Photo by Hadley Fruits A marker for Little Harlem, owned by Albert Philips and established in 1942, at 302 Eighth St. is installed.
To celebrate and support longtime Columbus resident Paulette Roberts and her work in documenting significant Black Heritage sites throughout the city, Landmark Columbus Foundation will open the Black Heritage Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony from 5 to 7 p.m. June 19 in the newly reopened Sixth Street Arts Alley.
This trail recognizes 10 downtown sites that honor the legacy of Black-owned businesses in downtown Columbus from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, as well as significant cultural events such as Frederick Douglass’ 1873 speech. Roberts, as well as Mayor Mary Ferdon and historian Brenda Pitts, will be present at June 19’s ceremony to deliver remarks.
“I’m so excited for this opportunity to recognize so many pioneers and families that have worked in this community for so long,” Roberts said. “I hope that these markers help us remember those that have come before us and inspire young people today to start new Black-owned businesses.”
In addition to Roberts’ work, the Black Heritage Trail has benefited from extensive research from Community Volunteer Jim Nickoll and Bartholomew County Historian Tami Iorio. The three presented their findings at a public event, held last February at Helen Haddad Hall, and further research was conducted across the community in collaboration with the Bartholomew County Historical Society and others.
The 10 bronze markers were fabricated with Garland Brook Cemetery and installed by Taylor Brothers Construction. A handheld guide with a map is also being produced to allow visitors to explore the trail, the release says.
The markers and ceremony are produced with support from a leadership grant from the African American Foundation of Bartholomew County, the Benjamin R. Mickey King Endowed Fund and the Heritage Fund. Additional event support is being provided by Black History Columbus.
“The African American Foundation is proud to sponsor this effort at this time,” Board Chair Tom Harmon said. “We are excited to help bring Ms. Roberts’ efforts to a reality.”
The ribbon cutting celebration will feature music by DJ Smooth G in addition to food and drink from Elev8, Lemonade Bros, Stunna’s Meal Prep and Jack Rabbitts. While the event is free and open to the public, registration on Eventbrite is strongly encouraged so event organizers can plan accordingly. To learn more about the Black Heritage Trail and download the guide, visit Black History Columbus’ website.
Downtown Black Heritage Trail sites are located at the following locations:
- Annex Barber and Beauty Shop, owned by Grant Smith and established in 1908, at 617 Washington St.
- Hammond Cafe, owned by Elijah Hammond and established in 1903, at 621-625 Washington St.
- Art Beauty Shop, owned by Cora Stewart and established in 1916, at 629 Washington St.
- Postal Shining Parlor, owned by Wayne Handley and established in 1913, at 647 Washington St.
- Yellow Front, owned by Elmer Goins and established in 1928, at 512 Washington St.
- Noah Roberts Barbershop, owned by Noah Roberts and established in 1915, at 522 Washington St.
- Imes and Washington Barbershop, owned by Harry Imes and James Washington and established in 1899, at 526 Washington St.
- Goins Hotel, owned by Elmer and Lydia Goins and established in 1928, at 415 1/2 Fourth St.
- Little Harlem, owned by Albert Philips and established in 1942, at 302 Eighth St.
- The site of Frederick Douglass’ January 1873 speech at the former Crump Opera House at 401-409 Washington St.
