How prescient was our founder Fr. Phillip Hoelle SM when he saw a real need in the city for a community center when he founded The Dakota Center in 1965. Little did Fr. Hoelle know that 1 year later the Center would be in the front row of the Labor Day riot of 1966.
The devastation of that riot is still being felt today 55 years later. Over the years I have collected information about this event. I have spoken to Dan Baker a few times and suggest reading his book Blood in the Streets – Racism, Riots and Murders in the Heartland of America.
The real tragedy is Broadway and W 3Rd street is 2 blocks away from where the Center is located and the rumble that is in my head and ache in my heart when I walk the area where this took place crushes my spirit.
Yet, when the children come to the Center and their laughter, joy, and wonder fills their eyes my spirit rejuvenates. Fr. Hoelle knew having a safe, clean, comfortable space where all are welcomed in love is the best environment to create a healthy community.
My staff and I are humbly grateful to be the current stewards of Fr. Hoelle’s “little light that shines against the darkness.”
Here are some additional resources that are videos. Both feature Dan and his story.
Dayton Daily News “Lasting Scars, Part 1: Shooting sparked 1966 Dayton Riots
