Black in the Bay Area

Black in the Bay Area is an ongoing research series by the Bay Area Equity Atlas, dedicated to illuminating the lived experiences and changing dynamics of the region’s Black communities through in-depth analyses and innovative data tools.

Nearly a century ago, the Great Migration saw Black residents move from Southern states to various parts of the US, including the San Francisco Bay Area. This migration profoundly transformed the region, as Black migrants brought with them a wealth of cultural, musical, and culinary traditions, along with rich legacies of struggle that would fuel the Bay Area’s social justice movements — including those focused on racial justice, feminism, LGBTQ rights, antiwar efforts, student activism, labor rights, and environmental causes. Despite the Bay Area’s relative inclusivity compared to the Jim Crow South, Black newcomers still faced segregationist housing practices, labor exploitation, discriminatory policing, inadequate schooling and healthcare, and numerous other forms of racial injustice. Many of these structural issues have persisted into the present day, despite significant strides in civil rights.

Although Black residents no longer represent the largest community of color in the Bay Area, they continue to confront significant challenges related to economic well-being, educational equity, housing affordability, public health, and systemic treatment within carceral institutions. At the same time, Black community, political, and cultural organizing remains a vibrant source of creativity and innovation in the broader movement for multiracial democracy. Moreover, the Bay Area’s Black communities are not solely comprised of the descendants of Southern migrants; they are enriched by a diverse range of individuals and experiences from across the African diaspora.

We are excited to delve into the complexities of intra-community diversity, regional equity issues, and other pressing topics in this ongoing series.