Support The Preservation of Historic Site and Family Home

Jacob Pinney-Johnson is organizing this fundraiser.

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In 1858 Beverly Johnson bravely escaped slavery in Kentucky and journeyed north to Michigan, where he later changed his name to Beverly Williams. He married Mary Williams, and together they welcomed my great-grandfather, Henery Williams, into the world. Henry married Lulu Margrett Williams, and in 1915, they purchased this home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, located at 716 Pioneer Street in the Vine neighborhood—some of the first African Americans to live in this area of town.

Lulu Margrett Williams was a trailblazer in Southwest Michigan, across the state and beyond, serving as the Kalamazoo representative and one of the few women commissioners of the Michigan Manual for Freedmen's Progress. This publication commemorated 50 years post-emancipation of slavery and highlighted the achievements of African Americans in business and civic life across Michigan, including the work of Lulu Margrett and Henry Williams and this home (pictured below).

This home in Kalamazoo holds cherished memories for our family and community throughout generations. It was where my grandmother, Mary Virginia, and grandfather Mabry raised my father, David Johnson, a local civil rights leader, and his siblings. The legacy of our ancestors is deeply rooted in this home, and we are passionate about preserving it as a cultural and historical site for future generations to enjoy.

We are reaching out for support to help us acquire this historic property and continue honoring the legacy of Commissioner Lulu Margrett Williams. Your contribution, whether through donations, connections to funding sources, or spreading the word about our cause, would be greatly appreciated. Time is of the essence as we aim to secure the purchase of this home within the next few weeks.

By working together, we can ensure that this significant piece of history remains within our family and community for years to come. We are currently engaging with the neighborhood association, non-profit organizations, and city's historic preservation leadership to make this vision a reality.

Thank you for considering how you can assist us in this endeavor. Your support will help us preserve this invaluable piece of history and continue the legacy of Commissioner Lulu Margrett Williams in Kalamazoo. With your help, we will be able to continue this legacy by having 4-5 generations of Kalamazoo residents in this home.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or further ways you can help.

Thank you for your time and support.

Warm regards, Jacob Mabry