Black History Tour

Join a Guided Black History Tour

Participate in a Guided Black History Walking Tour about the Black community at UC Berkeley! This tour was written and designed by long-time staff member and alumna Gia White (‘86). The tour draws from her extensive research about the earliest Black students at UC Berkeley (see "As I Walk These Paths"), a few of our many notable Black faculty members, and the special spaces that Black people have...

Stop 12 - Sather Gate

Sather Gate was built in 1910 through the donation of Jane Sather. This iconic site has been a site for activism and change. Learn how at this stop.

Stop 13 - The Wall

Learn about the significance of "The Wall" for Black people on campus and the ongoing efforts to continue its traditions for years to come.

Stop 14 - Sproul Plaza / MLK Student Union

On May 17, 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech on Sproul Plaza to a packed crowd of 7,000 students. Listen to the way his presence was a catalyst for change on the Berkeley campus.

Stop 11 - 1909 Pillar

At this stop, take the time to learn about the significance of the year 1909 and the milestone in history created by Vivian Logan Rodgers.

Stop 10 - Dwinelle Hall

The African American Studies and African Diaspora Studies department owes its beginning to student activism. Listen here to see why.

Stop 9 - Wheeler Hall

Wheeler Hall has been the site of several speeches by famous African American leaders such as James Baldwin and W.E.B. Du Bois. Find out more at this stop.

Stop 8 - South Hall

South Hall is the oldest building on campus that still stands. Learn about the history of two Black women who excelled in the world of Library Science.

Stop 7 - The Campanile

The UC Berkeley Campanile is an incredible landmark right in the center of campus. Discover the layered meaning of the Lincoln Bust on the south facade.

Stop 5 - Hertz Hall

Modest Oreathial Richardson's family moved from Louisiana to Berkeley as part of the first wave of the Great Migration. Find out more about her life growing up in Berkeley here.