On March 26, 2017, Toyota hosted a very unique and unforgettable driving tour of the rich African American history in San Francisco, CA. More than 10 Toyota vehicles caravanned a group of approximately 20 people through the streets of San Francisco. I am a native San Franciscan and it was shocking to hear, for the first time, the impact and pathways that Black people played in what is now a very different San Francisco. In a city that I have called home for many many years, my very own history was never taught in a public school system that I attended from kindergarten to high school. I recall taking an African American Studies class in high school and this information was never a part of the syllabus.

Well, here it is. Toyota comes to save the day and it's a breath of fresh air to meet the tour historian Mr. John William Templeton. Here is just a snippet of what I learned on that tour. And go!

William Leidesdorff is only one of two people buried in San Francisco, California. When Mr. Leidesdorff died in 1854, he was worth $1.4M.
Langston Hughes lived at 2335 Hyde Street, San Francisco
Mary Ellen Pleasant was the first African American female millionaire. The oak tress she planted in front of her mansion which was located on the corner of Octavia & Bush Streets in San Francisco are still standing today.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is 165 years old and the oldest African American church in San Francisco. Located at 916 Laguna Street.