Poway resident Annette Hubbell, a professional actress who was barred by San Diego County government from portraying historical figures of a different race at county library performances, has changed the county\u2019s decision and future policies through settlement of a federal civil rights lawsuit.<\/p>\n
Hubbell performs one-actress portrayals of historical figures through first-person accounts of their lives in their own words. Titled \u201cWomen Warriors- Remarkable Women Who Transformed the World,\u201d each portrayal lasts 20 minutes. Since 2009, Hubbell has acted in about 400 such performances in theaters, schools, churches and libraries.<\/p>\n
Her material comes from her book, \u201cEternity Through the Rearview Mirror,\u201d which chronicles the lives of 17 historical figures.<\/p>\n
In 2023, the county library retained Hubbell to portray three historical figures for a branch library performance. At the local librarian\u2019s request, she planned to include two Black women, Harriet Tubman and Mary McLeod Bethune. Hubbell had often portrayed the women without objections and never using the offensive \u201cblackface.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shortly before the engagement Hubbell was asked to exclude the Black women from her show because \u201cour administration was uncomfortable with you performing a Black character as a White woman.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Hubbell asked a library supervisor whether she could \u201conly honor women of courage and integrity if they\u2019re White,\u201d she was told \u201cthat\u2019s pretty much it.\u201d<\/p>\n
She refused and the library canceled her performance.<\/p>\n
A county spokesperson stated at the time that the decision to ban Hubbell from portraying Black historical figures was endorsed by the Diversity and Inclusion Executive Council, a body appointed to guide the county\u2019s diversity and inclusion strategy.<\/p>\n
In May 2025, Pacific Legal Foundation sued on Hubbell\u2019s behalf. The lawsuit was settled last month.<\/p>\n
Under the settlement, Hubbell will be allowed to perform at a county library and portray a Black historical figure. Additionally, the county agreed to follow the law and acknowledged that, absent a federal program mandate, the county \u201cis not allowed to take into consideration race, ethnicity, color, or national origin, of any vendor, contractor, or individual providing services to the county of San Diego or any of its departments, including the San Diego County Public Library, in determining, scheduling or approving the provision of such services.\u201d<\/p>\n
The county also agreed to pay $60,000 on Hubbell\u2019s civil rights claim and $5,000 for attorney fees.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government should never tell people they\u2019re not allowed to do something because of their race,\u201d said Chris Barnewolt, a Pacific Legal Foundation attorney. \u201cThe Constitution requires that all people be treated equally under the law, and this settlement ensures that San Diego County will never again discriminate against individuals based on race.\u201d<\/p>\n
The county declined to comment beyond noting the matter was resolved under the settlement.<\/p>\n
A county spokesperson previously said \u201cthe San Diego County Library remains steadfast in its mission to promote an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. This includes ensuring that our programs align with our values of equity, respect, and inclusivity.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach library program is individually evaluated based on specific context, structure, and potential impact. We strive to create spaces where multicultural communities can share their own stories authentically.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hubbell said: \u201cHistory belongs to all of us. These stories are part of our collective heritage and should not be limited by race. The figures I portray spent their lives striving for equality and the recognition of our shared humanity. Silencing respectful tributes because of the performer\u2019s race doesn\u2019t protect the historical figure\u2019s legacy \u2014 it erases it from new audiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cActing is about stepping into the shoes of others so we can understand them. If we start saying only people who share a subject\u2019s skin color may portray them, we shut down artistic exploration and the very empathy that art inspires.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although Hubbell won the right to portray a Black historical figure, her performance will be delayed. She is currently battling a recently diagnosed health condition that precludes her from performing. But she is determined to eventually return. \u201cSomeday,\u201d she predicted, \u201cyou will see me in a county library performing Harriet Tubman or Mary McLeod Bethune.\u201d<\/p>\n
About this series<\/p>\n
Goldsmith is a Union-Tribune contributing columnist.<\/p>\n
We welcome reader suggestions of people who have done something extraordinary or otherwise educational, inspiring or interesting and who have not received much previous media. Please send suggestions to Jan Goldsmith at\u00a0jgsandiego@yahoo.com<\/p>\n
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