San Diego CA—  In 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, the San Diego History Center virtually opened the exhibit, Celebrate San Diego: Black History & Heritage. More than an exhibition with a limited life span, this initiative has developed into a multi-layered experience with life in the physical, the digital, as well as the San Diego History Center’s permanent collection to be shared and studied for generations to come.
Community-sourced milestones have been added to a dynamic virtual timeline on the website and displayed at the museum in Balboa Park in a 24-foot wide feature. The virtual timeline can be found at: https://sandiegohistory.org/exhibition/celebratesd_blackhistoryheritage/
Over the last year San Diegans have also nominated Black heroes to be recognized as pioneers, visionaries, champions, inspirations, and leaders from all corners of San Diego County. These heroes have been recognized in the exhibition’s virtual experience as well as in displays placed in the physical exhibition. Those leaders include:

• Bishop George McKinney, legendary national religious leader and senior pastor of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral Church of God in Christ
• Bertha Pendleton the first Black and female Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District,
• John Warren – Publisher of the Voice and Viewpoint and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Newspaper Publishers Association
• Cecil Lytle  – renowned pianist and retired University of California, San Diego music professor
• Sylura Barron – political activist and the first Black woman delegate in a national political convention

Also in this exhibition are ephemera and fine art Black San Diegans have donated to the Center to be a part of the permanent collection. On Tuesday, February 11 at noon, Shelby Gordon, the SDHC marketing manager will be sharing unique and interesting items from the Research Archives in a virtual presentation entitled “Gems from the Archives: Reflecting the Rich History of Black San Diego ” on Tuesday, February 8 at noon. Guests can RSVP on the SDHC website: sandiegohistory.org.