The Coronado Historical Association recently launched a new exhibit called “An Island Looks Back: Uncovering Coronado’s Hidden African American History.”
The exhibit curator, Kevin Ashley, shared how the common perception of Coronado as a predominantly white community was challenged through his discovery of a 1956 photo featuring three African American students in the Coronado High School basketball team.
This prompted Ashley to delve into the island’s history and trace the African American community back to 1885, revealing a surprising level of integration at the time, with African Americans owning businesses, homes, and attending integrated schools, all well before it was commonplace elsewhere in the country.
The exhibit presents the local racial history alongside personal stories of individuals, including descendants of those who were part of the African American community on the island.
The exhibit showcases the perseverance and achievements of Black individuals in Coronado, including entrepreneurs, Buffalo Soldiers, Civil War veterans, and Civil Rights leaders, while also acknowledging the harsh realities they endured, such as redlining, minstrel shows, and racially motivated violence.
According to Ashley, the mix of inspiring and tragic stories aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of history, fostering personal growth and empathy.
During the exhibit’s unveiling, Claudia Ludlow, a descendant of one of the families featured, was moved by the displayed photographs of her relatives, shedding light on aspects of her family’s history that were previously concealed.
Ludlow emphasized the importance of acknowledging the struggles and sacrifices of ancestors, expressing her desire for the younger generation to appreciate and preserve their heritage.
The museum staff intends to expand the exhibit and invites anyone with ties to Coronado’s African American community to contribute their stories.
