Over the past several  decades, there has been generous growth in the number of African Americans in search of self. Some suggest the interest in learning about one's family background really took off after Alex Haley's novel  Roots: The Saga of an American Family, was published in 1976. and - of course - the subsequent ABC miniseries also titled ... Roots,  impacted, not just African Americans but inspired others to also asked the question ... who am I?  This story [Roots] was said to be based  upon Haley's family's history, starting with the story of Kunta Kinte, kidnapped in The Gambia in 1767.

Whether or not we can truly credit Haley for this new growth and desire among African Americans to trace their "roots' is purely a matter of conjecture.  What we do know is more and more individuals want to know!  People want to discover and celebrate their family lineage.  They want to find family. They want to connect the dots! 

Every second Saturday of the month the group gathers at The African American Legacy Project to share  their successes in finding a new family link, as well as, their frustrations  in not being able to uncover  a family elder's existence.  Aptly named, Journey, this group meets to query each other, compare notes, and build and strengthen relationships with people who share similar interests and goals.  

The group travels infrequently visiting historical or sites and events of of interests and sometimes they travel just for fun and comradeship. This past summer the group took off on a Saturday to check out a popular soul food restaurant to enjoy good food and good company.

If you are interested in participating in the group contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A Great Project Just Around the Corner --

The group intends to create giant maps, gather photos, and build a model of the community to help identify landmarks familiar to them and others who once lived there.  They spoke of Bush's Pharmacy in North Toledo,  Palmer's Ice Cream Shop at Division and John R. St., the Dixie Theater and the Spot on Dorr Street, and - of course - Fire Station #8 on Division and Indiana and many other places that collectively represented the pulse of Toledo's African American community. Stated differently, the group, known as Journey, wants to document those, even the smallest church, along with the tiny businesses, and places that provided jobs and support that allowed families to eek out even the most meager living while helping to nourish the community.

The actual conversation regarding defining the community began with Mrs. Smith and her brother who had been reminiscing and share their experiences growing up in the community.  According to Mrs. Smith, "We better document it now, because time is approaching when there will be none of us left who remembers when Toledo's African American community was strong and vibrant! " 

The group named the project, The Dorr Street Project, and will focus its immediate attention on defining the African American community from the time period 1950 through 1970. Mrs. Smith cautioned however that the name is slightly misleading because it is the group's intent to document the community from its earliest records, but  ...  this period is a great starting point!

Also involved in the process is Ms. Shirley Greene a Ph.D. candidate a Bowling Green State University. Ms. Green brings a wealth of insight and experiences.  Additionally, Dr. Kimberly Caldwell has agreed to share her dissertation and expertise with this project.  Dr. Caldwell's dissertation focuses on African Americans who resided in the old North Toledo or "Stickney Area. "

 There will be plenty of opportunities for the community to be involved. Actually, in some ways, the community is already involved. Every day when people visit the building, they talk about all the wonderful places that use to exist. Now, when they come in, they can examine the maps, make recommendations, and share their memories.

It's a great community project! Wouldn't it be wonderful if every community across the state did the same thing? With your help, the Dorr Street Project will be done so well, other communities will follow.

To learn how you can get involved call 419-720-4369, or email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it