San Diego’s Black history and culture are rooted into our community, and there are several meaningful ways to explore and celebrate them during Black History Month via public transit.
Whether you're admiring thought-provoking art, visiting a museum dedicated to Black heritage, supporting Black-owned businesses, or attending a film screening at the Malcolm X Library, this blog highlights some of San Diego's spaces where Black culture and history come to life. Read on for more information and directions on how to get there using public transit.
1. Visit the “Breaking the Chains” Sculpture and walk along Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade
This sculpture by artist Melvin Edwards is located next to the Convention Center Station off the Green Line in the Gaslamp Quarter. It was installed in 1995 and serves as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
At the base of the sculpture, there was once a plaque featuring King’s words: "Along the way of life, someone must have the sense enough, and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate. This can only be done by projecting the ethic of love to the center of our lives." Though the plaque is now missing, the message remains powerful. Read more about “Breaking the Chains” here.
As you walk towards Gaslamp Quarter Station, you’ll find additional quotes from Dr. King embedded in the walkway – a thoughtful reminder of his enduring impact and the relevance of his words today.
2. Former site of the Douglas Hotel
In the Gaslamp Quarter about 2 blocks away from the Convention Center Station, there’s a plaque embedded into the sidewalk. Many walk by not knowing the significance of the spot on the corner of 2nd Ave and Market St, but this was the former site of the The Douglas Hotel and Creole Palace Nightclub. It was known as the “Harlem of the West." Celebrities such as Louie Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday stayed at the hotel and played at the nightclub.
The Douglas Hotel was the only major hotel in downtown San Diego that offered lodging and entertainment for black visitors during the time of segregation. The hotel was torn down in 1985 for mixed-used development.
The plaque reads: “Former Site, Douglas Hotel, 1924. Known as the “Harlem of the West,” the hotel included the Creole Palace nightclub where black stage and screen stars of the 1930’s and 1940’s performed. The Douglas Hotel was the only major downtown hotel to provide accommodations to black visitors in San Diego during the era of segregation.”
3. Attend a Black History Month event at the library
A few noteworthy events at the San Diego Libraries this month are:
- Black History Month Film Screenings at the Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library. During the month of February, every Monday to Tuesday at 6pm, and Wednesday to Thursday at 4pm, the library will screen movies that center on Black voices and experiences in honor of Black History Month. Get to the library by taking the Orange Line to Euclid Station.
- Black History Month Take Home Craft at Linda Vista Library. On February 15th, Kids can create a cut and paste spaceship in honor of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space and Katherine Johnson, a mathematician for NASA. Take Route 120 to Comstock St & Ultric Street.
- Lakewood with Megan Giddings: Black History Month Author Talk. Join in as the San Diego Public Library and the University of San Diego Copley Library Present: Lakewood, with Megan Giddings, for their annual Black History Month author series. The event takes place on February 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the Neil Morgan Auditorium at the San Diego Central Library. Reserve your spot using the link above. Get to the Central Library via Trolley to 12th & Imperial.
- View the full list of 2025 Black History Month library events
4. Visit the Casa Del Rey Moro African Museum
Located in Old Town, the Casa del Rey Moro - African Museum has an extensive collection of African history from all over the world. It includes carvings, weavings, and other artifacts from over 10 different African countries. There is also a research center, interactive traveling exhibits, a bookstore and gift shop. The museum is located just a few blocks southeast of the Old Town station. Take the UC San Diego Blue Line or Green Line to Old Town. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
5. San Diego Black Arts + Culture District
On Sunday, February 16, visit the San Diego Black Arts + Culture District to Shop the B.L.A.C SD. Join in for a day of celebration and appreciation of Black arts and culture where you can browse through a variety of art, crafts, clothing, and more. This event takes place at the Mental Bar, located next to Encanto/62nd St Station off the Orange Line.
6. Daygo Eatz
Continue your day in the San Diego Black Arts + Culture District by attending the The Daygo Eats festival also on February 16th. Local food vendors and food trucks will be serving up delicious food along with live art displays, performances, and music.
Get to the Daygo Eats Festival via Route 4 or via the Orange Line to Encanto/62nd St Station.
Black history is an integral part of San Diego’s story, and this month offers opportunities to honor the contributions of the Black community. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, engaging with powerful art, attending events, or supporting Black-owned businesses, public transit makes it easy to connect with these experiences. We hope this guide inspires you to ride, discover, and take part in honoring Black history.
