Jean Howell looks at a map of the Idlewild community found on a sign outside the Idlewild Historic & Cultural Center in Idlewild. File photo by Kevin Howell.
Edited press announcement
Just a few spots remain for a special MARJDI (Manistee Area Racial Justice and Diversity Initiative) event taking place in Idlewild, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 6.
A carpool will leave from the parking lot of First Congregational Church at the corner of Fourth and Maple streets in Manistee at 9:45 a.m. and arrive at the Yates Township Hall at 6437 Nelson Rd. in Idlewild around 10:45 a.m.
A free tour (donations appreciated) of Idlewild’s historic community will be led by Chris Kingdom-Grier, supervisor of Yates Township and a lifelong Idlewild resident and historian.
Kingdom-Grier and some family members spoke last year in Manistee about growing up in Idlewild and presented a musical tribute to their community at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. (Read the story HERE.)
The upcoming event includes a morning “Welcome to Idlewild-The Black Eden” video presentation and an exhibit focusing on the Jim Crow era, including “Abhorrent Artifacts.” Lunch will be provided during which Idlewild resident Betty Foote, wearer of many hats, will sit on a panel along with other illustrious Idlewild-born folks. There will be a second exhibit on display that describes how Blacks flourished during the same era of discrimination.
Following lunch, attendees will embark on a car tour of historic Idlewild sites, including a walking tour of the Tabernacle AME Church and a stop at Lindsey Lounge, formerly known as Wilson’s Grocery Store, where attendees will hear stories of Joe and Fredna Lindsey and their many contributions to their community. (Read more about the Lindseys HERE.)
The carpool will leave Idlewild at 3 p.m. and return to Manistee around 4 p.m.
Interested persons must contact Chris Lane: christolane1@me.com to reserve their spot.
READ MORE STORIES ABOUT IDLEWILD HERE.
