When Tom and Ethel Bradley moved with their two young daughters into a modest three-bedroom home in Leimert Park in 1950,Black people were restricted from buying houses in the neighborhood. The Bradleys had to purchase the home through a white buyer likely affiliated with the American Civil Liberties Union, recalled their oldest daughter, Lorraine Bradley, who was almost 7 years old at the time.

“It was the very first time that a Black family moved into Leimert Park,” said Lorraine, explaining the immediate historic significance of the home, and adding that her parents were brave people who believed integration was essential to equality. “My parents understood the implications of that. They were willing to sacrifice themselves in many regards.”

For the first year, white children on the street wouldn’t play with Lorraine or her 5-year-old sister, but that slowly changed and the family became accepted in the neighborhood. It helped that Tom was a police officer, said Lorraine.

Tom and Ethel explained to their children that, “unless people understood and lived with you, they would only look at you racially and not as a person,” said Lorraine.

The 1,282-square-foot home – where the Bradleys lived until 1977, when Tom was re-elected to a second term as the first Black mayor of Los Angeles and moved the family into the 10,000-square-foot Getty House – is among six buildings of deep importance to Black heritage in L.A. that have been designated Historic Cultural Monuments as part of a project led by the Getty in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles’ Office of Historic Resources.

“We are thrilled for everyone to recognize the courage that my parents took to move to that neighborhood,” said Lorraine. “Somebody had to, so my dad and mom decided it was them.”

the additional sites to receive landmark status are Stylesville barbershop & Beauty Salon in Pacoima; St. Elmo Village and Jewel’s Catch One in Mid-city; the California Eagle newspaper in South L.A.; and new Bethel Baptist Church in Venice.

Where Black and Queer History Found a Home: The Fight to Preserve These Nightclubs

for decades, Black gay nightclubs weren’t just places to dance; they were sanctuaries. They were spaces where people could be themselves, find community, and build families, particularly during times when society offered little acceptance. Now, a movement is underway to preserve the history of these vital cultural hubs, many of which are threatened by gentrification and changing times.

“These spaces were life-saving for so many of us,” says Jewel Thais-Williams, owner of the legendary Jewel’s Catch one in los Angeles, which operated from 1978 to 1999. “It wasn’t just a club. It was a home.”

Jewel’s Catch One, affectionately known as “The Catch,” was more than just a nightclub. It was a haven for Black LGBTQ+ individuals during the height of the AIDS epidemic,a time when mainstream gay bars often excluded Black patrons. Thais-Williams created a space where everyone was welcome, offering support, resources, and a sense of belonging.

“We were a family,” she recalls. “We took care of each other.”

But Jewel’s Catch One, like many other Black gay clubs, faced numerous challenges. Racism, homophobia, and financial struggles were constant battles. Despite these obstacles, these spaces persevered, becoming cornerstones of their communities.

Today, many of these historic nightclubs are disappearing. Gentrification is driving up rents, forcing closures. Changing social attitudes, while positive in some ways, have also led to a fragmentation of community, as LGBTQ+ individuals find acceptance in more mainstream spaces.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, activists and historians are working to document and preserve the legacy of these clubs. the National Trust for Historic Preservation has added several Black gay nightclubs to its list of National Treasures,providing resources and advocacy to help protect them.

“these places are incredibly important to our nation’s history,” says Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the national Trust.”They represent a unique intersection of race, sexuality, and community resilience.”

Efforts to preserve these spaces go beyond simply saving buildings. They involve collecting oral histories, archiving photographs and memorabilia, and creating educational programs to share the stories of these vital cultural institutions.

For Thais-Williams, the fight to preserve these nightclubs is about more than just preserving the past.It’s about ensuring that future generations understand the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them.

“We need to remember where we came from,” she says.”These clubs were a beacon of hope for so many people. We can’t let that history be forgotten.”

The preservation of Black gay nightclubs is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the enduring importance of safe spaces. It’s a reminder that history is often found in the most unexpected places – on the dance floors, in the conversations, and in the hearts of those who found a home within their walls.

A once-forgotten Austin neighborhood is having a moment

For years, the East Austin neighborhood of St. Elmo felt like a secret, a quiet pocket of working-class homes and auto shops tucked away from the city’s booming development. But now,St. Elmo is experiencing a surge in popularity, attracting new residents and businesses while grappling with the challenges of gentrification.

Located just south of the Colorado River and east of Interstate 35, St. Elmo has historically been a predominantly Latino and Black community. Its name comes from the St. Elmo’s Fire electrical phenomenon, a reference to the area’s early days as a rural outpost.

In recent years, the neighborhood has become increasingly attractive to those seeking an alternative to the rapidly rising costs and crowded streets of central Austin. New restaurants, bars, and shops have opened, catering to a diverse clientele. The area’s proximity to downtown, coupled with its more laid-back atmosphere, has fueled the demand.

However, this newfound attention has also brought concerns about displacement and the loss of the neighborhood’s unique character. Longtime residents worry about rising property taxes and the influx of wealthier newcomers. Community organizations are working to address these issues, advocating for affordable housing and policies that protect the neighborhood’s cultural heritage.

Despite the challenges, St. Elmo remains a vibrant and resilient community, proud of its history and hopeful for its future.It’s a neighborhood where old and new coexist, where the scent of barbecue mingles with the aroma of artisanal coffee, and where the spirit of Austin’s past is still very much alive.“`html

Stylesville: A Barbershop and Beauty Salon Rooted in Community

Stylesville Barbershop & Beauty Salon isn’t just a place to get a haircut; it’s a vibrant hub in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles. Founded by husband-and-wife team Michael and Michelle Styles, the salon has become known for its skilled stylists, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to giving back to the community.