Friends of the Vision Theatre

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

The Vision Theatre

These photographs mark the first ribbon cutting ceremony that commenced the renovation and construction of the Vision Theatre. The journey in 1999.

Years of community, commission, legislative, design and fund development meeting led to the groundbreaking ceremony. One significant achievement in the process was a $2.5 million California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) grant awarded the Vision Theatre spearheaded by then Assemblywoman, Mayor Karen Bass, that led to the green light of the 3-phase design and construction process.

As then Performing Arts Director for the Department of Cultural Affairs, I served as project manager for the Vision Theatre renovation and construction. Drawing on my experience managing the design, renovation, and construction of the Madrid, Nate Holden, and Warner Grand Theatres, I wanted to ensure that every detail was considered. Our goal was to make the Vision Theatre the most technically equipped and functional venue in our portfolio—a theatrical jewel for the South Los Angeles creative and cultural community. As an anchor arts infrastructure project, the Vision Theatre was envisioned not only as a local community theatre, but also as a regional, national, and international destination rooted in culture, artistry, and creativity. It would also serve as a catalyst for local economic development and cultural destination tourism.
Reopening the Vision Theatre was the foremost of the Ten Guiding Principles developed through a year-long envisioning process with Leimert Park Village stakeholders.

At last, that day has arrived. On Friday, August 20, 2026, the second ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place, with former Assemblywoman and now Mayor Karen Bass in attendance.

Congratulations to all who contributed to this magnificent accomplishment. The reopening of the Vision Theatre stands as a testament to the spirit of the saying, ‘It takes a village to build a theater.”

07/15/2026

Betye Saar a Legacy Artist

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ernest-dillihay-7066962_this-article-explores-the-historic-60-year-activity-7480801536286326784-58Up?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAB07XYB9iSWuB-NrNsPHGsUUBVl2O7SPDA

05/31/2026

My Guy. A True Community Friend and ally for 40 years. He has delivered in every position he's held. Steve Bradford will deliver as Insurance Commissioner. Vote 2nd.

12/07/2025

Join Us on December 14, 2025, at Our Year End Mixer Celebrating the Legacy of Bernard Jackson

The Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center (LAICCC), a pioneering force in the performing and visual arts, in association with CHARTOR Entertainment and the African Grove Institute for the Arts, Inc. (AGIA) proudly announces its 60-Year Legacy Celebration Mixer, scheduled for December 14, 2025, 3:00 p.m. PST, at the Entertainment Community Fund’s Hollywood Arts Collective Cicely Tyson Residential Building, 1630 Schrader Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.

The Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center has proudly collaborated with the Entertainment Community Fund (the Fund, Eastern Region) on the Performing Arts Legacy (PAL) project, which is documenting the career histories of distinguished alumni. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about this collaboration and how the Fund, Western Region, is honoring the legacy of Cicely Tyson and Rita Moreno at The Hollywood Arts Collective.

The December Mixer will bring together artists, executives, donors, and cultural advocates to reflect on LAICCC’s impact and envision its future.

The afternoon will feature preview content from the Souvenir Book, opportunities for pre-orders and recognition ads, and a platform to announce the Cultural Legacy Project—a capital campaign to preserve the stories of LAICCC’s trailblazers.

Refreshments will be served. Space is limited. To RSVP, visit On The Stage (https://our.show/InnerCity). A $20 donation is requested.

Founded by C. Bernard “Jack” Jackson, LAICCC was the nation’s first multicultural, multiracial performing arts institution. Among the sponsors of the event is CHARTOR Entertainment, LLC, whose partners have longstanding ties to LAICCC and its mission. Dr. Victor Leo Walker II, Executive Director of the African Grove Institute for the Arts and Co-founder with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, emphasized the enduring relevance of LAICCC’s founding vision:

“Jack Jackson’s vision for the Inner City Cultural Center was decades ahead of its time—an inclusive, equitable space for artists of every background,” said Dr. Walker. “Much of what he imagined has come to pass in today’s stage, screen and television industries. What remains is the preservation of that legacy. The December Mixer is not just a celebration—it’s a launchpad for the next phase of Jackson’s vision.”

Charles Floyd Johnson, Executive Producer of NCIS and Red Tails, and member of the Entertainment Community Fund’s Western Council, reflected on the importance of legacy-building on today’s entertainment landscape.

“The entertainment industry is evolving, but its foundation was built by pioneers like those at LAICCC,” said Johnson. “As we look to the future, we must honor the past. Establishing a new Center bearing the name of C. Bernard Jackson is not only a tribute—it’s a cultural necessity. It ensures that the stories, artistry, and impact of LA-based creators are preserved for generations to come. We cannot afford to lose the institutional memory that helped shape this city and this industry.”

MEMORABILIA WELCOMED!!!

Inner City alumni and supporters are encouraged to bring photos, press reviews, production programs, video and audio tapes to contribute to the LAICCC Cultural Archives. As a contribution to Cultural Legacy Project, we will not only include your donation in the C. Bernard Jackson Memorial Library and Cultural Center, but we will also consider documenting your archival donation in the Commemorative Souvenir Book.

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

There are two important sections in the Souvenir Book, the "In Memoriam" and the "Alumni Directory" sections.

The In Memoriam section will include a list of Inner City luminaries who have made their transition.

The Alumni Directory will offer a low-cost entry fee as well as an opportunity to acquire inclusion in the Souvenir Book for free!

A star-studded 60th Year Gala and the publication of the 60 Year Legacy of the Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center Souvenir Book, will be the highlights of 2026.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, LAICCC encourages year-end tax-deductible contributions to support our ongoing programs, the Souvenir Book 2026 Gala Celebration and the Cultural Legacy Project. For more information: visit www.innercityculturalcenter.org; call (213) 234-1717 or email [email protected]

03/13/2025

Looking forward to your input!

As a valued stakeholder in the Crenshaw District and surrounding communities, your insight and engagement in historic Leimert Park Village is invaluable in helping to create and manage welcoming and successful arts and cultural business ventures, programming and events. We are conducting this survey...

02/28/2025

The Origin of the story begins on the UCLA campus in the early 1960's. To all those who have been involved since then, this is for you.

In recognition of Bruins of Black and African American descent, we acknowledge their perseverance, resilience, and success in their respective professions or causes, despite facing various challenges and obstacles.

Their achievements contributed significantly to advancing justice incrementally, making progress one step at a time. By overcoming numerous obstacles, they gained national recognition for their efforts. Their relentless pursuit paved the way, enabling us to build upon their legacy and support others. Often experiencing a sense of displacement in our own land, this mentality has characterized our ongoing endeavors. Nevertheless, we continue to persevere.
While we celebrate the accomplishments of nationally recognized individuals who have been associated with UCLA, it is crucial to also acknowledge some of our local Bruin contributors and their impactful work. On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Inner City Cultural Center, it is important to recognize the co-founders, then-student C. Bernard Jackson and faculty member Dr. J. Alfred Cannon.

Jackson and Cannon collaboratively established, in 1965, the first multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-racial minority-owned and operated performing, visual arts, administrative and technical training institution in the nation.

The Center advocated for non-traditional and color-blind casting, emphasizing that individuals working both in front of and behind the cameras could excel in any role or position within the stage, screen, and television industry.

From its inception, Inner City was unequivocally diverse, equitable, and inclusive, serving as a predecessor to what is now known as DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and countering contemporary criticisms. The contributions of Inner City played a pivotal role in shaping today's talent and industry landscape by actively creating opportunities for others.

As we approach the 60th anniversary of Jackson, Cannon, and the Inner City Cultural Center, we recognize the contributions of Bruin alumni who have supported diversity in our communities. Despite various challenges, their efforts have played a role in enriching and strengthening our society. This text reflects on the importance of their contributions.

10/26/2024

Check out Issue No. 17 from Afrochic: The Activism Issue. It’s full of inspiring stories of people who are making a significant change in our world. Check out our story on Akin, a woman-led, Black-owned construction company in LEIMERT PARK VILLAGE that is building with a purpose. [article starts on page 40]

Welcome to AphroChic magazine’s first ever Activism Issue! Our cover star, Olympian, Allyson Felix embodies activism. The most decorated athlete in track and field history, Felix is taking on a new test. The founder of the performance wear brand, Saysh, Allyson has become one of the leading voices...

10/11/2024

The countdown to the Election Collection at www.menoveltees.com

08/08/2024

Our client Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has lot's of great items available for donation. Email David Morrison at [email protected] to schedule a pick up!!!