Leimert Park is a center of L.A.’s black community, witha rich legacy of art, music and poetry that lives on to this day. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
Customers discuss politics in front of shelves of Barack Obama books at Eso Won Books in Leimert Park. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Ben R. Caldwell operates the KAOS network -- a theater/music/art space in the Leimert Park neighborhood. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
Jazz Caravan participant Dee Vines checks out the scene at Fifth Street Dick’s Coffee Shop in Leimert Park. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Drum circles are a regular occurrence. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
Lee Solomon sings at the World Stage on Degnan Boulevard as Sean Johnson plays sax. The area has become a vibrant center of African American performance art. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Red lights illuminate a portrait of Laura Mae Gross at her Leimert Park club Babe’s and Ricky’s Inn. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
Deacon Jones gets into the music during “Monday Night Jam” at Babe’s and Ricky’s Inn. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
