“We’re trying to save a legacy,” says Fathima Dickerson, one of the Welton Street Cafe’s five co-owners. For more than two decades, the restaurant at 2736 Welton Street has been a hub for the Black community in the Five Points neighborhood and the source of great fried chicken. In fact, it just won the Best Southern/Soul Restaurant award in the Best of Denver 2021.
But now it’s in danger of closing because of a broken HVAC system, which controls the building s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Without air conditioning, the kitchen can reach temperatures above 100 degrees, causing appliances to fail and creating unworkable conditions. The cost to repair the system and deal with additional maintenance issues is estimated at $50,000, and the restaurant just doesn t have money to cover the cost.
Grand Rapids Business Journal
Courtesy Grand Rapids Public Library
The Grand Rapids Public Library is celebrating Black History Month by collaborating with local organizations, community members and businesses to present free online programs for kids and adults on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel from Feb. 2-28.
The educational and entertaining programs include:
African American Architects Part 1 with Grand Rapids
’ Isaac V. Norris, AIA, NOMA, LEED-AP
The virtual event, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, is a two-part lecture on the history of African American architects in the United States. African Americans have contributed to the American landscape of architecture despite many educational and inclusion disparities.