The Original Black History Bus tour of Los Angeles

 Maude Johnson, a native Angelino and retired educator, brings over two decades of leadership to Our Authors Study Club’s Official Black History Month Bus Tours. As a dedicated Legacy Member, her impressive career spans finance, education, and community service—from her impactful tenure at Security Pacific Bank to 15 years nurturing young minds at Dublin Ave/Tom Bradley school. Introduced to OASC by the esteemed Dr. Genevieve Shepherd, Maude now chairs the OASC Bus Tour Team, blending historical insight with personal passion to celebrate the rich tapestry of Black heritage in Los Angeles. After nearly two decades as a member, this is the first time the tour will include a Metro portion of the trip. Maude is thrilled by this special collaboration, which not only helps newcomers feel at ease on the Metro but also deepens our connection to our city's dynamic past. 

Lura Daniels-Ball, a Los Angeles native with over 35 years of dedicated service to her community, brings her rich background as a corporate executive, mentor, and accomplished vocalist to her role as a Black History bus tour docent. As the president of Our Authors Study Club of Los Angeles, Inc.—a role she embraced after years of involvement as a sponsor, chair of city-wide Black History Month events, and volunteer—Lura weaves together her deep commitment to cultural heritage with her passion for education. Drawing on her extensive experience in developing opportunities for African-American, Asian, and women’s communities, as well as her artistic training from UC Berkeley and USC, she creates engaging, informative tours that bring the vibrant legacy of Black Los Angeles to life. 

Former Assemblyman Mike Davis brings decades of public service and academic excellence to his role as a docent for Our Authors Study Club’s Official Black History Month Bus Tours. A proud Angelino, he earned his BA in History from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, an MPA from Cal State Northridge, and an MA in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Negotiations and Conflict Management from Cal State Dominguez Hills. He further advanced his leadership credentials with a Master’s in Leadership and Public Policy and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from USC. With a distinguished career that includes roles as Senior Deputy Supervisor and District Director for Congresswoman Maxine Waters, as well as founding UCLA’s Images of Blacks in America Symposium, Mike’s engaging tours illuminate the rich tapestry of Black heritage in Los Angeles. 

Meet Charmaine Jefferson—a powerhouse in art, history, and community. Starting as a professional concert dancer and furthering her studies at UCLA, NYU, and Georgetown, she brings over 40 years of experience in arts production and administration. Charmaine has held influential roles including Executive Director of the California African American Museum and Dance Theatre of Harlem, Director of Show Development for Disney Entertainment Productions, and Deputy Commissioner of NYC’s Department of Cultural Affairs. Through Kélan Resources, she offers customized consulting that weaves Black history, art, culture, and diversity into the fabric of education and community. An active nonprofit leader with board roles at the California Institute of the Arts and beyond, and honored with awards like the KCET/PBS SoCal Local Hero Award and the Los Angeles Hall of Fame Award, Charmaine’s deep personal connection to Black history—honoring familial figures like Willis O. Tyler and Carter G. Woodson—makes her an inspiring docent ready to guide you through Los Angeles’ vibrant, multifaceted story.