The History of African Americans in Santa Clara County, 1780 – Present

Join us as author and local historian, Jan Batiste Adkins, explores the history and legacy of African Americans in Santa Clara County from 1780 to present day. Through never-before-seen photographs and untold stories of African American pioneers of the local region, she will present research from her latest book, “African Americans of San Jose and Santa Clara County.”  In honor of Black History Month, this program commemorates the vital contributions and experiences of black pioneers who established viable African American communities in the Bay Area.

Jan Batiste Adkins is the author of “African Americans in San Francisco“, African Americans of Monterey County,” and “African Americans of San Jose and Santa Clara County” published by Arcadia Publishing Company in the Images of America series. She received her M.A. in Comparative Literature from San Jose State University and B.A. from University of Oregon. Adkins  is currently an adjunct faculty member and lecturer at San Jose City College where she teaches English composition, creative writing and literature courses. Since publishing her research, she has widely lectured on the subject of the African American pioneers and leaders of the San Francisco Bay Area communities.

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The History of African Americans in Santa Clara County, 1780-Present, held Feb 24th, 5-6:30pm via Zoom