SAN DIEGO – Today, Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. (D-La Mesa) announced $195,000 in state funding for the City of San Diego to restore and rebuild the historic statue in the Mountain View community.
The late San Diego artist Rossie Wade created “The Black Family” in 1974 while an artist in residence at San Diego Community College Educational Cultural Complex. The wood sculpture was then placed in Mountain View Park, but has since disintegrated with only the base and plaque remaining.
With persistent advocacy from community members, the City of San Diego requested state funding through Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber’s office to restore the sculpture.
“It is truly because of the community why we are able to stand here today, announcing $195,000 in state funding to cover the cost of restoring The Black Family statue,” said Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber. “It is more than the statue, it is a symbol of belonging, a symbol of hope and togetherness, and a reminder of the importance of the family unit. The statue was one place in the community where Black families could see themselves in public art in a positive light. Our art is not erased, our culture is not erased, and our families must remain strong and diligent. I am honored to be a part of this project.”
The restoration project will involve designing, fabricating, transporting, lighting, and installing a recreated version of the original sculpture and base.
What our city leaders are saying:
“This artwork holds major significance to the Mountain View community, so the City is stepping up to help rebuild it,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. "I am grateful to Assemblymember Akilah Weber for her work to secure funding for the restoration of ‘The Black Family’ statue so that it can remain a symbol of cultural and community pride for generations to come."
“The Black Family Statue commemorates the legacy of hope and resilience of the Black community within our region, and I’m so excited that this art will be restored. Thank you to Assemblymember Weber for funding this project to help us pour into preserving history and honoring those who have influenced the culture and strength of Mountain View,” said Council President pro Tem and Councilmember of District 4 Monica Montgomery-Steppe.
“Every community deserves to feel represented, inspired and welcomed. Public art can help do that, especially art like the Black Family Statue,” said San Diego City Council President and Councilmember of District 9 Sean Elo-Rivera. “Community leaders have been tirelessly advocating for the restoration and reinstallation of this statue that depicts the love, beauty, and welcoming power of the Black family. Thank you to all who fought vigorously to make this happen and bring this community treasure back.”
“On behalf of the San Diego College of Continuing Education, which has long been an integral part of the Mountain View community, I want to thank the honorable Assemblymember Akilah Weber for securing $195,000 in state funding to make this long-held dream become a reality, for allowing the Black Family Statue depicting two parents and their two children created by artist Rossie Wade, a longtime Artist in Residence at the Educational Cultural Complex, to rise like a phoenix from the ashes,” said Dr. Tina M. King, Ed.D., president of the San Diego College of Continuing Education. “As you all know, San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) is on the cutting edge of adult education and workforce training, and I want to acknowledge the SDCCE students in our second-to-none Welding program who are working on the restoration of this important piece of art. For far too long, San Diego’s third oldest park was without its beloved landmark, but this community refused to allow our history and our culture to be erased. Like the Black Family Statue, our values and our history will always stand tall.”