Latest Breaking News On - Los angeles cultural heritage commission - Page 15 : vimarsana.com

By ALEJANDRA MOLINA Religion News Service LOS ANGELES (RNS) — On a recent Sunday, about 10 people sat outside the steps of the boarded-up First Baptist Church of Venice, a century-old congregation that, to many, remains a symbol of the thriving Black population that once existed in the seaside town of Los Angeles. They discussed potential uses for the church that would benefit the community. It could reopen as a library to highlight the Black history of the Oakwood neighborhood, some suggested. Maybe it could host coding classes for kids or serve as a space for interfaith gatherings. They also shared childhood memories of the church and lamented the forces transforming Venice from a working-class and bohemian artist enclave to a wealthy neighborhood. They bemoaned the new geometric boxed houses lining the streets — houses they said feel out of character with the area.

United statesFirst baptist churchLos angelesIngrid muellerBishop elmer lawrence holmesBen affleckJay penskeHorace allenSherman clayJon wolffGeorge floydCorita kentLee polsterNaomi nightingaleLos angeles city councilAssociated press