Stories History Can Tell
Stories History Can Tell
By Shane Curtin and Estella Inda
The San José Public Library’s California Room is currently gathering materials with the aim of creating an exhibit chronicling the social, economic, and political development of San José’s East Side, as well as establishing a permanent archival collection at the library.
While this project has been underway for some time, the political events which have unfolded over the past few months make it all the more important. San José City Council is pushing equity initiatives throughout the city, and the spirit of the moment presents opportunities to create lasting change.
“Before the 1950s, San José’s East Side was uninterrupted farmland...The area became known as “Sal Si Puedes,” meaning “Get out if you can.”
However, making informed decisions about the future requires us to understand the past. It was with this principle in mind that author Stephen Pitti was invited to speak at a recent City Council study session on racial equity. Pitti discussed the history of non-white San José residents’ struggles with education, housing, employment and general representation, as detailed in his book, “The Devil in Silicon Valley.”