Black History Month - Honoring Jesse Cosby

For Black History Month, Friends of the Family is highlighting one African American individual each week who has contributed to our mission. This week, we will be talking about Jesse Cosby

Jesse Cosby came to the Cedar Valley after serving in WWII. He was a talented musician, and attracted both white and African American audiences. Through his music, he set out to bring these two communities together, in a time where segregation was still commonplace. Cosby created some of the first racially integrated social venues in the Cedar Valley, and was eventually recognized by the National White House Conference on Children and Youth in Washington, D.C. in 1950.

The Jesse Cosby center sprung out of his legacy in 1966.The center is a multicultural organization that provides meals, assists the elderly, and supports people in crisis situations. They also engage the community by providing lectures on living skills, as well as hosting social events. The Jesse Cosby Center has been, and continues to be, a great resource for our clients that want to live in the Cedar Valley. They can help fill some of the financial gaps that determine whether our clients are able to secure safe and stable housing.

Even after his death, Jesse Cosby continues to be a catalyst for social change in our community. The center that formed after his passing is glue that continues to hold the community together, and is a vital resource for people in need of varying types of support. If you would like to know more about this organization, please visit their website at www.jessecosby.org