LA Commons Celebrates 25 Years of Community with Inaugural Gala
Photo credit: @itswestcoastkeish
The world may be changing before our eyes through technological advances, changing political climate, and new trends springing up daily. But our longing for community and connection remains the same. With the rise of private events and a mass exodus of users from social media, you could say that our need for genuine connection has deepened over the year.
As more people tune out the noise and tap into community, LA Commons is a positive moving force by being the change it wants to see. Guided by the visionary leadership of Founder and Executive Director, Karen Mack, the organization is the standard for creating cultural touchstones and social infrastructure across a broad array of Los Angeles neighborhoods, amplifying the voices and advancing equity in historically disinvested neighborhoods for the past 25 years.
As part of LA Commons’ 25th year anniversary, the organization celebrated this fall with several events that honored the organization’s legacy of cultural storytelling and community empowerment through public art projects, a signature festival paying tribute to ancestors, as well as youth-centered programming, re-defining what it means to create an iconic LA landmark or beloved community tradition.
In addition to awesome programming, LA Commons celebrated its commendable milestone with its inaugural Colors of Connection Gala. Held on October 16th, 2025 at Los Angeles’ Skirball Cultural Center, the Gala was a night of impact and influence, filled with a pure sense of community, care, and connection.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted with plenty of parking, (which is a blessing in LA), before being led to an outdoor area full of refreshments, vendors from the community, like the legendary Sika, and plenty of new connections to make with amazing movers, shakers, and community leaders.
DJ Adé set the tone of the night, spinning an eclectic mix of songs that fostered an open and relaxed atmosphere. After an hour or so of networking and catching up, guests were entertained by a procession from S.H.I.N.E. Muwasi, led by Rene Fisher and Mims Kalpulli Temachtia Quetzalcoatl with Cozkacuauhtli Huitzilzenteotl from Tloque Nahuaque, plus One Grain of Sand Puppet Theater and friends. In addition to Rhythms of the Village, Ko's Korean Traditional Dance Institute with Sue Hee Ko as Director.
The procession led guest to the dining area, where they were met with beautifully decorated tables, complete with centerpieces created by residents of the community LA Commons serves. After finding their way to their seats, the night officially began, as Master of Ceremonies, former Mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti kicked off the night with sharp insight and humor.
Honorees included The Getty Foundation led by Joan Weinstein, Miguel Santana of California Community Foundation and Metro Art, and featured speaker, multidisciplinary artist Autumn Breon, whose work explores the intersection of culture, identity, and social change. After a delectable dinner, the night concluded with closing remarks by Eric Garcetti, ending the event on a high note, full of hope, inspiration, and meaningful connections.
“This 25th year has exceeded all of my expectations,” says Mack. “I shared my dreams for the future of Los Angeles in Forbes and the LA Times. I spoke to Rolling Stone about the role of artists and musicians in creative recovery and cultural preservation. I’m working alongside local officials to designate the first Black Cultural District in California. With each opportunity to share and capitalize on the strength of LA Commons’ history, I’ve been able to reflect on the inspiring artists, activists, and many other new and exciting partnerships along the way that have led us to this moment. Our work is vital to Los Angeles, and we’re not slowing down!”
