Chocolate Storytime Celebrates the 200th Anniversary of Biddy Mason

On August 18, 2018, we gathered for a very special Chocolate Storytime to honor the 200th birthday of Bridget “Biddy” Mason, a woman whose legacy continues to inspire us all. Born on August 15, 1818, Biddy Mason’s journey from slavery to becoming a wealthy entrepreneur and philanthropist in Los Angeles is a testament to resilience, courage, and compassion.

A Tribute Through Stories

Our own Ms. Ayesha opened the event by sharing an enlightening article from the Los Angeles Times covering Biddy Mason’s 200th birthday anniversary celebration in downtown Los Angeles. She introduced us to one of the Girl Scouts featured in the article—our talented Creative Arts Director, Alicia—who participated as a wreath presenter during the event. Alicia shared her reflections on this meaningful experience, highlighting the significance of honoring Biddy Mason’s legacy. For a video of the event, click here: https://youtu.be/ZEvbhvJ3gU4

To celebrate Biddy’s legacy, Ms. Ayesha read “What If…” by Samantha Berger and “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers. These stories echoed the themes of self-worth, imagination, and the power to overcome obstacles—qualities that Biddy embodied throughout her life.

Connecting with History

Ms. Ayesha showcased a poster of Biddy Mason and shared a touching story about her daughter meeting Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate. Amanda, a Harvard University student who grew up in Watts and attends St. Brigid Catholic Church, represents the next generation of inspirational figures following in Biddy’s footsteps.

Alicia also shared her experience of meeting Cheryl Cox, Biddy Mason’s great-great-great-granddaughter. This connection brought Biddy’s legacy even closer to our community, reminding us of the enduring impact one person can have across generations.

A Legacy of Giving

We reflected on Biddy Mason’s life—her journey to freedom, her success as a midwife and healer, and her savvy real estate investments that amassed a fortune equivalent to $10 million today. Despite her wealth, Biddy remained humble and dedicated to philanthropy. She founded the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest Black church in Los Angeles, and was known for her generosity towards those in need, regardless of their race.

Honoring a Pioneer

Our Chocolate Storytime was more than just an event; it was a celebration of Biddy Mason’s enduring spirit and a reminder of the power each of us holds to make a difference. Through stories, art, and music, we honored her legacy and inspired our guests to carry forward her values of resilience, kindness, and community service.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in commemorating this extraordinary woman. Let’s continue to share her story and strive to embody the qualities that made Biddy Mason a true pioneer.

An Interactive Art Experience

In honor of the legendary Aretha Franklin, who had passed away just days before on August 16, 2018, we held a heartfelt sing-along. Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was a monumental figure in music and the civil rights movement. Her powerful voice and songs like “Respect” became anthems for equality and empowerment.

We projected the lyrics to “Respect” on the screen, and everyone joined in to celebrate Aretha’s life and legacy. The room was filled with joy as guests danced and created art to the uplifting music. This sing-along was not only a tribute to Aretha’s incredible career but also a way to honor her contributions to music and social justice.

Alicia led an inspiring art activity where everyone traced their hands on paper, writing “Biddy Mason” in the palm. On each finger, they listed attributes that represent Biddy’s character—strength, generosity, determination, compassion, and wisdom. The children then decorated the backgrounds using ink pastels, creating vibrant pieces of art that celebrated Biddy’s impact.

Celebrating Through Music

In honor of the legendary Aretha Franklin, who had passed away just days before on August 16, 2018, we held a heartfelt sing-along. Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was a monumental figure in music and the civil rights movement. Her powerful voice and songs like “Respect” became anthems for equality and empowerment.

We projected the lyrics to “Respect” on the screen, and everyone joined in to celebrate Aretha’s life and legacy. The room was filled with joy as guests danced and created art to the uplifting music. This sing-along was not only a tribute to Aretha’s incredible career but also a way to honor her contributions to music and social justice.