FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02.12.2025
CONTACT:
Matt Johnson, PIO
pio@kalcounty.com
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department (HCS)
invites the community to commemorate the life and work of Albert J. White at 311 E. Alcott St.
on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 4:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
White served the Kalamazoo community for over five decades, from the 1870s until 1930,
earning his journeyman status as a stone mason and bricklayer at the age of 23 after 6 years as
an unpaid apprentice.
At 25, he founded White’s Construction Company, assembling a diverse team of more than 50
Black, white, and immigrant workers and overseeing the construction of numerous buildings,
many of which still stand today. Among his notable projects is the Illinois Envelope Company
building, completed in 1905, which now serves as the home of HCS.
White and his wife, Fanny’s, contributions as business owners and community leaders made a
significant impact during a time when African Americans faced great adversity.
In partnership with the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, Western Michigan University, Edison
Resident Scholars, and Albert White’s family, HCS will honor White with a proclamation at the
Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners’ meeting on Feb. 18, and a commemoration
ceremony on Feb. 19, including the unveiling of White’s portrait to be displayed at HCS.
Painted by renowned Kalamazoo artist James Palmore, White’s portrait was commissioned by
the Edison Resident Scholars, who were inspired by White’s legacy. James Palmore’s work can
be found at several venues around the Kalamazoo area, including the Kalamazoo Institute of
Arts, WMU, Comstock Community Auditorium, the Douglas Community Association, and
Kalamazoo Public Schools.
Reading of Proclamation:
Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
201 W. Kalamazoo Ave.
Watch Live Online
Commemoration Ceremony:
Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 4:30 p.m.
Health & Community Services Department
311 E. Alcott St.
Live broadcast on Public Media Network:
PMN channel 4, channel 190 on local cable,
or on publicmedianet.org
