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Abstract

This study explores the cultural dimensions of trust and grassroots political participation through the lens of Black and Latinx creative activism in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Drawing on the 2021 inaugural poet Amanda Gorman's reflections, the research highlights how urban spaces are shaped by their residents, who engage in various forms of civic participation, from protests to public art. The analysis reveals that while both cities exhibit unique regional characteristics—Los Angeles grappling with questions of ownership and space due to its diverse historical context, and Atlanta focusing on Southern identity and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement—artists in both locales perform their racial identities to foster trust and motivate community engagement. The work emphasizes the importance of artistic mobilization in addressing the needs of ethnically diverse populations and sustaining democracy amidst changing demographics and political challenges. By examining the practices of cultural agents, the study contributes to the understanding of how trust networks facilitate political participation and calls for further qualitative research on the role of artists of color in civic engagement across different U.S. cities.