Accounts of African-American arrivals in the Imperial Valley indicate that black families began arriving in the desert as early as 1904 via truck, train and covered wagon. These courageous pioneers came from all over the United States; however, the majority migrated from the South and the Southwest. They were drawn to this harsh country by the American dream. They sought land of their own, good wages and a better life for their children.Their main goal was acquisition of farm land and financial independence. Many had been sharecroppers or tenant farmers in the South. These people were intelligent, ambitious and politically conscious.
Most African-American pioneer families were large in number. While children were considered a blessing, they were also a necessity as they helped tend cows, hogs, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and pigeons.
Alfalfa became a prized crop as the Valley's long growing season provided for four or five cuttings a year. Growing, cutting, baling and transporting hay to market provided livlihood for many African-American families. Cotton was also a profitable crop, providing a prosperous living for families until mechanized farming machinery made it an unprofitable business for the small farmer. African-American residents also owned and operated dairies with one of the largest belonging to Albert Evans who resided in the Seeley area.
Many black citizens labored with the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe Railroads which were the main arteries connecting the rural county to cities in the north and east. Employment was also found in cotton gins, lumber yards, delivery stables and ice houses. As a group, African-Americans weren't without entrepreneurs. Barber shops, dry cleaning establishments, grocery stores, bakeries, boarding houses, cafes and pool halls are examples of establishments owned and operated by African-Americans.
In the years between 1904 and 1918, many African-Americans congregated in the Calexico area near Mount Signal, in the Imperial area, near Seeley (Where the Naval Air Facility now stands), and in the rural Brawley area.
Tents served as their first abodes. Water from nearby canals was dipped into huge barrels for washing, cooking and drinking. After bringing in a crop or two, they built wooden shanties with canvas flaps that could be raised and lowered instead of windows. Refinements such as screens would be added as money became available. The summers were hot and dusty and the battle against flies and mosquitoes was unending.
As quickly as possible, a small church was built in each community to serve as both a worship and community center.
El Centro achieved nationwide fame as the only city in California with a high school staffed by African-American and Hispanic teachers. This situation at Douglass High School developed by chance, but the school became a mecca for minority teachers aspiring to work in California schools.
Douglass High School Alumni, children and grandchildren of African-American pioneers, still return for class reunions celebrating their history in this golden desert region with gladness and pride. The school was closed in the mid-1950's; however, the impact of those years is still felt over the entire state of California.