Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings

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Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

7-26-2022

Abstract

North Fontana residents, Arah Parker, Marcille Christian, Frederick Christian, and Ellen Turner, share their experiences of living in north Fontana, a historic Black community shaped by segregation in Fontana. They describe their parents' migration to the I.E. and how they were confined north of Baseline because of housing discrimination. Frederick describes the creation of the “Track,” the core of North Fontana’s Black community in the 50s and 60s, and the ways different housing tracks shaped which schools children attended. Ellen Turner describes how her mother, Jessie Turner, was instrumental to North Fontana through her work on the local Black newspapers, and her community activism for local infrastructure and busing. She highlights her perseverance even in the face of backlash from the KKK. They reveal glimpses of North Fontana’s history, how local churches were pillars for the community, how the community organized to make voting easier, and the fate of local businesses and the recreation center after the 210 Freeway split. They contribute stories of the creation of the Black History Parade, how racial violence presented itself in the community, and the presence of gangs in North Fontana. They share their insights on how Fontana has changed–both positively and negatively.

Comments

Interview conducted by Jennifer Tilton.

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