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Redevelopment & Black Historic Preservation
By Karen L. HuffBlack history in San Diego can be traced as far back as the Mexican period when blacks were found in all levels of society. In fact, Pio Pico, the last governor of California under Mexican rule was of African descent. Pioneering black Americans like John Brown and Allen Light also settled in Mexican San Diego.
Soon after San Diego became a part of the United States, California entered the union a free state, and the black population grew and prospered. This is evident as Henry H. Brown, a black man, was living and operating a business at 5th and K Street during the 1870's. Other businesses soon opened and by the 1880's there were black owned restaurants, laundries, and rooming houses signaling the development of a black neighborhood. A community of ill repute was right around the corner complete with crap houses and "resorts." The San Diego Police Department eventually branded it "Dark Town."
By the mid-1920's, jazz was ripening, and San Diegoâs downtown black community had redefined itself. Respectable establishments like the Douglas Hotel and Creole Palace were playing host to leading jazz performers. If you visited during that time you might have seen Joe Louis' vehicle parked on Market Street as he indulged in the community now known as Harlem of the West.
The Douglas Hotel and Creole Palace were demolished in 1985, removing the heart of the historic community. By 1990, redevelopment had wiped out most of the sites associated with African Americans in the downtown area.
Segregation necessitated the development of a downtown black community. The Clermont Hotel is one such example; it personifies the era. Touted as a "Hotel for Colored People," it was also slated for the wrecking ball. But in 1999, the descendants of Harlem of the West fought back with a vengeance. In 2001, a battle was won with the designation of the hotel as a historic landmark. The struggle to preserve what remains of the community continues with no end in sight. The Gaslamp Black Historical Society will continue to defend what's left. Hopefully, preservation will once again prevail.
More from this issue
- President's Message
By Erik Hanson- Executive Director Report
By Bruce Coons- Coronado Railroad Receives Historic Designation
- Red Roost and Red Rest Legal Campaign
By Barry Hager- Return of the West Arcade
By David Marshall- Theatre at the Whaley House
By Welton Jones- Daniel Slosberg is Pierre Cruzatte
- Living History at the Whaley House
- Redevelopment & Black Historic Preservation
By Karen L. Huff- SOHO Arts and Crafts Weekend 2002
By Ingrid Helton- Old House Fair
- Getting to Know Your San Diego
By Allen Hazard- Iron Road of the Californias
By María Castillo-Curry- Volunteer Profile: Ruth Martinson
- Events and Education
By Alana Coons- Thank You, Jessica McGee
- Efforts to Save SS Catalina Continue
By Phil Dockery- Ballpark Preservation Program Update
By David Swarens- Four Treatment Approaches for Historic Properties
- Proposition 40 Passes
- Thank You's
email: SOHOSanDiego@aol.com
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