By Debbie Arrington
darrington@sacbee.com
Sacramento's early African American citizens will be showcased during a special Black History Month Tour at the Old City Cemetery at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26.
Presented by the Old City Cemetery Committee and Sacramento's Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum, this special guided tour will focus on Sacramento's first black residents, many of whom are buried in the historic cemetery at Broadway and 10th street in Sacramento.
In the free state of California, African Americans owned newspapers, ranches and mines, making early Sacramento a mecca for repressed blacks throughout the country. Many of the early black pioneers arrived as slaves, then bought their freedom with gold dust after working long hours in the mines and fields. Black seamen jumped ship so they could find fortune here and perhaps free their families.
During the upcoming cemetery tour, docents will tell the stories of these little-known pioneers. The tour is free, although donations are appreciated.
Free parking is available in the lot on the north side of Broadway, opposite the cemetery's 10th Street entrance.
For more details, call (916) 264-7839 or click on www.oldcitycemetery.com








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