DREAMLAND ON 38TH
Anthony Brutus Cassius, a visionary serial entrepreneur and passionate civil rights advocate, recognized the need for a gathering hub where dreamers of his time could unite, strategize, create, and foster connections. In the 1930s, Cassius found this vital space at Foster's Sweet Shop, a monthly meeting place where he, along with other influential black Minneapolitans, charted the course for civil rights advancement. Among the camaraderie of friends and fellow reformers, Cassius imbibed the essence of social entrepreneurship.
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Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere at Foster's Sweet Shop, Cassius embarked on a transformative journey in 1937, opening the Dreamland Café at the intersection of 38th Street and Fourth Avenue, right at the heart of Minneapolis's south side black community. In a highly segregated Minneapolis, the Dreamland Café stood as a beacon, often recognized as the sole social center for African-Americans in the city. This remarkable establishment even attracted renowned figures such as Lena Horne and Frankie Lymon when they visited the area.
Dreamland Café Reimagined
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Today, 38th street is poised to become one of six cultural districts in Minneapolis, created to drive economic development in the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. Dreamland on 38th will be an anchor project in the 38th Street Cultural Corridor. Dreamland on 38th is a joint venture between the nonprofit Cultural Wellness Center, one of the original founders and co-owners of the Midtown Global Market, and African-American entrepreneur Dr. Freeman Waynewood. Building on the experience and expertise of the Cultural Wellness Center, Dreamland on 38th will provide cultural healing through culinary heritage.
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The vision is to create a flexible, supportive work space for African-American entrepreneurs to start and expand small businesses focused on the intersection of food and heritage— and to offer a dynamic space to host community gatherings and events. Dreamland on 38th will leverage the Cultural Wellness Center’s many cultural, community and business networks to create social and economic opportunities that enrich African-American entrepreneurs, entities and services.
With its unique mission, Dreamland on 38th honors the legacy of A.B. Cassius, his social entrepreneurism, his commitment to building a strong black community in Minneapolis—and his focus on food as a way to bring people together.
Read the full feature in Alley News