By Edward Henderson
On Tuesday, February 16th, the African American Association of County Employees (AAACE) partnered with the County of San Diego to host a reception for the unveiling of the ‘San Diego Experience of the Civil Rights Movement.’ The exhibit will be on display in the main lobby of the County Administration Center on 1600 Pacific Hwy until the end of the month.
The exhibit consists of panels that honor and reflect on stories of San Diego’s living leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. The subjects range from organizers from the Congress of Racial Equality movement in San Diego to local leaders and change makers who took the first steps in the long journey of standing up for justice. County Supervisor Greg Cox opened the ceremony showing his appreciation for the leaders who were present and everyone involved in bringing the exhibit to the County Building.
“My hope is that as we celebrate Black History Month in San Diego, school children and students of history from around the region will visit the county administration building and see the panels that see the story of men and women who led the Civil Rights Movement in San Diego,” Cox said.
The exhibit was created by Leah Goodwin and is dedicated to her father for instilling knowledge and pride for her history. James C. Goodwin was a Tuskegee Airman and led a life dedicated to civil rights, social justice and peace.
“This exhibit started because I felt that when the voting rights act was passed we just forget our history,” said Goodwin. “Every time I come to the exhibit I see people reading the wall and that was the whole point; for us to learn and celebrate these people who are still alive, still vibrant and still contributing,” said Goodwin.
Khea Pollard, Community Representative for Councilmen Cox, played a key role in getting the exhibit installed.
“I jumped at the opportunity because it hasn’t been done before,” Pollard said. “I get to walk the halls and see our leaders, people who look like me.”
Several of the community leaders featured in the exhibit were in attendance for the event. Former County Supervisor Leon Williams drew a warm reception from the crowd when his name was announced fondly by Cox.
“I think it’s very important because in my early years, black people were not respected at all,” Williams said. “Seeing this kind of thing means that we are now being recognized. There is still a way to go before we are fully accepted, but its progress.”
