WEST ADAMS : Tour Highlights L.A.’s Black History

A free tour of historic black Los Angeles will start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Golden State Mutual Life building, 1999 W. Adams Blvd.

Points of interest will include the Biddy Mason Monument, Sugar Hill, homes of film stars, business and residential buildings designed by architect Paul R. Williams, Ralph Bunche’s home, the Dunbar Hotel and the city’s two oldest black churches.

The tour, part of a celebration of Black History Month, is sponsored by Our Authors Study Club of the Assn. for the Study of Afro-American Life and History. The club was formed in 1945 by Carter G. Woodson to examine the works of black authors, write book reviews and increase knowledge of black history.

The group was instrumental in persuading the city to officially proclaim Negro History Week in 1950. In the early ‘60s, it worked with Los Angeles school district officials to institute black history courses at Dorsey and Manual Arts Community Adult Schools. Through further efforts by the Washington-based association, the weeklong observance evolved into a nationwide Black History Month in 1976.

The tour is expected to last three to four hours. Seats on the four or five buses, each with a capacity of about 40, will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bring a lunch or money to buy it. Parking is free in Golden State’s lot. Souvenir T-shirts will be on sale for $8.

Information: (213) 295-0521 or 758-4520.