Leimert Park Village

Once the vibrant heart of L.A.’s black community, many storefronts in Leimert Park Village now stand empty. Residents hope a stop on the Crenshaw/LAX light rail line will restore some of the commercial area’s luster without driving out mom-and-pop shops in the process.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Once the vibrant heart of L.A.’s black community, many storefronts in Leimert Park Village now stand empty. Residents hope a stop on the Crenshaw/LAX light rail line will restore some of the commercial area’s luster without driving out mom-and-pop shops in the process.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

A storefront in Leimert Park Village.   (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

An empty storefront is barred shut during Leimert Park Village’s monthly art walk in October.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Leimert Park merchants and residents Park gather at the World Stage Performance Gallery for a community meeting.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Rene Mims dances in a drum circle in Leimert Plaza Park.  (Christina House / For The Times)

An empty storefront in Leimert Park Village during the commercial area’s monthly art walk.  (Christina House / For The Times)

The Vision Theater glows during Leimert Park Village’s monthly art walk.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Django Craig freestyles on an open mic at Leimert Park Village during its monthly art walk on Sunday, October 27, 2013. Leimert Park has been the epicenter of L.A. Black community but the cultural hub has faded as restaurants fled the area years ago. Now the community is bracing for change.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Phoebe Bennett, 3, painting in Leimert Plaza Park.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Ben Caldwell is photographed in his studio, the Kaos Network, during Leimert Park Village’s monthly art walk.  (Christina House / For The Times)