November 28, 2019 

LAWT News Service 

 

Councilmember Curren Price held a special ceremony on Nov. 21 dedicating the intersection of Central Avenue and 25th Street as “Bowers Retail Square" in honor of the Bowers Family.

 

Horace C. Bowers Sr., an African American business icon on the historic Central Avenue corridor, was recognized for his contributions and dedication to the local community. Their family owned business known as Bowers & Sons Cleaners continues to be a staple within the greater Los Angeles area for nearly 70 years, spanning over three generations.

 

With a history that began with a greyhound ticket and a dream, the patriarch Bowers Sr., now 91, set forth on a cross country journey from New York to Los Angeles in the 1940's.

 

He would settle in LA, eventually purchasing a small dry-cleaning plant in the 2500 block of South Central Avenue in the 1960's.

 

“Mr. Bowers serves as an example that when you follow your passion, work hard and live your life with integrity, you will leave a legacy,” said Councilman Price. “The marker raised in his honor, will serve as inspiration for future generations to have the courage to stand tall and set out for what they want in life.”

 

Being a savvy business man led Mr. Bowers and his wife of 69 years, Alice, to purchase all of the retail storefronts known as Bowers Retail Complex. Creating roots has always been important to the Bowers family, as well as improving the community they love.

Today, the newly remodeled Bowers Retail Complex is recognized as a pillar of pride in South L.A.

Category: Business