Catch up on Poetic Neighbor’s latest community highlights—from the Obodo Green Grocer grand opening to the launch of our new RENT Party initiative. This blog recaps our February and March events across the Historic Westside and beyond, featuring local Black-owned businesses, cultural celebrations, and grassroots movement building. Whether you’re looking to stay connected, get involved, or just see what we’ve been up to—you’ll find it all here.

Discover how Cheyenne, a Las Vegas-based farmer and food advocate, is transforming the Historic Westside through The Obodo Urban Farm. Learn how her journey from culinary arts school to community farming is tackling food apartheid, increasing access to fresh produce, and inspiring a new generation to reconnect with the land. Explore the upcoming opening of Obodo Grocery Store and the mission to grow food, trust, and community from the ground up.

Rooted in history and powered by community, rent parties were a lifeline for Black families in the early 20th century—combining music, culture, and collective support. Today, Poetic Neighbor is bringing that tradition forward to sustain Black-owned businesses in Las Vegas. Discover the history, the impact, and why investing in Black entrepreneurship is more important than ever.

Uncover the story of Barbershop Jackson, a landmark of Las Vegas' Historic Westside on Jackson Ave. See how Tracy is reviving his family’s legacy of barbering, creating inclusive spaces rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and community pride.

This blog highlights Las Vegas' new leadership with the swearing-in of Shondra Summers-Armstrong as Ward 5 City Council Representative and Shelley Berkley as Mayor. Ward 5, home to the Historic Westside, will be at the center of efforts focused on affordable housing, public safety, economic development, and community engagement. The blog explores their extensive backgrounds, key priorities, and vision for progress. Learn about their goals, notable quotes from their swearing-in ceremonies, and how their leadership could shape the future of Las Vegas.

Level up your holiday gift exchange with Black Elephant — a unique twist on White Elephant that supports Black-owned businesses. Learn the simple rules of the game, explore a curated list of Black-owned brands, and find gift ideas for every type of shopper — from local gems to last-minute finds. Make this holiday season more intentional, impactful, and fun with Black Elephant.

The dinner table has always been more than a place to eat—it’s where stories are shared, bonds are strengthened, and communities are built. But as life pulls us in different directions, this tradition is slipping away. In this post, we explore the impact of losing these moments and how we can bring them back to create connection, heal, and make new memories together.

Amid the noise of social media and chaotic times, discover a powerful reflection on connection, resilience, and history. Dive into the beauty of Black Las Vegas through archival photography, art, and storytelling, and explore how these timeless practices sustain and strengthen communities. A reminder that we’ve done it before—and we’ll do it again, together.

Explore the impact of cooperative economics on community empowerment and wealth-building in the Historic Westside and Black Las Vegas. As we celebrate National Co-op Month, discover how cooperative business models can foster resilience, unity, and economic growth in historically underserved communities. Learn how these principles can drive sustainable change and support long-term prosperity.

Explore the latest updates from the Ward 5 Community Forum, highlighting significant developments in the Historic Westside of Las Vegas. From new affordable housing projects and major infrastructure improvements to the upcoming Historic Westside Health and Wellness Center, find out how these initiatives are driving revitalization. Learn about the city's commitment to economic growth, public/private partnerships, and community investment as part of The HUNDRED Plan in Action. Stay up-to-date on the transformation of this vibrant neighborhood.

Catch up with Poetic Neighbor and discover what we’ve been working on behind the scenes! From refreshing our brand and planning new fashion releases to supporting the community through meaningful projects, we’ve been busy creating something special.

In many low access communities, food apartheids—formerly known as food deserts—create significant disparities in access to nutritious food, contributing to health inequities. This blog post delves into the concept of food apartheids, highlighting the systemic roots of these inequities and their impact on community health and wellbeing. We explore successful initiatives addressing these issues, such as the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative and Just Food, and discuss the Hundred Plan in Action's efforts to establish a community co-op grocery store in the Historic Westside of Las Vegas. Additionally, we outline ways to get involved, including supporting local food initiatives, advocating for policy change, and participating in community planning. Join us in fostering a more equitable future by understanding and addressing food apartheids.

Discover the vital role of city council members in shaping our communities. Learn about their key responsibilities, from passing local ordinances to advocating for residents' needs, and understand why your vote in the 2024 Ward 5 council election is crucial for the future of the Historic Westside. Make an informed decision and choose a representative who reflects your values and has an actionable plan for positive change.

The Historic Westside is grappling with the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which intensifies heat and air pollution, raising energy costs and health risks for the community. Sustainable urban design initiatives, including projects at UNLV and changes to building codes, aim to address these challenges, creating a cooler and more resilient neighborhood​​.

Explore the potential impact of urban renewal vs gentrification in Las Vegas' Historic Westside. Learn about the challenges and opportunities facing this vibrant community.

This journey through time highlights key milestones and the indelible mark left by Black Las Vegans.