Message: | I lived in Inglewood from 1989-1995. It gave me a healthier perspective about the world and greater empathy for minorities to be the only white person in the local beauty salon, grocery store, bank, copy shop, corner cafe. Even if they were somewhat surprised to see me there, at first, people I met were unfailingly friendly to me. The only time I felt unsafe was during the Rodney King riots--my husband, infant and I went to stay with friends on the westside for a few days, when businesses were being looted and set on fire a block or two away. When we lived there, I frequently went to Phillips' in Leimert Park (better than the Centinela branch, in my opinion). The way there from Inglewood is through Baldwin Hills, which is as affluent as the Palisades. Crenshaw area below Baldwin Hills, where Phillips' is located, is a middle class neighborhood, it's not "the ghet-to". Screw up your courage and go, friend. You may be the only white person in the line, but relax, you'll be among discerning 'cue lovers, fellow chowhounds, looking forward to some good eating. How scary is that? |