Taste of Soul Marks 20 Years With Food, Culture, Politics — and a New Honor for Founder Danny Bakewell Sr.

October 22, 2025

The 20th Annual Taste of Soul festival on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles attracted over 300,000 attendees on October 18, 2024, featuring nearly 400 vendors including more than 100 food booths. The day before the festival, the City of Los Angeles honored founder Danny J. Bakewell Sr.

Who is affected

South Los Angeles residents and community members
Black-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs
Festival attendees (estimated 300,000 people)
Food vendors and retail merchants (approaching 400 total vendors)
Local artists and performers
Danny J. Bakewell Sr. (honored with square naming)
Health organizations providing screenings and services
Nonprofit organizations offering social services
Political candidates and government agencies conducting outreach

What action is being taken

The Taste of Soul festival is being held on Crenshaw Boulevard, featuring hundreds of food and retail vendors
Health organizations are providing free screenings and flu shots at the festival
California Black Media is hosting a booth in partnership with the California Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
Doctors are holding "Ask the Doc" conversations, answering medical questions from attendees
LAX/Los Angeles World Airports Pavilion is hosting panel discussions and helping residents fill out job applications
Entertainment is being provided across three stages throughout the day
Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen is offering 800 free meals during the event

Why it matters

The festival represents one of the most important economic events of the year for small businesses in South Los Angeles
It provides visibility, income, and community support for Black-owned businesses
The event demonstrates that the community can build and sustain something powerful on its own streets
It connects residents with civil rights information and hate prevention resources
The festival offers access to health information, job opportunities, and social services
It celebrates Black culture, community pride, and unity in South Los Angeles
The event has grown into a 20-year tradition that safely brings together over 300,000 people

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint