Unique Value & Rarity: Historic Legacy and Public Trust
Why is OASC uncommon and difficult to replicate?
Historic Legacy & Authenticity
OASC was founded in the intellectual tradition and legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and has presented Black History programs in Los Angeles since the 1940s. For decades, OASC has served as a recognized civic steward of Black History Month programming in the city.
Rarity & Distinction
There are very few organizations in Southern California with OASC’s scale, longevity, and uninterrupted focus on African American history, culture, and scholarship.
Organizational Trust & Credibility
With more than eight decades of continuous service, OASC offers partners a demonstrated record of responsible stewardship, community trust, and sustained public impact.
Civic Recognition and Institutional Standing
Civic & Political Recognition
OASC’s signature events are formally recognized by the City of Los Angeles and mayoral leadership, often including ceremonial acknowledgments such as proclamations and council chamber honors.
Expanded Institutional Visibility
OASC collaborates with and is visible across a network of aligned institutions, including libraries, schools, museums, and civic organizations.
Youth Development and Educational Impact
Youth Development & Educational Bridge
OASC supports education, scholarships, leadership development, and civic engagement opportunities for emerging Black scholars and youth leaders. Through long-standing programs such as the Carter G. Woodson Oratorical Contest and related educational initiatives, OASC connects young people to academic enrichment, public speaking, and leadership development. These efforts are reinforced through intergenerational mentorship, linking youth with educators, cultural leaders, and community members who support learning, historical awareness, and sustained civic participation.
Virtual & Hybrid Audience Impact
In recent years, including during the COVID-19 period, OASC incorporated virtual platforms such as Zoom to supplement in-person programming and broaden access beyond Southern California.
For 2026, OASC plans to continue a hybrid approach that integrates in-person programming with live streaming and recorded content to support accessibility and extended participation, including:
- African American audiences in additional U.S. regions and members of the African diaspora
- Institutional partners, including schools, libraries, and universities, hosting shared viewings through OASC’s YouTube channel
- Virtual engagement indicators such as live-stream attendance, participant interaction (e.g., Q&A), and archived program views
By combining in-person attendance with virtual access, OASC seeks to expand reach while maintaining the depth, quality, and civic character of its programming.
Audience Values & Engagement
Audiences associated with OASC programming commonly demonstrate:
- A desire for accurate and authentic representation of Black history and culture
- Strong interest in education, uplift, legacy preservation, civic engagement, social justice, and equity
- Pride in cultural heritage and participation in institutions that honor community narratives
- Support for organizations that invest in youth through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development
- Preference for responsible civic engagement and genuine inclusion
Age Distribution & Participation Segments
Based on participation patterns, OASC audiences typically include:
- Adults ages 25–54, including working professionals and community leaders
- Youth and young adults ages 13–24, engaged through oratorical, educational, and scholarship programs
- Adults ages 55 and above, often participating in legacy-focused and heritage programming
Household Characteristics & Spending Priorities
Based on regional demographic trends and observed participation patterns, many African American households in Southern California reflect middle to upper-middle income profiles and may allocate discretionary resources toward cultural, educational, and civic activities. Across income levels, education, youth programming, and cultural institutions are consistently identified as areas of strong community value.
At-A-Glance
Eighty-one years of continuous programming bringing together scholars, artists, educators, youth, elected officials, and community leaders to advance Black history as American history.
More than seventy-five years of sustained youth investment, supporting over 700 students through approximately $500,000 in scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development via the Carter G. Woodson Oratorical Contest.
OUR Sponsors & PARTNERS
