WARREN — A local artist noted the importance of recording and documenting history for future generations during a Black History Month presentation Monday at the Kinsman House.
Local artist, pastor and author Sonya Davenport shared information about her own life in Warren and living in the South. She also talked about the important accomplishments made by African Americans in Warren.
The Warren Heritage Center is hosting a two-day series for Black History Month at the Kinsman House off Mahoning Avenue. The program will continue 6 to 8 p.m. today with a guest speaker, Warren Mayor Doug Franklin, who will discuss significant people of Warren; and Garrick Matlock, who will portray Frederick Douglass, social reformer, abolitionist and orator.
Davenport, whose portraits of local African Americans were showcased throughout the house, said it’s significant to create awareness of what people have accomplished in their lives.
She has worked for the past two years with local resident Fred Harris, who started the Friends of Liberation Historical Foundation, as they record information on local black history and accomplishments. Davenport has created portraits and worked with Harris on biographies.
“Fred has shown me a lot about history which I did not know. I learned about the history of many local people I did not know. It is important that the younger generations know Warren’s history and that the accomplishments made by many matter,” Davenport said.
Davenport has made a children’s activity book on local blacks as well as portraits and flashcards.
Warren’s notable “firsts” include Bob Saffold as the city’s first black firefighter; Helen Rucker, its first black councilwoman; Cliff Johnson, the first black principal; and Franklin, its first black mayor.
“The message sent to children today on these accomplishments and these firsts is showing that we can do this. This generation is looking at us and what we are doing. We need to talk to them about this, or they won’t know — or they won’t care. We need to talk about this for awareness,” Davenport said.
Davenport said those in the area who have died of COVID-19 took their stories with them.
“Look at all the people who died during the pandemic and all that history that is gone. We all have stories to tell. Gather the information on the importance your family members have had on this city,” she said. “If we don’t gather this information and put it down, no one is going to know it. This generation can see what influence these accomplishments had. There are many more African Americans in the city of Warren who have done much.”
Rucker said a timeline is displayed at the center showing the accomplishments of local Warren residents and the years that each event took place.
“We want people to come to the Heritage Center to share their knowledge and stories. We want all ethnic groups to provide information as we gather information,” Rucker said.
Melanie Vincent with the Heritage Center said throughout February, programs and activities were held to showcase Black History Month.
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