Phillis Wheatley’s Association received the Cuyahoga County Legacy Award and Proclamation. They were presented by Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Our founder, Jane Edna Hunter, was spotlighted by the Partnership For a Safer Cleveland during Women’s History Month. Hunter created a safe place that offered housing, job support, education, and a sense of community for women coming to and living in Cleveland who had few opportunities and limited resources.
She was also honored by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park during Women’s History Month as a trailblazer for women’s human rights and equality for the accomplishments she made as the founder and general secretary of the Phillis Wheatley Association. She was a national advocate for Black working-class women.
Our Mission
The mission of The Phillis Wheatley Association is to build upon the social activism of Jane Edna Hunter, founder of The Phillis Wheatley Association, for the benefit of the Cleveland community by supporting programs and partnerships that promote education, housing, financial and personal well-being.
Housing - Seniors and Disabled Adults
Congregate Meal Program
Digital Literacy Class
About the Central Neighborhood
WRITTEN BY PWA FOUNDER, JANE EDNA HUNTER, HER BOOK DETAILS HER JOURNEY AS A SOCIAL WORKER, ACTIVIST, AND LAWYER. MISS HUNTER HAD A VISION OF A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL. HER WORK LIVES ON IN THE RESILIENCE OF THE COMMUNITY. ITS SPIRIT AND DETERMINATION GIVES HOPE TO THE HOPELESS. DESPITE DIRE POVERTY STATISTICS, AND ALL THE ANCILLARY ISSUES THAT COME WITH THOSE, RESIDENTS OF THE CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING THE COMMUNITY A STRONG AND VIBRANT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY.
THANK YOU! To Our Supporters:
Department of Adult and Senior Services
