Operation Black Unity.

Operation Black Unity was a coalition of groups and people, founded in 1969, interested in the progress of the African American population of Cleveland, Ohio. Membership consisted of churches, black nationalists, and civil rights groups. The organization was co-chaired by Reverend Donald S. Jacobs, Reverend Jonathan Ealy, and William O. Walker. One of its main projects was securing African American ownership of McDonald's restaurants in the city of Cleveland.

From the description of Operation Black Unity records, 1969-1976 1969-1972. (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 42793497

Operation Black Unity (f. 1969) was a coalition of groups and people interested in the progress of the black population of the city of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. It was an umbrella organization with its membership consisting of churches, black nationalists, and civil rights groups. The organization was co-chaired by three men: Reverend Donald S. Jacobs, Reverend Jonathan Ealy, and William O. Walker. Operation Black Unity (OBU) was dedicated to several goals: equal and equitable job opportunities, excellence in education, business ownership, fair housing, health and welfare rights, and fair interpretation and administration of laws. One of OBU's main projects was securing black ownership of McDonald's restaurants in the city of Cleveland. This project was of high priority in that many of these restaurants were located in black neighborhoods and accumulated significant profits. OBU believed that some of the profit from such businesses should reciprocate into the black community and encouraged boycotting McDonald's until negotiations began with potential black owners.

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for Booker T. Tall

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for the Urban League of Greater Cleveland

From the guide to the Operation Black Unity Records, 1969-1976, (Western Reserve Historical Society)