King-Lincoln Bronzeville (or King-Lincoln for short) is an historical African American neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, and a site of revitalization and renovation projects on behalf of the city. Originally known as Bronzeville by the inhabitants of the community, it has been renamed the King-Lincoln District by Mayor Michael B. Coleman's reign in the hope of revitalizing and highlighting the importance of the district's history. The district aims to embrace the names of Lincoln Theater and the historic King Arts Complex.
Video King-Lincoln (Bronzeville) District
Geography
The King-Lincoln neighborhood is bordered by Broad Street to the South, 20th Street to East, Atcheson Street to the North, and I-71 to the West. Initially a much larger area, the district is continuously redefined with new boundaries in response to Columbus city developments. The area is considered a neighborhood on the Near Eastern side and is surrounded by downtown Columbus, Old Towne East, and Mount Vernon neighborhoods.
Maps King-Lincoln (Bronzeville) District
History
The origins of environmental dates back to the 19th century where slaves were freed and fled from across the Southern Confederation began to settle in Columbus. Originally settled further south by the Scioto River, many Black families moved east to look for jobs in white homes and industrial plants. Over the next century, the community grew and grew to the limits of today's districts. With the Great Migration after World War I, strict housing restrictions, and White flights, Blacks in the city continued to grow and Bronzeville quickly became America's most populous city environment.
By the 1930s, the neighborhood had become an independent community centered on Black's business, service, and life. Bronzeville evolved into a bustling entertainment district with four theaters (Lincoln, Empress, Cameo, and Pythian), and lots of jazz spots. As the community grows, it grows to provide hospitals, schools, churches, and commercial establishments themselves. This district would serve as a congregational site for many Civil Rights activists in the 1950s and 1960s including Martin Luther King Jr..
Having remained an independent community for nearly half a century, the success of the Bronzeville community quickly ended in 1962 with the construction of I-71. The highway divides the district and now functions as the westernmost boundary of the district. In addition, the lifting of many covenants and housing restrictions prompted many middle and upper class families to leave the district and move to the suburbs of Columbus. Many business owners leave the district and quickly evolve into an environment controlled by unemployment, poverty, and crime.
With the help of organizations and community associations, Columbus City embarked on the King-Lincoln District Plan in 2001, a comprehensive revitalization plan aimed at improving economic prosperity and quality of life in the district. The plan has been responsible for the renovation of the King Arts Complex (former Pythian theater), Long Street bridge, and business in the district.
Association
District prosperity is mostly caused by many community organizations and associations that help support business, education, and civil life. Organizations such as the Long Street Business Association, the Bronzeville Neighborhood Association, and The Near East Side, have been key supporters for the preservation and revitalization of the historic district.
Structure and Landmarks
Theater Lincoln
The Lincoln Theater originally called "The Ogden Theater" is a 582 seat art venue located at 769 E. Long Street. First developed by local businessman Al Jackson and designed in the style of the Awakening of Egypt by architect Carl Anderson, The Lincoln Theater opened on 26 November 1928. It soon became a center of entertainment, entertainment and community life in a predominantly African-American environment. Ogden was renamed Lincoln Theater in 1939 and continues to operate as a nationally recognized cinema and hotspot for jazz.
Long Street Bridge and the Cultural Wall
The Long Street bridge is located just above 1-71 and serves as a pedestrian link between the Discovery District and the King-Lincoln District. It contains a 240 foot cultural wall, designed by local artists Kojo Kamau and Larry Winston Collins. This mural consists of 60 panels featuring 139 images connected to the living history of the King-Lincoln District. This bridge is one of the last sections for the redevelopment of the Ohio Department of Transportation from I-71/670 Interchange Downtown.
Second Baptist Church
Second Baptist Church was completed in 1824 and was the first black Baptist church in Columbus, Ohio. The church is located at 186 N 17th St., Columbus, OH 43203. The Reverend James Preston Poindexter, pastor of the Second Baptist Church in 1858, is historically known for his involvement in subway tracks as an enthusiastic abolitionist. Through his civil rights activism, he helped shape the King-Lincoln Bronzeville environment.
The Kings Art Complex
The King Arts Complex opened in March 1987 and was officially completed in 1989. King Arts Complex offers performance, cultural and educational programs that provide high artistic rewards, diverse and diverse experiences, and that enhance and disseminate knowledge about the great and significant contributions of African-Americans to the culture and history of America and the world. The King Arts Complex serves as the main anchor for development in the King-Lincoln District. It is also an oasis for cultural and educational activities as well.
Jeff Abraxas King-Lincoln Bronzville District Murals
Eating and Entertainment
Mayme Moore Park
The size of Garden Mayme is a total of 2.30 acres. The park's location is at 240 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Columbus, OH 43203 and adjacent to The King Arts Complex. Mayme Moore Park is the most popular park in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville District. It is an environmental park and an area for meetings, activities, and community celebrations. Mayme Moore Park hosts various community events such as the Free Jazz Series organized by The King Arts Complex. Every Thursday in summer, the Free Jazz Series is open for the public to enjoy jazz musicians' performances and to participate in family-friendly activities.
Lincoln Cafe
Lincoln Cafe, officially known as Zanzibar Brews was founded in 2007 and is located at 740 E. Long Street, Columbus, OH 43203. The cafe name is altered to fit the Lincoln District theme. Lincoln cafe is a coffee shop and a progressive spirit bar that has a variety of food from soup to sandwich. Wednesday through the weekend, Lincoln Cafe provides live entertainment such as Jazz and open mic poetry. The name "Zanzibar" comes from the East African Nation of Tanzia. Lincoln Javanese Cafe is known for its clove island spices, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper.
Los Potosinos Food Truck
Los Potosinos Taco Food Truck was originally located at the Hollywood Casino on the west side of Columbus, moved to East Long Street in the Bronzville King-Lincoln District. Los Potosinos Food Truck serves traditional Mexican food and drinks such as tacos and horchata. It is also the first food truck to appear in the Bronzeville King-Lincoln District. They also have an outdoor theater and a gathering room for visitors to enjoy while you eat.
Creole Kitchen
The Creole Kitchen was founded in 2006 by Chef Henry Butcher, a renowned chef in Columbus and a native of the country of Louisiana Bayou. The Creole Kitchen is a take-out stop that serves authentic Creole cuisine such as etoufee crawfish, jambalaya seafood, fried gator, gumbo tasso, Creole catfish, red beans and rice. The location of the restaurant is at 1052 Mt. Vernon Plaza, Columbus, OH 43203.
The Cana Bar
Cana Bar is a family-owned bar and has been providing liquor, food and live entertainment since 1962. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Cana Bar holds live band performances and also at 8 pm they serve fish, chicken and potatoes fry from Hick's Catering Service. Its location is 859 East Long Street, Columbus, OH 43203.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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