New exhibit reminds community of ‘San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods’

The San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art will showcase a new exhibit to shed light on Black communities displaced or erased by discriminatory practices.

“San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods” which opened Thursday at the San Diego History Center, shows how practices such as redlining and freeway construction have divided or totally eradicated communities with predominantly Black residents.

“The loss of these neighborhoods meant the loss of generational homes, thriving businesses, and vital cultural spaces,” said Gaidi Finnie, executive director of the African American museum. “By helping bring these stories forward, we honor the resilience of those who endured displacement and ensure that future generations of San Diegans understand both the cost of that loss and the strength of the communities who lived here.”

The exhibit features augmented reality experiences, personal narratives, historic black and white photographs and archival materials that reflect the lives of residents at the time.

The neighborhoods or streets include City Heights, the Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla, Chollas View, Southcrest and MLK Way, and outside the city, Julian.

“This exhibition invites San Diegans to engage directly with the voices and memories of those who lost their homes, businesses and community spaces,” said Tina Zarpour, vice president of exhibitions and collections at the history center. “It’s about acknowledging the lasting impact of displacement, honoring the people who built these neighborhoods and inspiring conversations about how San Diego can learn from this history as we shape the city’s future.”