Discover Salt Lake City’s Hidden Black History: A Transformative Tour Through Utah’s Cultural Landmarks
“Salt Lake City’s Black history tour visits 7+ cultural landmarks, including Utah’s oldest Black church, Trinity AME.”
Welcome to a journey through time as we embark on an enlightening Salt Lake City history tour, uncovering the rich tapestry of Black history in Utah. Our expedition will take us through the streets of Salt Lake City, where we’ll explore hidden stories, cultural landmarks, and the resilient spirit of the African American community that has shaped the Beehive State.
As we traverse the city, we’ll encounter historical sites that have played pivotal roles in shaping Utah’s diverse heritage. From the Buffalo Soldiers of Fort Douglas to the civil rights protests at Temple Square, this transformative tour will open your eyes to a side of Salt Lake City you may have never known existed.
Setting the Stage: The Importance of Preserving Black History in Utah
Before we dive into our tour, it’s crucial to understand why preserving and sharing Black history in Utah is so vital. The organization Sema Hadithi, led by Robert and Alice Burch, has taken on this important mission. As Robert Burch explains, “We do black history, we preserve it, we share it, we teach it and we exhibit it, and we’re the only Black organization in Utah that does that.”
The name “Sema Hadithi” itself carries significant meaning. “‘Sema’ is Swahili for ‘say’ as in ‘sema’ and ‘hadithi’ is Arabic for ‘story’,” Robert elaborates. This unique blend of languages reflects the diverse roots of Black history in Utah and the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage.
By uncovering and sharing these often-overlooked narratives, we contribute to a more inclusive and accurate representation of Utah’s history. This tour not only educates but also empowers communities by connecting them to their past and inspiring future generations.
Fort Douglas: Where Buffalo Soldiers Left Their Mark
Our first stop on this Salt Lake City historical bus tour takes us to Fort Douglas, a site steeped in military history and African American heritage. Located at 32 Potter Street, this area once housed Black soldiers in the early 1900s, playing a crucial role in shaping Utah’s diverse past.
Robert Burch provides us with fascinating insights: “Historical Fort Douglas, started off as Camp Douglas. This is one of the original barracks of Fort Douglas, there, right where we’re standing another barracks. Then next to that barracks was the road right next to the parade grounds. They came through and excavated all the barracks that were here and made this a road.”
But the most intriguing aspect of Fort Douglas’s history lies in its connection to the famous Buffalo Soldiers. “One of the most significant stories about Fort Douglas that most people don’t know is that the fort housed soldiers that placed the American flag on San Juan Hill, Cuba,” Robert reveals. “That banner is still in the museum with the insignia of the unit or the regiment that placed that banner there, and it is the 24th United States Army Infantry, which was the Buffalo Soldiers.”
The presence of Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Douglas represents a crucial chapter in African American military history. These brave men served with distinction, despite facing discrimination and challenging conditions. Their contributions to the defense of the nation and the development of the American West are an integral part of Utah’s Black history.
A Dark Chapter: Utah’s First Recorded Lynching
As we continue our tour, we encounter a somber reminder of the struggles faced by Black Americans in Utah. Our next stop brings us to a building on South State Street, which holds a painful history as the site of the first recorded lynching of a Black man in Utah in 1883.
The victim, William “Sam Joe” Harvey, was accused of shooting the sheriff. Robert Burch recounts the tragic event: “A group of folks showed up with weapons and dragged him out of that jail and lynched him right outside the jail.”
To commemorate this dark chapter and other similar incidents, Sema Hadithi has taken part in a powerful act of remembrance. Nearly three years ago, they collected soil from the sites of two lynchings of Black men in the state. This soil now rests in jars that have been sent to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, joining similar tributes to lynching victims from across the United States.
While some jars remain in Utah, Robert explains the significance of this act: “This has been excavated so we’re sure this is not the original soil. It is very symbolic in the sense that we took the soil from the location of the lynching.”
This poignant stop on our tour serves as a stark reminder of the injustices faced by Black Americans and the importance of acknowledging and learning from our past, no matter how difficult it may be.
Temple Square: Protests and Progress
Our journey through Salt Lake City’s Black history now brings us to one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks: Temple Square. While many associate this site primarily with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it also holds significant importance in the story of civil rights and racial equality in Utah.
Robert Burch shares a surprising fact about the area’s early history: “The biggest thing, and the one that we like to talk about the most, is that before the Latter-day Saints came, the first Latter-day Saints settlers that came here were four men, and three of the four men were Black. So that’s a story that many Latter-day Saints themselves don’t know.”
However, the relationship between the Black community and the LDS Church has been complex. In March 1965, Temple Square became the site of a significant protest against the racial policies of the LDS church. For three days, a group of more than 350 protesters gathered in front of the church leadership building, expressing their opposition to discriminatory practices.
Alice Burch notes the impact of these protests: “It would be another 13 years before the LDS church removed the priesthood and temple ban against black people in the church.” However, the demonstrations did lead to immediate progress in other areas. Later that same month, the Fair Employment Bill passed the Utah legislature, marking a step forward in the fight for equal rights.
This stop on our tour highlights the power of peaceful protest and the ongoing struggle for equality that has shaped Salt Lake City’s history.
Trinity AME Church: A Spiritual and Social Hub
Our next destination takes us to a cornerstone of Salt Lake City’s Black community: Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church, or Trinity AME. Located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, this historic church holds the distinction of being Utah’s oldest Black church, founded in 1890 by a group of determined women.
Trinity AME has served as more than just a place of worship; it has been a vital social and cultural center for the Black community in Salt Lake City. The church’s basement has hosted a wide range of activities over the years, from Sunday school classes to after-school programs and Fourth of July celebrations.
Robert Burch explains the recent efforts to preserve this important landmark: “It had leaks coming in, the foundation was coming apart. Richard Bordeaux and some other folks were successful in finding folks like the Sterling Organization to donate money to come back and rehab this entire basement and tried to leave as much of the outside structure as original as possible.”
The preservation of Trinity AME Church is a testament to the community’s commitment to maintaining its heritage and ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from this historic institution.
Edison Street and Richmond Park: Cultural Centers and Community Leaders
As we near the end of our tour, we visit two locations that highlight the vibrancy and resilience of Salt Lake City’s Black community: Edison Street and Richmond Park.
Edison Street once served as a cultural center for minorities in Utah, hosting businesses, gathering places, and community events that celebrated diversity and fostered connections among various ethnic groups. This area played a crucial role in shaping the multicultural fabric of Salt Lake City.
Richmond Park, on the other hand, pays tribute to a remarkable individual in Utah’s Black history. The park is named after Mignon Barker Richmond, a Black educator and activist who made significant contributions to the community. Richmond’s dedication to education and social justice left an indelible mark on Salt Lake City, and the park serves as a lasting reminder of her legacy.
These locations emphasize the importance of community spaces and leadership in preserving and promoting Black history and culture in Utah.
The Ongoing Work of Sema Hadithi
As our tour comes to a close, it’s important to recognize that the work of uncovering and sharing Salt Lake City’s Black history is far from over. Sema Hadithi continues to research, document, and educate the public about the rich African American heritage of Utah.
Robert Burch addresses a common misconception about their work: “A lot of times we have a challenge that people are saying we’re trying to rewrite history, we’re not trying to rewrite history. What we are trying to do is add this part of it that you may not know of. As we add these different parts to the story of Salt Lake City for instance, the community of Salt Lake City becomes more inclusive and it grows for everybody and we can see what we have shared and how Salt Lake City was shaped.”
This ongoing effort to expand our understanding of Salt Lake City’s history benefits the entire community, fostering a more inclusive and accurate narrative that acknowledges the contributions of all its residents.
Conclusion: Embracing a More Complete History
Our journey through Salt Lake City’s hidden Black history has taken us from the barracks of Fort Douglas to the pews of Trinity AME Church, from the somber site of Utah’s first recorded lynching to the vibrant cultural centers of Edison Street and Richmond Park. Along the way, we’ve uncovered stories of resilience, progress, and community that have long been overlooked in traditional narratives of Utah’s history.
This tour serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing diverse historical perspectives. By acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of African Americans to Salt Lake City and Utah as a whole, we create a more inclusive and accurate representation of our shared past.
As we conclude our journey, let us carry forward the lessons learned and the stories shared. Let us continue to support organizations like Sema Hadithi in their mission to uncover, preserve, and share Black history. And most importantly, let us work together to create a more inclusive future that honors the diverse heritage of all Utahns.
FAQs About Salt Lake City’s Black History Tour
- Q: How can I participate in a Salt Lake City Black history tour?
A: Contact Sema Hadithi or local historical societies for information on upcoming tours or to arrange a private tour. - Q: Are there other significant Black history sites in Utah not covered in this tour?
A: Yes, there are many other important locations throughout Utah. This tour covers some of the most significant sites in Salt Lake City, but further exploration can reveal more about Utah’s Black history. - Q: How can I support the preservation of Black history in Utah?
A: You can support organizations like Sema Hadithi through donations, volunteering, or participating in their events and tours. Sharing the stories you learn and advocating for the preservation of historical sites also helps. - Q: Is the Black history tour suitable for school groups?
A: Yes, many educational groups find the tour informative and eye-opening. Contact the tour organizers to discuss tailoring the experience for specific age groups or curriculum needs. - Q: How long does the full tour typically last?
A: The duration can vary, but most comprehensive tours last between 2-3 hours, depending on the number of stops and the depth of information provided at each location.
Historical Timeline of Black History in Salt Lake City
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1847 | Arrival of first Black settlers | Three of the four first Latter-day Saint settlers in the area were Black, setting the stage for African American presence in Utah |
| 1869 | Buffalo Soldiers stationed at Fort Douglas | Marked the beginning of significant Black military presence in Utah |
| 1883 | First recorded lynching of a Black man in Utah | Tragic event highlighting racial tensions and injustice in the territory |
| 1890 | Establishment of Trinity AME Church | Founding of Utah’s oldest Black church, providing spiritual and social support to the community |
| 1896 | Utah gains statehood | New state constitution prohibits slavery but does not address other forms of racial discrimination |
| 1965 | Protests at Temple Square | Civil rights demonstrations lead to passage of Fair Employment Bill |
| 1978 | LDS Church lifts ban on Black priesthood | Significant shift in religious policy affecting many Black Utahns |
| 2020 | Renewed focus on Black history preservation | Organizations like Sema Hadithi intensify efforts to document and share Utah’s Black history |
“The tour explores over 150 years of African American influence in Utah, from Buffalo Soldiers to civil rights protests.”
As we reflect on this rich historical timeline, it becomes clear that the African American community has played a vital role in shaping Utah’s cultural landscape for over 150 years. From the early settlers and Buffalo Soldiers to civil rights activists and community leaders, Black Utahns have contributed significantly to the state’s development and progress.
This tour through Salt Lake City’s hidden Black history not only educates us about the past but also inspires us to work towards a more inclusive and equitable future. By understanding and appreciating the diverse threads that make up Utah’s historical tapestry, we can foster a stronger, more united community that celebrates its rich cultural heritage.
We encourage you to continue exploring Utah’s Black history beyond this tour. Visit local museums, engage with community organizations, and support initiatives that aim to preserve and share these important stories. Remember, every step we take to uncover and celebrate our diverse history brings us closer to a more inclusive and understanding society.
Thank you for joining us on this transformative journey through Salt Lake City’s cultural landmarks. May the stories and lessons learned today inspire you to seek out and share the hidden histories in your own communities.