The Profound Privilege of Growing up in Cleveland – The Cauldron

Throughout our lives, we may often travel to a number of cities, states and countries, all of which will be deemed as the utmost superlative. We ourselves may even perceive these places as exemplary, and that may be solely based on the fact that humans find great comfort in knowing of a faultless escape. 

Truly, every place on the planet has something unique to offer, whether that be the food, culture or mentality of its citizens. That being said, it wouldn’t be thoughtful if it wasn’t acknowledged that there is no such thing as a quintessential destination. Cleveland is no exception; like each place you may roam, it has its own set of faults throughout history. However, it’s through the faults that we grow and learn to love.

So, this won’t be an article claiming Cleveland to be the “greatest” city, but rather serve as a recognition of the privileges and beauties of being an inhabitant of Moses Cleaveland’s findings. As my uncle once said, “there are many cities that will stand out, but what makes Cleveland all the more special is the simple fact that it is ours”.

Photo Credit: Kayleigh Connors

As Clevelanders, there is a sense of pride that comes with growing up in a city that was established in 1796. Despite Cleveland’s long history of failures, the working-class citizens have remained successful, which is and continues to be a testament to the character of many. 

There is also a sense of urgency and resilience that is evident in many of the natives. I would even go so far as to say that there is a chip on many of those shoulders. That chip stems from years of mockery. Outsiders often call us a “mistake on the lake” because of our broken ways. Nevertheless, no city goes without fault, Cleveland simply has a bad reputation. In defiance of many of the cynical fallacies held about our city, we earnestly toil with a love of the city of Cleveland that stimulates. 

Sports is a crucial representation of the almost obnoxious enthusiasm of the midwest town. The fans are among the most passionate and devoted. If you aren’t familiar, just walk past the Municipal Parking Lot on a Sunday morning, and it will become apparent. In 2022 alone, there were a total of 539,448 fans in attendance for each of the Browns home games. 

Although the fans hold great fondness for each of our sport teams, it could be argued that the underlying adoration of the city is the real drive of the fanhood. Each time I attend a game, I feel that deep sense of pride that is embodied in each and every attendant, which has the ability to move one to tears.

The weather is a worthy subject matter to note. Northeast Ohio winters, specifically, are nothing less than brutal. The bone-chilling cold wind, in addition to the fickle conditions such as rain, sleet, and snow are callous to the everyday dwellers. 

As my great-grandmother would often impart, “it is easy to live where the weather is warm, but it takes guts to get up from our warm beds daily and face the miserable conditions.”It is truly the kind of weather that reinforces our persistence and represents our mentality.

Cleveland is home for many of us. I know that when I leave the consolation of our beloved city, I miss the little things that make it singular. From the architecture of the long-standing downtown buildings to the old Cleveland homes along Clifton Boulevard, that make the city all the more distinctive.

On Euclid Avenue, there is the Cleveland Trust Company Building, completed in 1907 and named the third-largest bank in the country at the time of completion. Not to mention,  The Rockefeller Building on Superior Avenue, which once hosted our 16th president, and was eventually converted to a 17-story highrise in 1905 after John D. Rockefeller took over.

There is truly a historical enchantment when walking throughout downtown Cleveland. 

Again, there may be no such thing as an ideal place, but it is justifiable to say that Cleveland has profoundly shaped the characters and hearts of the people that have had the privilege of growing up in the working-class city. It’s far from easy, but it’s full of passionate people who work hard, show love and appreciate Cleveland beyond measure. To have something of that nature is remarkable.

It is truly special because it is ours.