With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
Eso Won Books In South LA Will Close Its Doors
James Fugate, co-owner of Eso Won Books, talks with a customer on Nov. 24, 2020.
(
Patrick T. Fallon
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
Eso Won Books in Leimert Park will close its doors at the end of the year, according to co-owner James Fugate.
A neighborhood institution for more than three decades, Eso Won sells independently published books that highlight Black authors and works from the African diaspora.
Former South Los Angeles Councilmember Jan Perry said she can't imagine another store having the same impact.
"Anything about Africa or African Americans or related, that is the go-to place in the city," she said. "They were devoted to the cause of educating people, and making sure that people had the broadest selection and choices of information."
Support for LAist comes from
Over the past several years, the store has hosted readings, events and interviews with President Barack Obama, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Common and other luminaries.
Publisher's Weekly reports that Fugate and co-owner Tom Hamilton are the sole staffers and they declined to renew their lease.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
Best of LAist