An Ode To Insecure- Inglewood

From one awkward Black girl to another, Issa Rae is the epitome of grace and Black excellence. We have literally watched her blossom into this beautful butterfly. Extending her resume to not just TV, but to film, hair care and so much more.

With her show, “Insecure” ending with season 5, this will be the happiest saddest day of our lives. The group chats will be lit, Twitter is going to be in a frenzy, and this final season is truly upsetting to me and my homegirls.

I’ve gone to California several times, but never had the opportunity to explore Inglewood. I decided that I was going to curate an Insecure Tour. Doing all the things that Issa Rae does, where she shot her show and where her businesses reside. This was a combination of supporting Black-owned businesses and exploring Inglewood in general.

This tour showed me how much Issa Rae showed up for her community and this is why I truly love her. She has always been that best friend in my head. She also reminds me of me. A Black woman that loves to curate content and who is rooting for everyone Black. ✊🏾

The Dunes

If you’re a true Insecure stan, you already know that visiting The Dunes is an obligatory picture. This is the apartment building where Issa lived with her ex-boyfriend, Lawerence.

Hilltop Coffee & Kitchen

Co-founders Ajay Relan and Yonnie Hagos partnered with producer and actress Issa Rae from HBO’s Insecure. Hilltop Coffee & Kitchen has 3 locations in Inglewood and offers all-day dining, live performances, and a space for the local creative community to gather. I went to the location La Brea Ave.

Randy’s Donuts

In an opening montage of LA monuments, a shot of Randy’s Donuts reminds viewers that the show is in or about Inglewood. The giant donut has become a staple. Open 24 hours, Randy’s still produces very fine donuts.

Pictured: Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles

Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles is a frequent choice for movie and television shoots, but usually at the Hollywood location. As you may know, I have mentioned this eatery before in my Things To Do In L.A. post. The Insecure team opted for season one’s “Shady as F**k” location at the Roscoes on Pico near La Brea. Lawrence meets his friend under the hue of neon lights, 1970s decor, in a significantly larger space than Roscoe’s Hollywood.

Sip & Sonder

Sip & Sonder isn’t a part of the Insecure show, but it is literally around the corner from Hilltop and it is Black-owned coffee shop. This coffee shop is the premier destination for creatives, entrepreneurs, freelancers, curators, and everyone in between to simply exist, grab a cup of coffee, connect, create, and put sonder into action.

Not pictured: Crossaint and Matcha Tea