The history of Los Angeles has made a major impact on the history of Black people. Black Angelenos have broken barriers, creating illustrious businesses, taking ownership of property, creating cultural institutions, and so much more since the city’s start over 150 years ago. In honor of the ending of the year’s Black History Month, Controller Ron Galperin has created a guide to Los Angeles’ public places and spaces that impact African Americans.
Galperin, Los Angeles Controller, recognizes the work that African Americans have done, setting the foundation for the city’s success to this day. His map strongly highlights where the community has made important strides in Los Angeles’ widely-known liberal and diverse ways.
The list does not showcase every important place in the city, but focuses more on publicly-owned, recognized environments that are significant to the development of Los Angeles’ Black community. Detailed descriptions of how and why these spaces play such an importance into both Black and Los Angeles history is also provided.
Famous places such as Calvary Baptist Church of Pacoima, the Theme Building at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), the African American Firefighter Museum, Councilman Gilbert Lindsay’s home, and even Obama Boulevard are all listed and mentioned on the map with addresses.
Today, fifteen percent (about 7,885 people) of all city employees are African American. The community has had a profound influence on City government. African Americans have worked their way to the top in a number of fields, playing vital roles that have contributed to the Los Angeles we know and love.
Galperin has given anyone an opportunity to go on a “special” tour of Los Angeles that highlights the importance that Black people have on the city, and the strides we have made to get to where we are today. The Los Angeles Controller has successfully recognized the pivotal significance that our community has played in all of Los Angeles’ upbringing since its start.
While Los Angeles’ celebration of Black History Month, also known as African American Heritage Month, is coming to an end, Galperin has provided a fun activity that allows one to take recognition of the bounds and leaps Black people have made for the City even after February. These Historic-Cultural Monuments are currently available to visit.
The Los Angeles Sentinel encourages all readers to visit more of Los Angeles’ Black Historical Monuments, and learn about the history that we have created for this City. The guide, map and information of each space and place can be found on https://lacontroller.org/data-stories-and-maps/black-history-la/.
