Everyday, we unearth new community treasures that help us better understand the African American experience.

The African American Legacy Project of Northwest Ohio was founded (2004) to create a vehicle to secure and share the histories – and stories - of African Americans from our Northwestern Ohio communities who have left indelible impressions upon our communities, families, and – in many cases – the greater world community.

Our reach, impact, and influence is growing.  We have started unearthing stories and touching souls throughout the state of Ohio.  Soon, we will be profiling African Americans both on our web site and through our electronic newsletter. There is a rich history lying just beneath the surface in  dozens of communities throughout the state and we plan to share them!  If you know of someone or an important story we should be profiling contact us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and ... make sure you sign up for our electronic newsletter to be unveiled March 1st. You can sign up on our home page.

To date, we have unearthed an Olympic Gold Medalist, a United Nations ambassador, members of the original Harlem Globetrotters, and … so much more.

We have found our voyage nothing less than enlightening and this web site has been established to share our generous finds with you.

Over the next several months, years, and perhaps even decades, The African American Legacy Project will begin to unveil stories of hope and determination by allowing you our visitor access to portions of video interviews, share parts of our photographic collection, along with other memorabilia and information that documents the experience.

Our website is being formatted to allow interaction and heighten communications with various publics. We hope you too will enjoy the experience!

Grace Presbyterian Church Historical Link to Tatum

According to the churches "Minutes of Session" records, the first organizational meeting of Grace Presbyterian Church took place in August, 1919. Four years later, records indicate on Sunday, July 2, 1922, Grace initiated a week of services celebrating the founding of the first predominantly African American presbyterian church in Toledo, Ohio.  The church was located at the corners of City Par and Woodland Avenues.  Mr. Art Tatum Sr. was - at that time - the church treasurer.  Not coincidentally, both Art and Mildred Taylor, the parents of the legendary musician, are listed as founding members of the church. 

Grace Chose Kids to Honor Tatum

Art Tatum, Jr was about eight years old when Grace  Presbyterian was founded. It was fitting Grace Presbyterians Women's Association led by church elders, Ms. Delores Penn and Mrs. Marva Stone chose two young women to demonstrate  their piano skills and simultaneously honor the late great Tatum. 

 Ms. Sania Bauswell, one of the youth performers, is a 13 year-old eighth grade pianist   attending St Patrick of Heatherdown School.Sania's maturity and delivery, along with her vocal skills surprised and lifted the audience to new heights and confidence and comfort in knowing the youth of this community truly understand the importance of ... legacy.

Ms. Isis Darks is a senior at Start High School and a TOLEDO EXCEL Group XVIII scholar.       Ms. Darks fluid understanding of piano was exemplified as she performed her own composition entitled, "Tribute to Tatum."

Those attending Grace's special service were also treated to the exceptional talent of vocalist, Mr. Patrick Lockett, Rogers High School class of 1979, whose homecoming performance elevated the 100th birthday special celebration  of the legendary Art Tatum.

Mr. Lockett currently resides in Los Angeles, California.  Among the notables attending the morning's special service was retired Judge Robert V. Franklin,  former Toledo Mayor Jack Ford, and current State Treasurer, Kevin Boyce.