”
“Too often, conversations about communities begin with what is missing,” said Kendal R. Turner, CPA, CGMA, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of LAEDC. “This expansion focuses on what is already present: leadership, institutions, talent, creativity, entrepreneurship, and capacity. The opportunity before us is to strengthen the connections between these assets and align them around long-term economic opportunity.”
The expansion builds upon the original Black Los Angeles County Economic Report and explores civic leadership, healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, business ownership, arts and culture, media and storytelling, fashion, beauty, music, film, workforce development, educational pathways, and international diaspora connections shaping future growth and investment throughout the region.
The report also examines the South Los Angeles Healthcare Corridor, the Black creative economy ecosystem, and the newly designated Historically Black Cultural District as examples of how place-based assets contribute to long term economic growth, investment, and community prosperity.
Contributors include elected officials and regional leaders representing Los Angeles County, healthcare institutions, cultural organizations, educational institutions, community leaders, and private sector partners whose work continues expanding opportunity throughout the region.
“Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not simply something to be recognized; it is something to be built upon,” Turner added. “This report highlights the people, institutions, and partnerships already doing that work every day across Los Angeles County.”
The Juneteenth Expansion of the Black Los Angeles County Economic Report is available at https://laedc.org/download/black-economic-report-expanded.
About LAEDC
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) is a private, nonprofit, public benefit organization dedicated to reimagining and growing an inclusive economy for all. Through economic research, workforce development, business assistance, strategic convening, and regional collaboration, LAEDC works to advance economic opportunity and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Los Angeles County.
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Media contact
Josaline Cuesta
Director, Strategic Partnerships
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)
213-236-4846
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