White Hall Arts Academy Set To Host Annual Rock The Block Party July 2023

LOS ANGELES, CA (JULY 14, 2023) – The White Hall Arts Academy is set to once again captivate the Crenshaw District of South Los Angeles with its highly anticipated Annual Rock The Block Party festival on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

This free, family-focused event will take place on West 54th Street and aims to educate, motivate, and inspire the youth and families within the South Los Angeles community. Celebrating over a decade of service, the Rock The Block Festival brings together the community, corporations, local businesses, thought leaders, entertainers, and celebrity guests for a day filled with interactive workshops and engaging performances.

The event is an initiative by White Hall Arts Academy, a nonprofit performing and visual arts education organization, dedicated to providing arts training to underserved communities. Macy Gray, the iconic singer and music trailblazer, will be the recipient of the inaugural White Hall Arts Academy Lifetime Change Maker Award during the festival.

Gray’s groundbreaking achievements spanning more than 25 years in the music industry have shattered barriers and inspired countless artists.

The Rock The Block 2023 lineup includes an impressive array of programs and activities for people of all ages and interests. From test-driving luxury electric vehicles with Plug In America to witnessing live mural creation by Mike Norice and Artfully United, attendees will have a wealth of engaging experiences.

The festival will feature art activities for all ages courtesy of What’s Ya Vibe!, kids superhero training, adult fitness sessions, self-defense demonstrations from the LAPD, LA Rams Cheerleaders performances, and much more.

The main stage will host thought-provoking panels, including a special session commemorating the 50-year anniversary of Hip-Hop, featuring influential figures such as Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, The Poetess, Channing B. Smith (Director of Business Affairs, RCA Records), and more. Notable personalities like Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, Dr. John-Paul C. Foster (pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church), and Aleali May (Jordan Brand shoe designer and model) will participate in the Changemakers Panel moderated by Tina Sampay aka Slauson Girl.

The festival will be graced by key sponsors, funders, and community partners, including the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles City Council District 8 – Councilmember Marqueece Harris Dawson, Los Angeles Metro, LA28, Park Mesa Heights Neighborhood Council, Pasadena Showcase House of the Arts, and many others.

For the gastronomically inclined, Rock The Block will feature a delectable assortment of California’s favorite local Black-owned food trucks, including Fraiche Signatures, Donut Grown Up, Love Ice, Compton Vegan, D’Ville’s Grill, Reality Eatzz, and Trap Kitchen Tacos.

Founded in 2011, White Hall Arts Academy has been committed to providing a mix of classical and contemporary arts training to children and adults in underserved communities. Over the years, the academy’s success stories include students who have achieved remarkable feats, from attending prestigious universities to winning Grammy awards and starring in Broadway tours.

“We’re excited to bring Rock The Block 2023 back to 54th Street,” said Tanisha Hall, Founder and CEO of White Hall Arts Academy and White Hall Arts Foundation. “The block party not only celebrates 10 years of service but builds upon the legacy of Crenshaw, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate and educate on our street.”

Rock The Block promises to be an unforgettable day filled with music, conversation, community, and fun. The event will offer face painting, balloon twisting, airbrush tattoos, arts and crafts, and a plethora of activities suitable for all ages.

It will take place on 54th Street, between Crenshaw and Arlington/Van Ness, with three blocks hosting stages, vendor booths, a large kids’ play area, and activities at businesses along the corridor. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary celebration!

For more information about Rock The Block, visit the official website at https://www.rocktheblockla.com.

White Hall Arts Academy (WHAA) is a nonprofit performing and visual arts education organization in the Crenshaw District of South Los Angeles. Since its establishment in 2011, WHAA, powered by the White Hall Arts Academy Foundation, has been dedicated to providing arts training to children and adults in underserved communities, fostering creativity and empowerment.