The Biddy Mason Charitable Foundation (BMCF) is honored to announce that its center in the historic West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles has been accepted into the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom (NTF). NTF is a program of the United States National Park Service that recognizes the legacy of the Underground Railroad and advances self-determination and freedom from oppression as human rights.

With its roster of more than 800 sites, NTF links people to locations with verifiable connections to the Underground Railroad, a secret network of abolitionists who helped thousands of enslaved people reach freedom throughout the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to providing scholarships and resources to current and former foster youth in Los Angeles, BMCF raises awareness for Black History due to Black and Brown youths’ overrepresentation in LA’s foster care system. The nonprofit is named for Bridget “Biddy” Mason,  a formerly enslaved woman in LA who successfully petitioned for freedom for herself and 12 others in 1856. She went on to become the foremost Black female entrepreneur, philanthropist, and humanitarian in early LA.

“For us and the many Black individuals we serve, this recognition of Biddy’s resilience and power is deeply personal,” said Jackie Broxton, president and CEO of the Biddy Mason Charitable Foundation. “Being accepted into the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom affirms that the fight for a better life continues to matter today, especially for system-impacted youth and adults. We invite the community to come visit us in West Adams to learn about our work and the Black community’s deep roots in LA!”