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Biddy Mason

Bridget “Biddy” Mason, fondly known as "Aunt Biddy" and "Grandma Mason," was born in captivity on August 15, 1818. Biddy dared to petition for her freedom and that of her beloved family, and against all odds, the court approved.

Biddy was still in the prime of her life when she won her freedom. Her newfound freedom meant she could now earn an income and keep it. Remarkably, Biddy, who didn’t know how to read or write, finally bought two lots at 331 Spring Street at $250 after saving for 10 years. This was the first property Biddy ever owned.

In 1872, Biddy Mason helped establish the First African Methodist Episcopal Church on her property – the first black church in L.A. She would continue to purchase most of her property in prime locations, including what would eventually become downtown's Los Angeles financial district.

Being the shrewd entrepreneur that she was, Biddy once saw a goldmine when Spring Street started becoming congested with businesses. It was then that Biddy sold half of the Spring Street property for $1,500 in 1884. 

On her other half, she built a commercial building and started renting office space, where she made a considerable profit. Biddy used her wealth to feed and shelter the imprisoned and impoverished.

She once left a standing order at a grocery store to supply food to anyone, black or white, who was left homeless by the L.A. floods in 1884.

Biddy often said, “If you hold your hand closed, nothing good can come in. The open hand is blessed, for it gives in abundance, even as it receives.”

When she passed away on January 15, 1981, Biddy Mason was worth an impressive $300,000, approximately $8.5 million today. She died as an honored citizen and one of the wealthiest African-American women in Los Angeles.