Community Garden Dedicated to Danny Bakewell Sr. At Brotherhood Crusade

PublishedNovember 1, 2025

Los Angeles, CA–Nearly three decades after civil rights leader Danny Bakewell Sr. brought Suge Knight, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg and other Death Row Records artists to South Central to rally residents to the polls, the Brotherhood Crusade has honored his legacy with the dedication of a new community garden. The ceremony, held Oct. 29 at the Brotherhood Crusade’s headquarters, drew local officials, civic leaders, students, and community members who gathered to celebrate Bakewell’s lasting influence on empowerment and opportunity in the community.

Charisse Bremond-Weaver, president and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade, organized the dedication alongside partners and supporters. The garden sits on the organization’s Slauson Avenue property, which serves as a hub for social service, job training, and youth development programs. Founded in 1968 by Walter Bremond, the Brotherhood Crusade was established to improve the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented residents in Los Angeles. Bremond mortgaged his own home to fund the organization’s launch.

“Danny Bakewell Sr. has dedicated his life to transforming communities, helping those feel grounded find their wings, and his effort demonstrates that change is not only possible, but a force we can all harness for good,” Bremond-Weaver shared during the ceremony.

Brotherhood Crusade President/CEO Charisse Bremond-Weaver during the Danny Bakewell Community Garden dedication ceremony

After her father passed, Bakewell Sr. led the nonprofit for more than 35 years, transforming it into one of the most influential Black-led community institutions in California. He later became publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel and CEO of the Bakewell Company, a major real estate development firm.

Bremond-Weaver credited Bakewell as both a mentor and guiding influence in her leadership.

Local officials, civic leaders, students, and community members who gathered to celebrate Bakewell’s lasting influence on empowerment and opportunity in Los Angeles.

“Danny Bakewell embodies what it means to build community through action,” Bremond-Weaver said. “This garden reflects his belief that empowerment begins with opportunity.”

Brotherhood Crusade receives $35,000 donation from Spectrum TV.

Spectrum TV donated $35,000 at the ceremony to support Brotherhood Crusade programs and SoCalGas also contributed $75,000 to help develop the garden. Additional supporters included the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Carpenters Union and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt, who attended and spoke during the dedication ceremony.

“This space represents growth—not just of plants, but of people,” Hutt said. “Danny Bakewell’s impact on Los Angeles can’t be overstated, and this garden ensures that his spirit continues to inspire future generations.”

The dedication comes 29 years after Bakewell organized the 1996 voter registration rally at the Brotherhood Crusade, where Tupac, Snoop Dogg and other artists who urged South Central residents to vote. Today, the new Brotherhood Crusade Community Garden stands as a living tribute to that moment and to Bakewell’s legacy—where the seeds of empowerment planted nearly 30 years ago continue to grow.