LA Metro’s board voted to rename its downtown Los Angeles Pershing Square rail station, which serves both the B and D subway lines, to the “Biddy” Mason Station.
The change was approved by the transit agency’s Board of Directors by a 10-0 vote on Thursday, Oct. 22. The LA Metro board vote follows a Los Angeles City Council vote of Sept. 4 to rename Pershing Square as “Biddy” Mason Park, at 532 S. Olive St.
Mason, who was born into slavery in Mississippi and won her freedom in a famous court case, was one of the first Black women to own land in Los Angeles. The successful real estate magnate built up her land holdings at a time when most Black people could not own property.
She paid $250 for her first plot of land in 1866, located between 3rd and 4th streets and Spring Street. Additional land deals a few years later in the heart of downtown L.A. raised her worth to $300,000, which equates to $10 million by today’s standards, according to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
In addition to her financial acumen, Mason was a nurse, midwife, and philanthropist. She also founded the First African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Los Angeles in 1872. There are 32 AME congregations throughout Los Angeles County today.
“This is an opportunity to recognize a remarkable Angeleno,” said LA Metro Director Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker before the vote. “She was a successful entrepreneur but she also supported those in need. This ensures her story remains visible to millions of people who move through Los Angeles every single day.”
Dupont-Walker was referring to Mason’s humanitarian efforts providing care and support to children in need, including orphaned children in L.A., according to The Biddy Mason Charitable Foundation.
The City Council voted Sept. 4 to rename Pershing Square. The park in 1918 was named after Gen. John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The LA Metro rail station has been Pershing Square Station since 1993.
Resident Todd Fines, who said he has a Ph.D in American history, objected to the name change during public comments. “We are going to dishonor his (Gen. Pershing) legacy,” he told the board. “This (Pershing Square) is a monument to World War I.”
Many said honoring the successful former slave who helped grow downtown Los Angeles into a bustling business district was giving recognition to a well-deserved figure who shaped L.A. history.
“Her story is one of fortitude, heroism and accomplishment,” said Daniel Tabor, board president of Move LA, a nonprofit group working to support trains, buses, labor, business and the environment. “I am waiting to get my Biddy Mason transit pass.”
Teresa Hillery, a member of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, rides the Metro rail lines and says the Council last year held a Juneteenth celebration in Mason’s honor.
“The renaming of the station will bring pride and meaning and so much support to downtown for thousands and thousands of people who pass through that station,” Hillery said.
A wreath-laying ceremony has held to honor the civic leader at Biddy Mason Memorial Park in Los Angeles on Friday, February 25, 2022.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
In July 1991, Biddy Mason Memorial Park was established on the historic site of her original 1866 homestead property. It is located at 333 S. Spring Street. It includes a wall of remembrance. Some said it is hard to find and hidden next to a parking lot.