The Original Black History Bus tour of Los Angeles
About OASC Official Black History Bus tours
For over 50 years, Our Authors Study Club has proudly presented the Official Black History Bus Tour of Los Angeles, a free annual experience tracing the roots of early Los Angeles. This tour, first launched in 1970, is guided by OASC members, educators, historians, longtime residents and elders of the community, offering exclusive stories, firsthand accounts, and historical insights you won’t find anywhere else.
Throughout the year, we also offer comprehensive Black History Bus Tours that dive deeper into specific themes, exploring the hidden and often untold stories that shaped Black Los Angeles. No other tours provide this level of depth, personal storytelling, and community connection.
For organizations and groups, we offer custom-tailored tours designed to meet the unique interests and educational goals of your audience. These specialized tours are available by request and require a booking fee.
Experience the Legacy. Learn the History. Walk the Stories. Join us on a journey through Black Los Angeles, unlike any other.
2025 Official OASC Bus Tour Team
Discover the rich tapestry of Black Los Angeles’s vibrant history on our guided tours, where every journey is thoughtfully crafted to be both informative and engaging. Our Tour Docents—esteemed members of our Authors Study Club—enrich the narrative with deeper context and interpretive storytelling.
For our 75th anniversary Black History Month Citywide Celebration, we are honored to have four of our esteemed Legacy Members at the helm, whose lived experiences, passion and expertise offer a nuanced perspective and enriched narrative on our history and of the significance of this milestone. These respected community members, with years of personal involvement and passion for our heritage, bring unique insights that only time and commitment can provide to every stop.
This year, for the first time ever, we will experience Black history like never before with our innovative Metro ride segment! For the first time ever in our 70 years of offering this experience, our Black History Tour has partnered with LA Metro to blend cultural storytelling with a hands-on transit adventure.
Powered by la metro
We'll board the E Line at Expo/Crenshaw station, where our friendly LA Metro Ambassadors will help us utilize our TAP cards and guide us through iconic landmarks on our way to the vibrant Little Tokyo Arts District. Along the journey, curated stops showcase art installations and historical narratives that illuminate the rich legacy of Black LA—featuring Mark Steven Greenfield's "Red Car Requiem" mural, which spans 171 feet and is the largest glass mosaic artwork in the Metro system, as well as Audrey Chan’s "Will Power Allegory" panels, which vividly bring Bronsville to life and include a portrait of our heroine, Biddy Mason.
Maude Johnson, Chair
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 Ball Daniels
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.
Dr. Mike Davis
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.
Charmaine Jefferson, ESQ.
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.
Join us for a tour!
annual free tours
year-round thematic tours
year-round thematic tours
Since 1970, we have offered this tour that covers Downtown Los Angeles, Central Avenue Historic Corridor, and West Adams District. Stay connected for updates on our next scheduled free tours.
year-round thematic tours
year-round thematic tours
year-round thematic tours
We offer a variety of thematic tours, including Arts Tours led by local artists and cultural historians from the community. Check our calendar for upcoming thematic tours.
custom & private tours
year-round thematic tours
custom & private tours
For ten years we have been offering custom and private tours to the community. Contact us to design a specialized tour tailored for your group, school, or organization.
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