Long-awaited crosswalk on Geary helps rebuild community connections

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By
Amy Fowler
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Photo of decorative panel depicting notable Fillmore figures
The center figure in the Fillmore panel is Charlie Parker, one of many world-class jazz musicians who performed in the Fillmore, known at the time as the “Harlem of the West.” He is joined by Mary Ellen Pleasant, who established the western terminus of the Underground Railroad. Wesley Johnson, Sr. in the cowboy hat owned several Fillmore bars that were important community gathering places.
 Photo of decorative panel depicting Japantown
On Japantown’s panel is the Buchanan YMCA and the Peace Pagoda. The Buchanan YMCA, just across the street from the median refuge, is the first institution created by the Issei. The Peace Pagoda and its plaza, like the cherry blossoms, are enduring gifts of friendship from the people of Japan to the people of San Francisco and the United States.
 Photo showing three round decorative panels depicting St. Francis Square, the Fillmore and Japantown
Each neighborhood also has a round panel depicting representative birds: seagulls for St. Francis Square to reflect its history as a housing cooperative sponsored by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU); the Chidori, a migratory bird, for Japantown; and the Sankofa bird, a traditional West African symbol, for the Fillmore.
 Photo of people walking across the new crosswalk
The new crosswalk offers a safer connection between Japantown Peace Plaza and the Fillmore/St. Francis Square to the south.
 
  1. Photo of decorative panel depicting notable Fillmore figures
  2. Photo of decorative panel depicting Japantown
  3. Photo showing three round decorative panels depicting St. Francis Square, the Fillmore and Japantown
  4. Photo of people walking across the new crosswalk
Neighborhoods
Western Addition
Routes
38R Geary Rapid

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