Pre-Statehood California

Conclusion

Historical data from primary sources found in the CA State Public Library engaged not

only my interest but active investment in the preservation of early Black history. I learned this

state was built on both Manifest-Destiny Thinking and the choices of settler-occupation, the

decision between opportunity and freedom, as well as the shedding of flesh and blood from all

who were involved. Now, the version of CA that was examined in search of early Black history

is a flawed, distorted, and bloody state. There are echoes of discriminatory practices, policies,

and ideologies found in today’s legislatures, government, and separation of Californians. Having

engaged in community-based archival research, I hold a more critical view of the state knowing

just a bit more than yesterday. My understanding of who holds the mic in telling history, why

community historians matter, and how perspective shapes narrative truth is rooted in the

inception of CA statehood. Californians, students, scholars, activists, families, and the public can

better understand the significance of continuing to preserve early Black history and Black

presence in California during the 1770s–1850s through this kind of lens. Presently, with the support of the LNLI, I hope this project showcases how someone can interact with accessing

their history and rewrite it as well.