Sacramento is buzzing with excitement as Florin Square recently hosted the exhibit“Past, Present&Future,”which spotlighted an impressive 80 individuals and organizations pivotal in shaping the city’s Black history. Running from February 9-15, this weeklong showcase celebrated achievements across politics, military service, sports, arts, and education, reminding us that history isn’t just a thing of the past—it’s alive and breathing in our community.
Among the remarkable figures featured was Lauren Hammond, Sacramento’s first Black woman elected to the city council, alongside Kevin Johnson, the city’s first Black mayor. Valarie Pitts, a retired U.S. military master sergeant, also had her story highlighted for her service and influence during the Bush administration. Yet, it was Norman Blackwell—at 92—who took the spotlight, recognized not just for his longevity in baseball but for his enduring impact on the local Oak Park community.
Gregory King, chair of the organizing committee, shared that the turnout exceeded all expectations, especially as older residents connected emotionally when seeing familiar faces from their past. This exhibit is a testament to the rich tapestry of Sacramento’s Black heritage, and organizers are looking to take this display beyond Black History Month, showing that these stories deserve year-round recognition. After all, history is like a fine wine—it just gets better with age!
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
