Albion has a long history of celebrating and cultivating Black lives. Prior to the Great Migration beginning in 1916, the community had a very small population of Black Americans.
Since recruiting Black men from the south to work in the city’s industries, Black families have come to settle in Albion. Now the small town’s population has grown to be home to approximately 30% African American residents.
During the last 100+ years, Albion has stood out for its strength as a hub for civil rights leaders and social justice activists. Its residents often compare the community to a big family – one that can disagree and still remain by each other’s side, particularly in times of need.
Albion was the home of three Tuskegee Airmen, a rare achievement for a city this size.
Strenuous challenges have impacted the city of Albion; once a thriving industrial town, the closing of businesses, the local hospital, and the public school district have caused many residents to leave also.
Those who remain in Albion are concerned about the city’s future; while many are still coming together to envision what is possible amidst such great loss, many others feel a sense of mistrust too great to risk further pain.
When considering a key component of Albion’s Black History, let us remember some of the most incredible leaders who have come and imparted their wisdom. Among many trailblazers who have given back to the community, Albion’s anchor institutions have hosted the following luminaries:
- Muhammad Ali
- Maya Angelou
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
- Malcolm X
- Malcolm X’s daughter Ilyasah Shabazz
- Diane Nash
- Desmund Tutu (1993 Honorary Doctorate)
What is more, the graduates of Albion Public Schools have also gone on to achieve greatness in every arena you can imagine. As with all of the information on AlbionMich.net, the content of the Black History page will continue to grow to paint the more full and rich picture of Albion that it deserves.
The best information about Black History in Albion can be found on the new website: http://albionwestward.net/
For now, please see below the articles and webpages that Albion residents have created to tell vital stories that are far too often overlooked in American society.
Mr. Bonner – The Story of a Mentoring Journey
The remarkable journey of Albion’s Harry Bonner told in new collaborative biography By MICHELLE MUELLER Contributing Writer September 19, 2019 In the works
Labor Day Albion – Holland Park
Labor Day Albion 2019 – Walk the Trail included an educational segment in Holland Park. Dr. Wes Dick, Albion College professor of history,
Mother’s Day in Albion
This portrait of Juliette Calhoun Blakeley is in the Gardner House Museum. On May 13, 1877, the second Sunday of the month, Juliet Calhoun Blakeley
Mother’s Day History
Albion’s Mother’s Day Founder, Juliette Calhoun Blakeley is described on a historical marker near the library, on S. Ionia St and E. Erie. Few people
Labor Day Albion – Tour of History Hill in Holland Park
In 2018, Albion Health Care Alliance partnered with Albion Recreation Department for the Labor Day Albion – Walk the Trail event. Larry Williams, of the
Black History Month Albion 2019
February is an important month for Albion’s traditional celebrations honoring Black History, including community, music, and food. Visit the calendar on the menu above for