San Francisco, January 4, 2024 - San Francisco Public Library invites all members of the Queer Black community, as well as allies and supporters to participate in the launch of the Queer Black Community Archives Project. A joint program of the Hormel LGBTQIA+ Center and the San Francisco History Center (SFHC), both housed at the San Francisco Main Library, the two-part program is aimed at empowering the local Queer Black community to preserve their invaluable archives.  

SFHC Librarian Katherine Ets-Hokin was inspired to create the program after attending a presentation about Arizona State University’s Community-Driven Archives Initiative, which supplies communities underrepresented in archives with the knowledge and skills of library professionals to create, protect and preserve their own archives. The program resonated with Ets-Hokin when she noticed a dearth of BIPOC collections in the History Center.  “An important aspect of the program is acknowledging the Library’s role in the lack of BIPOC collections,” says Ets-Hokin. “The focus of this initiative is not necessarily on growing the Library’s collection, but rather on building community and, hopefully, trust while empowering BIPOC communities to share their stories and hold on to their histories.”  

On January 25 at 6 p.m., the SFHC hosts a captivating show-and-tell event, showcasing the Queer Black history treasures within the SFHC and Hormel Center archives. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to view collections such as the Sylvester Collection, Gary Fisher Papers, Jewelle Gomez Papers and Pomo Afro Homos Records, which offer a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse experiences of the Queer Black community. 

Continuing the program on January 27 at 10:30 a.m., knowledgeable archivists from the SFHC, Preservation Department conservators and Digi Center librarians guide participants through a step-by-step DIY workshop. This empowering session will equip citizen archivists with the skills to analyze, organize, describe and preserve documents and photographs from their own personal collections. By fostering a safe space for sharing stories and building community, this workshop aims to strengthen connections and ensure the preservation of vital narratives. As a token of appreciation, participants will receive an archival starter kit, enabling them to continue their preservation efforts beyond the workshop. A box lunch will also be provided to fuel the participants' engagement and creativity. 

“These events offer a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with their history, celebrate their heritage and contribute to the preservation of their community's legacy,” states Cristina Mitra, Manager of the Hormel LGBTQIA+ Center. “By working together, we can ensure that the stories, struggles and triumphs of Queer communities of color are preserved for future generations.” 

PROGRAM DETAILS 

Queer Black Community Archives Project  
Jan. 25, 6 p.m. Main Library, San Francisco History Center, 100 Larkin Street, 6th floor 
Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m. Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, Hormel LGBTQIA+ Center, 3rd floor