We May Not Be Able to Stop Them From Moving In

Summary

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Some years back the community banded together to say no to changing the name of Crenshaw Blvd., which was named after developer George L. Crenshaw who built a series of upscale residential tracts in mid-city Los Angeles in the early 1900s. The only probably is, what many people didn't know was that this is also the same guy who didn't want 'Negroes' and 'Asians' on said property for more than 24 hours. But when there was a push to rename Crenshaw after L.A.'s first Black mayor Tom Bradley, the community said 'hell to the no' because they loved riding down what is known as 'The Shaw.'

In a few years, if we don't get it together 'The Shaw' will hardly be recognizable to those same people who love to ride down it Those of you reading this from L.A. who are older than me, remember what 'The Shaw' looked like before I was born. Look at it today. And the few independent businesses that have managed to maintain their position on said 'Shaw' aren't going to be around much longer if we keep passing them up to go to their competitors, i.e. "the chains."

If you feel like a taco, consider the fact that Taco Bell isn't going to go under if you stop eating there, but mat "mom and pop" taco stand around the corner from your house will. And even though we don't need to eat at McDonald's period, when you have to have it, why not try and eat at a local independent last food restaurant that serves the exact same menu. You may to wait a little longer, but the food is probably healthier in the long run. Choose to put your clothes in a Black owned cleaners, take your vision and dental care to someone local because healthcare benefits are can benefit more than just you. Remember that you don't have to buy your oranges from the grocery store when our brown brothers and sisters are right there at the off ramp waiting on youand to tell you the truth, I'd rather give them my money where I know it counts and makes a difference. Got a sweet tooth? Hit up the brothers on Crenshaw or in front of the Slauson Swapmeet for a bean pie.

[...] I make it a point to search out "mom and pop" business in my neighborhood that I can support these days.

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Extract

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We May Not Be Able to Stop Them From Moving In

Long before I saw her walking her dog that morning or the guy who was jogging, or that couple move in down the street, I concluded, that one way or another, my neighborhood was going to change. I just wasn't expecting it so soon or for Black people to play such an active roll in it.

In the past month, "...

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