Historic Black Churches of Los Angeles: Influence and Architecture in Four Neighborhoods

AZUSA, Calif.-Azusa Pacific University and the California African American Museum (CAAM) cohost Historic Black Churches of Los Angeles: Influence and Architecture in Four Neighborhoods, October 24-November 21, 2011. The exhibit, part of the university’s 400th anniversary celebration of the King James Bible, is displayed in Duke Art Hall, on APU’s West Campus, 701 E. Foothill Blvd, in Azusa. Public viewing hours are Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free.

The Historic Black Churches of Los Angeles exhibit features illustrated banners of period photographs and maps from CAAM that celebrate the role of local Black churches as cultural, political, and social centers for their communities in historic Los Angeles. The display highlights the people, contributions, denominations, and architecture of early Black churches established through 1945 within the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Temple Beaudy, Central Avenue, South Los Angeles, and West Adams-Jefferson Park.

The CAAM, a state agency, and Friends, the foundation, present this exhibit as part of the “CAAM in the Community” traveling exhibits and programs initiative.

On Saturday, November 12, APU hosts A Celebration of the Legacy of the King James Bible and the African American Church. Highlights of this daylong event include special guest speakers Michelle Burford, journalist and founding senior editor of O’ The Oprah Magazine, and Bishop Noel Jones, pastor of City of Refuge Church.

To learn more about Historic Black Churches of Los Angeles, and view a full calendar of events for APU’s 400th celebration of the King James Bible, visit www.apu.edu/kingjamesbible/events.

To schedule a media interview with the director of CAAM, please contact Rachel White, assistant director of public relations at Azusa Pacific University, (626) 815-4502 or send an email to rewhite@apu.edu.

Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical, Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher education. With 53 undergraduate majors, 37 master’s degrees, 21 credentials, 7 doctoral programs, and 5 certificates, the university offers its more than 9,200 students a quality education on campus, online, and at seven regional centers throughout Southern California.

Contact: Rachel White Assistant Director of Public Relations (626) 815-4502 || rewhite@apu.edu

IMAGE CREDIT: "Wade in the Water." Postcard of a river baptism in New Bern, North Carolina near the turn of the 20th century. By American [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons