Address:
890 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cleveland, OH 44108Architect/Designer:
W. Daniel Bickerstaff II, AIA, NOMA, NCARSponsoring Organization:
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. It begins with departure from Africa through the symbolic “Door of No Return,” which was placed at the top of the hillside garden and was dedicated in 2016. Additional features to be constructed include a multi-use platform bearing North Star imagery to honor 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 people of African descent. A 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 Cultural Garden by the Cleveland Head Start program to celebrate their 20th anniversary in 1985. A lily magnolia tree was planted in the garden by an interested group in 1988. Magnolia flowers represent perseverance and endurance. |