POINDEXTER VILLAGE
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

POINDEXTER VILLAGE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUMPOINDEXTER VILLAGE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUMPOINDEXTER VILLAGE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

POINDEXTER VILLAGE
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

POINDEXTER VILLAGE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUMPOINDEXTER VILLAGE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUMPOINDEXTER VILLAGE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
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      • Rev. James P. Poindexter
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      • Museum Update
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      • OSU CURA
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  • Home
  • Discover
    • Ohio History Connection
    • About JPPF
    • Our History
    • Rev. James P. Poindexter
    • Be An Ambassador
    • Conestoga Fundraiser
  • News
    • Museum Update
    • Oral History
    • Collections
    • OSU CURA
  • Art
    • Keepers of the Culture
    • Afrofuturism Poetry
    • CommunityThroughOurLens
    • Windows Of Stories
    • Photo Walk
  • Culture
    • Annual Drum Circle
    • Juneteenth
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Reverend James Preston Poindexter

Faith & Leadership

Activism & Abolition

Activism & Abolition

 As pastor of Second Baptist Church for over 30 years, Poindexter used his platform to fight for justice and uplift his community. 

Activism & Abolition

Activism & Abolition

Activism & Abolition

 A leader in the Underground Railroad and president of the Sons of Protection, he worked tirelessly to end slavery and promote civil rights. 

Education & Power

Activism & Abolition

Education & Power

 Committed to lifelong learning, he advocated for Black education and was honored with a Doctor of Divinity in recognition of his impact. 

The Foundation of Columbus Black History

Reverend James Preston Poindexter’s lifelong dedication to civil rights, education, and community leadership left an enduring mark on Columbus. As a pastor, abolitionist, and advocate, he worked to uplift African Americans through faith, activism, and education. In recognition of his impact, Poindexter Village, one of the first public housing developments in the United States, was named in his honor in 1940. The community served as a beacon of Black resilience and progress, reflecting Poindexter’s legacy of empowerment and justice.  Today, the Poindexter Village African American Museum honors his legacy by preserving his story and the rich history of the community he helped shape. 

A Legacy Of Leadership & Activism

One of the nation’s first public housing projects built was named for him.

The historic Reverend James Preston Poindexter was an abolitionist, civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister from Columbus, Ohio. He was born in Virginia but moved to Ohio early in his life. Poindexter was a man of integrity, faith, respect, and one who had a life long pursuit of social justice for all.  

  • BAPTIST MINISTER
  • CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST
  • POLITICIAN
  • ABOLITIONIST 
  • First African-American Columbus City Council
  • First African-American Board of Education Member 
  • Underground Railroad Socialist


In 1940, naming this complex Poindexter Village served to honor this man and in turn allowed generation of African-American families to grow up in what many would consider a true "village". In the words of Aminah Robinson “A Street Called Home.” 

More About The Reverend

October 26, 1819 - February 7, 1907

 Reverend Poindexter is buried in Green Lawn Cemetery
Section 27 lot 150. 

Poindexter Leads the Anti-Slavery Baptist Church Marker; Side B of Second Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio.

Listen to Learn More About Poindexter
Discover Rev. Poindexter Historic Underground Railroad Site

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