Taste of Soul Has Been A Special Community Hit For 20 Years

For two decades, the Taste of Soul festival has celebrated food, music, and community spirit along Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles. This year’s event, held on October 18, held heightened significance as the intersection of Crenshaw and Obama boulevards was officially named Danny J. Bakewell Sr. Square, honoring the civil rights figure and founder of the festival. Bakewell expressed pride in how Taste of Soul has evolved into a meaningful celebration crafted by and for Black Angelenos, likening it to a grand family reunion that highlights community resilience.The festival drew over 300,000 attendees, featuring nearly 400 vendors, predominantly Black-owned, offering diverse culinary delights and handmade goods. Apart from food, attendees benefited from health screenings, social services, and interactions with political candidates, reflecting the festival’s broader commitment to community engagement. Live performances filled the day with energy, highlighted by acts like Cameo and Tiffany Haddish, affirming the festival's role as a beacon of unity and cultural pride in South Los Angeles.