LSBA was established and formed on February 4, 1988 by four local
businessmen who understood the need for such an organization. These
men, Eugene Ferguson, William Culpepper, Herschel Butler and Herbert L.
Lawrence, Esq, came together to improve the quality of all business and
residential life in the Historic Long Street District.
Their goal was to promote urban and economic development through
education, training and exposure to positive cultural experiences. They
encouraged congenial fellowship among business owners and community
residents through cultural and social awareness. These men improved the
advancements of business and civic interest in the Long Street District and
made plans for the future development of Long Street.
The landscape of the Historic Long Street District had changed dramatically
before the inception of the Association in 1988. By the early 1920’s, when
other areas were still growing, Long Street had already developed
economically. East Long Street was one of two streets developed by
African-Americans in Columbus. Along with Mt. Vernon Avenue, these
streets represented the best of the African-American community in
Columbus.
Historical documentation indicated that there were hotels, restaurants,
doctors and dentists offices, grocers, theaters, printing offices, insurance
companies, real estate agencies and many other businesses on East Long
Street as early as 1919. The outgrowth of this tremendous history inspired
the development of the Association.
Knowing the extraordinary history of the area and the significance it has in
the City of Columbus, LSBA recognized that at one time East Long Street
was the center of African-American commercial, social and entertainment
life and also believes the area can regain the status it had during a past era
that spanned 30 years, from the 1920’s through the 1950’s.
LSBA endeavors to bring pride and ownership back to an area where
African Americans have traditionally owned and operated lucrative
businesses. Since it’s beginning to the present time, the association has
held fast to its commitment to improve the standards of all business and
residential life in the Historic Long Street District.
Today, with the support of the LSBA, businesses and community residents,
East Long Street can once again evolving into an African – American
Cultural Treasure.
businessmen who understood the need for such an organization. These
men, Eugene Ferguson, William Culpepper, Herschel Butler and Herbert L.
Lawrence, Esq, came together to improve the quality of all business and
residential life in the Historic Long Street District.
Their goal was to promote urban and economic development through
education, training and exposure to positive cultural experiences. They
encouraged congenial fellowship among business owners and community
residents through cultural and social awareness. These men improved the
advancements of business and civic interest in the Long Street District and
made plans for the future development of Long Street.
The landscape of the Historic Long Street District had changed dramatically
before the inception of the Association in 1988. By the early 1920’s, when
other areas were still growing, Long Street had already developed
economically. East Long Street was one of two streets developed by
African-Americans in Columbus. Along with Mt. Vernon Avenue, these
streets represented the best of the African-American community in
Columbus.
Historical documentation indicated that there were hotels, restaurants,
doctors and dentists offices, grocers, theaters, printing offices, insurance
companies, real estate agencies and many other businesses on East Long
Street as early as 1919. The outgrowth of this tremendous history inspired
the development of the Association.
Knowing the extraordinary history of the area and the significance it has in
the City of Columbus, LSBA recognized that at one time East Long Street
was the center of African-American commercial, social and entertainment
life and also believes the area can regain the status it had during a past era
that spanned 30 years, from the 1920’s through the 1950’s.
LSBA endeavors to bring pride and ownership back to an area where
African Americans have traditionally owned and operated lucrative
businesses. Since it’s beginning to the present time, the association has
held fast to its commitment to improve the standards of all business and
residential life in the Historic Long Street District.
Today, with the support of the LSBA, businesses and community residents,
East Long Street can once again evolving into an African – American
Cultural Treasure.
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