About the Shipyard
During World War II, tens of thousands of African Americans came to San Francisco as part of the Great Migration. Many were drawn by the promise of steady work in the booming shipbuilding industry. At the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, Black workers took on critical roles as welders, pipefitters, riggers, and laborers—often despite illegal discrimination. Many had never worked industrial jobs before, but they quickly learned and proved their skill and resilience, helping to power the U.S. Navy’s efforts in the Pacific. Others came and opened businesses creating two thriving Black communities in San Francisco.
While the war created new economic opportunities, it didn’t erase racial barriers. Still, their presence laid the groundwork for a lasting Black community in Bayview Hunters Point, one that grew in strength and culture even as it faced systemic neglect in the decades that followed.
Black On Point was created in part to acknowledge and honor the history of Black people being pivotal to the Shipyard. As well as to highlight and support the African American artists within the artist community known as the Hunters Point Shipyard Artists.
History of the Shipyard
History of “The Point,” Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, and Shipyard Trust for the Arts (STAR)
In the 1950's, the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard employed 8,500 civilians. Decommissioned in 1974, it was leased in 1976 to a private ship-repair company which sublet buildings to civilians including "The Point's" founder, sculptor Jacques Terzian, a fabricator of found-object furniture and wall installations. Jacques’ vision of transforming neglected buildings into affordable workspaces became real in 1984 when a handful of artists began renting and renovating studios st the shipyard. "The Point" was soon home to 300 visual artists, musicians, and writers. The artist community became known as the Hunters Point Shipyard Artists and is one of the largest artist communities in the United States and "The Point" still facilitates the rental of the affordable art studios.
Shipyard Trust for the Arts (STAR) is a nonprofit organization representing the Hunters Point Shipyard Artists. STAR was founded by artists to prevent displacement from their affordable studios in 1990, and set up as a non-profit in 1996. STAR's core mission is to preserve affordable studio space and protect artists from being uprooted amid changing economic and environmental conditions. They promote Shipyard artists through Open Studios, curated exhibitions and a dedicated website and social media channels, helping them sell their work, secure commissions and increase their visibility.
STAR also works to increase access to Shipyard studios for artists who have historically had fewer opportunities, while also expanding public engagement with the arts in Bayview Hunters Point—both at the Shipyard and in the surrounding community. Our broader goal is to ensure that the Shipyard remains not only a place for creative work but also a cultural landmark where the community is engaged, informed, and connected to the site’s evolving story.
Black On Point artist Stephen Namara rented his studio directly from Jacques Terizan in 1985. He is one of the longest-tenured artists at the shipyard and he was the first African American artist to join the community. One year later, in 1986, JoeSam. (period intentional) joined the community. Besides pursuing his own art, he tirelessly worked to increase access for Black artists to the shipyard studios. He also publicly criticized local museums for not including the work of artists of color, particularly Black artists.
JoeSam. was instrumental in starting what became the STAR Artist in Residence program in 1996, providing a free studio to talented young community artist Malik Seneferu. Malik, another Black On Point member, has gone on to become a very successful artist with a permanent studio at the shipyard, thanks in part to JoeSam.’s support.
History of Black Artists at “The Point”
Stephen Namara
JoeSam.
Malik Seneferu