On Saturday, October 19th a huge crowd is expected to participate in the 14th Annual Taste of Soul Street Festival. The action will be on Crenshaw Boulevard, starting at Obama boulevard and flowing a mile south to King Boulevard. There will be five entertainment stages, information booths, vendors offering all types of food and merchandise and other activities which make it one of L.A.’s premiere street festivals.
From the beginning Taste of Soul has been a huge success. Organized by Bakewell Media and the Los Angeles Sentinel to fill the void and thirst residents and businesses had in showcasing the spirit of the South Los Angeles community. The only drawback of the event is that it is only one day.
Street festivals have always been an event Cities use to promote culture and diversity. Taste of Soul is often compared to the Black Family Reunion event due to its size and corporate support. During the 1980’s, a drug epidemic spread through the nation. Urban cores, specifically the African-American community in areas like Los Angeles were devastated. As a result, some leaders targeted the African-American family structure as the culprit of the problems created by the epidemic.
Responding to the attack of the Black family, the National Council of Negro Women went to work. Through their nationwide reach and credibility, in 1986 they launched the Black Family Reunion. Urban centers across the nation became host sites featuring a simultaneous two-day event. In Los Angeles the event was held at Exposition Park. The success was overwhelming as the theme was simple: showcase the benefit and historic significance of the black family. Following years of community support the event eventually outgrew itself but the point was made.
In 2005 Taste of Soul was organized. They gracefully took the baton and haven’t looked back as the theme has been consistent: showcasing the South Los Angeles community.
For additional information please use this link>>>> TOS
Tip – Even if you are an expert in navigating the streets of Los Angeles or consider yourself well-versed in the Leimert Park and Crenshaw community, you are encouraged to jump on Metro or park in the designated shuttle-ride sites.
Thomas Reports 