Walk in the footsteps of Cleveland's civil rights advocates. Nine significant destinations. A story that still matters today.
Cleveland's civil rights story is remarkable, and largely unknown by those outside of Cleveland, and at risk of being neglected or underappreciated even by Clevelanders. From the Underground Railroad to the Hough Uprising of 1966 to the landmark 1967 election of Carl B. Stokes as America's first Black mayor of a major city, this city has been on the frontline of racial tension and racial possibility.
The ThreadedCLE Civil Rights History Tour is a guided group experience through 9 iconic sites on Cleveland's African American Civil Rights Trail, each one a window into the courage, sacrifice, and collaborative faith that shaped this city and this nation.
This isn't just a history lesson. It's a catalyst for the conversations your community, church, team, or organization needs to have about race, reconciliation, and what God calls his people to do next.
Explore the Civil Rights Trail →Each site tells its own story, part of a greater history of courage, sacrifice, and faith. ThreadedCLE brings these stops to life through facilitated conversation connecting Cleveland's past to the present work of reconciliation.
A historical marker dedicated to John Jordan, lynched in Cleveland in 1897. One of the Equal Justice Initiative's community remembrance markers, honoring victims of racial terror and the truth-telling required for reconciliation.
Learn More — EJI →One of Ohio's largest African American churches, a civil rights hub under Rev. Odie M. Hoover, known for his close connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to organizing Cleveland's Black community.
Learn More →The most significant urban uprising in Cleveland's history, a response to substandard housing, police injustice, and lack of public accommodation in the summer of 1966. Four days that changed the city.
Learn More →A central meeting place for grassroots civil rights organizing and the primary venue for some of the movement's most renowned speakers, including Malcolm X, pictured here addressing a Cleveland crowd.
Learn More →Headquarters of the United Freedom Movement, a coalition of Black and White civic organizations including the NAACP, Urban League, and CORE, led by Rev. Caviness and others committed to systemic change.
Learn More →Where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke directly to young people about their power to participate in non-violent social change, in 1967. This iconic photo captures that historic moment in Cleveland.
Learn More →A testament to Black Clevelanders' commitment to equitable public space. The Door of No Return stands as a powerful marker of memory and resilience. The story of the Ludlow Community Association, a nationally recognized integration model, is also told here.
Learn More →Beginning in the 1950s, a coalition of 50 civic, religious, and parent organizations fought through demonstrations and sit-ins for equality in Cleveland's schools. The story of Terry v. Ohio and the Ali Summit are also told here.
Learn More →In 1967, Carl Burton Stokes became the first African American mayor of a major American city, elected right here in Cleveland, then the nation's 8th largest city. A landmark moment in American political history.
Learn More →Trail site descriptions draw from the Cleveland Civil Rights Trail (Cleveland Restoration Society) and the Equal Justice Initiative.
clevelandcivilrightstrail.org · eji.org"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed."— Isaiah 1:17
Register below for our next tour, or reach out to schedule a custom tour for your church, team, or organization on a date that works for you.
Tentative dates are subject to confirmation. Register your interest and we'll keep you informed.
Want to schedule a tour for your church, team, or organization on a specific date? We'll work with you to find a time that fits your group.
Request a Custom TourClick below to open our registration form. You'll receive an automatic confirmation within minutes of submitting.
Open Registration Form →After submitting, watch your inbox for a confirmation email from ThreadedCLE. We'll follow up within 48 hours to confirm your date and details.
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