The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) “Operation Love” assembled along with many of its followers Saturday, June 6 to demonstrate community support of African American businesses in South Los Angeles. On this particulate sunny afternoon, they came in force to patronize the beloved icon ESO WON Bookstore. “We were very pleased with the turn out,” stated Tom Hamilton, co-owner of Eso Won Bookstore. “There were new and regular customers of all races looking for a variety of subject. The most popular being tiles about race relations and activism. As Los Angeles turns its focus toward economic recovery, BHERC believes this effort to spotlight Black Businesses and their need for continued support from their community consumers is essential and critical to the revival of the South Los Angeles.
The event took place in historic Leimert Park, while the city was still gripped with protests calling for peace and justice for George Floyd, who had been murdered by police in Minneapolis. Several powerful and peaceful protests left from the same area during the BHERC “Operation Love” event. While the pandemic has severely impacted all business however, just as the virus has physically disproportionately impacted African Americans, so has the impact on business. Resources that have not reached minority businesses to the type of businesses owned have played a part in the problem. Some organizations and celebrities have stepped in to try to provide grants and loan programs, however, this problem will be long lasting and will take the efforts of everyone to make the African American business community economically stable. “BHERC’s Operation Love in support of Eso Won Bookstore was a phenomenal success! We were honored to join with Sandra Evers-Manly and others to celebrate businesses in the heart of the Black community in which we live. We stand with BHERC in supporting Black businesses, promoting economic development and positive social change in our community,” explained actor-director, William Allen Young and wife, Helen P. Young, project director, CA Community Colleges Transfer Guarantee Agreement to Historically Black Colleges & Universities.
ESO WON Bookstore is a rare gem of a store that still offers the buyer a personal shopping experience, a diverse selection of books from all genres, personal recommendations from the store owners, music, book signings and lectures, custom orders, online shopping and is a place where, “everybody knows your name.” ESO WON has been a solid, vital business member of the community for more than 28 years. BHERC continues to encourage consumer to choose to shop at ESO WON instead of the big online giants. June represents a great month for Los Angeles consumers to shop ESO WON for the many offerings of books, music and gifts for Graduation, June Black Music Month, Juneteenth Celebration, Father’s Day Gifts or to pick up something for someone who is sheltering in place. Make at least one purchase, take a picture, and post it on the BHERC face book and/or #BHERCSupportsBlackBiz and tell us about your purchase or experience.
“We are asking individuals and organizations to join us in supporting ESO WON bookstore. I believe if everyone in the community made a purchase in June, the impact would be immeasurable,” stated Sandra Evers-Manly, President BHERC. “Then that example could be emulated throughout the community with other businesses.”
Shop BHERC “Operation Love” all month at ESO WON at 4327 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008, Phone: (323) 290-1048 website: www: esowonbookstore.com, email: [email protected]. Shoppers may also choose to browse online, place their orders online and select pick up in store. Regular store hours are Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone is encouraged share this message with their friends and networks and to visit during the BHERC “Operation Love” month to show strength and solidarity. Please wear your mask and practice social distancing.
For more information about BHERC and its programs log on to www.bherc.org or email [email protected] or call 310.284.3170 or 213.400.3489. #BHERCOperationLove #BHERCStrongerTogether
