West Coast Wednesday: Black American Californian History You Should Know
- The Natural Way TNW
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Sun Village
Sun Village was established in 1939 as a historic self-determined Black community in the Antelope Valley near Palmdale, California. The city was founded by Chicago Lawyer and Real Estate developer, Melvin Ray Grubbs, who was born in Oklahoma, Cherokee Township, in 1900. He implemented his vision by purchasing 1,000 acres of land to create a Black community where Black families could buy land without encountering discrimination and redlining housing policies implemented in other cities, hindering Black American economic progression.
Sun Village became a hub for Black families during the height of the American Aerospace expansion. Residents developed the community by building infrastructure and opening a Baptist church in 1950, and Jackie Robinson Park, which opened in 1965, serving as a community recreational space during a time when other spaces were not welcoming to Black families.
Sun Village was also revered as a source for civil rights organizing and community collaboration. Similar to other Black Californian towns such as Allensworth, just north of Bakersfield, California, Sun Village is amongst several independent Black communities founded in the 20th century.
Dr. William B. Shaw followed in the pioneering footsteps of Melvin Ray Grubbs, carrying on Sun Village's legacy. Dr. Shaw was born in Arkansas and moved with his parents to Pasadena, California, as a child. His parents were educators, and after completing high school, Dr. Shaw joined the military and served in WWII. After serving in the military, Dr. Shaw attended Pasadena City College, Arizona State College, and Cal State Los Angeles to obtain his Master's Degree. Dr. Shaw moved to the Antelope Valley's Sun Village, working as a teacher and in aerospace as an electrical engineer. Dr. Shaw worked his way through the Antelope Valley school system and eventually became the superintendent of Wilsona School District.
It is said that Dr. Shaw left an impactful impression during his time of service throughout the Sun Village community. In 1999, the Sun Village community named the William B. Shaw Community Center in his honor.
Happy Black American History Month!
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