Leimert Park Village, in the heart of Black Los Angeles, is an important community hub with local and national reach and recognition in the world of art, music and culture.
Leimert Park Metro
A Transit Equity Success Story
Despite the neighborhood’s historic and cultural significance, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority included no Leimert Park station in its plans for a new light-rail line to and from the Los Angeles International Airport.
The absence of a station was more than a cultural slight. The oversight meant that economic benefits and ease of transportation were also set to bypass the Black community along with the train.
While working for Los Angeles County, Lisa Richardson led a two-year communications campaign advocating for a stop in Leimert Park. The campaign systematically built public awareness around the issue and created a groundswell of community advocacy and popular support.
In May 2013, to widespread community celebration, the Metro board voted to build a station in Leimert Park. It opened in October 2022.Metro ended up providing substantial funding, and Rail to River opened in July 2022.