A History of the Fillmore Neighborhood in San Francisco | KQED

The narrative begins with the iconic Fillmore Auditorium, renowned for its historical significance in the rock and roll era. Narrated against the backdrop of bustling traffic and car horns, the script sets the scene of the neighborhood's transformation over time. The 1960s kids who visited the auditorium were largely unaware of the area's deeper history and its previous inhabitants. The story then shifts to the street level, introducing the Pettus family, who witnessed the neighborhood's decline due to redevelopment that led to widespread demolition and emptiness. Reggie Pettus humorously renames the area 'the No-More' due to the loss of its former vibrancy. The Fillmore's past as a predominantly Black and Japanese neighborhood with a lively social scene is contrasted with the present state of emptiness and the lingering question of who was responsible for the changes.

This paragraph delves into the Fillmore's past as a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, rich with African-American and Japanese culture, businesses, and a sense of community. The area was known for its restaurants, clubs, and hotels, and was a central hub for social activities. The narrative highlights the Fillmore's transformation due to redevelopment, which led to the displacement of its residents and the erasure of its cultural landmarks. The story is told through the voices of the people who experienced these changes, expressing their sense of loss and the struggle to preserve their heritage amidst the push for urban renewal.

The script introduces the Western Addition, a neighborhood that faced significant changes due to urban renewal projects. The area, once a diverse and lively community, was subjected to the Housing Act of 1949, which aimed at slum clearance and the construction of new housing units. The narrative follows the experiences of the residents, particularly the African-American community, who were deeply affected by these changes. The story unfolds through the lens of Carlton Goodlet, a physician and newspaper publisher, who advocated for community input in the city's plans. The paragraph highlights the challenges faced by the residents, the lack of awareness about the impact of urban renewal, and the slow progress of the plans, which allowed the community to establish roots before further changes took place.

The narrative celebrates the Fillmore's jazz scene and the strong sense of community pride that emerged in the 1950s. Despite being labeled a slum, the Fillmore was a hub for jazz lovers, with musicians like Earl Watkins and John Handy sharing their experiences of performing with legends and the vibrant nightlife that brought people together. The Fillmore was compared to Harlem, reflecting its cultural significance. However, the narrative also hints at the challenges faced by the community, including the stigma associated with being a 'black' neighborhood and the city's plans for urban renewal that threatened the area's unique identity.

This paragraph discusses the urban renewal project that targeted the Fillmore district, leading to the displacement of its predominantly African-American residents. The narrative describes the government's use of eminent domain to forcibly acquire properties, offering meager compensations to homeowners like Carol O'Gilvie's family. The impact of this renewal is highlighted through personal stories of displacement, the destruction of Victorian homes, and the creation of the Geary Boulevard, which physically separated the community. The narrative also touches on the return of Japanese-Americans to the area after World War II and the challenges they faced in reclaiming their former homes and businesses.

The narrative shifts focus to the community's response to the urban renewal plans, led by the Western Addition Community Organization (WACO). Activists like Rev. Hannibal Williams and Mary Rogers are highlighted for their efforts to resist displacement and fight for the rights of residents to remain in their neighborhood. The paragraph details the community's struggle against the redevelopment agency's plans, which lacked consideration for the residents' needs and input. WACO's direct actions, such as padlocking a housing project to protest its unaffordability for the community, and their eventual success in filing a federal lawsuit against the agency, mark a significant milestone in the fight for residents' rights in urban renewal processes.

The narrative reflects on the long-term effects of urban renewal in the Fillmore district, noting the loss of community and the physical transformation of the neighborhood. Despite the efforts of WACO and the legal victory that allowed residents a say in the redevelopment process, the Fillmore's rich cultural history and community fabric were severely impacted. The paragraph discusses the failure to rebuild the Fillmore Center and the challenges faced by the community in accessing economic opportunities and housing. It also touches on the rise of crime and the departure of the black middle class, painting a somber picture of a neighborhood in transition.

The narrative paints a bleak picture of the Fillmore district's transformation, with the neighborhood becoming increasingly dangerous and unattractive to developers. The Fillmore Center, once a prime property, remained vacant for over a decade. The paragraph highlights the loss of jobs, economic opportunities, and the rise of drug abuse and crime. It also recounts the tragic story of Jim Jones and the People's Temple, which originated in the Fillmore and ended in a mass casualty event in Guyana. The narrative emphasizes the irreversible damage done to the community and the challenges of rebuilding what was lost.

The narrative concludes by reflecting on the Fillmore's legacy and the ongoing changes in the neighborhood. It discusses the creation of a jazz preservation district and the development of new properties, including the Fillmore Center, which now houses modern amenities and caters to a different demographic. The paragraph acknowledges the irreversible nature of the community's loss and the difficulty of recreating what once was. It also highlights the city's transformation into a more economically prosperous and racially mixed place, with a focus on the Fillmore Auditorium and the Chicago Barber Shop as enduring institutions that carry forward the neighborhood's history and culture.