As a non-profit multi-cultural arts organization we are dedicated to promoting, presenting & preserving the African Diaspora & Indigenous cultures of the world through Music, Art, Dance, Multi-Media Arts, Education, and STEAM Research. We are the home of 101.1FM KVIB, a low-power FM station operated by WorldBeat Center and Positive Hope. We are located in beautiful Balboa Park in the heart of San Diego, California. Through consciousness raising the WorldBeat Center promotes peace within our San Diego community by providing on-going programs and services that nurture the spirit of children, the elderly, and everyone in between. Our main goal is then to create unity within diversity.
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Recent Activity at WBC!
Threads of Freedom: A Celebration of Quilted Resistance
WorldBeat Center proudly presents Threads of Freedom, the second quilt exhibit honoring the artistry, resilience, and coded language of African American quilting traditions. The centerpiece of the exhibit features two stunning works by Kim Ballentine Lane,...
Black Birders Week 2025 by Berenice Rodriguez
In celebration of Black Birders Week, the WorldBeat Cultural Center, in partnership with the San Diego Bird Alliance, hosted a vibrant community bird outing on May 31st at Chollas Lake Park. The event welcomed families, first-time birders, seasoned bird enthusiasts,...
Quilt Codes of the Underground Railroad: Hidden Messages on the Road to Freedom by Makeda Cheatom
The story of the Underground Railroad is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and ingenuity. It is widely believed that quilts—ordinary household items—may have been used as powerful tools of communication for enslaved people seeking freedom. These quilts,...
A Call for Action for the Crisis in Sudan by Makeda Cheatom
As the world stands by, Sudan is experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe of staggering proportions. The ongoing conflict, primarily fueled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias, has erupted into what can only be described as a genocide. Thousands of...
Fwd: Indian Voices Article – May 12, 2025
--- Indian Voices Article - May 12, 2025 The power of a cup of tea By Cindy Saylor The magic of a mindful cup of tea is a powerful tool for self-care, self-love and for sharing with others. Humans have mixed and matched herbs and plants into tasty brews for millenia....
Honoring Reggae Legends and Indigenous Roots Reggae From Jamaica: Unity Through Music and Culture
It’s such a blessing to witness the unwavering love for Roots Indigenous Reggae music. This year, we had a sold-out house packed with Roots-loving Reggae fans. Roots Reggae holds a special place in the hearts of the Havasupai Native Americans in the Grand Canyon. Back...
Cultural Reclamation: The Ishak Film Screening at WorldBeat Cultural Center by Makeda Cheatom
On Friday, February 14th, 2025 the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park recently hosted a screening of Ishak, a short documentary experimental drama that delves into the history and identity of the Atakapa-Ishak Nation, an Afro-Indigenous community in the South....
Shining a Light on Noise Pollution and Light Justice: A Call for Environmental Equity by Berenice Rodriguez
Noise and light pollution are environmental challenges that often go unnoticed but have profound impacts on both people and wildlife. At the WorldBeat Cultural Center, we believe in addressing these issues through community-focused initiatives that promote healing,...
36th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
On Monday, January 20th, 2025, the WorldBeat Cultural Center hosted a beautiful and glorious celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As we continue to honor Dr. King’s legacy, it is vital to reflect on his powerful message of unity, justice, and love. Dr. King’s...