Every February, Cleveland pauses to remember – but for many seniors of color, history isn’t something found in a textbook. It’s something they lived, shaped, and carried forward. Among the residents of McGregor, personal memories and cultural heritage come together as living history.
Many of McGregor’s residents grew up in Cleveland neighborhoods and communities forged by resilience. They remember the hum of steel mills along the Cuyahoga, storefront churches that doubled as organizing spaces, and streets filled with civil rights marches fueled by hope and determination. These elders didn’t just witness Cleveland’s story – they helped build it.
At McGregor, residents reflect on lives shaped by segregation and economic hardship, yet defined by perseverance, faith, and pride. They raised families during times of limited opportunity, advocated for fair housing and equal education, and contributed their talents to music, art, labor, and activism. Their creativity and courage helped form the cultural foundation Cleveland still stands on today.
During Black History Month, McGregor honors these lived experiences, shared memories of migration from the South, of community block clubs and union halls, of learning strength from parents and grandparents who insisted on dignity no matter the circumstances. These moments affirm that heritage is not abstract – it is personal, powerful, and ongoing.
Their resilience is woven into the city’s cultural fabric. Decades of systemic challenges did not diminish their commitment to family and community. Instead, these seniors became living bridges between past struggles and present progress, passing down wisdom that continues to guide younger generations. Their stories offer lessons in courage, community care, and the enduring power of hope.
Standing alongside McGregor’s residents are caregivers, who carry forward a long tradition of service rooted in cultural understanding and respect for elders. Often the quiet backbone of care in Cleveland’s families, these caregivers bring compassion and cultural competence into senior living every day. They ensure residents are seen, heard, and honored—not just during Black History Month, but year-round.
At McGregor, Black History Month is more than remembrance—it is recognition. It is a celebration of seniors whose lives shaped Cleveland and caregivers who continue their legacy of love and resilience. Their stories remind us that history lives on, not only in books or monuments, but in the voices, memories, and daily lives of the people who call Cleveland home.
#McGregorSeniorLiving #McGregorBlackHistoryMonth
Christine Somosi, Communication Specialist
