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Community Ubuntu Spotlight:
Ubuntu is an African philosophy that places an emphasis on community and interconnectedness: I am because you are. Ubuntu reminds us to take care of one another and to restore collective faith in humanity to ensure that our neighbor is healthy. This is very much in alignment with FAAN’s mission to address the national homelessness crisis by advocating for cultures of belonging with a vision of advancing beloved communities.
Danny Park, Community Leader formerly with Skid Row People’s Market
Danny credits his village and Ancestors for providing him with a newfound perspective on what it means to be healthy.
Danny Park has led the development and operations of Skid Row People’s Market, a 29 year legacy community-based grocery shop in Downtown, Skid Row focusing on healthy foods, jobs and beloved community.
He co-founded Skid Row Coffee, a social enterprise café formerly at the Los Angeles Public Library, now inside the Creating Justice LA Peace and Healing Center.
He’s dedicated to social, economic and spiritual healing through community and civic engagement and likes to read, journal and practice meditation.
At the heart of Skid Row, lies a beacon of hope and transformation: the Skid Row People’s Market. For nearly 30 years, this family-owned community grocery store has been more than just a place to purchase food; it's acted as a hub of public health and safety initiatives, using food as a vehicle to address the overall health of the community. As the son of the founders (Bob & May Park), Danny Park has taken it upon himself to examine the inputs and outputs of the Skid Row neighborhood. At large, the People’s Market strives to understand and improve the intricate dynamics that contribute to community wellbeing.
Reflecting on work and being intentional in exploring non-Western dimensions of health has revealed valuable lessons. The nourishment of the mind, body, and soul has become an important part of Danny’s journey so coming to the realization that the operating the People’s Market was impairing some facets of Danny’s wellbeing was difficult. Pastor Cue, a close friend of Danny’s and founder of Creating Justice, is currently in works to purchase the community grocery store in hopes to continue Danny’s vision of providing holistic wellness to the Skid Row residents. Pouring nourishment into oneself goes beyond just the tangible foods we consume. It consists of the healthy consumption of one’s environment, relationships, and community. The concept of Ubuntu, which emphasizes mutual support and interconnectedness, is intrinsically tied to our relationships and amplifies Skid Row People’s Market’s message of nourishment.
Danny has accredited his village and ancestors for providing him a newfound perspective on what it means to be healthy. Reflecting on work and being intentional in exploring non-Western dimensions of health has revealed valuable lessons. The nourishment of the mind, body, and soul has become an important part of Danny’s journey so coming to the realization that the operating the People’s Market was impairing some facets of Danny’s wellbeing was difficult. Pastor Cue, a close friend of Danny’s and founder of Creating Justice, is currently in works to purchase the community grocery store in hopes to continue Danny’s vision of providing holistic wellness to the Skid Row residents. Pouring nourishment into oneself goes beyond just the tangible foods we consume. It consists of the healthy consumption of one’s environment, relationships, and community. The concept of Ubuntu, which emphasizes mutual support and interconnectedness, is intrinsically tied to our relationships and amplifies Skid Row People’s Market’s message of nourishment.
While the People’s Market will no longer be led by Danny; his contributions to not only the community grocery store, but to Skid Row’s residents at large is everlasting. He asks people to continue to support the work by seeking partnerships with Skid Row People’s Market and providing monthly donations whenever possible.