Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era

African American Californians worked to make leisure an open, inclusive reality by occupying recreational sites and public spaces, challenging racial hierarchies and marking a space of Black identity on the regional landscape and social space. Alison Rose Jefferson's book "Living the California Dream" explores how African Americans pioneered the "frontier of leisure" in Southern California during the Jim Crow era, creating communities and business projects that helped define the practice and meaning of leisure for the region and the nation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 366 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

As Southern California embarked on a transformative journey to reimagine leisure and elevate it to the pinnacle of the American Dream, African American Californians took up the mantle of ensuring that this vision became a reality. By actively occupying recreational sites and public spaces, they courageously challenged the entrenched racial hierarchies that permeated the region. In doing so, they carved out a sacred space of Black identity, marking their presence on the regional landscape and in the social fabric.

In her captivating book, "Living the California Dream: African Americans and the Frontier of Leisure," Alison Rose Jefferson delves into the remarkable stories of African Americans who played a pivotal role in shaping the "frontier of leisure" in Southern California during the era of Jim Crow. Through vivid narratives and detailed accounts, Jefferson showcases how these African American communities and business ventures flourished, creating a vibrant tapestry of leisure destinations that thrived from 1910 to the 1960s. These places not only provided opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment but also played a crucial role in shaping the production, purposes, and societal encounters associated with leisure.

One of the key aspects of Jefferson's work is her exploration of Black communal practices and economic development around leisure. These practices not only enriched the lives of African Americans but also had a profound impact on the broader region and the nation. By challenging the emergent power politics of recreational space, they helped redefine the practice and meaning of leisure for both the local community and the nation as a whole. These sites became not just places of leisure but also symbols of innovation, public contest, and remembrance of the struggles for freedom and equality.

"Living the California Dream" offers a valuable perspective on the overlooked local stories that form the foundation of the national narrative surrounding mass movement to open recreational accommodations to all Americans. It sheds light on the long freedom rights struggle, highlighting the contributions and sacrifices made by African American Californians in their pursuit of equal access to leisure. Through their unwavering determination and resilience, they paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, "Living the California Dream: African Americans and the Frontier of Leisure" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the rich history and profound impact of African American communities in shaping the leisure landscape of Southern California. Through her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Jefferson provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and the ongoing struggle for social justice. This book serves as a reminder of the power of collective action, the importance of preserving heritage, and the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496229069