When we tell the truth, stories of Black and Indigenous solidarity, Black and Latinx partnerships and Black joy making emerge.

Black/African American Historic Context Statement

We, Healing Justice Santa Barbara, are committed to gathering and archiving a visual and responsive history of Black people in the Central Coast. 
As a Black-led and centered group, we deeply understand the ways that capitalism has succeeded by displacing Black people and exploiting the labor of Black bodies; so too have these harmful systems benefited from obscuring the existence of Indigenous people because by doing so those aligned with colonialism can feel less conflicted about laying claim to land and resources which are not theirs.
Part of our work, in this moment, is telling the full truth of the Black experience and disrupting the lies of erasure and white supremacy. When we tell the truth, stories of Black and Indigenous solidarity, Black and Latinx partnerships and Black joy making emerge. We commit ourselves to continuing the tradition of Black kin-keepers — notably Sojourner Kincaid Rolle and Cedric Robinson — because we know that we must collect and retell our own histories to counter false narratives of white-centered history which obscure Black efforts to create family, joy, and community. We are proud that our efforts have been recognized by the State of California and the Santa Barbara City Landmarks Commission through the official publishing and active preservation of sites and histories as listed in the African American Black Context Statement for the City of Santa Barbara.

Black Historical Trolley Tour

Our historical trolley tour provides an opportunity for people to learn about the history of the Black/African American community in Santa Barbara, in an engaging and interactive way.

As passengers ride along the route, they are able to see landmarks and historical sites that they might not have known existed, and they can listen to knowledgeable historians and archivists guides who provide interesting facts and stories about the areas that were once heavily populated by the Black/African American community.

We commit ourselves to continuing the tradition of Black kin-keepers — notably Sojourner Kincaid Rolle and Cedric Robinson — because we know that we must collect and retell our own histories to counter false narratives of white-centered history which obscure Black efforts to create family, joy, and community.

Santa Barbara Black Historical Timeline

Link to a 3D visual for the SB Black History -

For the Love of Our People Mobile Timeline:

Preserve. Explore. Educate. Purpose.

  • Preserve.

    Our historical work helps preserve the history of Black/African Americans in Santa Barbara by highlighting significant contributions, events, people, and architecture.

  • Explore.

    Historical trolley tours can be a fun and unique way for families, friends, and tourists to explore a city and learn about it's cultural history.

  • Educate.

    Historical preservation is important because they educate, preserve, and entertain. This tour is a great way to connect with the past and learn more about the Black/African American community in Santa Barbara.

  • Purpose.

    Part of our work, in this moment, is telling the full truth of the Black experience and disrupting the lies of erasure and white supremacy. When we tell the truth, stories of Black and Indigenous solidarity, Black and Latinx partnerships and Black joy making emerge.

Book A Tour With Us!

Interested in booking a small group private tour, or a tour for business/organization? Fill out the form below and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!