By Darrel Wheeler,
After 32 years of conversation by multiple community organizers, their wishes were finally granted: to have City officials acknowledge and dedicate nine blocks from 61st Street to 69th Street on Imperial Avenue in Southeast San Diego to celebrate Black culture in San Diego’s newly created Black Arts & Culture District.
Local historians, educators, business entrepreneurs, and Black culture embracers assembled at Marie Wideman Park on Imperial Avenue to celebrate the monumental occasion.
“This is a powerful event and a long time coming. I couldn’t miss this. It is an honor and a blessing to be standing here right now,” Master of Ceremony Galaxy Glenn Runnells shared. “Nine blocks of Black culture. This is unprecedented. One of our missions as a people should be to be impactful and powerful and to celebrate who we are and follow the example set by the brothers and sisters who made a very historic event like this possible.”
The crowd of celebrants was treated to a variety of foods, music, resource booths, live entertainment, important information on Black history, and much more.
“I think this is nice and much credit is due to the tireless organizers for their persistence and resilience in getting this done,” Devanta Roberts of Serving of the Soul Catering shared.
The event gave special honors to a group of elders in the community. Dajahn Blevins, Arts Commissioner and a driving force behind the event, had a group present flowers and praises to the elders seated in beautiful gold-trimmed chairs in a “Flowers Now Ceremony”. Amid the vendors and community members present, was an air of fellowship and appreciation for the occasion.
“Our goal is to make San Diego CA “Where the World Meets to Celebrate Black Art, Culture and Entertainment,” said Blevins, who is also CEO and Founder of San Diego Urban Warriors Inc.
A Copeira class consisting of multiple ages celebrated Elder Chuck Ambers as a member of their family. He is known for his commitment to the Black history of Old Town and Julian.
