Browse Interviews

Dr. John Grabowski answers a series of questions concerning the history of Cleveland's entertainment districts and cultural centers. Grabowski highlights the transformation of Euclid Avenue from a wealthy residential street to an entertainment district. Grabowski illuminates the diversity of Cleveland by providing brief historical sketches of…

In this 2006 interview, Bennie Jean Johnson, a life-long resident of Cleveland, recounts many of her living experiences as an African-American in Cleveland. She talks about her early childhood homes in E.55th and E.79th Street neighborhoods during the 1950 and 1960 decades. She describes her experiences during the Hough Riots. She talks about…

Elizabeth Billingsly speaks about her childhood in Birmingham, Alabama, and Cleveland during the beginning and height of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and onward.

Nicholas Mazzone talks about growing up in Cleveland's near west side and the clubs and tensions of the 1960s and 1970s.

George Dixon III, owner and operator of the Lancer Steakhouse, discusses the history of the restaurant and its importance to the African American community of Cleveland. The interview focuses on the history of the restaurant both prior to his ownership and thereafter. Originally called the Hickory Smokehouse, the Lancer Steakhouse was established…

James and Delia Lanese, both graduates of Cleveland State University (CSU), talk about their experiences inside and outside of the school. He graduated in 1971 and she got her degree in 1970. Both pursued careers in education, Delia became a teacher and Jim eventually became an administrator and adjunct college professor, stopping to work on…