Spotlight on the Black Lowrider Association at the San Diego Automotive Museum

The San Diego Automotive Museum is currently showcasing a special exhibition in honour of Black History Month, featuring the Black Lowrider Association. Led by President Mark Forte, the association has brought an impressive collection of lowrider cars to the museum, offering insight into the rich history and cultural significance of lowriding within the black community, particularly in southeast San Diego.

Forte, as the head of the association, has emphasized the importance of not only displaying the cars but also sharing the stories associated with them. He fondly reminisced about the iconic locations in his upbringing, such as Idle Square, Memorial Park, and Oceanview Park, which have played crucial roles in shaping the lowriding culture. Forte also highlighted the pivotal figures in the lowriding community and underscored the association’s dedication to honouring their legacy, stating, “We stand on the legs of those brothers before us.”

An outstanding feature of the exhibition is the 1968 Chevy Impala, affectionately known as ‘Eightballin’, currently on display at the museum. Forte described the Impala as a prime example of the unique style embraced by the black low-riding community. He elaborated on the key components of lowriding in southeast San Diego, including flawless paintwork, wire wheels, chrome features, and the essential use of hydraulics for optimal performance.

The timing of the exhibition is particularly noteworthy given the recent overturning of cruising ordinance AB 436 in California, providing an opportune moment to intertwine Black History Month with the celebration of low-riding history in the state where it originated. Maria Deleon, the museum’s curator, stressed the significance of this exhibition as a symbol of cultural resilience in the face of oppression, noting, “It’s like a big celebration, almost to have the ability to just talk about it and present it as something that people are still doing that they’re allowed to do.”

Additionally, the museum has expressed its enthusiastic collaboration with the Black Lowrider Association for a larger exhibition scheduled for June, in commemoration of Juneteenth. This upcoming event is set to expand on the current showcase, offering a more comprehensive portrayal of the enduring legacy of lowriding within the black community.

The presence of the Black Lowrider Association at the San Diego Automotive Museum serves as a poignant tribute to the resilience and cultural significance of lowriding in the black community. Their commitment to not only showcasing their impressive cars but also sharing the stories and history behind them is a testament to the enduring legacy of this vibrant cultural tradition.