• New St. Philip’s Church, 801 East 28^th Street

The Episcopalian New St. Philip's Church, under the leadership of Reverend W.T. Cleghorn, was one of several important religious institutions in the Central Avenue community. The New St. Philip's maintained smaller membership rolls than the neighborhood's two other main churches (Western Progress 5). The First A.M.E. Church (founded in 1872) on Eighth St. near Central Ave., was the first church organized by and for African Americans in Los Angeles. The Independent Church on Central Ave. boasted the largest congregation in the Vernon/Central community (Western Progress).

Hear Yvonne Walker Allen, a retired teacher and resident of the Vernon/Central community since 1941, explain the role of the neighborhood's churches.

• YMCA, 1006 East 28^th Street

The YMCA served the neighborhood around Central Avenue as, ". . . a site of political meetings, social gatherings, as well as the leading organization working with Negro youth in the city." (Black Angelenos, 30) Paul Williams, a prominent architect who also designed the Hudson & Lidell Building, designed the YMCA building. On Sundays, the YMCA hosted poetry readings by both local and nationally known authors. (Black Angelenos, 31)

Hear Yvonne Walker Allen, a retired schoolteacher and Resident of the Vernon/Central community since 1941, explain the significance of the "Y" to the neighborhood.