HerStory in the News

Generational Black Pioneers (GBP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and sharing the untold stories of Black pioneers who have shaped our communities. Through student-led historical research, original theatrical productions, documentary storytelling, and community partnerships, GBP transforms overlooked history into powerful educational experiences that inspire future generations.

Each year, students work alongside educators, historians, families, and community members to recover forgotten narratives from archives, oral histories, and historical landmarks. These stories are then brought to life through music, dance, theater, film, and multimedia performances, allowing audiences to experience history in a deeply personal and engaging way.

Since its founding, Generational Black Pioneers has produced four original productions that have celebrated Black entrepreneurs, trailblazing civic leaders, local legends, and pioneering women educators. The 2027 production, Before There Was San Diego – We Were Here, expands this mission by exploring the lives of the earliest known Black pioneers whose contributions helped shape the region long before the city of San Diego was established.

At its core, Generational Black Pioneers believes that history is more than a record of the past—it is a pathway to belonging. By helping young people discover the stories of those who came before them, we foster civic pride, cultural understanding, leadership, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse communities that continue to shape our future.

We don't just tell history—we recover it, perform it, preserve it, and pass it on to the next generation.