Workers and supporters of the Los Angeles Black Worker Center and former members and family of the historical L.A. musicians union Local 767 join together at the BlackMusic, BlackWork kickoff fundraising event, which took place at the Vision Theatre in Liemert Park July 21. (Photo: Linda A. Rapka)

The richness of Los Angeles comprises stories that move the mind, soul, and conviction. One of these stories is the unsung bravery and artistry of early Central Avenue musicians whose work transformed L.A.’s music industry forever.

BlackMusic, BlackWork, an upcoming historical exhibit of the Los Angeles Black musicians union Local 767, aims to share dynamic history of organizing in the arts that spans the founding of the city’s Black musicians union in the 1920s to the contemporary struggles of working musicians who understand the transformative power of art and culture.

Artifacts from the historical Los Angeles Black musicians union Local 767 from the 1920s through the 1950s.

In a major kickoff event to raise funds for this historic exhibition set to debut in February 2017 during Black History Month, AFM Local 47, the Los Angeles Black Worker Center, UCLA Labor Center, and the City of Los Angeles hosted the Jam Session for Justice in the Arts Fundraiser at the Vision Theatre in Liemert Park on July 21.
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