Destination Crenshaw has been awarded a Michelson Spark Grant to advance digital equity through their Digital Equity Zone Initiative. This project represents a significant step toward addressing digital discrimination in South Los Angeles, an area that has long faced systemic neglect in digital infrastructure investments. With this grant, Destination Crenshaw will engage and survey the community to create a more connected, equitable future for the neighborhood. They will also advance the mission to boost the spine of Los Angeles’ Black community, Crenshaw Boulevard, through the economic development and job creation that connectivity enables
Innovative Community-Led Approach
At the heart of this initiative is an innovative, community-led approach to digital equity. Destination Crenshaw’s work is rooted in the belief that the best solutions come from within the community itself. By involving local stakeholders in every decision, the project ensures that the needs and priorities of Crenshaw residents are met. This approach is particularly crucial in areas like South Los Angeles, where historical divestment and structural inequalities have created significant barriers to digital access.
Cristal Mojica, Digital Equity Senior Program Manager, emphasizes the significance of this approach: “Through this grant, we are empowering the South L.A. community to take control of its digital future. This innovative approach and community-led initiative will create a model and case study for other historically underserved communities.”
Building Sustainable Digital Infrastructure
The Michelson Spark Grant will support the Digital Equity Zone Initiative as a case study for how similarly underinvested in communities throughout California can work towards eliminating digital discrimination and closing the digital divide in their cities and neighborhoods.
Destination Crenshaw will deploy free, high-speed public WiFi along Crenshaw Boulevard, connect more than 50 local businesses, and enhance connectivity for residents. Additionally, the initiative will build a fiber-to-the-home network that will serve the entire community, bridging the gap for those who have been left behind by traditional broadband expansion efforts.
Scalability and Broader Impact
Destination Crenshaw’s work will draw attention to where these discriminations reside, how they manifest, and their detriment to communities of color, which will generate impact in the broader digital equity space. By documenting each step of the project, they will create a replicable model for other BIPOC-majority communities across the state and country. As a result, the success in Crenshaw will serve as a roadmap for similar initiatives and will showcase how community-led efforts effectively address digital discrimination.
Mapping and surveying the community’s needs is the backbone of this project. Destination Crenshaw’s approach will provide valuable insights into how long-term divestment and scarce resources have affected digital access. The data will also be used to help build relationships with other trusted partners.
A Proven Leader in Community Development
Destination Crenshaw has earned the trust of the community through its successful track record in supporting local businesses and fostering economic development. Partnering with organizations such as Main Street America, LISC LA, and Inclusive Action, Destination Crenshaw has demonstrated its ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder projects effectively.
Through its DC Thrive program, the organization communicates regularly with 141 businesses and provides funding opportunities and support to nearly 800 small businesses throughout South LA. This network and expertise will be instrumental in implementing the Digital Equity Initiative and ensuring its success.
We look forward to sharing more in the year to come!
Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.
To sign up for our newsletter, click here.