The Life and Legacy of Allen Subdivision: An African American Community from the Early 1900S to 2015

The Life and Legacy of Allen Subdivision describes an African American community from its inception, where over ninety bustling businesses emerged.

Beginning in the early 1900s, in spite of segregation, discrimination, disparities in economic opportunities, and other Jim Crow practices, this little-known community in Tallahassee, Florida, thrived and produced African Americans and descendants of remarkable success.

When Tallahassee's redevelopment efforts began to unfold, and information was scarce, it became evident that no deep-dive review of the cherished Allen Subdivision had ever been published. Its legacy and its effect on its sons and daughters and their descendants begged action. Deloris M. Harpool, who grew up in Allen Subdivision, accepted the community's challenge to document the unique character and some of the consequential effects of this treasured place.

Discover how an iron-clad, close-knit village enabled individual members to achieve lasting success and the lessons we can learn from its legacy.

"The author... takes me down an entertaining and amusing memory lane...She reminds me of how blessed I am to have grown up in a similar community. This work speaks to the important role such a community played in the development of resilient, productive and contributing African American citizens."

-Barbara R. Cotton, D.A., history professor emeritus, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida

"In this book, Harpool illustrates that it truly took a village, including once thriving neighborhood businesses, to produce the fine caliber of African American leaders of today. This type of history is lost in many communities. Her work documents a great legacy and preserves history for future generations."

-Dianne Williams-Cox, commissioner, City of Tallahassee, Florida