BAAPOR Tour of Black Los Angeles

Get ready to explore Black Los Angeles like never before with the BAAPOR Tour! This is your chance to dive into the rich culture, history, and stories that shape LA’s Black communities. Join us in person for an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant neighborhoods, inspiring landmarks, and local gems. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, this tour gives you the real deal on Black LA. Don’t miss out—come see the city through a fresh lens!

Info: Bridget “Biddy” Mason was born into slavery in 1818. Not much is known of her early life, but by the time she was a young adult she was enslaved in the household of Robert Smith. In 1847, she traveled, mostly on foot, from Mississippi to Utah with the Smith household. The household lived in Salt Lake City for two years, then resettled in San Bernardino, California in 1851. California was admitted to the Union in 1850 as a free, nonslave state, which meant Smith was holding Mason illegally. Mason fought for her freedom in court, with the trial ruling confirming her freedom in 1856.https://www.nps.gov/people/biddymason.htm

Info: When Los Angeles was founded, the original 44 settlers came from diverse backgrounds. Historical records note that 26 of the 42 non-white settlers had some degree of African ancestry. These early African-descended residents were part of the Californio community, which included Spanish, Mexican, and Indigenous peoples. They lived in the plaza area, including on Olvera Street, and contributed to the cultural and economic life of the pueblo.https://www.calleolvera.com/

Info: Built as the Hotel Somerville, the Dunbar Hotel played a key role in L.A.’s African American community for decades. Doctor John Somerville built the hotel for the first West Coast convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1928. The hotel provided first-class accommodations for African Americans in segregated Los Angeles, who were denied comparable lodging elsewhere.

Info: Destination Crenshaw is a 1.3-mile open-air museum and cultural corridor along Crenshaw Boulevard, celebrating Black Los Angeles through art, design, and community. Built by and for the people of South LA, it’s a permanent monument to creativity, resilience, and belonging.

Info: Time permitting, we will drive by the City of Inglewood's premier sports and entertainment hub that are home to Sofi Stadium (indoor-outdoor stadium hosting NFL games, concerts, and major events like Super Bowl LVI, the 2023 College Football Championship, and upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup matches) , Intuit Dome (home to the Los Angeles Clippers), and the Kia Forum (known for concerts and entertainment events).

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Host or Publisher Dr. Shakari Byerly