The store 's restaurant was the first in downtown Cincinnati to serve African - American customers .
In 1946 it was the nation 's first department store to give credit to African - Americans , as well as employ them as salespeople and executives .
The store 's restaurant was the first in downtown Cincinnati to serve African - Americans     customers .
In 1946 it was the nation 's first department store to give credit to African - Americans , as well as employ them as salespeople and executives .