Black history & heritage

1953

San Diego Urban League is established. It was the perseverance of Dr. Jack Kimbrough, among others, that was crucial in finally establishing a local Urban League branch in 1953.

In many cities, the local NAACP branch fought for civil rights, but in San Diego it was the Urban League that played the pivotal role after World War II in pushing for civil rights and full inclusion in the city’s burgeoning economy.

The San Diego Urban League had an ability to unify competing interests, and work on behalf of communities of color. Among its successful programs was a vocational

education program introduced to city schools in 1956. Another success was the Adopt-a-child program, a charitable project that represented a collaborative effort between several social service agencies.

For more information on Black history in San Diego and to participate in Celebrate San Diego: Black History & Heritage at the San Diego History Center, go to sandiegohistory.org/exhibition/celebratesd_blackhistoryheritage.

In honor of Black History Month, the Union-tribune has partnered with the San Diego History Center to present items each day in February on local Black history.

On Feb. 21, nationally

1895 - North Carolina Legislature, dominated by Black Republicans and White Populists, adjourned for the day to mark the death of Frederick Douglass.