By Robert Stewart
WILBERFORCE, OH. — The National Park Service (NPS), the National Afro- American Museum and Cultural Center (NAAMCC) and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will celebrate the 155th birthday of Colonel Charles Young on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 from 3 to 4 p.m. This free public event will take place at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center located at 1350 Brush Row Rd, Wilberforce, OH 45384.
Dr. David E. Marion, 41st Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will be our Keynote speaker for this event. We will also present the Trailblazer Awards which is given to individuals to recognize their outstanding service and commitment to our community, leadership, and youth. This award will be given to Dr. David E. Marion, Attorney D. Michael Lyles, Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Kenneth Hubbard, and Sports Agent Dr. Mark Edwards Stevens.
A special music presentation by Wilberforce University’s Gospel Choir will highlight this event. Additional remarks will be shared by Dr. Cynthia Jackson – Hammond President of Central State University, Dr. Elfred Pinkard President of Wilberforce University, Dr. Charles Wash, Director of the National Afro- American Museum and Cultural Center, Mrs. Clara Wooden, Acting Deputy Regional Director; Midwest Region, Mr. George McDonald Chief of NPS Youth Programs, Mr. Reginald Chapple Chief of NPS Partnerships and Philanthropic Stewardship, Mr. Samuel Bain Southwest Ohio Outreach Representative in the office of U.S. Senator Rob Portman, Mrs. Marty Heide District Outreach and Director of Special Events in the office of Congressman Mike Turner, Dr. Joy Kinard Superintendent of the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, and other area community leaders. A reception will follow the program.
Charles Young was a soldier, diplomat, and civil rights leader. He overcame stifling inequality to become a leading figure in the years after the Civil War when the United States emerged as a world power. His work ethic, academic leadership, and devotion to duty provided a strong base for his achievements in the face of racism and oppression. His long and distinguished career as a commissioned officer in the United States Army made him a popular figure of his time and a role model for generations of new leaders.
This program is part of an ongoing series of public programs offered at the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument to promote public understanding of history and special places that have been included in the national park system. For further information, call (937) 352-6757/www.nps.gov/chyo
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