Leimert Park: LA's Hub For African-American Art and Culture
- 22 November 2024
- Munif Ali
When you hear “Los Angeles,” you might first think of iconic landmarks like Hollywood or Beverly Hills, often associated with mainstream culture. However, tucked away near these well-known sites lies a special place for many Black residents: Leimert Park.
This vibrant community and neighborhood serves as LA’s heartbeat for African-American arts and culture. Discover the wonders of its rich arts scene and deep-rooted heritage.
Importance of Leimert Park to Black Culture
Leimert Park stands as LA’s hub for African-Americans, with over 70% of Black people residing in the village. While planned in the 1920s, black communities flourished around the 1940s to 1960s. Since then, the richness of arts and culture has continued to develop in the predominantly Black village. Leimert Park brings its people together through various underground artists and local musicians.
“From a cultural hub standpoint, if there’s no Leimert Park Village, where will be our hub? Where will we go together?” — Johnny Raines, Leimert Park Resident
Leimert Park's Vibrant Community
Leimert Park is home to a close-knit black community bonded with routine activities, such as the famous Sunday drum circle and the monthly Art Walk. Apart from exploring Black creative expressions through arts and culture, Leimert Park’s community enjoys a variety of traditional African-American cuisine including soul food, Jamaican food, and barbecue restaurants.
Take a virtual tour of Leimert Park’s most anticipated and visited arts and culture activities!
1. Historical Areas
One of the most popular spots near Leimert Park includes the residential area, where homes designed with Spanish and Mediterranean architecture are preserved. With lush trees all around the streets, the historical diversity contributes to the uniqueness of the neighborhood. At the central area, several venues and centers are built to house the vibrant arts and culture:
Art + Practice Galleries
World Stage Performing Arts Space
Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center
Vision Theatre Performing Arts Center
2. Events and Celebrations
The community values the experience of Leimert Park. Every day, residents get together and stroll around the village, discovering various African-American art and culture while grooving to cultural tunes. On a bigger scale, festivals are also held to celebrate the shared history, arts and culture of the Black community. Music is truly one of the pillars of Leimert Park:
Jazz Festival
Juneteenth Festival
Live performances
These events are often grounded in shared meaning and purpose. Read Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” to understand how this helps build a strong foundation for a community.
3. Black Creativity
The community further exposes cultural spaces, artist studios, and popups by holding exhibitions. Festive events include different types of artists, such as painters, DJs, and spoken word writers. Black creativity keeps Leimert Park alive! These are some of the arts and culture you can engage with and purchase:
Local painted artworks
Handmade cultural accessories
Handmade body care and clothing
African-American books
African-American calendars and gifts
Explore Where the Black Community Thrives!
Leimert Park offers more than just a few events and activities; it provides a sense of belonging within a vibrant community. Living here means connecting with genuine people who care about the well-being of everyone around them. Arts and culture play a vital role in the community’s sense of unity and understanding, but it takes getting close enough to truly hear real stories.
“I will find it if I go to the village, and it’s just fascinating being part of that.”
— Johnny Raines, Leimert Park Resident
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Takeaways
Leimert Park houses a predominantly Black community, way back in the 1940s to 1960s.
This place is filled with rich history, arts and culture, from the quiet residential homes to the fun, eventful center of the park.
You will never get bored in Leimert Park with all the festivals, galleries, venues, centers, performances, artworks, and vendors showcasing unique and local talent.
Sources
City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. (2023, October 13). Leimert Park [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
Discover Los Angeles. (2023, February 2). Discover Leimert Park in Los Angeles. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
Estate of Grace. (2020, October 13). Welcome to Leimert Park! [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
Hazzard, H. (2022, October 13). Leimert Park Art Walk: A beacon for Black creativity. USC Annenberg Media. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
Leimert Park Village. (https://leimertparkvillage.org)
Leimert Wellness. (2018). About Leimert Park. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
National Park Service. (n.d.). Leimert Park. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
Smith, E. (2021, July 22). Leimert Park Village. LMU Magazine. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
