Impacts & Legacies
With the height of San Diego's Civil Rights Movement occurring from the 1950s through the 1970s, the impacts and legacies of may not be readily apparent as to their current affect. The following examples demonstrating the lasting commitment to sustaining equality within San Diego communities in the present day and serving as models for civic engagement towards positive change:
City of San Diego Human Relations Commission:
“The City of San Diego Human Relations Commission is dedicated to amplifying every voice,” said Rev. Gerald Brown, Human Relations Commission Executive Director. “During Black History Month, we celebrate the best of humanity and the realized dreams of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bayard Rustin, recognizing that our shared humanity unites us through common dreams, struggles and aspirations, deserving of dignity and respect for all. We congratulate all of the honorees."
“We are stronger together,” said NAACP San Diego Branch President Kenya Taylor. “Our NAACP San Diego has a 106-year legacy of ensuring the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and works to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. We must unite to build on the greatness of San Diego. It's critical for us to celebrate the great efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Dr. Shirley Weber, California Secretary of State:
"Shirley Nash Weber, Ph.D. was nominated to serve as California Secretary of State by Governor Gavin Newsom on December 22, 2020 and sworn into office on January 29, 2021. Voters elected her for a full term on November 8, 2022. Weber is California’s first Black Secretary of State and only the fifth African American to serve as a state constitutional officer in California’s 173-year history."
"Secretary Weber served four terms as an Assembly Member representing California's 79th Assembly District, which includes parts of the City of San Diego as well as several cities and communities in the San Diego region. Weber also served as a member and chair of the San Diego Unified School District and has twice served as a California Elector, including chairing the California College of Presidential Electors on December 14, 2020 - From 2019 - 2020, she served as chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), which consists of the state’s African American legislators and has the goal of promoting equal opportunity for California’s African American community. Weber broke records during her tenure by garnering extraordinary support for CLBC’s efforts and its projects."
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) San Diego and Imperial Counties:
"The ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties is a prominent force for the protection and expansion of fundamental rights in California’s second-most populous county (San Diego), its county with the highest percentage of Latino residents (85%) (Imperial), and the state’s southern borderlands."
"Our mission is 'To protect and expand fairness, equity, and freedom through community engagement, building power, policy advocacy, and impact litigation.' Our work is guided by a vision of a just and fair society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential (from PolicyLink’s definition of 'equity' its 2015 Equity Manifesto)."