California Black Media

Senate Hopeful Barbara Lee Attends L.A.’s 18th Annual Taste of Soul Festival

Recognized as the largest one day ‘free’ street festival on the West Coast, the 18th annual Taste of Soul took place on Sunday on Crenshaw Boulevard, known as the Mecca of Black culture and business in Los Angeles.

Published

3 years ago

November 3, 2023

Oakland Post

Wearing a sweatshirt honoring her mentor, the late Shirley Chisholm, U.S. Senate Candidate Barbara Lee engages with Taste of Soul attendees at her booth on Sunday. Photo by Maxim Elramsisy, California Black Media.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr.

California Black Media

Recognized as the largest one day ‘free’ street festival on the West Coast, the 18^th annual Taste of Soul took place on Sunday on Crenshaw Boulevard, known as the Mecca of Black culture and business in Los Angeles.

Founded in 2005 by civil rights activist and Los Angeles Sentinel CEO/Executive Publisher Danny Bakewell, Sr., the Taste of Soul festival has grown from attracting 15,000 attendees to drawing crowds of nearly 350,000 visitors annually, including families, politicians and celebrities.

U.S. Senate candidate Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) was among the local and state politicians at the Taste of Soul either campaigning or attending to constituents.

This year’s Taste of Soul celebrity chair was the stand-up comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish.

The Taste of Soul festival has grown to be a significant economic catalyst for the local community, contributing to the revitalization of South Los Angeles by showcasing the very best the community has to offer.

“This is the best block party in town, said L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, who formerly served on the Congressional Black Caucus with Lee. “It was a wonderful gathering and celebration of the community. It is peaceful. Everybody has a good time. We’re supporting local businesses, especially restaurants. So, it’s a boon to the economy.”