Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the History And Cultural Heritage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board recognizes 1858 exodus and African American Historical Society events; scholars forum and reception planned
Summary
Supervisors and representatives of the African American Historical and Cultural Society discussed a commemoration of the 1858 exodus of Black San Franciscans to Victoria, B.C., and announced related events including a scholars forum and an afternoon reception at the port.
Board members and the African American Historical and Cultural Society discussed a commemoration of the 1858 exodus of hundreds of Black San Franciscans to Victoria, British Columbia, and thanked local historians and organizations for preserving this history.
Supervisor Maxwell spoke of the society’s leadership and the significance of the symbolic ceremony she attended. Al Williams, president of the African American Historical and Cultural Society, addressed the board and summarized the history recorded in contemporary newspapers about the exodus; he noted that people of multiple backgrounds left the city for economic reasons but that the African American community was especially affected. Williams said family descendants of passengers on the ship Commodore attended the morning ceremony and that follow-up events were planned: a reception at the port that afternoon and a scholars forum on April 25 at Bethel AME Church.
Former Supervisor and community leader Reverend Amos Brown also spoke, urging collective responsibility to address the contemporary out-migration of African Americans from San Francisco and noting the importance of continued engagement by the board and community groups. The Board recorded thanks to the Historical Society and invited the public to the scheduled events; the excerpt shows no formal legislative action associated with the item.
