By Sheana Ochoa
Pre 9/11, few secular Americans put much thought into the schism between the West and the Middle East, other than a lingering aftertaste from last century’s Iranian hostage crisis and the first Gulf War. Addressing this in the summer of 2001, a group of forward-thinking Angelenos with Middle Eastern roots would soon seem almost prescient in their founding of the Levantine Cultural Center (LCC)— an attempt to narrow the gap between the United States and the Arab/Muslim world before it became a chasm. Unlike other peace talks, this one would focus on artistic and educational exchanges.
Now, after presenting hundreds of artistic and educational programs, the Center on Pico Boulevard in West L.A. is approaching a decade of presenting their pan-cultural perspective dedicated to nullifying the us-vs.-them mindset. As the Pogo comic strip so memorably quipped, “We have met the enemy and they are us.”
In creating a safe space for exchanges between cultures—whether American Arab, South Asian Muslim, American or Israeli Jew, immigrant Armenian or second generation Iranian—the LCC offers a regular menu of diverse programs, such as doumbek classes in Arabic drumming, a June 29 screening of Iara Lee’s Cultures of Resistance (in conjunction with local women’s activist group CodePink), a creative writing workshop focused on the immigrant experience, and numerous dance, concert and even comedy performances. Its extensive library offers a plethora of fiction and nonfiction titles not likely to be found in mainstream bookstores; well-known and emerging artists featured in its revolving art gallery provide fresh scenery every month; and the Web site presents reviews of books by Middle Eastern authors and clips from Al Jazeeera, as well as links to relevant news stories in the American media.
The Center has been particularly busy since the Tunisian Revolution initiated a cascade of cries for reform in the Middle East and North Africa in the past six months, perhaps due to immigrants and second-generation Angelenos eager to explore their commonality. And with so many international events in the news, it’s brought the Middle East to the forefront of people’s attention, no matter what their country of origin.
Although Levantine is currently the only organization of its kind in the country, executive director Jordan Elgrably envisions it as the start of something larger. “The grander vision,” he explains, “is to have Middle Eastern cultural centers around the world.”
5998 W Pico Blvd., LA 90035. 310.657.5511
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