Our Authors Study Club

03/24/2026

https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/year-black-woman/love-letter-black-woman

Throughout history, Black women have given birth, kept families intact, built businesses, and battled tremendous odds to Make a Way Out of No Way.

03/18/2026

Gotta love it! Congratulations Michael B. Jordan.

02/28/2026

What a beautiful and spirit-filled evening.

Our Authors Study Club, Inc. hosted our 76th Annual Citywide Black History Celebration – Citywide Interdenominational Worship Service at Second Baptist Church, and it was truly a sacred gathering of healing, praise, and renewal.

The choirs opened with “Every Praise,” and we were led into worship through Lift Every Voice and Sing, prayer, reflection, and powerful messages from clergy across our city. We made space to weep, to reflect, and to stand together for healing — for our families, our city, and our nation.

Howard Alston’s moving saxophone rendition of Amazing Grace filled the sanctuary, and Lura Ball ministered beautifully with Take Me to the King during the offering. Later, as pastors came down to pray with those in need, Lura and the choir softly sang I Trust in God, creating a sacred and tender atmosphere of comfort and strength.

From “A Stand for Healing” to “A Time to Rise” to Rev. Dr. James D. Key’s powerful message, Rise Again: Renewed for the Journey, the evening reminded us that even in seasons of mourning, we rise together — renewed in faith and committed to a kinder, more just future.

Thank you to every pastor, musician, volunteer, and community member who joined us. This is what unity looks like.

02/28/2026

We were honored to attend Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s Second District Black History Month Award Presentation, celebrating Freedom Riders and Second District residents Dr. Robert Singleton and Helen Singleton.

More than 60 years ago, as college students, the Singletons courageously volunteered to become Freedom Riders—risking their lives to challenge segregation in interstate travel. Arrested in Jackson and incarcerated at Mississippi State Penitentiary alongside hundreds of others, their actions helped push the federal government to enforce national regulations prohibiting discrimination in interstate travel.

It was powerful to meet these living freedom fighters, hear their stories, and stand in support of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Second District, as she honored their legacy.

As we commemorate a century of nationally organized Black history observances, we remain inspired by leaders like the Singletons whose bold action created pathways for future generations.

02/28/2026

02/27/2026

A neighborhood landmark in Leimert Park is gearing up for its next act. KTLA's Omar Lewis speaks with city and community leaders about the $40 million renova...

02/27/2026

02/17/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a steadfast champion for civil rights, economic justice, and human dignity.

Rev. Jackson carried forward the moral vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., transforming protest into sustained civic engagement. Through Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition, he called the nation to confront inequity in education, employment, voting rights, and global human rights. His leadership reflected a belief that history must guide action and that faith must be lived out through service.

As Our Authors Study Club of Los Angeles, chartered in 1945 within the educational vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, we recognize in Rev. Jackson a leader who embodied Woodson’s principle that Black history is foundational to American democracy and must inform public life. His work resonated deeply in Southern California, where many of our members witnessed his visits, organizing efforts, and encouragement of local clergy, educators, and community advocates. His presence strengthened the civic fabric of Los Angeles and affirmed that disciplined study and collective action go hand in hand.

We also honor the legacy of our founder, Vassie D. Wright, whose commitment to scholarship and community engagement mirrors the tradition of principled leadership Rev. Jackson represented. Both understood that institutions matter, organized communities matter, and history must be preserved with purpose.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all whose lives were shaped by his courage, faith, and unwavering voice for justice. May we continue the work with warmth, discipline, and resolve.

(Still photo taken from last year's video when Rev. Jesse Jackson was awarded the Living Legacy Award by our national organization, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).)