TOLEDO, Ohio – The African American Legacy Project, in collaboration with community partners and supporters, hosted an exhibition on Saturday that celebrated the rich history of the Dorr Street Business District. The event, held in Toledo, aimed to showcase the area’s cultural heritage while highlighting plans for revitalization and economic growth.
Robert Smith, the director of the non-profit organization, emphasized the importance of honoring the district’s past while focusing on its future. “We are talking about jobs, we are talking about new businesses coming in, we are talking about expanding cultural opportunities,” Smith said during the event.
The exhibition featured a series of displays and images depicting the Dorr Street Business District from decades ago, offering attendees a chance to experience a visual journey through the neighborhood’s history. The event allowed the community to reconnect with the area’s roots and envision the potential of its revitalization.
Smith has worked closely with city leaders to develop a comprehensive plan for the district’s renewal. The Toledo Planning Commission has agreed to collaborate with the African American Legacy Project to define a specific district and engage key stakeholders and long-term partners in the process. Smith expressed optimism that these efforts would pave the way for a thriving and sustainable community.
Toledo City Council member George Sarantou, who attended the exhibition, expressed his support for the project. “The neighborhood really needs economic development,” Sarantou stated. “That means more jobs, more services, more people living over here. If we can get this area to have those stores return, this will be wonderful for all of the people that live over here.”
Smith outlined the next steps in the revitalization process, which include working closely with the Planning Commission to finalize the district’s details. The team also plans to reach out to local businesses and potential partners to create meaningful collaborations that will support the district’s economic growth.
The African American Legacy Project’s efforts to honor the history of Dorr Street while focusing on its future growth are poised to bring new opportunities to the area. As the planning continues, the community remains hopeful that the revitalization of the Dorr Street Business District will lead to a brighter and more prosperous future for Toledo.