Frederick Douglass Community Association

The Frederick Douglass Community Association made its humble beginning on the first day of the year 1919 when the late Albertus Brown, lawyer and civic leader, was inspired by the tragic need for social and recreational opportunities for the African-Americans youth of Toledo. From a small group of 25 enthusiastic and loyal people flowered a movement that raised $1200 for equipment and operating expenses. In 1920 the 1920 the Toledo War Chest (now United Way of Greater Toledo) allotted $2400 to this infant movement. In the 1921, they moved to a church at 15 North Eleventh and a basketball court and other activities were installed and that was when the name was changed to the Frederick Douglass Community Center.

In 1925, $20,000 was paid down on the corner property at Pinewood and 13th Street. In April, 1926 the name was changed to the Frederick Douglass Community Association. The Center had become a way of life in Toledo with the cooperation from both races. The Center's location at 201 Pinewood reigned from 1925 to 1979 when it was excavated. Now we are housed in the James B. Simmons, jr. Neighborhood Facilities Building at 1001 Indiana Avenue, Toledo, Ohio.