The Ebony Triangle
The Inland Empire, a sprawling region in Southern California, encompasses San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and is home to a vibrant and diverse African American community. Particularly notable is the presence of significant African American populations within the region’s “Ebony Triangle, delineated by the 10, 15, and 215 freeways. This area, including cities such as San Bernardino, Rialto, and Fontana, serves as a focal point for African American residents, fostering a sense of community and cultural identity (Hawkins).
According to the latest available data from the 2020 Census, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties combined are estimated to host approximately 341,035 African Americans. Among the cities within the Inland Empire, Moreno Valley stands out for its substantial African American population, accounting for 17.6% or roughly 33,158 residents identifying as Black or African American alone. Rialto and San Bernardino also have significant African American communities, with percentages of 12.2% and 12.3% respectively.
In addition to the “Ebony Triangle,” other cities in the Inland Empire, such as Victorville, contribute to the region’s diverse African American population. Victorville, in particular, boasts a notable concentration, with 17.2% of its population identifying as Black or African American alone. This demographic diversity is a testament to the Inland Empire’s status as a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, where individuals from various ethnicities and racial backgrounds come together to create vibrant and dynamic communities.
Within this region, specific neighborhoods and cities serve as focal points for African American residents, notable African American neighborhoods in the San Bernardino area include Downtown San Bernardino, Indian Springs, Mount Vernon Avenue, the University District (including Kendall Farms and North Park), Waterman-North End, and the West Side. Nearby cities such as Adelanto, Alta Loma, Barstow, Downtown Colton, Fontana, Highland, Muscoy, North Rialto, Twentynine Palms, and Victorville have significant African American populations. Additionally, communities in Riverside, such as Blaine Park, East Side Riverside, North End Riverside, Raincross Square, University City, and University Heights, play an important role in shaping the region’s African American identity.
These neighborhoods and cities underscore the varied distribution and cultural importance of African American residents in the Inland Empire. Their presence is evident not just in population figures but also in the region’s cultural and social landscape. Through their involvement in community events, organizations, businesses, and religious institutions, African American residents enrich the vitality of the Inland Empire, fostering an environment where diversity is valued and embraced.
In concluding this exploration of the Ebony Triangle and its profound significance within the Inland Empire, it is essential to acknowledge the foundational work of Walter Scott Hawkins. His dedication as a Data Researcher, Scholar, and Advocate for Black Students illuminated the vibrancy and challenges of African American communities in California. Through his pioneering research, including the impactful “Counting Black California” report for California Black Media, Hawkins not only highlighted critical demographic insights but also paved the way for substantial community support initiatives. His legacy, marked by a relentless commitment to education and empowerment, continues to inspire efforts to ensure equity and recognition for the Ebony Triangle’s residents. As we reflect on the narratives and data shaping this region, let us remember Hawkins’s invaluable contributions to our understanding and his enduring influence on advocating for African American prosperity and participation.
Hawkins, Walter Scott. “Counting Black California.” California Black Media, 2019
