But it will be more than a cultural experience. We are transforming Crenshaw Boulevard from an area that has long deserved economic investment and strategic urban planning, into a thriving commercial corridor linked by architecturally stunning community spaces and pocket parks, hundreds of newly planted trees, and over 100 commissioned works of art.
With no end in sight to the COVID-19 lockdowns in the Spring of 2020, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson began a senior meals program that met two key challenges: 1) protecting vulnerable seniors during the pandemic and 2) keeping Black-owned restaurants from going under, in an economic crisis that an estimated 40% of Black businesses would not be able to survive. From this effort, a new model for economic uplift was born – targeted small business support that not only enables homegrown businesses on the corridor to survive but to thrive.
With no end in sight to the COVID-19 lockdowns in the Spring of 2020, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson began a senior meals program that met two key challenges: 1) protecting vulnerable seniors during the pandemic and 2) keeping Black-owned restaurants from going under, in an economic crisis that an estimated 40% of Black businesses would not be able to survive. From this effort, a new model for economic uplift was born – targeted small business support that not only enables homegrown businesses on the corridor to survive but to thrive.
To be a true success, Destination Crenshaw must be both a testament to Black L.A.’s past and drive intentional investment to build Black L.A.’s future. DC THRIVE is key to that success. Through targeted partnerships focused on small business support – from social media marketing to help with finding and applying for public grants – Destination Crenshaw continues to provide critical assistance to Black-owned businesses in the Crenshaw district.
To be a true success, Destination Crenshaw must be both a testament to Black L.A.’s past and drive intentional investment to build Black L.A.’s future. DC THRIVE is key to that success. Through targeted partnerships focused on small business support – from social media marketing to help with finding and applying for public grants – Destination Crenshaw continues to provide critical assistance to Black-owned businesses in the Crenshaw district.
Ms. Cathie Nicholas is the owner and operator of The Nicholas Dance Studio located at 4273 Crenshaw Boulevard. An award-winning expert of the art of dance, she has performed at Carnegie Hall and taught Master Classes at Stanford and Duke Universities. Ms. Cathie also happens to be the granddaughter of Fayrad Nicholas of the iconic and legendary Black dance duo, the Nicholas Brothers.
Created during the pandemic last year, Sole Folks was intended to be a South LA specialty shop selling the latest exclusive kicks and streetwear. The venture, started by Akil West, Taz Arnold and Nika King, has become more than just a store, though. It’s now a creative hub for Black entrepreneurs.
Ms. Cathie Nicholas is the owner and operator of The Nicholas Dance Studio located at 4273 Crenshaw Boulevard. An award-winning expert of the art of dance, she has performed at Carnegie Hall and taught Master Classes at Stanford and Duke Universities. Ms. Cathie also happens to be the granddaughter of Fayrad Nicholas of the iconic and legendary Black dance duo, the Nicholas Brothers.
Created during the pandemic last year, Sole Folks was intended to be a South LA specialty shop selling the latest exclusive kicks and streetwear. The venture, started by Akil West, Taz Arnold and Nika King, has become more than just a store, though. It’s now a creative hub for Black entrepreneurs.
With no end in sight to the COVID-19 lockdowns in the Spring of 2020, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson began a senior meals program that met two key challenges: 1) protecting vulnerable seniors during the pandemic and 2) keeping Black-owned restaurants from going under, in an economic crisis that an estimated 40% of Black businesses would not be able to survive. From this effort, a new model for economic uplift was born – targeted small business support that not only enables homegrown businesses on the corridor to survive but to thrive.
We have partnered with Inclusive Action to produce the Crenshaw Small Business Anti-displacement study to elevate recommendations on policies to advocate for solutions to increasing displacement & gentrification concerns along the Crenshaw Corridor.
Lendistry has been a great supporter of the DC THRIVE program since our initial efforts to provide COVD relief. Since then, we’ve partnered on various programs including New Market Tax Credits investment to drive additional investment activity to the Crenshaw business community.
LISC LA has been integral to the success and launch of DC THRIVE by including Destination Crenshaw’s inclusion in the South LA Economic Inclusion initiative.
We partner with TEC Leimert to support businesses along the Crenshaw corridor through their Nxt Lvl program. The program pairs businesses with young digital professionals who help grow their online presence through social media and marketing support. So far, we have been able to sponsor 10 businesses in the program, including 5 participating for a second year in 2021.
