California Named after a Black Queen

Not much is known about black history beyond slavery and fights for equal rights and justice. We also don't hear much black ´Herstory´; This is History about a powerful, black and very wealthy woman who reigned as Queen Califia.

copyright image; Queen Califia

QUEEN CALIFIA 

Her story is another one of those that was erased from America’s history but as always, what’s in the dark must come to light and it's oftentimes Golden.

I am captivated; staring in amusement- an ancient beauty with a striking frame. I saw strength in her muscles, fire in her eyes and her locs with long tales of sacrifice bordering her chiseled face. I got more intrigued as my eyes linger on her melanin covered skin, imagining the sunlight hitting the crown nestled atop her head painting glows golden all over her perfectly postured body. A portrait of untold stories, depicting power and undoubtedly a thousand words; that which I'm beckoned to read.

Her name is Queen Califia (Khalifia)

 Queen Califia is a Strong Black Queen after whom the state of California was named. She was of African descent; graced with thick wooly hair, full nose and thick lips. “A black Amazon queen who rules a land at the edge of the world, where the women were warriors and decked in gold (Ordonez de Montalvo). Califia ruled in the same era, as the Nubian queens from Africa. Her followers and fellow traders across the Mediterranean gave her utmost love and respect; she was significantly powerful though she reigns in peace.

Her Reign

Califia ruled in the 15th century during a time prior to Columbus’s visit and even prior Slavery. She traded gold tip spears, gold, diamonds, precious stones, furs, food, plants, rare birds and animals.  According to Diane Blackmon Bailey writer of the History of Queen Califia and the California Blacks, “Queen Califia ruled a civilization with an abundance of natural resources: gold, diamonds, vast quantities of precious stones and metals, with a territory spanning thousands and thousands of miles throughout California. From the coast of San Francisco to Bahia Mexico, as far inland as Colorado, Utah, and all the Pacific Ocean Island Nations including Hawaii, and Australia.”

Fact or Fictional?

Many view Queen Califia’s story as mythical, however, artefacts that are visible today in California state and sources of historic facts have proven that this story, if not true, is somewhere close to the truth. The most dominant story of Queen Califia was written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo’s in his 16th-century romance novel, Las sergas de Esplandían, where Califia’s story was written as fictional. It's also very popular for Spanish writers to portray black women rulers in their novels back then. In West Africa it was a tradition where descendants and relationships were determined through the female line, this was also practised throughout the world. In such times, society was based on maternal values, hence the ruling of a powerful woman such as Califia.

Various online sources have mentioned recent discoveries of cave arts in California. Such pictures depict matriarchal society, trade, and exotic animals.  It is said that ancient artefacts can be found in California on what is now an army base for US Military. The Queen Califia Magical circle can be found today in Escondido, California. It is a sculptural Garden created by world-class artiste Nikki De Saint Phalle. It is a garden of colourful sculptures of the state’s historic, and of course, mythical past.

The writings of Queen Califia’s existence, whether fact or fictional, is of significant inspiration to myself and other black women. Knowledge about this powerful female leader fuels confidence in black women around the world and our black nation in general. We are truly powerful, wealthy and strong. We need to grasp that mentally before truly regaining our physical strength to own our worth as we continue to fight for equal rights and justice. Our history didn't begin at slavery and poverty; next time you celebrate black history, let's celebrate our historical wealth, power and royalty.

PS- It is rather impossible for us to view the cave arts where the military base is now located but “The Queen Califia magical circle” is definitely something I would love to be kicked off my bucket list. I will continue to research more on this inspirational figure from an era where women ruled!

Thank you for reading.

Happy Women’s month!

 Read more at http://www.eurweb.com “The History of Queen Califia and the California Blacks” – Researched and written by Diane Blackmon Bailey

My article was published in the Campus Press; March.2016. Written in celebration of Women´ s History Month.

Check out cover page story - "The State of California named for Queen Califia"; continued on page 5.

LINK TO STORY: https://camdencc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Campus_Press_March_2016.pdf

1)      PHOTO CREDIT: Online source “Published in 1510-Queen Califia, is this legend or fact?” by Sola Rey

2)      Photo taken by Jeff Rozwadowski at the Mark Hopkins Hotel – San Francisco, CA.