PLATFORM : The Color of Money

The Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Plaza’s problems point up the tragedy of racial stereotyping and resulting business and economic stupidity, which costs everyone. One or two additional upscale department stores would represent a key solution, serving as magnets attracting other businesses and more customers.

The residents of (upscale) View Park and other nearby areas have not patronized the center in large numbers because their choices of top-quality merchandise are too limited. Upscale retail stores such as Nordstrom and Bullocks have refused to locate in this shopping center because it is located in a predominantly African-American area.

The Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Plaza is very attractive and safer than most. It needs open-minded business executives who are willing to do the right thing and discover that the dollar is just as green here. The residents need to spend their money with those businesses that do not abandon them.