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Crosscurrents

The Birth of the Cool: San Francisco's New Fillmore District

Julie Blaumstein
A mural paying homage back to when the Fillmore was known as "The Harlem of the West."

As the city of San Francisco experiences new waves of growth and expansion, we travel back to another time before redevelopment reshaped the Fillmore District. 

In the 40’s and 50’s the Fillmore was a vibrant mix of cultures, and a national hotspot for jazz musicians. On any given night you could hear the voice of Billie Holiday, or the playing of Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Dizzy Gillespie. The lively and diverse neighborhood quickly earned a nickname: The Harlem of the West.   

This story originally aired on July, 29th, 2008 as part of a full documentary. To hear the full version, click here

 

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