Notable Figures

Honoring the pioneers, leaders, and visionaries who shaped the Highway Park community and left an indelible mark on our shared history.

Reverend James Mitchell

1892-1978

Founders

Community Founder & Civil Rights Pioneer

Founded the Highway Park Settlement in 1925 and established the first community center, providing essential services and fostering unity among residents during challenging times.

Dr. Eleanor Washington

1915-2005

Educators

Educator & School System Pioneer

Established the Highway Park Academy in 1948, creating educational opportunities for generations of students and advocating tirelessly for equal access to quality education.

Marcus "Big Marc" Johnson

1920-1995

Business Pioneers

Business Pioneer & Economic Developer

Founded Johnson's Market in 1952 and established the Highway Park Business Association, creating economic opportunities and fostering Black entrepreneurship in the community.

Rosa Parks Williams

1928-2010

Civil Rights Leaders

Civil Rights Activist & Organizer

Led the Highway Park Freedom Movement in the 1960s, organizing sit-ins, voter registration drives, and peaceful protests that brought national attention to local civil rights struggles.

Dr. Samuel Greene

1935-2018

Community Leaders

Physician & Healthcare Advocate

Established the Highway Park Health Clinic in 1968, providing affordable healthcare to underserved residents and training a generation of Black medical professionals.

Professor Harriet Thompson

1942-Present

Educators

Historian & Cultural Preservationist

Dedicated her career to documenting and preserving Highway Park's history, establishing the community archive and authoring the definitive history of the neighborhood.

In Loving Memory