African American Cultural Garden

Address:
890 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Architect/Designer:
W. Daniel Bickerstaff II, AIA, NOMA, NCAR
Sponsoring Organization:

The Association of African American Cultural Gardens

Dedication Date:
October 23, 1977
Contacts:

Carl Ewing, csewing1@aol.com, phone number 216-509-6427.


History & Design:

The African American Garden site was dedicated in 1977. The completed African American Cultural garden will convey the journey of the African American community from the past through the present and into the future. It begins with departure from Africa through the symbolic “Door of No Return” which has been erected and was dedicated in 2016. Additional features yet to be constructed include a multi-use platform bearing North Star imagery honoring Ohio’s role in both the Underground Railroad and the Great Migration. A triangular sculpture at the west end of the platform will symbolize strength, resilience, and the contributions to America by peoples of African descent. The planned water feature will recall the waterways travelled on the path from slavery to freedom and will end at a fountain representing victory and hope.

Plantings:
Eight commemorative trees were planted in the African American garden by the Cleveland Head Start program to celebrate their 20th anniversary in 1985. President Lyndon Johnson and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were honored as well as staff and participants of the Head Start program. A Lily Magnolia tree was planted in the garden by an interested group in 1988 . Magnolia flowers represent many qualities but especially perseverance and endurance. They are closely linked with spring (new beginnings) and the southern United States.
Map: