T’KEYAH CRYSTAL KEYMÁH
Black Los Angeles
Black Business Directories
Black Owned Los Angeles - https://blackownedlosangeles.com/
Black Owned Los Angeles - https://blackownedlosangeles.com/
Bookstores
Sadly, both EsoWon and Zahra's are gone... Please support those that remain!
Malik's Books - Westfield Mall, 6000 Sepulveda Blvd., #2470, Culver City, CA (323) 389-8040 https://malikbooks.com/
Octavia's Bookshelf - 1361 North Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 - Pasadena's very first independent bookstore highlighting BIPOC authors! Named in honor of the late great Black science fiction author Octavia E. Butler, Octavia's Bookshelf is a place where readers across generations can come to celebrate the accomplishments of Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latin, or POC writers spanning several generations. https://www.octaviasbookshelf.com/
Reparations Club - 3054 S Victoria Ave, Los Angeles CA, 90016 - Reparations Club is a woman-owned concept shop and creative space curated by Blackness. The store carries a wide range of books by intersectional feminist authors, apparel, and a wide collection of vinyl from influential Black and brown artists across decades. https://rep.club/
Shades of Afrika - 1001 E 4th St., Long Beach, CA 90802 - Shades of Afrika began when the founders noticed that there weren’t many places in the community that offered affordable African art, products, and books. This Long Beach bookshop offers essential oils, herbs and educational books. Afraid of 405 traffic? No worries, you can place your order for delivery on their website: https://shadesofafrika.com/
Sadly, both EsoWon and Zahra's are gone... Please support those that remain!
Malik's Books - Westfield Mall, 6000 Sepulveda Blvd., #2470, Culver City, CA (323) 389-8040 https://malikbooks.com/
Octavia's Bookshelf - 1361 North Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 - Pasadena's very first independent bookstore highlighting BIPOC authors! Named in honor of the late great Black science fiction author Octavia E. Butler, Octavia's Bookshelf is a place where readers across generations can come to celebrate the accomplishments of Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latin, or POC writers spanning several generations. https://www.octaviasbookshelf.com/
Reparations Club - 3054 S Victoria Ave, Los Angeles CA, 90016 - Reparations Club is a woman-owned concept shop and creative space curated by Blackness. The store carries a wide range of books by intersectional feminist authors, apparel, and a wide collection of vinyl from influential Black and brown artists across decades. https://rep.club/
Shades of Afrika - 1001 E 4th St., Long Beach, CA 90802 - Shades of Afrika began when the founders noticed that there weren’t many places in the community that offered affordable African art, products, and books. This Long Beach bookshop offers essential oils, herbs and educational books. Afraid of 405 traffic? No worries, you can place your order for delivery on their website: https://shadesofafrika.com/
Dry Cleaners
*Bowers & Sons Cleaners, 2509 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011 ~ (213) 749- 3237 http://bowersandsonscleaners.com/ - A great service with great, friendly service!
*Bowers & Sons Cleaners, 2509 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011 ~ (213) 749- 3237 http://bowersandsonscleaners.com/ - A great service with great, friendly service!
Employment
*ACT-1 GROUP Companies with staffing, human resources or business concerns turn to Janice Bryant Howroyd for her expertise, and she has built a firm with nearly $1 billion in annual revenue. The North Carolina A&T University graduate founded ACT-1, headquartered in Torrance, Calif., in 1978, and is CEO of what is now the nation's largest woman-owned and minority-owned employment-services company. Howroyd is the author of The Art of Work: How to Make Work, Work for You! http://www.act-1.com
*ACT-1 GROUP Companies with staffing, human resources or business concerns turn to Janice Bryant Howroyd for her expertise, and she has built a firm with nearly $1 billion in annual revenue. The North Carolina A&T University graduate founded ACT-1, headquartered in Torrance, Calif., in 1978, and is CEO of what is now the nation's largest woman-owned and minority-owned employment-services company. Howroyd is the author of The Art of Work: How to Make Work, Work for You! http://www.act-1.com
Gas Station
Hooper Shell - the last Black owned gas station in Los Angeles! - 11913 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA. (323) 566-1667. I know... Shell, but still.
Hooper Shell - the last Black owned gas station in Los Angeles! - 11913 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA. (323) 566-1667. I know... Shell, but still.
Grocery Stores
*Simply Wholesome - 4508 W. Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA (323) 294-2144. As long time readers know, Simple Wholesome is one of my favorite places to eat in Los Angeles, but I don't go very often because it's a drive from the valley where I live. A restaurant and grocery store, Simply Wholesome carries more Black owned / manufactured products than I've seen anywhere else! I stock up on everything I can when I'm there including great hair care products. They don't offer much fresh produce. The manager suggests the farmers' market for that. Los Angeles has great farmer's markets!!! http://www.simplywholesome.com
*Simply Wholesome - 4508 W. Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA (323) 294-2144. As long time readers know, Simple Wholesome is one of my favorite places to eat in Los Angeles, but I don't go very often because it's a drive from the valley where I live. A restaurant and grocery store, Simply Wholesome carries more Black owned / manufactured products than I've seen anywhere else! I stock up on everything I can when I'm there including great hair care products. They don't offer much fresh produce. The manager suggests the farmers' market for that. Los Angeles has great farmer's markets!!! http://www.simplywholesome.com
Restaurants
*Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine - 2835 S. Robertson, Los Angeles, CA 90034 (310) 730-6148 - http://ackeebamboo.com/. I had the yummy plantains, rice and peas and cabbage with salad at the Degnan location (4305 Degnan #100) which is temporarily closed.
*Blaqhaus NoHo - 11671 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606 (818) 332-0500. Established in 2019. New locally owned & operated. Upscale Southern Restaurant bringing relaxed dining to the North Hollywood community. https://www.blaqhausnoho.com/
Comfort LA, 1110 E 7th St Los Angeles, CA 90021 (213) 537-0844. ComfortLA started as a late-night, pop-up restaurant taking a clean approach to soul food. We use locally sourced, fresh and organic ingredients and healthier cooking methods to create top-notch, Southern cuisine including " Cousin Kina's Mac ‘n’ Cheese," Clean Mean Greens" and our signature "Organic Not Your Average Fried Chicken" with “That Sauce.” ComfortLA offers a welcoming, laid-back ambiance bringing island vibes and Midwest hospitality to Downtown Los Angeles. ComfortLA is the brainchild of actor-turned-chef Jeremy McBryde and Business Strategist Mark E. Walker, and is all about building community. A part of our culture is serving "That Action," a way in which we interact with you that is warm, welcoming and family familiar. It's the feeling of being at your favorite relatives' house for dinner. https://www.comfortla.net/
*Harold and Belles, 2920 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90018 Open 7 days, 11:30AM - 10PM (sun-thu) | 11:30AM - 11PM (Fri-Sat) (323) 735-9023 www.haroldandbelles.com/. Great service. A meat and seafood lovers heaven. I found something vegetarian and loved it!
LaRayia's Bodega, 2713 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057 (818) 357-9114. Vegan. Open daily 10am-10pm lunchonme.org.
*Unfortunately, Mars Caribbean Restaurant in Gardena is gone.
*My Two Cents, 5583 W Pico Blvd (323) 879-9881. The food is great. The staff goes out of their way to be welcoming. It's a bit loud so don't go there to study. It's also not very big, so call before bringing a large party. https://www.my2centsla.com/
*Simply Wholesome, 4508 W. Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA (323) 294-2144. As long time readers know, Simple Wholesome is one of my favorite places to eat in Los Angeles, but I don't go very often because it's a drive from the valley where I live. Everything I've ever tried there has been delicious. They have indoor and outdoor seating and an occasional live band. There is also a rewards program for there delicious, nutritious drinks!
*Southern Girls Desserts - Southern Girl Desserts is co-owned by Catarah Coleman and Shoneji Robison, who combined their family recipes to create a Southern cupcake and dessert arsenal. "We pride ourselves on turning real ingredients into distinct and comforting ‘delectables. Everything is made with love, and we never cut corners." 3650 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. 323-293-2243. This place is a required stop whenever I'm anywhere near the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall! And yes, I do smuggle Southern Girl Desserts into the movie theatre next door. Shhhhh https://www.southerngirldesserts.com/
*Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine - 2835 S. Robertson, Los Angeles, CA 90034 (310) 730-6148 - http://ackeebamboo.com/. I had the yummy plantains, rice and peas and cabbage with salad at the Degnan location (4305 Degnan #100) which is temporarily closed.
*Blaqhaus NoHo - 11671 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606 (818) 332-0500. Established in 2019. New locally owned & operated. Upscale Southern Restaurant bringing relaxed dining to the North Hollywood community. https://www.blaqhausnoho.com/
Comfort LA, 1110 E 7th St Los Angeles, CA 90021 (213) 537-0844. ComfortLA started as a late-night, pop-up restaurant taking a clean approach to soul food. We use locally sourced, fresh and organic ingredients and healthier cooking methods to create top-notch, Southern cuisine including " Cousin Kina's Mac ‘n’ Cheese," Clean Mean Greens" and our signature "Organic Not Your Average Fried Chicken" with “That Sauce.” ComfortLA offers a welcoming, laid-back ambiance bringing island vibes and Midwest hospitality to Downtown Los Angeles. ComfortLA is the brainchild of actor-turned-chef Jeremy McBryde and Business Strategist Mark E. Walker, and is all about building community. A part of our culture is serving "That Action," a way in which we interact with you that is warm, welcoming and family familiar. It's the feeling of being at your favorite relatives' house for dinner. https://www.comfortla.net/
*Harold and Belles, 2920 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90018 Open 7 days, 11:30AM - 10PM (sun-thu) | 11:30AM - 11PM (Fri-Sat) (323) 735-9023 www.haroldandbelles.com/. Great service. A meat and seafood lovers heaven. I found something vegetarian and loved it!
LaRayia's Bodega, 2713 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057 (818) 357-9114. Vegan. Open daily 10am-10pm lunchonme.org.
*Unfortunately, Mars Caribbean Restaurant in Gardena is gone.
*My Two Cents, 5583 W Pico Blvd (323) 879-9881. The food is great. The staff goes out of their way to be welcoming. It's a bit loud so don't go there to study. It's also not very big, so call before bringing a large party. https://www.my2centsla.com/
*Simply Wholesome, 4508 W. Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA (323) 294-2144. As long time readers know, Simple Wholesome is one of my favorite places to eat in Los Angeles, but I don't go very often because it's a drive from the valley where I live. Everything I've ever tried there has been delicious. They have indoor and outdoor seating and an occasional live band. There is also a rewards program for there delicious, nutritious drinks!
*Southern Girls Desserts - Southern Girl Desserts is co-owned by Catarah Coleman and Shoneji Robison, who combined their family recipes to create a Southern cupcake and dessert arsenal. "We pride ourselves on turning real ingredients into distinct and comforting ‘delectables. Everything is made with love, and we never cut corners." 3650 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. 323-293-2243. This place is a required stop whenever I'm anywhere near the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall! And yes, I do smuggle Southern Girl Desserts into the movie theatre next door. Shhhhh https://www.southerngirldesserts.com/
Theaters
*Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT), an Equity Company, is the Resident Company and Operator of the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, under the leadership of Founder/ Producer Wren T. Brown. ERT's commitment is to bring diverse, high standard, professional performing arts to the Mid-City community, as well as the greater Los Angeles area, to engender business development along the Washington Boulevard corridor, and to make the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center Los Angeles' Newest Cultural Destination! Ebony Repertory Theatre, Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016 Phone: 323.964.9768 Box Office: 323.964.9766 [email protected] http://ebonyrep.org/
Town Street Theater - TST produces and develops original work for theatre and film that are reflective of the African-American experience. Founded in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots with the belief that we could affect social change through our art, the Towne Street Theatre's mission is creating, developing and producing original work that is reflective of the African-American experience and perspective for theatre and film. In order to further illuminate the role African-American artists have played in the history of the American theatre, we also produce a series entitled "Black Classics," dedicated to the work of playwrights seldom produced, such as Loften Mitchell, Alice Childress and Steve Carter. Our mission of affecting social change is extended with our commitment to developing the next generation of theatre artists through our children's programming. Towne Street Theatre A non-profit corporation. Donations are tax-deductible. 4101 Budlong Avenue #4 , Los Angeles, CA 90037 (213) 712-6944 • FAX (323) 294-0507 [email protected] https://www.townestreetla.org/
The Robey Theater Company - Robey’s mission is, through the creative process, to explore and develop relevant provocative, and innovative new plays written about the Black experience, as well as to reinterpret established works. Robey creates a nourishing environment of understanding and support in which multi-cultural theatre artists are compelled to take risks in the search for artistic fulfillment. It provides time, educational opportunities, and encouragement for such growth and contributes to high standards of excellence in the Black theatre in America. Robey was founded in December 1994 by Danny Glover and Bennet Guillory to fill a void of opportunity for Black theatre artists. Artists of color, particularly Black playwrights, have long lacked a forum where their work can be developed in collaboration with their peers. Black audiences have had insufficient opportunity to hear these voices in an ongoing basis and their unique expression of the culture. Robey was founded to fulfill this need. Ben Guillory, Artstic Director. The Robey Theater Company, 514 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013 213-489-7402 https://www.therobeytheatrecompany.org/
*Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT), an Equity Company, is the Resident Company and Operator of the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, under the leadership of Founder/ Producer Wren T. Brown. ERT's commitment is to bring diverse, high standard, professional performing arts to the Mid-City community, as well as the greater Los Angeles area, to engender business development along the Washington Boulevard corridor, and to make the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center Los Angeles' Newest Cultural Destination! Ebony Repertory Theatre, Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016 Phone: 323.964.9768 Box Office: 323.964.9766 [email protected] http://ebonyrep.org/
Town Street Theater - TST produces and develops original work for theatre and film that are reflective of the African-American experience. Founded in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots with the belief that we could affect social change through our art, the Towne Street Theatre's mission is creating, developing and producing original work that is reflective of the African-American experience and perspective for theatre and film. In order to further illuminate the role African-American artists have played in the history of the American theatre, we also produce a series entitled "Black Classics," dedicated to the work of playwrights seldom produced, such as Loften Mitchell, Alice Childress and Steve Carter. Our mission of affecting social change is extended with our commitment to developing the next generation of theatre artists through our children's programming. Towne Street Theatre A non-profit corporation. Donations are tax-deductible. 4101 Budlong Avenue #4 , Los Angeles, CA 90037 (213) 712-6944 • FAX (323) 294-0507 [email protected] https://www.townestreetla.org/
The Robey Theater Company - Robey’s mission is, through the creative process, to explore and develop relevant provocative, and innovative new plays written about the Black experience, as well as to reinterpret established works. Robey creates a nourishing environment of understanding and support in which multi-cultural theatre artists are compelled to take risks in the search for artistic fulfillment. It provides time, educational opportunities, and encouragement for such growth and contributes to high standards of excellence in the Black theatre in America. Robey was founded in December 1994 by Danny Glover and Bennet Guillory to fill a void of opportunity for Black theatre artists. Artists of color, particularly Black playwrights, have long lacked a forum where their work can be developed in collaboration with their peers. Black audiences have had insufficient opportunity to hear these voices in an ongoing basis and their unique expression of the culture. Robey was founded to fulfill this need. Ben Guillory, Artstic Director. The Robey Theater Company, 514 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013 213-489-7402 https://www.therobeytheatrecompany.org/
Transportation
* DL Limo Service, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is a full service transportation company that has earned a solid reputation of Dependable Quality Service throughout Southern California. Wings Limousine specializes in all aspects of transportation, from transfers to chauffeured limousine and transportation service. Wings Limousine Service is delighted to assist you with all of your transportation needs. Our goal is to continue to bring value to our clientele through positive relationships, by providing premier customer service and personal attention to those that we serve. Our luxurious vehicles are smoke-free and our drivers are timely, discrete, and courteous. 323 - 299 - 4647. I can vouch for the impeccable service! tck
* DL Limo Service, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is a full service transportation company that has earned a solid reputation of Dependable Quality Service throughout Southern California. Wings Limousine specializes in all aspects of transportation, from transfers to chauffeured limousine and transportation service. Wings Limousine Service is delighted to assist you with all of your transportation needs. Our goal is to continue to bring value to our clientele through positive relationships, by providing premier customer service and personal attention to those that we serve. Our luxurious vehicles are smoke-free and our drivers are timely, discrete, and courteous. 323 - 299 - 4647. I can vouch for the impeccable service! tck
