FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2025
Contact: Devyn Bakewell
Email: Devyn.Bakewell@lacity.org
LOS ANGELES, CA — On Thursday, August 14, 2025, Councilwoman Heather Hutt and the Getty celebrated the official designation of three new Historic-Cultural Monuments, recognizing their deep significance to Black heritage in Los Angeles. The ceremony marked a major milestone for the African American Historic Places Los Angeles (AAHPLA) initiative, a partnership dedicated to identifying and preserving places that tell the story of the city’s Black community.
The day's events included plaque unveiling ceremonies at each of the newly designated sites, which were attended by members of the media, community leaders, and the families of those being honored.
The New Historic-Cultural Monuments
The three new designations are:
Tom & Ethel Bradley Residence: Located in Leimert Park, this was the home of Los Angeles's first Black mayor, Tom Bradley, and his wife, Ethel. Their residence is now officially recognized for its historical importance as a center of political and social life in the city.
St. Elmo Village: A long-standing arts collective and residential space, St. Elmo Village has been a hub for Black artists and community members for decades. Founded by artists Roderick and Rozella Sykes, it continues to serve as a beacon of creative expression and cultural preservation.
Jewel’s Catch One: Founded by activist and entrepreneur Jewel Thais-Williams, this historic nightclub was a critical safe haven for Black and LGBTQ+ communities. It is now recognized for its legacy as a cultural landmark and a symbol of nightlife, activism, and resilience.
“As we unveil these plaques today, we're doing more than just honoring legacies—we're cementing their story in the permanent record of our city,” said Councilwoman Heather Hutt, Council District 10, during the event. “We live in a time where accurate depictions of our history are often under threat, where important stories can be overlooked or even erased. Today, we take a stand against that. We are making a promise to future generations that this legacy of unity, service, and courage will not be forgotten.”
“At a time when our diverse societies core values are being challenged, Los Angeles City Planning remains committed to serving all Angelinos with respect and dignity,” said Vince Bertoni, City of Los Angeles Director of Planning. “The adoption of these historic designations represent an exciting first milestone of the African American historic places Los Angeles partnership between the city and the Getty.”
“There are so many people here who have added something to this. This is a legacy for everybody here [because] so many have contributed to the legacy that will go on with these plaques,” said Rita Cofield, Associate Project Specialist at Getty Conservation Institute.
Councilwoman Hutt was joined by Vince Bertoni from the Los Angeles Planning Department and Rita Cofield of the Getty. The families of Tom and Ethel Bradley, the St. Elmo Village community, and the family of Jewel Thais-Williams were also in attendance to celebrate these important historical recognitions.
The designation of these monuments ensures that the legacy and contributions of these individuals and places are permanently preserved and honored as a vital part of Los Angeles's rich history.
