Events › Russell City: The Life and Legacy of a Displaced Alameda County Community

Russell City: The Life and Legacy of a Displaced Alameda County Community
Where It Was, What It Was, and Why It Still Matters

This historical talk explores the story of Russell City, a once-thriving, racially diverse community in unincorporated Alameda County that was forcibly displaced during urban redevelopment in the 1960s. This presentation traces Russell City's journey from the 1920s through its forced displacement in the 1960s, drawing from historical records, maps, and community voices to recover a largely forgotten chapter of Alameda County history. Learn where it was, what made it special, and why its story matters today.

Speaker Bio

Francesca Thomas is a Hayward native and direct descendant of Russell City residents. She was a member of the Russell City Reparative Justice Project, where she participated in efforts to document community history and support public education initiatives. Francesca has contributed to local conversations about Russell City’s history, including participation in a KQED interview, and is committed to sharing this history in ways that are accurate, accessible, and rooted in lived experience.

Registration is not required for this event. 

Photo Courtesy of the Hayward Area Historical Society. It shows the interior of a store in Russell City.