Join us on February 25th as we honor Biddy Mason during our Sunday Celebration announcements!
“If you hold your hand closed, nothing good can come in.”
Biddy Mason, born into slavery in 1818 in Hancock County, Georgia, is remembered as a pioneering figure in California's history. In 1851, she was brought to California by her owner, Robert Smith, and although California was a free state, Smith unlawfully kept her and other enslaved individuals in bondage. However, Mason's life took a remarkable turn when she petitioned for her freedom in a Los Angeles court in 1856, leveraging a California law that granted freedom to enslaved individuals brought into the state.
After gaining her freedom, Biddy Mason worked as a midwife and nurse, saving bits of money each week and using her savings to buy small patches of land. That land quickly increased in value which creating substantial wealth for Biddy. She became one of the first African American women to own land in the city and became a millionaire. Additionally, Mason was deeply involved in philanthropy and the community, providing support to those in need and contributing to the establishment of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles.
Biddy Mason's legacy extends beyond her personal achievements; she represents resilience, entrepreneurship, and activism in the face of adversity. Her contributions to the social, cultural, and economic landscape.
