As part of the African American Experience Project, City of Sacramento staff are inviting Black residents to share their stories of living in Sacramento at two upcoming community-led events on March 9 and 10. Attendees are also encouraged to provide related artifacts, photos, newspaper clippings and other documents.
“It is important for African Americans residents to tell their story using their voice,” said Lynette Hall, City’s community engagement manager. “Historically, African American voices have been diluted and this project aims to get it right and the only way we can do it is having input directly from the community. As we are seeing neighborhoods change and transition, it is imperative that we document how it was for future generations.”
The African American Experience Project, the first of its kind in Sacramento, is chronicling the stories of Black residents, including the hardships they faced, the successes they achieved and the legacies they established.
A collaboration between the City of Sacramento’s historic preservation office and California State University, Sacramento, the project is funded by a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, with the goal of increasing awareness of Black history and cultural resources in Sacramento.
Those interested in the project can attend these two upcoming community-led meetings:
- Thursday, March 9 at 12 p.m., African Market Place, Obama Room, 2251 Florin Road
- Friday, March 10 at 11:30 a.m., Robert’s Family Development Center, 766 Darina Ave. (off of Del Paso Blvd.)
Each event will be community-led and will provide information about the project as well as opportunities for recording stories. Food will also be provided.
The project also has its drafted overview of history document available to view, which tells the history of the first migration of Black residents and their legacy to build a life in Sacramento up until the 1980’s. The community is encouraged to provide input on what may be missing or incorrect and to bring copies of photos and historic documents they want included in the document.
Photo: Sacramento Star Club, Easter Ball, 1924.