Dedication of the plaque commemorating the First A.M.E. Church at 8th St. and Towne Ave., Los Angeles, 1973

Title: Dedication of the plaque commemorating the First A.M.E. Church at 8th St. and Towne Ave., Los Angeles, 1973
Alternative title: Dedication of Historical Plaque at 8th and Towne
Date Created: December, 13, 1973
Date: 1973-12-13
Collection: Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections

Description: First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, is the oldest church founded by African Americans in the City of Los Angeles, dating to 1872. Biddy Mason established the church to minister to the mind, body, and soul of the community. This church served as the cornerstone of the community for spiritual growth, social uplift, and economic development.
Fourteen African American men, one woman, and one small child stand in a semi-circle around the dedication plaque at the site of the destroyed First African Methodist Episcopal Church building on 8th St. and Towne Ave. Everyone is in dress attire with a ribbon on their chest. The street is visible in the background with cars and store fronts.