Community Leaders Stand With The District by GS During Juneteenth Week Press Conference

As Los Angeles prepares to celebrate Juneteenth, community leaders, business owners, and residents gathered at The District on Crenshaw on Wednesday afternoon for a rally focused on Black economic empowerment, small-business protection, and the future of a staple South Los Angeles restaurant.

The event celebrated the recent passage of the city's Commercial Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance, a measure aimed at protecting small and minority-owned businesses from predatory landlord practices. It also served as a show of support for Tyrei Lacy, owner of The District on Crenshaw, who remains locked in an ongoing legal dispute with landlord Fred Leeds.

Supporters packed the space holding "I Stand With The District" signs, while community members listened to speakers share stories about the challenges many small business owners face when navigating commercial leases and legal disputes. And because no Black gathering is complete without good food, attendees were also treated to barbecue from local favorite, Ribs in LA.

One of the day's most powerful moments came from civil rights leader and Bakewell Media Chairman Danny Bakewell Sr., who delivered a message of unity and accountability.

"We want to send a message that if, in fact, you don't treat us fairly and equitably, we're prepared to shut you down," Bakewell said. "You've got a whole row of Black businesses on this corridor, and we want to make sure that we don't do them any injustice as we come out to do Tyrei justice."

He continued, "We want the proprietor of this place to know that we're not going for what you say, we're judging you by what you do. If you treat this brother unfairly, we believe you will treat all of us unfairly."

A representative from Councilmember Heather Hutt's District 10 office also encouraged community members to remain engaged and support the recently passed ordinance.

"If you're a business owner or you're in support of small business, you can create comments to support this motion," the representative said, referring attendees to Council Motion 260588. "We need all of you to support the council members  as they go to bat for places like this."

Read public comments here.

The rally also featured emotional testimony from entrepreneur Al Lewis, who shared his own experience as a former tenant of Fred Leeds.

Fighting back tears, Lewis recalled investing approximately $450,000 of his own money into his pizza business while Leeds contributed $50,000. Despite the investment, Lewis said he eventually lost the business after facing similar legal pressure.

"He told me that he's going to get a judgment against me for the 20-year lease and put my family on the street," Lewis said. "He wanted me to turn over the keys, leave all of my equipment in the restaurant, and just walk out and leave the keys on the table."

Lewis said hearing Tyrei's story felt familiar.

"I spoke with Tyrei, and he's doing the exact same thing."

For Lacy, the battle has stretched nearly 19 months. According to the restaurant owner, Leeds previously filed an $800,000 lawsuit against him that was recently dismissed. Lacy said the lawsuit included approximately $595,000 in common area maintenance fees and an additional $250,000 tied to retroactive rent increases dating back to 2015.

"He told me, 'I could have taken an increase in your rent every year. Now that I see I can, I'm going to add it up back from 2015 to today, and that's $250,000,'" Lacy recalled.

While the lawsuit has been dismissed, Lacy said he is still fighting an eviction case and claims his rent payments continue to be rejected.

"All I ask from the top with him is just honor the contract," Lacy said. "I'm going to do my part and pay the bill, you do your part and let me operate business."

The ongoing legal fight has taken a toll on the restaurant owner, who said the uncertainty has made it difficult to focus on growing his business.

"For 19 months, I can't even get a new item on the menu because I have to focus every day on how to keep the doors open," he said.

Still, Lacy remains determined to fight not only for his business but for the community he serves.

"I'm not going to allow you to keep doing our community like this."

While Tyrei's case brought people together on Wednesday afternoon, supporters made it clear they see this as much bigger than a fight over one restaurant. It's a conversation about protecting Black-owned businesses, preserving community spaces, and making sure entrepreneurs have a fair shot at staying open.