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Black History Month Program Welcomes First African American
Woman Elected to Ohio Supreme Court
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
“If I Can, You Can” was the theme of the Black History Month
Program hosted Perry Burroughs Democratic Women’s Club (PBWDC)
on February 16 at the Premier Banquet Hall. This 15th
annual event was chaired by Yvonne Harper, PBDWC president
and Toledo City Councilwoman.
The program officially opened as attendees recited the
Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a spoken word presented by
Lydia Myrich of Toledo School of the Arts. “This
demonstrates what we believe in at Perry Burroughs
Democratic Women’s Club. It’s not just about history, but
empowering our youth and watching them succeed,” explained
Paula Hicks Hudson, Ohio state representative who served as
event mistress of ceremony.
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Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart and Toledo City
Councilwoman Yvonne Harper |
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PBDWC members honored retired Ohio Senator Edna Brown with a
special recognition. Brown received a standing ovation,
token of appreciation and full-page color advertisement
documenting her acknowledgements. “I want to thank Perry
Burroughs Democratic Women’s Club for this honor,” said
Brown.
The banquet room was arranged by allowing schools to
designate a speaker who would present remarks on behalf of
the school in front of the entire crowd. These speakers were
also accompanied by other students from the same school, and
ranged from step performances, poetry and musical
selections.
“I want to personally thank PBDWC for this opportunity and
our sponsor Honorable Mayor of Toledo Wade Kapszukieqicz,”
said Whiter Elementary School Principal Eric Remley as he
introduced the students who presented a musical and
historical rendition of “This Little Light of Mine,” to a
standing ovation.
Justice Melody Stewart of Ohio Supreme Court was the
featured speaker. She was elected in November 2018 and is
the first African-American woman elected to the Ohio Supreme
Court. She previous served on Eight District Court of
Appeals, served as court’s Administrative Judge, earned a
Bachelor of Music from College Conservatory of Music, earned
a Law Degree at Cleveland State University, and a PhD from
Case Western Reserve University.
Supporters of Our Champions of Education: Bowsher High
School sponsored by Cecelia Adams, PhD of Toledo City
Council; City Park youth sponsored by Judge Arlene Ginger,
Jack Wilson, ACA Retailers, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur;
Ella P Stewart Academy for Girls, sponsored by Toledo
Federation of Teachers No. 250; Glenwood School, sponsored
by Laborer’s Local 500; Groomed for Greatness sponsored by
Judge Stacy Cook and Judge Gary Cook of Lucas County Common
Pleas; Lindsay Webb, Lucas County Treasurer; Twyla Wheaton,
Mary Johnson and Maynard Porter; Grove Patterson Academy
sponsored by Andre’ Washington, of A. Philip Randolph
Institute; Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church,
sponsored by Rev. John Roberts, PhD, pastor; Jones
Leadership Academy, sponsored by Neighborhood Health
Association; Leverette School sponsored by Lisa Sobecki,
Ohio State Representative; Martin Luther King Academy for
Boys, sponsored by Judge Myron Duhart of Lucas County Common
Pleas; Navarre School sponsored by Edna Brown, former Ohio
State Senator
Old West End Academy sponsored by Keith Mitchell, Esq;
Pickett Academy sponsored by Paula Hicks Hudson, Esq, Ohio
State Representative; Reynolds School sponsored by Dorine
Mosley of PBWDC and paraprofessionals of Reynolds School;
Robinson School sponsored by Northwest Ohio Building Trades;
Rogers High school sponsored by T-Bonds; Rosa Parks School
sponsored by Anita Lopez, Esq. Lucas County Auditor; Scott
High School sponsored by WilliAnna Moore, United Way
president Wendy Pestrue, J.D.; and Toledo NAACP; Sherman
School sponsored by Law Offices of Wittenberg & Philips;
Spring School sponsored by Tina Skeldon Wozniak, Gary Byers,
and Pete Gerken of Lucas County Commissioners; Start High
school sponsored by UA Local 50 Plumbers, Steamfitters and
Service Mechanics; Toledo Early College sponsored by Sheriff
John Tharp, Lucas County Sheriff; Toledo Technology
sponsored by Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 33; Waite High
school sponsored by Peter Ujvagi of Toledo City Council
Whiter School sponsored by Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz;
and Woodward High School, sponsored by George Gusses, Esq.
and alumni. |
