About this Event
Leidesdorff Fandango - California Reparations Symposium
Friday, October 23, 2026
11:30 am - 4:30 pm
California State Capitol
The golden legacy of Honorable William Alexander Leidesdorff, Jr. comes alive at our lively Leidesdorff Fandango showcasing the early Afro-Latino legacy throughout Mexican California at dawn of California Statehood.
The rich diversity of humanity along the American River Parkway began long ago with Native American Nations, peaceful coexistence for thousands of years, until the first wave of European explorers.
Organized Fur traders renamed the pristine snow melt water of the American River, earlier named "Blood River" by the Russian-American Fur Company, French, Spanish, British and American furriers who nearly destroyed all beaver, river otters colonies throughout the plentiful California river systems.
The introduction of alien diseases began the initial destruction of the Native American population, later intentional genocide became the law of the land.
In 1844, Rancho Rio de Los Americanos, 8 Mexican leagues or 35,521 acres was entitled to Honorable William Alexander Leidesdorff, Jr. who later served as US Vice Consul in Alta California Mexico.
In 1846 his vibrant Cattle and Wheat Ranch House supplied fresh fruits, vegetables and meat to his SF City Hotel & Civic Center.
Leidesdorff Ranch, in today's City of Rancho Cordova, one day will be showcased along today's William Alexander Leidesdorff Jr. Memorial Highway.
Dr. James Armstead, Esq. will portray William Alexander Leidesdorff, Jr., in Chautauqua Theater style, as we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee Year of Leidesdorff Plaza that was dedicated in May 1966, by the Negro Museum and Library Association of Sacramento, Inc.
Our Leidesdorff Ranch and Policy Research Center, Inc. will outline our work during our family fun festive occasion filled with food, music, fashion, theater and dance.
Event venue & nearby stays
California State Capitol - West Steps, 1300 L Street, Sacramento, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.