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Remarkable Ohio - Mount Vernon Avenue
 
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The commercial area of Mount Vernon Avenue originated in the early 1900's. The area was the heart of the African American community in Columbus while the discrimination of Jim Crow abounded outside the neighborhood. Not permitted to enter many businesses in downtown Columbus during the 1940s, a distinct economy was created with a majority of black-owned businesses.

Artistic expression flourished on the near East Side. Visual art captured the spirit, while music like "Midnight Train" expressed the pace of the area. The construction of interstate 71 through Columbus, and the social upheaval and riots of 1967 injured the community. Many members of the community moved away following these events.

Today, Mount Vernon Avenue survives and a diverse and artistic driven community is building the area back to its former glory.
August 18, 2015