Leimert Park: L.A.'s Center Of Black Culture

The vibrant, central Los Angeles neighborhood -- which has been referred to as "the black Greenwich Village" -- is growing in popularity.

1 minute read

March 23, 2006, 10:00 AM PST

By David Gest


"This residential neighborhood and the small village at the center of it sit in the midst of Los Angeles's sprawl, seven miles southwest of downtown. It's one of the country's last strongholds of old-style African American culture and activism, with the happening ethnic flavor of Washington's pre-1968 U Street corridor. A world away from glitzy Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Leimert Park has a following that is solidly loyal, and apparently growing. A village Kwanzaa festival in December drew throngs of celebrants into the streets. Lively bongo drum jam sessions held in Leimert Plaza Park every Sunday are a major scene. Every weekend, fans of jazz or blues pile into the World Stage and other neighborhood music venues."

Sunday, March 19, 2006 in The Washington Post

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