By Sonya Hollins, editor
editor@comvoicesonline.com
*Headline photo from kalamazoocity.org
KALAMAZOO (MICH.)– Who was Kalamazoo’s First African American City Manager?
Robert Bobb was the city’s first African American City Manager. Bobb left the city in 1984 after serving seven years as city manager. He went on to become city manager, and mayor in various other cities across the country. He recently served as Emergency Manager to Detroit Public Schools.
(Robert Bobb pictured for former Governor Jennifer Granholm)
Who was the city’s first African American City Commissioner?
Arthur Washington was the city’s first African American member of the City Commission. He served from 1959-65, and was also instrumental in forming the Drum and Bugle Corps for youth on the city’s Northside. The local public safety station on Crosstown Parkway is named in his honor.
Who was one of the city’s first African American surgeon?
Dr. Cornelius Aleen Alexander was one of the city’s first surgeons. The building in which is doctor’s office was located still stands on 118 W. North St.
Find out about these and others who have contributed to the Kalamazoo community by attending the special Open House book release of the recently produced, “Celebrating the Life and Legacy of African Americans in Kalamazoo.” The book, a project of the Ecumenical Senior Center, documents some unique and often unknown city history.
“We want to provide information to our community, and especially to our young people, about the history in their own city; history they should be proud of,” said Margaret Smith, interim director of the senior center.
The event will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, February 25, at the center located at 702 N. Burdick St. Books will be presented along with opportunities to meet some of those featured in the book.
Each February students and the community honor heroes such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks for their contributions in the civil rights movement. However, many residents of Kalamazoo broke barriers as well to allow for future generations the opportunity for equal housing, equal employment, and equal educational opportunities.
Refreshments will be served. For more information regarding this program, contact the Ecumenical Senior Center at 269-381-9750.
