African American Life Collection
Created By Chris Koester
African Americans have had a large and consistent influence on the Dayton Arcade. The Arcade was also important for African American life, being one of the only safe establishments in the downtown they can shop at. They were used in racial specific work at the markets from the Arcade’s beginning. Even during revitilization efforts, African American contractors helped rebuild the famous landmark. Most notably, during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, there are numerous photos of the 1966 race riots, Rike’s Department Store protests, and the protest at the Arcade Barbershop. Looking into the history of the city of Dayton, African Americans have remained a vocal voice of Dayton, even throughout many decades of redlining and other economic discrimination. The photos below are not only about the Arcade, but important moments for African Americans during the twentieth century.
W. S. McIntosh During the Arcade Barbershop Protests.
Dayton Arcade Establishment asking for race specific worker.
W. S. McIntosh interviewing at the Arcade Barbershop. Courtesy of Wright State University Archives and Special Collections.
Dayton Race Riots of 1966
W. S. McIntosh. Courtesy of Wright State University Archives and Special Collections.
Dayton Daily News, Nov. 9, 1978.
African American Daytonians celebrating Christmas.
Dayton Race Riots of 1966.
Box 66c of Dayton Daily News Photo Collection. Courtesy of Wright State University Archives and Special Collections.
Until the 1960s, African Americans were not allowed to sit at the counter.
Favorite establishment for African Americans. Courtesy of Guest Jeffrey.
Redlining Map of Dayton. Lewis Wallace, “New ‘Socially Responsible Banking’ Ordinance Pressures Dayton Banks to Reinvest,” WYSO, May 12, 2015.
Courtesy of Guest Jeffrey
Dayton Urban League Collection, Courtesy of Wright State University Archives and Special Collections
Dayton Daily News, April 17, 1964.
Dayton Herald, March 25, 1910, page 9.