Welcome to Dayton
Why Dayton? Heading link
Today, Dayton, Ohio, stands at the cusp of a groundbreaking transformation. Located 50 miles north of Cincinnati and 60 miles west of Columbus, Dayton is Ohio’s sixth most populous city in Ohio and anchors the state’s fourth-largest metropolitan area. With close to 900,000 residents in the Dayton metro area, an estimated 58,000 Dayton residents are Black. However, despite this seemingly small population, Dayton has a rich Black history that many people have never heard about.
Although traditionally associated with the Wright Brothers, Dayton is home to several places and people that are historically and culturally significant to Black Daytonians, such as civil rights activists and pioneers, innovators, as well as historically Black colleges. Maybe best known as being the home of African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Funk Music- Ohio Players, Zapp, Lakeside…and many others. The history and contributions of Dayton’s Black Community can still be recognized nationally in science, technology, education, and the Arts.
Black History Bus Tour of Dayton
Join us before the symposium on Friday, October 18th for a free, private excursion that honors and explores Dayton’s Black history. Presented by Parity, Inc. Black Leadership Program and led by community activist and retired Deputy City Manager for the city of Dayton, William Gillispie, this tour will take participants on a journey through the city’s local Black history, featuring historic landmarks, points of interest, and cultural spaces that have been critical in shaping Dayton’s West Slide community.
Tour stops include: the Historic Black YMCA, the Historic Hog Bottom neighborhood, Edgemont Solar Gardens, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, the HeArt Dayton (House of Healing Arts), as well as the home of renowned Dayton-born poet and writer, Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Sign up for the tour on your registration form! Additional information will be available soon.
The Dayton Metro Library Heading link
Established in 1888, the Dayton Metro Library has been serving the Miami Valley region with relevant materials, special collections, and programs for all ages for over 130 years. There are 17 branches in urban, suburban, and rural communities across Montgomery County, in addition to a bookmobile and outreach services, assuring all residents have free and open access to the resources they need to stay connected and informed.
Visit www.daytonmetrolibrary.org for more information about Dayton Metro Library’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming and policy.