Unifying San Diego’s Black Experience
The San Diego Black Arts and Culture District is an exciting addition to the 4th Council District. It complements the existing Black culturally significant institutions located throughout the city and serves to unify the various elements that make up the Black experience.
The district encompasses nine blocks within the San Diego community of Encanto. It is located along Imperial Avenue between 61st and 69th Streets and extends southward approximately 150 feet. The corridor is comprised of a mix of a commercial, residential and arts & culture uses.
Geographically the District is in a valley formed by a tributary of Chollas Creek. Single family homes with striking views of the city are the predominate land use to the north and south of the Imperial Avenue corridor.
Marie Widman Park, located within the district, is a hidden gem which in recent years has been activated organically by area creatives. The park is named after Marie Widman, who was born on July 8, 1931 and raised in the City of San Diego. She first became active in the San Diego during the civil rights movement, serving as Secretary of the San Diego Branch of the NAACP from 1959 to 1966. Marie went on to several decision-making roles – including the Board of Library Commissioners for the City of San Diego, the San Diego Park and Recreation Board, Metropolitan Transit Development Board Citizen’s Advisory Committee, and San Diego City Planning Commission. She advocated for public land being turned into parks in Southeast San Diego in the 1960’s & 1970’s. The late Councilmen George Stevens worked with the community to have the park changed from Encanto Neighborhood Park to Marie Widman Neighborhood Park in 1994.
Location of The San Diego Black Arts + Culture District. Click map to enlarge.
Upcoming Activities
Member Highlight
The San Diego Black Arts + Culture District is pleased to highlight the extraordinary talents of individuals throughout San Diego.
We are pleased to highlight Advisory Council member Derrick Banks of Freshly Faded Barber+Shop, a black owned barbershop located in the heart of North Park.
“North Park’s Freshly Faded cultivates healthy culture for men”
Past Activity Highlights
San Diego Black Arts + Culture District Music Festival
Thank you to everyone that helped make the 2024 San Diego Black Arts + Culture District Music Festival a success! Grammy Award-winning producer Kamau Kenyatta directed the event that featured music from Daneen Wilburn, Lyrical Groove, Geminelle, and Rebecca Jade.
32nd Annual Kuumba Fest
District Goals
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Secure
Secure City, State and Federal funds necessary to support the district activities including artists, economic development, infrastructure, and business development
Secure support from local and national foundations to assist with funding for various projects
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Activate
Activate existing cultural assets including the Marie Widman Park and the Gymnasium portion of the Boys & Girls Club
Activate the San Diego Arts +Culture District Advisory Committee
Activate a district wide marketing strategy that includes the existing business, non-profits, artists, and cultural activities
Activate activities that will encourage residents and visitors to visit the district
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Focus
Focus on the contributions, history, arts and culture of Blacks in San Diego
Focus efforts that will attract artists and foster local cultural development
Focus on the development of a physical and digital way-finding system that will help residents and visitors identify the district
Focus activities that will improve the community’s overall quality of life
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Encourage
Encourage economic development which supports the arts, dining, retail and entertainment activities
Encourage business and job development opportunities
Encourage the development of housing that supports live/work studios for artists and other spaces for creatives