Newly Paul

While night clubs and restaurants may be losing clients to the recession, the friendly neighborhood library is filling up with patrons. But not all people are there for the love of books.

Free to the public, libraries' Wi-Fi services, computer stations and DVDs are drawing people in, especially those who have been recently laid off and are looking to save cash or even get help securing a job.

"I had high-speed Internet but I cut back on my cable because it's over $100 with the Internet and the movie channels. But it's good to use the free facilities [at the library] because then you save a dollar or two and that's a good thing," said Lisa Jackson, a financial analyst from Burbank who was recently laid off.

"Everything must go, all items 50 percent off," says a banner outside Kumasi Gift Shop in Leimert Park Village. But instead of crowds scrambling to get the best deals on the authentic African artifacts the store is known for, it's strangely quiet. A lone attendant sits surfing the Internet in a small room at the back. The richly embroidered caps, handcrafted drums, spears and statutes sit patiently on the shelves, awaiting buyers.
"The recession has taken a toll on everybody in this area. People don't come here the way they used to. At times I make just $10 the whole week. I might soon have to close this shop down if I can't make the rent," said owner Kwame Sarpong.

Every February, communities across south Los Angeles gear up to celebrate Black History Month. But this year is different. With a black man as president, community organizers say the celebrations will hold more meaning and young blacks will show a renewed interest in their history.
"Black is in now, black is in vogue and that hasn't happened since the 1960s when there was enormous interest in African history. I am hopeful that Obama's presence will flow over, particularly to young people, and that they will take pride in their magnificent history," said historian Kwaku Person-Lynn, who teaches a course in Afrikan World Civilizations at Kaos Network, a cultural center in Leimert Park. 

Melanie Perry is not interested in politics, but today was different. The Inglewood-based young financial professional took time out to join other locals at a pub and cheer Barack Obama as he took the oath as the 44th president of the United States.

"This is the first ever inauguration speech I've watched. The historical implications of this occasion are obvious and I did not want to miss it. As a young African American, I feel really empowered today," said Perry.

 

 

The setting sun cast its last rays on a pile of burnt rubble--all that was left of the Oakridge mobile home park. A barbed wire fence separated the burnt remains from curious onlookers and the indifferent traffic. A few singed trees stood tall, their bare branches frozen stiff, as if coated with black frost. A burnt smell hung heavy in the air. It was difficult to believe that just a few weeks back, this place might have been bustling with people, busy with their daily lives. Though we didn't meet any people who belonged to the mobile home park, we were told by a policewoman that visitors were not allowed to enter the park. Only residents were being allowed in, to sift through the remains. Here's a slideshow of some pictures I took: