Leimert Park Village is Reopening: Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas Says “All Hands on Deck”
By Betti Halsell Contributing Writer
Published May 20, 2021
HOPICS has built a relationship with the unsheltered over the last several months which led to 75 people transitioning off the streets. Councilmember Ridley-Thomas with HOPICS Multi-Disciplinary Team. (Photo credit Aurelia Ventura, Office of Councilmemeber Mark Ridley-Thomas)
The heritage and culture of Los Angeles flows through the veins of the Leimert Park Village community. Businesses that took root near historic Leimert Boulevard reflect the neighborhood’s progress and elevation. In this quaint, Black artistic-mecca, comprised mostly of store fronts, restaurants and vendors in South L.A., there is a history pride for the community and culture.
By Eugene Holley Jr. | May 14, 2021
Eso Won has long been one of the country’s preeminent Black-owned bookstores and, of course, was indispensable this past year,” noted Ellen Adler, publisher of the New Press, in her nominating letter. “But that’s nothing new: it has long been indispensable as those who are lucky enough to count it as their local bookstore or who have made the pilgrimage and had a visit well know.”
Originally named Eso Won Books on Wheels, the bookstore, now located in Leimert Park Village, an African American business district in central Los Angeles, was founded by owners James Fugate and Tom Hamilton. From the start, their goal was to sell books at community events. Over the years, Fugate says, “we have worked with local bookselling groups, been a part of the
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Minutes after the verdict was announced, Barbara Morrison rolled down a sidewalk in an electric wheelchair, shouting “Guilty on all charges!” while pounding her right fist in the air.
The jazz singer, who owns a performing arts center in Leimert Park Village, rolled around the village, spreading the news to people who were eating outside or visiting stores in the busy shopping area that is filled with predominantly Black-owned businesses. The village has long been a center of Black cultural life in Los Angeles and became a meeting ground in the wake of the George Floyd killing.
Eddie Johnson, who was eating at Ackee Bamboo when Morrison rolled by, said he was both excited and relieved by the guilty verdict against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin.
Welcome Signage: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson Los Angeles – How time flies. It is hard to believe that we have reached the first quarter, fourth month of the year. April is an exciting time of the year, with its pleasant spring weather.
April is Jazz Appreciation Month
April is Jazz Appreciation Month (aka, “JAM”) was created to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz for the entire month of April. Jazz Appreciation Month is intended to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participant in jazz in some form- to study jazz, attend concerts, listen to jazz on the radio and jazz recordings, read books about jazz and more.
Pan African Film and Arts Festival, Courtesy Photo Los Angeles – The show must go on is a popular saying in the entertainment industry. This is good news for film and art patrons in the Greater Los Angeles area and Globally.
For nearly three decades, the Pan African Film and Arts Festival welcomed thousands of visitors to browse their wonderful showcase of artistic aesthetic that is rooted in Africa and its diaspora.
Locals as well as a contingent of international tourist strolled and perused over 100 international and emerging fine artists and quality crafts peoples from all over the world taking part in The PAFF ArtFest.