Celebrate San Diego: Black History & Heritage Opens At The San Diego History Center

The San Diego History Center has launched their new exhibit, Celebrate San Diego: Black History & Heritage, presented by Union Bank.

More than a traditional museum exhibition staged in a physical location, this initiative partners with, listens to, shares milestones, and captures physical and digital elements reflecting this vibrant community’s unique history. The goal is to augment and diversify the History Center permanent collection with rich resources that can be reflected upon and researched for generations to come.

San Diego History Center President/CEO, Bill Lawrence, stated, “We’ve experienced wonderful success in collecting community-sourced content through our “Share Your Story” COVID-19 initiative and want to expand this scope to capture details on the history and heritage of Black San Diegans.”

Dr. Tina Zarpour, Vice President of Collection and Education adds, “The San Diego History Center currently has some materials related to the Black experience in San Diego, going back to the early 1900s, but we are looking to fill some significant gaps in our permanent collection.”

Help from the community

Acknowledging the current timeline needs input to truly reflect a more comprehensive history of Black San Diegans, the public is encouraged to submit their memories, dates, and milestones that tell a more complete story of the people, occasions, and organizations that have built Black San Diego and continue to help the community thrive.

Submitted content has been added to a virtual timeline on the San Diego History Center website and will be displayed at the museum in Balboa Park in a 24-foot wide feature.

Community heroes featured

San Diegans have also nominated Black heroes to be recognized as pioneers, visionaries, champions, inspirers, and leaders in the San Diego region. These heroes will also be recognized in the exhibition’s virtual experience as well as in displays placed in the physical exhibition.

Virtual discussions will be scheduled throughout the year, sharing the voices of San Diego’s Black historians, educators, legislators, scientists, business people, artists, activists, and advocates.

About The San Diego History Center

The San Diego History Center, founded as the San Diego Historical Society in 1928, has always been the catalyst for the preservation and promotion of the history of the San Diego region. The San Diego History Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate, makes history interesting and fun and seeks to engage audiences of all ages in connecting the past to the present and set the stage for where our community is headed in the future.

Through the flagship museum in Balboa Park as well as the Junípero Serra Museum in historic Presidio Park, the San Diego History Center is a place where visitors and locals can discover, discuss, and determine why history matters today.

Stay healthy,  San Diego!

Share This Post
The Latest
Little Italy Food Hall reimagined
Big things are coming to the Piazza della Famiglia, with the Little Italy Food Hall reimagined as a vibrant, multi-concept dining venue launching Fall 2025....
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center
There’s a new reason to head south this summer: the long-awaited Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center officially opened its doors today in Chula Vista—and...
Navy's Bay Bridge Run Walk
Ready to hit the bridge for one of San Diego’s most unique and breathtaking races? The Navy’s 38th Annual Bay Bridge Run/Walk is returning—and this...
Escondido Street Festival
Get ready, San Diego—the Escondido Street Festival is back and ready to take over Historic Downtown Escondido with a full day of shopping, live music,...
San Diego Crawfish Boil
Get ready to pinch, peel, and party—because the San Diego Crawfish Boil is back and bigger than ever! Presented by the LSU Alumni of San...
The bats are coming out and the taps are turning on—Over the Line Beer Fest & Tournament is back for its 9th year, and it’s...
Recently Featured Restaurants
A new fire has lit up Little Italy—Piedra Santa, an Argentinian-inspired steakhouse, is now open and bringing the bold, smoky tradition of open-flame grilling to...
Dora, a vibrant new Southern Italian restaurant from the husband-and-wife team behind Cori Trattoria, is set to open in La Jolla’s Theater District this fall—and...
There’s a breezy new addition to Little Italy’s dining scene! Brisa, an island vibes and Latin-Japanese fusion restaurant, is now open at the corner of...
Downtown La Mesa has a delicious new addition—Tour de Tapas, a restaurant offering Euro small plates and sips inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain,...
Tajima Crown Point is the latest addition to San Diego’s beloved ramen scene, officially opened on December 14 at 3782 Ingraham Street. Known for its...
Wildland in Carlsbad Village is officially opening its doors, bringing rustic cuisine and coastal-inspired dining to North County. This all-day restaurant, bar, and bakery from...