In our second of six interviews record August 23, 2012, William Burg discusses
insight on Sacramento's diverse cultural history since the California Gold Rush. He talks about how African-American and Japanese
communities grew over the past century. He says generations of immigrants came to Sacramento to find a better way of life. Some of the first
few congregations of African-American churches on the West Coast were in Sacramento. In the early 1900s Mexican culture began to
expand in town.
There were also migrants from Pakistan. Burg says Capitol Mall was known as Japan Town prior to World War II. During
the war the African-American population tripled due to migration. The live music scene at that time featured many African-American
jazz musicians. Burg, who has written four books on local history, also is involved with putting together local events such as
Soca Home Tour 2012 and Norcal Noisefest 2012.