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Ann Arbor 200
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There Went The Neighborhood: The Closing of Jones School

As part of Ann Arbor 200, the Ann Arbor District Library and 7 Cylinders Studio (7CS) have produced a documentary film about the closing of Ann Arbor's Jones School. In 1965, the Board of Education closed the majority-Black school. Ann Arbor joined a nationwide trend of school desegregation during the Civil Rights Era. But for these young students, the loss of a neighborhood school foreshadowed changes to their close-knit community. Gentrification came to Ann Arbor on the heels of desegregation.

In the making of this film, 7CS filmmakers and AADL archivists interviewed over thirty former Jones students and Black community leaders. They shared memories of Jones School and "The Old Neighborhood"—the areas now known as Kerrytown and Water Hill. A filmed walking tour, studio interviews, and historical photos form the core of the film. Run time is approximately 40 minutes.
 

The AADL Archives has many additional materials to explore relating to these topics, including a history of Jones School and dozens of Ann Arbor News articles that appear in the film:

Diroff's Market, Spring 1973 Photographer: Jeff Parsons

Diroff's Market, Spring 1973 image
Year:
1973

Pre-Kerrytown Area, Spring 1973 Photographer: Jeff Parsons

Pre-Kerrytown Area, Spring 1973 image
Year:
1973

313-319 Braun Ct, December 29, 2020 Photographer: Steve Jensen

313-319 Braun Ct, December 29, 2020 image
Year:
2020

House, 207 E Kingsley St, April 27, 2019 Photographer: Steve Jensen

House, 207 E Kingsley St, April 27, 2019 image
Year:
2019