An exhibit opening Thursday at the San Diego History Center focuses on the city’s “lost neighborhoods” — Black communities displaced or erased by discriminatory practices.
“San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods” was created in conjunction with the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Arts to shed light on practices such as redlining and freeway construction that have divided or totally eradicated communities with predominantly Black residents.
“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,” said Tina Zarpour, vice president of exhibitions and collections at the San Diego History Center.
Some of the neighborhoods included in the exhibit include the Gaslamp Quarter, once nicknamed the “Harlem of the West; a mining district that is now the mountain town of Julian; City Heights and Chollas View, which were affected by freeway development and more. Also included are the diverse stories behind La Jolla, Chollas View, Southcrest and MLK Way.
“The loss of these neighborhoods meant the loss of generational homes, thriving businesses, and vital cultural spaces,” said Gaidi Finnie, executive director of the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art.
“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 from neighborhoods.
“This exhibition invites San Diegans to engage directly with the voices and memories of those who lost their homes, businesses, and community spaces,” Zarpour said.
Guests can visit the exhibit through May 2026 at the San Diego History Center located in Balboa Park.