Afro City — Where Black Businesses Come Together

Rwanda Ray, Afro City founder (Brian W. Carter/L.A. Sentinel) Contrary to what you may think, the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza (BHCP) is very much alive. Inside BHCP, Afro City is a ticket to the Mecca of Los Angeles Black businesses. Rwanda Ray is the founder of Afro City. The native Angeleno was raised in the Crenshaw District and went to Hyde Park Elementary and Bancroft Performing Arts. She graduated from Cal State Northridge majoring in Radio, TV and Film. She is also the founder and creator of the hair and beauty expo, Afrolicious, which leads into how Afro City was created. “It was during COVID, towards the end,” said Ray. “They had shut down all the events and gatherings so, we were just at home and so, when it was kind of getting better or the virus was kind of dissipating, I came up with an all-Black market called You Buy Black Marketplace in South Park in Downtown L.A. Ray continued, “We also did another one called the Downtown L.A. Marketplace. After I did that, I decided I wanted to get a building to house small, black businesses and provide affordable retail space.” Related Links: https://lasentinel.net/california-must-ensure-the-participation-of-black-businesses-in-upcoming-global-events.html https://lasentinel.net/black-businesses-matter.html She took into...