Here’s How to celebrate Black history month through businesses, Stops, and sights in LA
“Buy Black”
Finding different pockets of joy in the city has always been a hobby of mine. So I’ve curated an LA itinerary with Black History Month specifically in mind. These selects include my favorite places in the city to enjoy Black-owned coffee, comfort food, art and more. Here’s a full day of things to do that support Black-owners and celebrate the Black experience.
Sip and Smell - Bloom & PLume coffeBloom & Plume Coffee blends world-class coffee and fresh-cut flowers. The eye-catching, electric, purple paint gives the building an enchanting and ethereal feel. It's a Black family-owned cafe that emphasizes community. The walls are decorated with art that celebrates Black culture and the staff is so inviting that when I visit I feel like I'm sharing my coffee order with an old friend. Don't forget to grab a gorgeous floral arrangement on your way out!
Black Art Matters - Band of Vices Founded by the Art Curator duo Terrell Tilford and Melvin Marshall Band of Vices is making space for up-and-coming artists who seek to address social issues with their art. Currently on display is an exhibition that highlights Covid-19, along with the social, political and economic crisis facing our society. The exhibition is titled ‘In the Midst of All That Is’ and features artwork from Tiffanie Delune and Kaye Freeman.
The life-giving power of literature - ESO WON BOOKsEso Won Books is one of the oldest Black-owned bookstores in the country. Co-owner James Fugate (pictured below) has made it his mission to curate a space that Black authors can call home. The store itself has an undeniable aura of warmth - something I've always loved about small businesses.
As one of the few Black-owned bookstores in LA, it's a historic landmark and one of our all-time favorite places to buy books. It’s basically a Mecca for Black authors. Purchase the book of your choice, then head to the stop.
Grab a bite - Post & BeamThis Black-owned restaurant focuses on comfort food. They source vegetables and herbs straight from their patio garden, have a huge woodfire oven, and offer a variety of plant-based options. But, if you're looking for our personal recommendation, We have two words for you, SHORT RIBS. Grab your food to-go, leave a generous tip, then head to our next stop.
Photo op - The Dunes Apartment Complex
Famously known as the place Issa called home in the first few seasons of her hit show, HBO's Insecure, The Dunes Apartment complex now acts as 'Black Tv's' Hollywood sign. Every time I pass it, I can't help but think about Issa and Lawrence and all the beautiful (and hilarious) moments we saw play out between them.
I once heard Issa Rae describe her show as, "a love story to a part of LA we haven't seen on the big screen before". This landmark is in the center of THAT LA. Go ahead and stop for a photo. The neighbors are used to it; I promise.
A bit of history - Bruce's Beach
Everyone In LA has heard of Manhattan Beach. Believe it or not, this extremely white-centric neighborhood was once fully Black-owned and inhabited. Bruce’s Beach is Manhattan Beach’s oldest park site and has a dark and RACIST history. In the 1920s the Klu Klux Klan set fire to the entire thriving Black community that was Bruce’s Beach. They destroyed businesses and forced the Black landowners to leave. Shortly after, the City of LA renamed Bruce’s Beach ‘Manhattan Beach’ and white people populated the area. Today, what was formerly known as Bruce’s Beach is home to some of the most expensive multimillion-dollar mansions on the California Coast. No reparations were ever paid.
Address: 2600 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
While you enjoy the sunset, reflect on your day. Reflect on your allyship. Reflect on your activism. Happy Black History Month.
*Editors note: We recommend that you start in the early afternoon so you can enjoy the sunset at your last stop.