Hi-Tech industry and tourism compete with military for impact on the region. The economy no longer lives and dies based on a war ending or loss if a large defense contract.

Given the many large military presence in the region with an emphasis on desegregation, interracial couples are commonplace – and not just Brothers With Others!

In a fast growing metro area of well over 3 million, the African American population is 190,000.

There are 4,000 African American businesses in the region.
For years Downtown was filled with a visiting sailor’s delight -- tattoo parlors, strip joints and tacky gift shops. All of the recent high-rise construction and new yuppie shops opening is chasing the few remaining to the eastern edges of Downtown.

Famous persons born here or made their mark in the region include:

Nathaniel Harrison
In 1848, he was the first African Americans to settle in San Diego; he also acquired a 160-acre farm

Fred Coleman
In 1869, he discovered gold, which established a gold-rush boomtown in nearby Coleman City

America Newton
In 1872, she became the first Black female settler in the region; went on to become a wealthy business and land-owner

Margaret & Albert Robinson
In 1887, they established Hotel Robinson in downtown San Diego

Paula
2007 Carnival Queen of San Diego

Fatburger
Famous Jazz band

Marshall Faulk
All-Pro NFL running back

Tony Gwynn
One of Baseball’s greatest hitters

Karen Huff
Founder of San Diego’s Black Historical Society