Heritage: African American

San Francisco

San Francisco, a utopia of diverse cultures, boasts numerous Afrocentric and historical sites, amazing ethnic cuisine from every culture in the world, elite museums and world-class shopping. African Americans have played a vital role in the social, cultural and economic progress of this fascinating city.

For 20 years, the internationally acclaimed Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet has redefined classical ballet through unique collaborations with musicians and performers from diverse backgrounds and traditions. The AfroSolo Theatre Company speaks to audiences through storytelling, dance, poetry, visual arts and rhythms deeply rooted in African tradition.

To that end, Robert Moses’ Kin, a culturally diverse contemporary dance company, uses movement as the medium through which controversial topics are used as a means to recognize the greater potential of humankind.

“Art as Social Activism” is the vision of Cultural Odyssey, which seeks to reflect the experiences of contemporary Americans that are firmly rooted in African American music, dance and theatrical traditions.

Culture is celebrated at the African American Art & Culture Complex, a neighborhood center that hosts lectures, films, workshops, drumming, jazz concerts, dance and more.

“Envisioning the Classics with Color” is the edict of the African American Shakespeare Company, the only assembly of African American actors that performs European classical works in the country.

Year-round festivals abound: the California Blues Festival, Afro Solo Arts Festival, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, San Francisco Jazz Festival, and Kwanzaa Festivities.

The Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre, the first and oldest opera house in San Francisco, is now a valuable resource to the community. At the Yerba Buena Gardens, a spectacular memorial waterfall to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a must-see, as is the artwork of Sargent Johnson, strategically placed throughout the city.

Don’t settle for the ordinary, visit the Fort Point National Historic Site to learn about African American soldiers from 1776 through present-day; The African American Center at the Main Public Library offers a collection of materials giving a historical perspective on the culture and customs of African Americans, with a special focus on African and African American Diasporas; take a twirl on the dance floor of the Boom Boom Room; sip wine with the Association of African American Vintners, or get your grub on at Biscuits and Blues restaurant, where they serve up mouthwatering Southern cuisine.

Arguably the most liberal city in the U.S., you could spend days celebrating African American culture in San Francisco and still not experience all it has to offer.