San Rafael's Canal: A Story of Community Outreach and Change
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Place Description
Since the founding of San Rafael, CA in 1817 to present day 2024, the Canal area has been built upon tight knit communities that are best defined by their cultural and demographic changes. In fact, due to the specific demographics of the Canal, it is considered one of the most segregated districts in the Bay Area-- less than 5% of residents identify as white despite the overwhelming white population throughout San Rafael. The ethnic and cultural groups that have come, gone, and stayed in the Canal have directly formed the community support and outreach in which many rely on. The many waves of unique experience and cultural background is the very reason that economic hardship and institutional racism has been braved with strength and dignity. This history and development of the Canal demonstrate the importance of immigrant communities in the Bay Area and the future of community based services.
Publication Year
2024
Disciplines
Public History | United States History
Faculty Mentor
Aaron Richardson, MA, MLIS