Venice Historic Black Church Receives Black Lives Matter Art

VENICE, CA — The First Baptist Church of Venice received a Black Lives Matter street art mural installation Wednesday from the city of Los Angeles.

The art installation honors Black History Month in Los Angeles and recognizes the Black community and history in Venice. Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin joined the neighborhood for the street mural installation at the church on Wednesday.

The moment was an important one for the community following recent racial justice protests and initiatives following George Floyd's death in 2020.

“The Black Lives Matter street mural is a great visible statement and recognition of the history of Black people in the Venice Community," said Naomi Nightingale of SaveVenice, a community organization of Black and Indigenous residents spearheading the fight for the First Baptist Church of Venice and social justice imperatives in Venice.

"Its placement on Westminster Avenue, the location of the original Church and the historically designated home of Irving Tabor is so appropriate," Nightingale said.

The First Baptist Church of Venice at 685 Westminster Ave. opened to the community in 1927 and is the oldest Black church in Venice.

The installation timing also coincided with the birthday of beloved community elder Jataun Valentine, who the community celebrated in conjunction with the Black Lives Matter street mural.

The church properties are still in legal limbo as a resistance movement to keep the church from becoming a mansion has heated up.

The church property was fraudulently sold by Bishop Horace Allen in January 2017, the last month the church was open to the public. Allen sold it to media mogul Jay Penske of Penske Media Corporation and son of automotive billionaire Roger Penske, and his wife, former supermodel Elaine Irwin. They also own a championship race car team.

The church is still far from development and the L.A. Office of Historic Resources is still reviewing the Historic Designation Status for the First Baptist Church of Venice.

In October, someone set fire to the church and community members called on the city to help protect the community and preserve the church.