The Hidden Black History That Built Los Angeles

Most people don’t need Google Translate to tell them Los Angeles means “City of Angels.” But no app can explain what the Afro-Latino diaspora means to the creation of the city.

#1: Los Angeles’ Founders 
In 1781, 26 Afro-Mexicans journeyed from Mexico with 18 non-Black people to establish the city that became Los Angeles. Surviving diseases and attacks, and then managing desolate and arid farmland, the work they poured into the city was monumental.

#2 Los Angeles’ First Elected Mayor 
Twelve years after LA was established, Juan Francisco Reyes became its first elected mayor. His tenure from 1793 to 1795 introduced local administrative governance to the city.

#3 Beverly Hills 
Granddaughter of one of Los Angeles’ founding families, Maria Rita Valdez established the LA suburb in the 1830s, introducing cattle ranching, farming, and gardening. When the U.S. Army occupied Beverly Hills shortly after the Mexican War, Valdez fought to defend her land.

It wasn’t one person who brought LA’s dream to life; it took a community. Together, we can build a future that uplifts us all and spreads angelic liberation around the world.