CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN DAYTON

In doing my research over Hog Bottom one of the more interesting themes I noticed was the willingness of both African Americans and as well White residents to cross the color line. Mike Sells, the Romestien family (Polish Jewish family that owned a grocery store near MacArthur and Germantown road) all embedded themselves as well contributed in some way to diversifying a community. This was in the midst of a socially restrictive time where racism was becoming institutionalized and encouraged by the laws passed. To hear the stories of cooperative interaction between races was encouraging considering the larger social climate that was Southwest Ohio. I believe a prior post mentioned Mike Sells and his contribution to Dayton the brands legacy resonates more now knowing how he went out of his way to be involved in minority neighborhoods. In a era where people race bait, ignore the truths of modern American in regard to minorities, and we as citizens struggle to make peace and understand race and the dynamics associated with different phenotypes...the storie resonate with me deeply. So pop open a bag of Mike Sells Kettle Cooked Smokey Mountain BBQ Chips (my personal favorite along with Grippos) for one of the genuine good guys of Dayton days past.