Miriam Matthews, sister of businesswoman Ella Matthews and lawyer Charles Matthews, was hired in 1927 as the first African American librarian in the Los Angeles Public Library. Matthews was also a civil rights activist, historian, and collector of African American art and primary source materials. First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, is the oldest church founded by African Americans in the City of Los Angeles, dating to 1872. Biddy Mason established the church to minister to the mind, body, and soul of the community. This church served as the cornerstone of the community for spiritual growth, social uplift, and economic development. Five African American men, four women and one small child stand in a semi-circle around the dedication plaque at the site of the destroyed First African Methodist Episcopal Church building on 8th St. and Towne Ave. Miriam Matthews is on the right.
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image
Identifier
uclalsc_1889_b17_f14_003a.tif ark:/21198/z15h90fv
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Historical markers African American churches Dedications First African Methodist Episcopal Church (Los Angeles, Calif.) Matthews, Miriam
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