Voices of Resilience
Stories drive change. The true history of the Imperial Valley is preserved in the collective experiences of the people who live, work, and organize here. Discover how collaborative community action is transforming our region and driving the charge for equity. This is where the past meets the future.
Deep Roots Oral History Project
For generations, the contributions, resilience, and vibrant history of African Americans in the Imperial Valley have gone underrepresented. The Deep Roots Oral History Project is an ongoing partnership between San Diego State University-Imperial Valley and the Imperial Valley Social Justice Committee.
Originally launched in 2021 through the vision of IVSJC Founder and Chair Marlene Thomas, this project preserves the essential testimonies of local pioneers, elders, and community leaders. The interviewees speak about topics ranging from how they came to the Imperial Valley to how racism and discrimination affect their lives. Because several of our beloved participants have passed on since their recordings, these archived voices serve as an irreplaceable bridge to our collective past—ensuring their legacies are preserved for posterity.
click below to access the full, digitized oral histories hosted by the SDSU Digital Archive. Learn about the legacies that paved the way.
Juneteenth: Celebrating Community and Culture
We believe that joy, cultural expression, and community connection are revolutionary. Juneteenth represents a profound milestone of freedom, resilience, and reclamation. For IVSJC and the community we serve, hosting this annual celebration is a vital practice of collective healing and empowerment. It is a space where our historical roots are honored, local business owners and creators are supported, and the future of the Imperial Valley is shaped together.
Our Juneteenth celebration centers on bringing together multi-generational families, youth, and elders and creates a sanctuary of solidarity and mutual respect. By elevating Black culture and history in the Imperial Valley, we actively challenge systemic inequities and foster a deep, lasting sense of belonging. This work is a living testament to our shared strength, proving that the pursuit of justice is not only about advocacy—it is about cultivating the collective joy and unity that sustain our movement.
Uplifting Our Diverse Histories
Our commitment to social justice is inherently linked with our recognition of the diverse histories that built the Imperial Valley. True equity requires that we consistently acknowledge and celebrate vital cultural observances ensuring every community in the Valley feels seen, valued, and respected. Our purpose in honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage is deeply rooted in the historic, generational presence of Asian, Caribbean, and Filipino individuals who make up the fabric of our community. Over the years, IVSJC has explored how to best preserve these stories, uncovering a beautiful and diverse population of families residing throughout our county and valley whose contributions have historically been overlooked.
Cultivating spaces of visibility and pride for our AAPI community members represents a critical step forward in our mission. By reclaiming the Imperial Valley's overlooked histories and building active cross-cultural solidarity, we ensure that our collective advocacy is rooted in mutual respect, shared power, and an inclusive future for everyone.