The African-American cultural hub Leimert Park may have free Wi-Fi as early as the end of 2011 in a move to attract more people to come into local businesses.
The Wi-Fi project, dubbed Leimert Vision Network, is the brainchild of the non-profit Manchester Community Technologies, Inc., which will pay for the set-up and installation charges of the equipment necessary to provide Wi-Fi for any business interested in participating in the project. While businesses will have to pay their usual monthly internet fees, they will not have to pay any fees for participation in Leimert Vision.
Leimert Park is a neighborhood just north of the Crenshaw district. Leimert Park has the highest percentage of African-Americans than any other area in the western United States, according to the 2000 census. While the neighborhood is best known for the Vision Theatre, where both musical and theatrical performances light the stage, it also features many small businesses such as clothing stores, bakeries, and restaurants.
“I believe it is the largest collection of Black businesses that are African- American owned [in the United States],” said MCT’s Executive Director Revlyn Williams, PhD.
The project aims to boast a directory, with business profiles and local ads. The site was created to bring all local business together into one forum, so that customers can easily navigate through the online information for all of the businesses in Leimert Park.
“I’ve always loved this area,” said Williams during a panel in November to discuss the effects of the project. “And we know that it is the cultural Black center of the United States. That people will look here to see what is happening in Black America.”
Williams focuses on bringing Wi-Fi education, tools, technology to underserved communities.
“Statistics say that we’re behind the curve,” she said. “Not just outside of Beverly Hills and more affluent areas but Los Angeles, in general, is way behind the curve in adoption. So in a sense we have brought in funding to bring for this type of thing to our communities. And we will, as we move forward, keep trying to bring more funds into the community.”
Eric Sloan, MCT’s chief technology officer says the investment will add value back into the community.
“It’s all about using this technology to unite community and commerce to attract new businesses, talented people, and provide a valuable tool to support communication for the citizens of this community,” said Sloan. MCT has been working with local leaders and business. “This is how economic development and growth is created and sustained – by a strong collaboration between technology, business, community, and city leaders to find the best use for this technology. We are committed to expanding the use of wireless communications throughout Los Angeles.”
