African Americans became the dominant demographic group in the district beginning around 1930, and many leaders of the community resided here.

The characteristic feature of the contributing buildings include "low-pitched gabled roofs with overhanging eaves and exposed rafter tails, front porches and chimneys made of brick or river rock, and multi-paned wood-framed casement windows.

During the early 20th century, numerous African Americans began moving to California as part of the Great Migration.

Charlotta Bass owned and operated the California Eagle, the largest African-American newspaper on the West Coast, from 1912 to 1951.

[2][4] Other contributing buildings listed in the district are the Angelus Funeral Home, Lincoln Theater, Second Baptist Church, 28th Street YMCA, Prince Hall Masonic Temple, 27th Street Historic District, and two historic all-black segregated fire stations (Fire Station No.