This week, the Tenderloin Museum in San Francisco hosted the First Thursday Art Walk, featuring the exhibition “Tenderloin Blackness.” This vibrant showcase highlights the contributions and influential figures within the neighborhood known for its rich Black heritage.

About the Exhibition

Organized by Del Seymour, a prominent figure in the community often referred to as the “Mayor of the Tenderloin,” the exhibition aims to reshape perceptions of the Tenderloin. “People think of the Tenderloin as a place where only the homeless, drug addicted, and drug dealers live. We wanted to show this was a place of dignity for its Black residents,” Seymour stated. He is also the founder of Code Tenderloin, an organization dedicated to helping low-income and homeless individuals gain job skills.

The exhibit includes a collection of photographs, newspaper articles, videos, and personal artifacts that celebrate key individuals such as Leroy Looper, who pioneered quality single-residency occupancy at the Cadillac Hotel, and Rev. Cecil Williams, the late and beloved pastor of Glide Memorial Church. Other influential community members featured include Silena Layne from Faithful Fools, Richard Beal of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, and longstanding community activist Cheryl Shanks.

Broader Insights at the Tenderloin Museum

According to Katie Conry, Executive Director of the Tenderloin Museum, the exhibition aligns with the museum’s mission to document the area’s multifaceted history. The museum’s archives encompass a wide range of materials, from historical plaques and videos to content that narrates the Tenderloin’s evolution through significant eras like the Roaring Twenties and World War II.

The museum also plays a vital role in the community by providing information on local nonprofit organizations that serve residents facing poverty. Regularly hosting events for artists, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community, it is deeply engaged in enhancing neighborhood connections.

First Thursday Art Walk

The First Thursday Art Walk, which commenced in 2010, takes place on the first Thursday of each month. This self-guided event encourages engagement between local businesses and the community by inviting visitors to explore various art exhibits and local shops during evening hours.

John Vochatzer, co-owner of Moth Belly Gallery and organizer of the Art Walk, emphasized its significance, stating, “The majority of our business is done on this one night.”

Spotlight on Local Businesses

Among the featured participants was the Tilted Brim clothing store. Justin Bautista, a representative for the store, described it as “one of the intrepid ones” reopening after the pandemic lockdown, presenting a distinct collection of vintage-inspired clothing, art, and plants.

Emperor Norton’s Boozeland, a playful bar in the area, adds to the local flavor with its exhibitions of vintage saloon matchbooks and a vibrant atmosphere ideal for socializing.

Visit ‘Tenderloin Blackness’

The exhibition “Tenderloin Blackness” is available for viewing until November 2 at the Tenderloin Museum, located at 398 Eddy St., San Francisco. The museum is open for visits from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, with free gallery admission alongside a modest fee of $6-$10 for museum entry. For more on this exhibition, visit the Tenderloin Museum website.