Half A Century of Change
Relay Cleveland is a public history campaign tracing the deeply personal and profoundly political journey of school desegregation in Cleveland, Ohio.
The campaign takes its name from Cleveland’s historic “relay” policy — a system that split school days into half-day sessions in overcrowded, predominantly Black schools.
At the heart of this project is a powerful belief: the stories of the past must be carried forward—relayed—by and for the people of this city.
Through historical research, community storytelling, and public engagement, Relay Cleveland reconnects Clevelanders with the history of school desegregation and confronts its enduring legacies. This campaign honors the lived experiences of students, families, educators, and leaders who faced and fought systemic racism, using history as a catalyst for reflection, advocacy, and action toward educational equity.
Now is the time to take the baton.
Content Note: The following video includes historical imagery that may be emotionally difficult for some viewers, including references to violence and loss. We encourage thoughtful viewing.
Relay Cleveland: The Mini Doc
A Sprint Through Time
The Relay Cleveland mini-documentary is an 8-minute experience that captures the heart of the campaign: the lived experiences of Clevelanders impacted by the legacy of school desegregation.
Through personal interviews with students, educators, activists, and community leaders, both past and present, the film features stories of reclamation, resistance, and reflection. It highlights the emotional and political complexity of the city’s "relay" policy, busing, and the broader desegregation experience.
These accounts, sometimes painful, sometimes joyful, and always layered, form the soul of Relay Cleveland. The mini doc is more than a history lesson; it is a reminder that memory is a form of resistance and storytelling is a path toward justice.
Relay Voices
there’s more.
Explore 12 dynamic conversations spanning generations and perspectives.
Hear the voices of former and current students, educators, and community leaders. Connect with their stories as they reflect on the upcoming 50th anniversary of the 1976 Reed v. Rhodes decision, a pivotal moment in Cleveland’s history.
The Relay Cleveland Report: Half a Century of Change
A collaborative community report tracing Cleveland’s journey to school desegregation — and its legacy today.
We’re proud to release The Relay Cleveland Report, a comprehensive, community-driven research project documenting the history of school desegregation in Cleveland. Drawing from archival records, oral histories, and public data, the report explores the legal battles, political decisions, and lived experiences that shaped this pivotal era. It also connects this history to the present, examining how the legacy of desegregation continues to influence public K–12 education in Cleveland today.
The report features:
Reflections from our campaign committee, a coalition of local and national organizations committed to educational equity.
A Resident’s Guide to Advocacy, offering clear, actionable steps for parents, neighbors, and community members.
We invite you to read, reflect, and share this important history.
Add Your Voice to the Relay.
Were you impacted by Cleveland’s journey toward school desegregation? We’re collecting stories from students, families, educators, and community members whose lives have been shaped by this history, both past and present.
Whether you lived it, witnessed it, or are still feeling its impact, your voice matters. Help us preserve the truth, honor your journey, and inspire change for the next generation.
Share your story today.