Oct. 9, 2024

LOS ANGELES – Today, Southern California Gas Company  (SoCalGas) presented a $75,000 donation to Brotherhood Crusade to support the development of the new Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. Community Garden at the organization's headquarters in South Los Angeles. Bakewell served as president and chief executive officer for 35 years at Brotherhood Crusade, a 50-year-old grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income, underserved, under-represented and disenfranchised individuals. Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson attended the event.

The Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. Community Garden is anticipated to open in Spring 2025. In its first year, the garden aims to serve 200 families in South LA, enhancing access to fresh foods and reducing food insecurity. The new garden will allow Brotherhood Crusade to expand its existing Teaching Gardens program, educating students on the importance of fresh produce and the healing power of natural plants like herbs and aloe vera. The garden will also be used for education programs, community receptions, and movie nights.

"Thanks to the generous grant from SoCalGas, we can significantly enhance our initiatives to promote access to green space, health and wellness in South Los Angeles," said Brotherhood Crusade's Chief Executive Officer Charisse Bremond. "We are deeply grateful for their support and thrilled to dedicate this garden in honor of Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., our Institution Builder who led our institution for 35 years and is a lifelong champion of our community. This garden will host educational programs on urban agriculture, nutrition, healing circles, and environmental stewardship, benefiting hundreds of families in the area."

Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. currently serves as chairman of the board of Brotherhood Crusade. He has been named one of Los Angeles' Most Influential Leaders by the Los Angeles Times and has a long history of social justice activism. He co-founded the National Black United Fund and has been a key figure in the Los Angeles Sentinel's growth since his family purchased the paper in 2004. Bakewell also founded the Taste of Soul Family Festival, now in its 19th year, which attracts over 500,000 people and hundreds of local businesses to Crenshaw Boulevard. The Danny J. Bakewell Sr. Primary Center in South L.A. is named in his honor. His leadership has made Brotherhood Crusade a premier institution in the country.

"Danny Bakewell has dedicated his life's work to uplifting the community with a sense of both pride and responsibility. He set an expectation to 'do something' and set his family in motion to create a legacy of just that. This garden created in his honor will become a testament to this work, ever growing, ever-changing, and thriving. Thank you to SoCalGas and Brotherhood Crusade for honoring his impact on our community," said Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson.

"This day is a celebration of our shared vision for a healthier, greener South Los Angeles. The Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. Community Garden is a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship and community wellness. I extend my heartfelt thanks to SoCalGas and Brotherhood Crusade for their steadfast commitment to this project," said Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price.

"SoCalGas is committed to making a positive difference in the communities it serves, and our support for Brotherhood Crusade is a testament to this ongoing dedication. The Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. Community Garden will not only provide fresh, healthy produce but also serve as a green oasis in the heart of the city, a gathering place for residents, enriching the lives of all who visit," said Andy Carrasco, SoCalGas vice president of communications, local government and community affairs.

According to a study from the University of Southern California Dornsife, 1.4 million Angelenos lack access to sufficient and healthy food due to barriers like limited grocery stores or lack of public transportation creating food deserts - areas with severely limited access to affordable and good-quality fresh food. Due to their limited options, residents in these food deserts may consume more available fast food and non-nutritious meals, which increases the presence of health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. With a community garden, South LA residents will have greater access to fresh produce, which they can incorporate into their regular diet and move away from unhealthy ingredients previously available to them.

SoCalGas' collaboration with Brotherhood Crusade is part of the company's ASPIRE 2045 sustainability goals, which includes a plan to invest $50 million to drive positive change in diverse and underserved communities across five years.