San Diego, CA

Breaking of the Chains Sculpture
DESCRIPTION: This sculpture by Melvin Edwards gives striking testament to African Americans' hard fought path to civil rights; as you approaches the monument, read many of Dr. King’s most poignant writings emblazened in footstones, then see the over-sized polished metal sculpture which sumbolizes breaking the chains of bigotry and discrimination in America; this must visit attraction is across the street from San Diego Convention Center

DAYS & HOURS: daily, dawn to dusk

ADDRESS: 500 Harbor Drive at Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade  MAP

PARKING: nearby city lots

TRANSIT: at Gaslamp Quarter Station

World Beat Center
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1980, it is the only institution in Balboa Park devoted to celebrating indigenous world cultures of the African Diaspora; the venue features a constant stream of special events, music and dance classes all year

ADMISSION: free for standard entry, but modest fees for special events and classes

DAYS & HOURS: daily 11a-6p, open longer for special events

ADDRESS: 2100 Park Blvd in Balboa Park  MAP

PARKING: on premises

TRANSIT: none

PHONE: 619-230-1190

WEBSITE: http://www.worldbeatcenter.org

African American World History Museum
DESCRIPTION: The name out front reads, Casa Del Rey Moro; this museum highlights ancient, colonial and contemporary periods of African History throughout the Diaspora; special focus is on the inter-relationships defined as African-Spanish -Mexican “California” and African American heritage in San Diego; call ahead for a tour; Mon-Sun 10:30a-8p

ADMISSION: $2 Adults, $1 children

DAYS & HOURS: daily 10:30a-8p

ADDRESS: 2471 Congress Street  MAP

PARKING: limited free on premises; also on street

TRANSIT: near Old Town Transit Center

PHONE: 619-220-0022

WEBSITE: http://www.ambers.com

Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center
DESCRIPTION: Named in honor of the slain human rights leader, Malcolm X, this tremendous public resource greets you with a statue of Brother Malcolm; Dr. Betty Shabazz attended the unvieling on the statue; browse books magazines and newspapers that are common to the African Diaspora experience; the African American Genealogy section is of particularly noteworthy; access e-mail or watch a video in the Multimedia/Computer lab; wander around displays by local artists

ADMISSION: free

DAYS & HOURS: Mon & Wed 12p-8p; Tue & Thu-Sat 9:30a-5:30p; Sun 1p-5p

ADDRESS: 5148 Market Street  MAP

PARKING: on premises

TRANSIT: Euclid Avenue Station

PHONE: 619-527-3405

WEBSITE: http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations

 

African American Writers & Artists
DESCRIPTION: A noteworthy guild to expose local literary and artistic talent; call for calendar of artistic events at various venues in the city

ADMISSION: free to join

DAYS & HOURS: meetings every 2nd Sunday of the month at 2pm at Malcolm X Library

ADRESS: 5148 Market Street  MAP

PARKING: on premises

TRANSIT: Euclid Avenue Station

PHONE: 619-264-5015

WEBSITE: http://www.charityadvantage.com/aawasd

Tubman-Chavez Center
DESCRIPTION: Named in honor of the Underground Railroad heroine, Harriet Tubman and international labor rights activist, Caesar Chavez; although the center is a focal point for many community events, it also features a small African American art collection; located across from Market Creek Plaza

ADMISSION: free

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 10a-7p; Sat 12p-4p

ADDRESS: 415 Euclid Ave  MAP

PARKING: on premises

TRANSIT: Euclid Avenue Trolley Station

PHONE: 619-263-4772

WEBSITE: http://www.cncsandiego.org/html/TC_overview.html

San Diego Black Ensemble Theater
DESCRIPTION: Home offices for a professional theater that performs at various venues around town; they perform a a variety of venues, not their office

ADMISSION: $15 typical

DAYS & HOURS: performances vary

ADDRESS: 4143 Cleveland Ave, Suite A  MAP

PARKING: on street

TRANSIT: none

PHONE: none

WEBSITE: http://www.sdbet.org