February is African American Heritage Month and, to celebrate, Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin has released a new “Black History is L.A. History” interactive online map, showcasing “15 local places, monuments and institutions that are culturally and historically significant to the development of the City’s African American community.”
Galperin said in a press release announcing the resource, “From the days of Biddy Mason to Mayor Tom Bradley and the muralists who beautify our neighborhoods, the African American community has done so much to shape Los Angeles…This map gives a virtual tour of some of the City’s most valued historic sites, along with others that deserve greater public visibility, illustrating how Black Angelenos have helped transform L.A. into a diverse, modern metropolis.”
According to the press release, the new map “is part of Galperin’s mission to use mapping, data and innovative strategies to promote civic engagement and better connect the public with their City. The map allows users to explore places of worship, museums, notable residences and other significant landmarks throughout the City that underscore some of the contributions of the African American community.”
The sites listed include the Calvary Baptist Church in Pacoima, the Theme Building at LAX, Watts Towers Arts Center, Obama Blvd., The Gilbert Lindsay Residence, the Second Baptist Church, The African American Firefighter Museum, Biddy Mason Memorial Park, the Tom Bradley Room at LA City Hall, Oscar-award-winning actress Hattie McDaniel’s residence, the California African American Museum, the Betty Hill Residence, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, the Crenshaw Wall, and Leimert Plaza Park.
Locations, photos and descriptions of each site are included, explaining their significance, and there’s also a separate link included, where you can learn more about African American City employees.
