... send me out on the sterotypical black roles either the thug or athelete.
Others above can help you better with the nuts & bolts of finding the auditions and acting gigs in LA!
My two cents would be to add that just because they send you to a stereotypical role doesn't mean you have to play it as a stereotypical character!
Now obviously, if all you are is Gangsta #8, who has no dialogue and shoots twice then dies -- there's not much anyone can do to change that. in which case, as others have said: it pays the rent, it pads the resume, you hang with other actors and crew and maybe network, and maybe someone else sees you up on the screen and likes your look and wants you for something bigger etc.
But if you have any lines or any chance to bring in something unexpected to the character ... NO role needs to be wasted nor stereotypical. Who says Gangsta #7 can't be pushing drugs to keep his baby sister off the streets, or whatever?
You can always PLAY a role a different way. You can always SUGGEST something unique to a director.
Here's THE WAY to win a director's heart: PLAY it like the DIRECTOR wants it ... but have another take up your sleeve to offer too. Time and production restraints aside, EVERY Director is probably as bored by "stereotypical" roles as YOU are. Give him/her something NEW and FRESH and you'll be noticed!
There's a reason VILLAINS stand out more than heroes, sometimes.
Another idea might be: remember to network with the struggling INDIE filmmakers too! There are BIGGER ROLES to be had where the filmmakers are desperately hungry and needy for QUALITY ACTORS who work with much dedication and little money!
Go for big money, you're competing with the "known" actors big money can buy ...