Crenshaw, Los Angeles

Crenshaw, also called the Crenshaw District, is a neighborhood in South Los Angeles, California. After World War II, many Japanese Americans moved into the area. Over time, the neighborhood grew into a strong and lively African American community. By the early 1970s, most people living in Crenshaw were African American, and the area became well-known as a center of Black culture in Los Angeles.

History

Real estate developer George L. Crenshaw named the neighborhood's main street, Crenshaw Boulevard, after himself in 1904.

In 1948, a court decision allowed people of all races to live in the area, which used to only allow white people. After World War II, many Japanese American families moved there, making it one of the largest Japanese communities in California at the time.

Later, in the 1960s, many African Americans moved into the area and became the majority by the early 1970s. The neighborhood became known for its strong African American culture. Even though the Japanese community became smaller over the years, some Japanese traditions, like food and building styles, are still seen today.

Crenshaw faced challenges from big events in 1992 and 1994 but recovered with new building projects in the 2000s.

Geography

In 1996, the Los Angeles Times described Crenshaw as the area between the Santa Monica Freeway to the north, Van Ness Avenue to the east, Slauson Avenue to the south, and La Brea Avenue to the west. By 2012, the newspaper noted that the Santa Monica Freeway, finished in 1964, acted like a big wall separating Crenshaw from the neighborhoods above it.

The city placed a special neighborhood sign where Crenshaw Boulevard meets Slauson Avenue. There is also a colorful mural showing African-American progress and apartment buildings along Crenshaw Boulevard.

Government

Police department

The Los Angeles Police Department's Southwest Division provides police services for Baldwin Hills. Their station is at 1546 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Post office

Crenshaw has a post office at 3894 Crenshaw Boulevard, called the Crenshaw Post Office.

Education

Public schools in the Crenshaw area are run by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Some of the schools include:

• Crenshaw High School - 5010 11th Avenue
• Susan Miller Dorsey High School - 3537 Farmdale Avenue
• View Park Preparatory High School - 5701 Crenshaw Boulevard
• View Park Preparatory Middle School - 5311 Crenshaw Boulevard
• Isana Nascent Academy (Jefferson Campus) - 3417 W Jefferson Boulevard

Demographics

In 2006, about 27,600 people lived in Crenshaw. By 1996, many middle and lower-class Black and Latino families moved to cities in the Inland Empire and Antelope Valley areas of Southern California.

Transportation

The K Line runs between Expo/Crenshaw station and Redondo Beach station, going up and down along Crenshaw Boulevard.

Notable places

Crenshaw, Los Angeles, has some interesting places to visit. One is the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza shopping mall, which used to be called Broadway and later had stores like Wal-Mart, Sears, and Macy's. Another place is Marlton Square, which was once known as Santa Barbara Plaza and has gone through many changes over the years.

There is also the West Angeles Church of God in Christ located at 3045 Crenshaw Boulevard.

Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments

The Holiday Bowl was a popular bowling alley and café in the 1960s and 1970s. It was known for its diversity and had a sushi bar called the Sakiba Lounge where live music played. The building has unique Modernist Googie architecture, which has been restored. Today, it is part of a new outdoor shopping center that opened in 2006 and is recognized as City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument #688.

Media

Literature

The book Southland by Nina Revoyr takes place in the Crenshaw neighborhood.

Motion picture

The movie Boyz n the Hood shows life in Crenshaw through the story of a boy who moves in with his father there. Another film, White Men Can't Jump, features a main character named Sidney Deane who lives in Crenshaw.

Television

The TV show All American follows its main character, Spencer James, who lives in Crenshaw.

Special events

Crenshaw holds two big yearly events. The Kingdom Day Parade celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. and has been happening for over 35 years. It usually airs on KABC-TV and travels west on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Crenshaw Boulevard.

Another event is the Taste of Soul Festival, which happens every October. It started in 2005 and is enjoyed by many people in the area.

Notable residents

Crenshaw, Los Angeles has been home to many famous people. Some well-known individuals from the area include Tom Bradley, who was the former mayor of Los Angeles, and Tiffany Haddish, a comedian and actress. The neighborhood has also seen many athletes, like Darwin Cook, Baron Davis, and Ice-T, who have made their mark in sports and entertainment.