
This February, the Cass County Council on Aging, in partnership with the Cass County Minority Coalition, invites you to a Black History Month Breakfast to celebrate the 2025 theme of "African Americans and Labor."
The event will feature a keynote speaker who will explore African Americans' historical and contemporary contributions to the local and national labor force. Attendees will also enjoy a delicious breakfast while engaging in meaningful discussions about the history and legacy of African American labor movements and their impact on our communities.
Speaker: Reverend Rusell Haines, Calvin Community Chapel Church
Date: Wednesday, February 5
Time: 7:30 am.
Location: Cass County Council on Aging, Lowe Center, 60525 Decatur Road
Together, let’s honor the legacy of African Americans whose work and determination have shaped the nation and continue to inspire future generations.
The Legacy of Ramptown: Celebrating Black History in Cass County
Ramptown was a settlement in Cass County, Michigan, established in the mid-19th century by freedom seekers and free Black individuals. The area, named after a wild leek that grew locally, was situated on land owned by James E. Bonine, who invited freedom seekers to clear and cultivate the land in exchange for a place to live. The community featured cabins, gardens, a school for Black children, and a church, fostering independence and opportunities for its residents.
The settlement began as scattered cabins on Quaker farms, where abolitionist Quakers provided shelter and work to freedom seekers. Many residents moved on to Canada, but some stayed, forming a community of 20-30 cabins. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the settlement had faded, with its remnants becoming part of cultivated farmland.
Oral histories, archaeological studies, and local writings have preserved Ramptown's existence and historical significance. Researchers, including archaeologists from Western Michigan University, confirmed the presence of cabins on Quaker farms. Historical accounts from local residents, such as Nathan Jones, who helped clear the land, and later generations ensured that Ramptown's legacy remains an integral part of Cass County's history.
Breakfast is free and open to the public.
Registration is required by calling (269) 445-8110.
Please Pre-Register for Activities...
Please pre-register for activities by clicking the link or calling the COA at (269) 445-8110 to save your spot.