Dreams We Shared

The Douglass Center, named for self-emancipated 19th-century abolitionist Frederick Douglass, grew out of the experience of racism and segregation. When African-American soldiers training at nearby Camp Custer during and after World War I came to Kalamazoo they found few places to socialize while on leave. Leaders in Kalamazoo’s African-American community recognized the problem and organized an association where these men could relax. When the wartime need ended, these citizens realized that the organization could continue to play a role in encouraging their dreams and those of their children.

The Douglass Center outgrew its rented facilities in the German Turn Verein Hall on North Burdick Street. In 1941, it moved into the facility at Ransom and Pitcher streets that would be its home until 1984.

Like the Douglass Community Center, which rented the second floor of the hall, the Turn Verein was a place where Kalamazoo’s German community could gather and share their dreams of becoming part of the American fabric.

 Other ethnic groups in Kalamazoo, both in the past and today, have organized clubs or associations in which they could dream of becoming part of the larger community while retaining connection with their own culture. Such organizations, whether in a physical facility or just a regular periodic gathering, are what the Douglass Community Center illustrates. 

The Douglass Community Center and its legacy of community leaders, many of whom spent their early years at the snack bar and soda fountain, provides an example of dreams shared and fulfilled. 

To read more, visit: 

https://kalamazoomuseum.org/images/museon/2010-Fall-MuseON_race.pdf