First Baptist Church Of Venice Granted Historic Designation

VENICE, CA — Los Angeles City Council voted Wednesday to grant First Baptist Church Of Venice cultural-historic designation.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin, who represents District 11, responded to the vote Wednesday.

"The former First Baptist Church of Venice is a cultural-historic monument," Bonin said via Twitter. "It's a long-overdue step to honor Black history in the historic Oakwood neighborhood of Venice."

It's a big moment for residents and community members who advocated for the church's historic designation in Venice's Oakwood neighborhood.

"I salute the great work of the residents who never gave up, insisting that Venice's #BlackHistoryMatters," Bonin said.

The church has been at the center of a controversial development and real estate project. And in June the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission approved recommending the site, including the church edifice and all adjacent properties, have the historic designation. The Los Angeles City Council Wednesday finalized the decision.

Community organizers call this a major win for Black and brown communities. It's also considered a major step to preserving Venice's history.

Naomi Nightingale, a professor and Venice resident, has pushed for this historic distinction for years.

"Black people were prevented from living or buying homes in the areas outside of the restrictive covenant redlined one-mile area, and I want to emphasize that this Oakwood was this one-mile area within this three-mile section of West Venice. People were able to thrive within this community," Nightingale said. "Despite having to deal with discrimination and racism families and other working-class African Americans built a community, homes, businesses, organizations and a place of worship."

The Oakwood Venice community is the oldest intention Black community on the West Coast. The First Baptist Church of Venice at 685 Westminster Avenue is the oldest Black church in Venice.

In 1905, Arthur Reese and his cousin, Irving Tabor, settled in Venice after leaving Louisiana to escape racism, discrimination and to seek employment opportunities. Reese became an artistic designer for Abbot Kinney's events and the amusement park. Tabor became Kinney's chauffeur.

At the time, Black people were prevented from living or buying homes in areas outside the restricted, redlined, one-mile area. It was in this area where Reese, Tabor and other working-class Black families organized businesses, homes and created a place of worship.

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