The Bronzeville Neighborhood was created and named by its residents during the 1920s. Its geographic boundaries at that time were as follows: Broad Street to the South, The Train Tracks to the North, Nelson Road to the East, High Street. to the West. It was a neighborhood that was home to 70,000 proud, predominately African Americans of all social and economic backgrounds. During this time, many of the residential and commercial buildings were designed, built and financed by African Americans who lived and worked in the neighborhood. This neighborhood also had its own elected mayors who would participate in victory celebrations at which over 40,000 residents would attend.
The fall of this economically vibrant and sustainable neighborhood came with a) The Interstates – I – 70 & I – 71 during the late 1950s and finally b) Urban Renewal late 1960s – 1970s.
Today, the Bronzeville Neighborhood is part of Columbus’ Near East Side and home to KLBNA. Its smaller geographic boundaries are as follows: Broad Street to the South, I – 670 to the North, Taylor Avenue to the East and Jefferson Avenue to the West. It is also home to only 16,000 residents and a struggling economy that is unable to sustain many of the needed services and/or businesses requested by its residents. There are no elected mayors, and no victory celebrations with 40,000 residents in attendance.
Within the remaining Bronzeville Neighborhood and KLBNA’S new boundaries, there are several existing, new and future commercial and/or residential developments. These developments are and will be the catalyst for the re-establishment of a stable and strong neighborhood economy. This economy will support services and/or businesses for existing and new residents; Creating a similar environment as that of the Bronzeville Neighborhood during the 1920s-1950s.
The King-Lincoln Bronzeville Neighborhood Association is charged with efforts to knit back the social and economic fabric of our neighborhood and to eliminate the negative stereotypes given to the residents and communities within Columbus’ Near East Side. We believe it is ‘high-time’ to give value, dignity and economic opportunities to our multi-cultural residents by re-establishing BRONZEVILLE, as our official name.
KING-LINCOLN BRONZEVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION (KLBNA)
823 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203 (614) 258-6842
…Experience Our Heritage With 4,000 Stakeholders
NEWS RELEASE
Contact Person: Willis Brown —- 258-6842 ——————–April 3, 2006
