BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

What made Central Park Village stand out from the other public housing complexes was its close proximity to the major Black business sector of Central Avenue.

Very few young people know about the history of Central Park Village, and now that it’s gone, some of the former residents came up with the idea of having an annual reunion.

The first reunion was held four years ago, and thanks to Clarence Jones, a lot of former residents got to see each other after decades had passed.

On Wednesday at 6 p.m., Jones will be meeting with his group of organizers to get this year’s reunion underway. The meeting will be held at Club Manilla and everyone or anyone with information on Central Park’s history is welcome to attend.

“I want this year’s reunion to be bigger than the others,” said Jones.

“I want to see a mix of the first residents to live in Central Park, and those of us who came along much later.”

Jones said it’s important that we remember where we came from and where we’re going.

“Not all of the people who lived in Central Park were poor. You have to remember what things were like in the early 1950s, and where Blacks had to live, regardless of what they did for a living.

“What we want to do this year is reflect more on the history of Central Park Village, and the impact it had on the downtown area.”

Jones wants the people who have something to contribute to attend Wednesday’s meeting, and he asks for anyone with old photos of the area to please bring them to the meeting.

For more information, call (727) 342-4580.