Today In Black History
Bridget "Biddy" Mason, California Nurse, Entrepreneur, Land Owner, Philanthropist, and co-founder of FAME Church in LA
Issue #596 Today In Black History, Thursday, May 9, 2024
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Today’s Black History WOW!
Bridget Biddy Mason was born in slavery in Georgia around August 15, 1818, and was a nurse, a midwife, a Californian real estate entrepreneur, and a philanthropist. She was one of the founders of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, California. While enslaved, she developed a variety of skills and a knowledge of medicine, child care, and livestock care.
Mason was gifted to her owners as a young girl and was forced to move around with them as they relocated to different states. Eventually, she ended up in the free state of California where she was able to gain her freedom in 1856 due to the state's laws at the time. She saved up enough money to buy property in downtown Los Angeles. This purchase made her one of the first African American women to own land in the city.
Mason used her wealth to help others in need. She was known for her generosity and compassion, providing food and shelter to those less fortunate. Using her knowledge of herbal remedies, she risked her life to care for those affected by the smallpox epidemic in Los Angeles.
Mason was a founding member of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles, the city's first Black church, donating the land on which the church was built. The organizing meetings were held in her home on Spring Street. She also helped establish a school for African American children.
Bridget Biddy Mason died on January 15, 1891, in Los Angeles and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in the neighborhood of Boyle Heights.
Mason is an honoree in the California Social Work Hall of Distinction. She was also celebrated on Biddy Mason Day on November 16, 1989. A ceremony at the Broadway Spring Center unveiled a memorial to highlight her achievements.
Near the site of Mason's home lies the 82-foot-long (25 m) installation in her honor. The concrete wall contains embedded objects that tell the story of Mason's life.
Biddy Mason Park is near the site of Mason's home. It is a downtown Los Angeles city park and the site of an art installation describing her life.
Her legacy lives on today through the Biddy Mason Charitable Foundation, which provides support and resources to underserved communities.
Today In Black History
In 1865, President Andrew Johnson issued a proclamation declaring armed resistance in the South ended the Civil War.
In 1960, Nigeria became a member of the British Commonwealth.
In 1966, Andrew F. Brimmer became the 1st Black member of the Federal Reserve Board.
In 1970, “Purlie,” a play based on “Purlie Victorious” by Ossie Davis, opened.
In 1974, the House Judiciary Committee, including Black representatives John Conyers (D-MI) and Barbara Jordan (D-TX0, opened hearings to decide whether to recommend the impeachment of President Richard Nixon due to the Watergate controversy.
In 1977, Mabel Murphy Smythe was confirmed as ambassador to the Republic of Cameroon.
In 2009, Jacob Zuma was sworn in as president of South Africa.
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