AAARC 'reflects on 20 years of history' at annual Black History Month event

The African American Awareness Research Council of Highland County held its 20th annual Black History Month Program on March 15 at Southern State Community College's central campus.
The theme of the program was "Reflecting on 20 Years of Highland County History."
According to the AAARC, the program is held annually "to honor the lifetime achievements of a Highland County resident or to highlight an aspect of this local community's history."
The 20th anniversary program honored the previous honorees, beginning with Imogene Louise Curtis, the first local resident honored in the 1994 program.
Other individuals honored included: Sister Rita Lee; the Harewood family; Vernon Rodney Young; Wilbur T. "Buck" Harris; Clara Alfrieda Goodrich; Elsie Annetta Young; Hartford Terry Jennings, Sr.; Charles Feaster, Tuskegee Airman; James F. Cannon, Municipal Court Judge; Dr. Stephanie Dunson, professor; Hurd Scott Latimer; Charles E. Cole; Wilbert Kenneth Cumberland; and Ronald Eugene Rockhold.
Historical topics discussed were "In Order to Know One's Self It Is Essential to Know One's History;" "A Celebration of African-American Higher Education Achievement;" "The Journey to Freedom;" "The African-American Fast-Pitch Softball Team;" "Arts and Crafts;" "Gist Settlements and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center;" "The Lincoln School;" "Black Civil War Veterans;" and "Black Churches of Highland County, Ohio."
Past and present AARC members Bruce Bolden, Arlene Cole, Barbara Cole, Eleanor Cumberland (original member), Mona Curtis, Constance Ford, Clara Goodrich (original member), Perry Harewood, Cindy Harris, Charles Harris, Joyce Kittrell, Hurd Scott Latimer, Barbara Raney Nelson, Boyd Nelson, Imogene Nelson, Edna Raney (original member), Robert Lee Smith (original member), Rosa Thomas, Ruth Thurman, Mary Brown Turner, Lolita Williams, Steve Williams and Elsie Young (original member), along with library consultants Laura Waln (original member) and Jennifer West, were thanked for their service.
The audience also enjoyed performances by two choirs and were served refreshments after the program.
For more information on the AAARC or to learn how you can be a part of their mission, contact an AAARC member.
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