Black Cleveland: A Living Legacy of History, Culture, and Civil Rights

Black Cleveland's story stretches far beyond a single moment in history. From Carl Stokes' groundbreaking election and the legacy of Karamu House to generations of activists, artists and community leaders, Black Cleveland has helped shape the city's identity for decades. Looking to explore that history for yourself?

But Cleveland has never been defined by history alone. It has always been shaped by the people behind it.

Today, that legacy lives on through Black entrepreneurs, artists, community builders and cultural leaders who continue to shape The Land. From Clevelanders transforming vacant lots into thriving urban farms to business owners creating opportunities for future generations, these leaders represent the next chapter of Black Cleveland's story.

Follow the Black Cleveland: A Living Legacy itinerary to discover the landmarks, cultural institutions and neighborhoods that helped shape the city.

The Community Builders

Black Cleveland's legacy can be seen in the people investing in neighborhoods, preserving culture and creating opportunities for future generations. Through ThirdSpace Action Lab, Evelyn Burnett and Mordecai Cargill help connect Clevelanders to the history, culture and lived experiences that continue to shape Black Cleveland today while creating opportunities for education, dialogue and community-led change. At Rid-All Green Partnership, Damien Forshe, Randell McShepard, G. Keymah Durden III, Marc S. White and Dave Hester have transformed vacant land into an urban agriculture hub focused on sustainability, workforce development and environmental stewardship. Brenda Frazier's work with Chateau Hough demonstrates the power of neighborhood investment and entrepreneurship, while Ricky Smith combines food and community impact through Something Good Social Kitchen and Mealsgiving, an initiative dedicated to feeding and supporting Cleveland residents.

The Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship has long been part of Black Cleveland's story, and today's business owners continue that tradition by creating opportunities, building community and investing in The Land. Through Made From Scratch, Carl Jones has brought healthy food that actually tastes good to a neighborhood that hasn't always had that accessibility. Jeremy McBryde brought his talents back home to Cleveland with Comfort CLE, serving food that feels like a warm hug at a family cookout. Meanwhile, Miesha Wilson has built a wellness-focused business ecosystem through Juicy Vegan and NuLife Fitness, helping Clevelanders nourish both body and mind while proving that entrepreneurship can be just as much about community as it is about business.

The Cultural Connectors

Culture doesn't just happen. It's built by the people creating opportunities for others to connect, collaborate and celebrate Black Cleveland. Through Lounges Content Studio, A.D. Jackson has created spaces where creatives, entrepreneurs and community leaders can gather, share ideas and build relationships. Camille Genise founded Tastemakers to help Black-owned businesses gain visibility while connecting Clevelanders to the people and stories behind them. Through The INDI Group, Jada Hobson creates experiences centered around creativity, wellness and joy while encouraging people to show up as their authentic selves. And through 10K Movement, Sam Mac is helping preserve and elevate Hip Hop and Street Dance culture by creating opportunities for young artists to learn, perform and connect with the roots of the movement.

The Artists

Art has long been a way for Clevelanders to tell stories, celebrate culture and bring communities together. Through murals, galleries, public art and creative experiences, these artists continue that tradition today. Lacy Talley combines art, self-love and mental wellness through community painting experiences while leaving her mark on Cleveland through public murals. Dayz Whun uses murals and tattoo artistry at his shop Red Lion Tattoos Cleveland to create vibrant works that can be found throughout the city. Visual artist Mike Miller has helped create a home for artists and creatives through Green Light Tattoos & Art Gallery, a space where art and community intersect. Through their work on canvas and in public spaces, Christa Freehands and Stina Aleah continue to tell stories, spark conversations and add beauty to The Land.

The Legacy Lives On

The story of Black Cleveland didn't end with the leaders, activists and institutions that helped shape the city's history. It continues through the educators preserving and sharing Black history, the entrepreneurs opening doors for future generations, the community builders investing in neighborhoods and the artists who tell Cleveland's story in new ways.

Whether you're visiting Cleveland for the first time or have called The Land home for years, the impact of these changemakers can be found throughout the city. Their work lives on in neighborhood gathering spaces, local businesses, public art, cultural events and community organizations that continue to shape Cleveland's future. To explore even more of the people and places that define Black Cleveland, check out the Black Cleveland: A Living Legacy itinerary.

Together, they remind us that Black Cleveland isn't just part of the city's history. It's essential to its future.