Deep Roots, Rich History, and Stories to Tell

East Central has always been a melting pot. It started in 1837 as a welcoming place for free African Americans and German and Italian immigrants and has turned into a vibrant mosaic of diverse history and cultures.

In 1964, in response to a deteriorating neighborhood and little action, a group of dedicated community members got together in the basement of C&L Cleaners to take matters into their own hands and established the East Central Neighborhood Association. They wanted a better place for everyone and worked hard to clean up the community.