Legacy is everything to me! I celebrate my ancestors by telling and sharing their stories. I am a genealogist and public historian. I have been researching the accounts of those who have lived in San Diego, and digging deeper to learn more from the lives of those who impacted the city of San Diego. We are all connected in one way or another and my goal is to find those connections and share the stories through writing and presenting exhibits and public presentations.
About Yvette Porter Moore
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am a single mother of 4 and grandmother of 6. My parents were active members of the community.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have always been a free spirit. I have held many positions in the social service field, political, and educational fields. My most important work was to care for my uncle for 15 years. This position allowed me the opportunity to focus on becoming a Genealogist and build my research business. I love to travel and research. My favorite place to research is at the cemetery.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live your best life by following your heart’s passion.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself traveling and speaking to groups about history and genealogy. I also see myself helping to build a Cultural & History Center on Mount Palomar. I also see myself as a published writer.
Yvette Porter Moore & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Baja Lobster, Cafe Cayote, and Tajima.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in San Diego for 53 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have met many interesting people in our community. One of those people I have met is Mike Norris, who is a professional photographer/historian.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The former NAACP on Imperial Avenue. As a little girl, my father, Walter J. Porter, a former President of the chapter, used to take me to meetings there. I remember many of the San Diego leaders who were present at the meetings. Down the street from the NAACP was a candy store, where I would buy my treats for the day. This monthly visit holds good feelings for me.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I believe the four corners of Market Street and Euclid Avenue are unique to the area. We have the Euclid Trolley on one side, the New Live Well Center on another corner, and the Elementary Institute of Science and the Malcolm X Library on the other. These corners hold so much history, and I feel that it represents our community well. The Southeastern San Diego Live Well Center displays a wall that commemorates the former Tubman-Chavez Center, and within the building is a wonderful representation of works of local community artists.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would love to sit down and have lunch with Dr. Jack Kimbrough. I knew him as a little girl but did not realize that he was of great importance to our community and that he impacted my life and many others. I would have lunch with him at the University Club downtown, overlooking the city.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is The Color Purple, and my favorite TV show is The Jeffersons.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I hang out at the Cemetery and collect names to research.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Balboa Park
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Dr. Jacqueline Martin
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
YBNB, Common Ground Theatre, RISE San Diego Fellow, Nate Harrison Serenity Ranch Foundation, Southeast Rotary Club, San Diego History Center, The San Diego African American museum of fine arts, Mike Norris Legacy Legends Foundation.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The Rotary Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do. 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Emerald Hills
What I love about my Neighborhood:
The History.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Spending time at the beach
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Sunshine, Ownership
