african-american history Archives - Ohio History Connection

February 21, 2024

Tice Davids: The Origins of the Underground Railroad Name

By Valerie Boyer, School and Inclusive Community Programs Coordinator The commonly held notion of the Underground Railroad is that it was a network of people, places and secret routes that spirited southern slaves from captivity to freedom. We can surmise from the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793, that enslaved folx were already making their escape […]

February 14, 2024

Charles W. Follis: Changing the Game

By Valerie Boyer, School and Inclusive Community Programs Coordinator Charles W. Follis was born on February 3, 1879, to James Henry and Catherine Matilda Anderson Follis in Cloverdale, Virginia as the 3rd of 7 children. In 1885, the family moved to Wooster, Ohio. Follis entered Wooster College, in 1901, however, he chose to play football for the amateur Wooster […]

February 9, 2024

Ohio’s Black Artists: A History of a Trailblazing Museum and Resources to Engage Students Today

The 2024 theme of Black History Month in the United States is “African Americans and the Arts,” and, in that spirit, this month’s Resource Roundup discusses the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center’s (NAAMCC) influence on the art world. Be sure to read on for resources on teaching art in the classroom and a list […]

June 14, 2023

Black Brigade of Cincinnati

This Flag Day, learn about the first U.S. military unit of African American soldiers to serve in the Civil War.

May 9, 2023

The Power of Protest Music

February 14, 2023

From Enslaved to Education Trailblazer

February 10, 2023

Celebrating Ohio’s Jazz Icons during Black History Month

By Jack Marchbanks Ohio is well known as the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, located in Cleveland. Buckeye State-born recording artists such as Bobby Womack, the Isley Brothers, the Ohio Players, Rick Derringer, Johnny Paycheck, Vince Gill, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, and Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, have topped […]

June 1, 2022

Rhythm of Revolution-The Transformative Power of Black Art 1619 to the Present

Rhythm of Revolution- The Transformative Power of Black Art 1619 to the Present Now until March 2, 2024 National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center, Wilberforce The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio, presents a new exhibit called Rhythm of Revolution-The Transformative Power of Black Art 1619 to the Present. The exhibit maps the […]

February 3, 2022

The Tea Room featuring Black Women Rise Poetry Collective

A series of poetry performances themed on "Black Womanhood" meant to elevate and empower. Herbalist Marjorie Jean-Baptiste will discuss the healing properties of herbs. Entertainment will be provided by Urban Strings and the Ohio Village historical interpreters. Advance registration required.

January 5, 2022

Mary Church Terrell

Mary Church Tyrell, writer, suffragist and Black activist, attended Oberlin College and taught at Wilberforce University before beginning her lifelong campaign of tireless activism