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Visiting Leimert Park Village

© Lynette

There is a community within Los Angeles that is richly cultural and vibrant. On any day of the week there is jazz and African-style rhythms echoing throughout its streets. There is laughter and conversation on its walks. Every Sunday, by way of illustration, Leimert Park in South Central Los Angeles, has drummers thrumming rhythmus measures. Afro-Caribbean style combat dancers practice a couple of yards away and on the grass sits a casual audience occasionally standing from their reclined positions to dance, feeling the sounds - almost entranced by the beats. Children run about the attractive turf – weaving through drummers, dancers and listeners.

This urban community in Los Angeles where, particularly, African Americans reside and discourse is used to hearing music and exchanging friendly acknowledgements like “Greetings” or “Assalamu Alaikum” (Peace Be Upon You) and “Inshallah” (God Willing) to the like-minded.

Over sixty years ago, Walter H. Leimert, a real estate developer, began the community by purchasing over 200 acres of land in the 1920’s. The land was then known as Rancho Cienega O Pao de la Tijera. It wasn’t until the 1940’s, mostly after President Theodore Roosevelt gave orders to desegregate in 1942, that African Americans began to move into the neighborhood with much opposition from white residents. Communities such as this saw more African Americans within its communities and what was once thriving areas became a region with economic isolation – as the flight of affluent residents and negligence by city government are, in part, to blame. Today, the ethnic make-up of South Central Los Angeles is mostly African American but is also composed of a fast-growing number of various Latinos, and some Asians.

After a 1992 disturbance in the community, (the Los Angeles Riots), Leimert Park began to receive more positive attention and economic interest. Efforts through organizations, investors, merchants and federally funded groups began collaborations. Further interest is welcome for development as struggles continue to revolve around funding.

Leimert Park Village is a cultural and historical community – with its residences constructed of Spanish and Mediterranean influences. The Village’s focal point is likely through its park by the same name, with its fountain and open area – the cultural tie of the Village.

Degnan Boulevard is the main street with shops, galleries and restaurants. People stroll its stretch day and night, without fear. Businesses are open to be strolled through, patroned and conversation with shop personnel and passerby is likely to strike up after mutual greetings. With the common idea that this area of Los Angeles is plagued with crime and drugs, Leimert Park Village stands out as an achievement – a place where poets, artists, musicians and regular folk mix - acclaiming the success of the African American community in the most positive way.

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