Los Angeles has recently added six new Historic-Cultural Monuments, celebrating sites that are rich in Black heritage.
This landmark designation project has been over three years in the making and is a collaborative effort with the city to recognize sites that preserve the region’s Black history and culture.
Among the newly designated sites are StylesVille barber shop in Pacoima, which is noted as the oldest Black-owned business in the San Fernando Valley.
Another notable site recognized is Jewel’s Catch One, one of the city’s first gay nightclubs for people of color, reflecting the diverse history of the community.
According to Los Angeles City Planning, as of January 2023, only 4% of the city’s 1,260 locally designated landmarks represent African American history.
Rita Cofield, an associate project specialist at the Getty Conservation Institute, remarked on the joy of seeing the stewards of these sites excited about their new bronze plaques, recently installed at some locations.
“Not to be cheesy, but it warms my heart to see these stewards so excited to get this plaque,” she shared with LAist.
Cofield further emphasized that these structures aren’t just relics; they remain actively used and celebrated within their communities.
The Historic-Cultural Monument status granted to these six sites provides significant protections against alterations that could compromise their historical integrity.
While changes to the properties are allowed, they must go through the Office of Historic Resources, ensuring that any modifications respect the character-defining features of each monument.
Preserving these sites means managing change thoughtfully rather than prohibiting renovations altogether, as highlighted by Cofield.
Celebrations are scheduled for Thursday to honor these historic places, including the Tom and Ethel Bradley Residence, St. Elmo Village, and Jewel’s Catch One.
Details for the StylesVille ceremony are expected to be announced soon.
Here’s the complete list of the newly designated African American Historic Places in Los Angeles (AAHPLA):
1. StylesVille Barbershop & Beauty Salon, 13161 Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima
Established in 1958 by Fred and Ollie Carter, StylesVille has become a cornerstone of the Pacoima community and is recognized as the oldest Black-owned business in the San Fernando Valley.
2. St. Elmo Village, 4820-4846 West St. Elmo Dr., Los Angeles
Founded by Rozzell and Roderick Sykes, this beloved artists’ compound features residences, art studios, and cultivated landscapes, serving as an artist enclave.
3. Tom and Ethel Bradley Residence, 3807 Welland Ave., Los Angeles
This historic residence is the former home of Tom and Ethel Bradley, who were significant figures in Los Angeles history, with Tom being the city’s first Black mayor.
4. Jewel’s Catch One, 4061 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles
As one of the most influential nightclubs in L.A., Jewel’s Catch One was a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and people of color, as highlighted by its founder Jewel Thais-Williams.
5. California Eagle, 4071-4075 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles
Once home to one of the longest-running Black-owned and operated newspapers in Los Angeles, the California Eagle played a vital role in the community.
6. New Bethel Baptist Church, 503-505 E. Brooks Ave., Venice
Founded in 1952 during a time when many Black families were moving to the area for defense jobs during World War II, this church has been a cornerstone of the community.
As these sites receive their recognition, Los Angeles continues to celebrate and preserve the rich tapestry of Black heritage that has significantly shaped the city.
image source from：laist
