albert J. white literacy trail

Albert j. white

The Edison Resident Scholars learned of Albert J. White in 2023 while taking the Place Matters! course through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University. They discovered that he, an African American builder from the 19th century, was responsible for some of the city’s most iconic structures. Among his construction company’s buildings are WMU’s Heritage Hall, the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services (HCS) Department, and Nazareth College, including its beautiful stone wall that stands today.  Born in Canton, IN to parents who were formerly enslaved, White worked on a farm as a young boy. He moved to Kalamazoo at age 16 where he discovered the building trades and worked as an unpaid apprentice for many years. At age 25, he launched his construction business which grew to one of the largest in Southwest MI, with a diverse workforce that was unique for the time. 

White, a man of integrity, was known as a fair businessman who was also devoted to his family and community. Historic recognitions in Kalamazoo include:

  • November 2024: WMU erected a grand display wall in the lobby of Heritage Hall, honoring White’s contributions to the university and broader community. 
  • December 2024: Literacy Lane, which sits along the Albert J. White Literacy Trail, welcomes friends & neighbors for a soft opening.   
  • February 2025: The KLC commissioned a portrait by local artist James Palmore, for the lobby of the HCS building.  
  • February 2026: A bust by Palmore and sculptor Brent Harris was unveiled at Kalamazoo Public Library and is on permanent display in the Local History Room. 
Heritage Hall
Heritage Hall
HCS commemoration
HCS commemoration
Kalamazoo Public Library
Kalamazoo Public Library

To learn more about Albert White’s impressive accomplishments and lasting legacy, visit: 

Literacy Trail & literacy lane

 

The Edison Resident Scholars had a goal to develop the Albert White Literacy Trail – a walking path along the Portage Creek that would provide literacy, health, and history while improving walking access and safety. They designated the 1/8 mile stretch of land between Alcott St. and Reed St., west of Belford, and in April 2024 a team of volunteers began cleaning up the blighted area.  

The trail sits in clear view of the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services building, which White originally constructed as the Illinois Paper Envelope Company. It crosses Bryant St., a dead end that was a dumping site. The team set forth to beautify the area and create a large street mural that would become Literacy Lane.  The KLC partnered with local artist Maya James, who envisioned the mural as a color wheel concept. The art features 56 creative elements that teach about vocabulary, health, community, and the environment. James worked with the Edison Resident Scholars and community volunteers to design and paint visuals that encourage interactive learning and imaginative play for all ages. Families can also borrow books from a Little Free Library and enjoy a quiet moment at the Reading Corner. 

Literacy Lane
400 Bryant St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Map

Read more about Literacy Lane:

edison mural & public art academy

Heidi Weiss, Instructor of Foundation Art and Painting in the Gwen Frostic School of Art at WMU, led a group of volunteers in a five-week series of workshops and workdays, all centered around the Literacy Lane street mural.  

Participants explored public art from the ground up, and enjoyed a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create, care for, and preserve public art. Classes covered mural creation, art history, restoration techniques, and the role of public art in building community identity

“Care is a creative act. By caring for the Literacy Lane mural, participants became part of the community history it represents.”