Hank Jackson, South L.A. community pillar and market owner, dies at 85

Henry 'Hank' Jackson, the owner of Hank’s Mini Market in Hyde Park, has died at the age of 85. His family confirmed he passed away last month at his home in View Park-Windsor Hills. The beloved community figure leaves behind a legacy of resilience and service in South Los Angeles. Jackson opened Hank’s Mini Market in 1997, at a time when many businesses were leaving South L.A. after the riots. He was 57 then and had spent 37 years working in finance at Lockheed-Martin before taking on the challenge. The store quickly became a local staple.

In March 2019, his daughter Kelli revitalised the market after a temporary closure. She redesigned the space, adding fresh produce, local brands, and a welcoming exterior. Just a month later, the shop hosted a tribute for Nipsey Hussle, the late rapper and activist from Crenshaw. The market has since grown into a thriving community hub, hosting neighbourhood events and cultural gatherings. However, it is now temporarily closed again, with plans to reopen in 2026. On October 21, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell adjourned a Board of Supervisors meeting in Jackson’s memory, honouring his impact on the area.

Jackson’s death marks the end of an era for Hank’s Mini Market, a business that stood as a symbol of perseverance in South L.A. The store’s planned reopening in 2026 will carry forward his vision of a space that serves and unites the community.