It sounds like you have all the makings for a great novel, Sally. There is a rich history there. I'm working on a novel set in the south in 50s and 60s. I've done a lot of research but the thing is to get your thoughts down. As Kathleen suggested, an outline is a blueprint as a guide, not that I always stick to it. :-)

I belong to Geoffrey Library- www.godfrey.com and have access to a number of African America newspapers from the 19th century, some go into the 20th century. I guess you need Los Angeles papers. Sometime ago, I ran across some oral history narratives of people passing. Let me see if I can find them tonight when I get home.