Partners & Supporters

The London Nelson Legacy Initiative has already united a committed group of partners and supporters, and we seek to engage additional partners around the various project components. Partners contribute financial resources as well as programming, fundraising, outreach, and networking support.

Core Partners

Santa Cruz County Black Health Matters Initiative (SCCBHMI) Borne of an initiative from the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center, Santa Cruz County Black Health Matters Initiative is dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health in the local Black community as a way to ensure that our whole community not only survives—but thrives. We accomplish this by raising awareness, connecting with community partners, sponsoring Black-led projects and initiatives, elevating Black entrepreneurs, and uniting all community members in shared celebration. SCCBMI currently employs Luna HighJohn-Bey as lead curator for the organization, with a portion of her salary dedicated to the London Nelson Legacy Initiative.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) Founded in 1996 to promote a greater understanding of contemporary art and Santa Cruz history, the MAH is a thriving community gathering place that offers a full slate of art and history exhibitions, visual and performing artworks, public festivals, education and outreach programs, and cultural celebrations in collaboration with partners. It is home to Abbott Square, a vibrant downtown plaza

offering food, social events, and creative happenings. The MAH also maintains a permanent collection of regionally significant art and artifacts, a research library, historical archives, and historic sites including Evergreen Cemetery, Octagon Building, and Davenport Jail. We currently host Luna HighJohn-Bey as our historian in residence, and provide fundraising support for the London Nelson Legacy Initiative. As manager of Evergreen Cemetery, the MAH will team on all project aspects related to capital and preservation projects.

Financial Supporters

SCC Black Health Matters Initiative $20,000 to support research and project development in the first two phases Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History $10,000 to support the historian in residence stipend, the Case for Support development, and grant writing services in the first phase

Partners & Contributors

• SCC Black Health Matters Initiative • Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History • Santa Cruz Equity Project • Researchers Anonymous

Potential Partners & Stakeholders

• City of Santa Cruz /

Historic Preservation Commission • London Nelson Community Center • Santa Cruz Public Library • Santa Cruz County School Districts • UC Santa Cruz Library Regional History Project • The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz • African American Historical Society • Bay Area Mural Project • Regional Black community organizations