Akron court, Summit council honor civil rights leader Ophelia Averitt's career of service

The weather over the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center in downtown Akron Wednesday morning may have been overcast, but the occasion evoked warm feelings as the small group of attendees gathered around a pillar of the local social justice scene.

Former Akron NAACP President Ophelia Averitt was honored for her advocacy by the Akron Municipal Court, with the author and civil-rights activist also signing copies of her latest book, "Shadows of the Past and Hope for the Future."

"I know that she spent her childhood in Alabama, but we are so grateful that she considers Akron to be her adopted home," Akron Municipal Court Judge Ron Cable said. "Akron would certainly not be the same without her."

Cable applauded Averitt's unwavering commitment to education and Akron youths through ther years.

"She clearly cares about young people; those of us who have had the privilege of knowing Ms. Averitt would agree that she's incredibly passionate about education," he said. "I know for a fact that she's very passionate about young people, because every time I talk with her she's talking about new ideas for scholarships and ways to get young people money so they can pursue their education."

Despite the numerous accomplishments in Averitt's long career, Cable said Averitt is best known for her "sincere and caring nature — innate qualities that make her one of a kind."

Summit County Council President Veronica Sims presented Averitt with a commendation for her six decades of promoting civil rights and education attainment in the city of Akron.

"Averitt's commitment to equal rights transcends generations and that's what makes her truly unique," Sims said. "We wanted to honor her service to the community and we wanted to honor her 63-year commitment to civil rights on the front lines."

Averitt was honored to be recognized by both the Court and Summit County Council, but was quick to delegate praise elsewhere for her accomplishments in the NAACP and the Akron community, noting that "no one is an island."

"All of my life, I thought that everyone had something to give — something precious to share with their community regardless of race, color or creed and my work was dedicated to giving a voice and a platform to those voiceless, marginalized members of society who think there is no hope for equality," Averitt said. "But I didn't do this alone; this day is also for those who helped me get where I am today."

Besides leading Akron’s NAACP chapter, Averitt was also the first vice chair of the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP and is a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors. She helped start five new NAACP college chapters, including at the University of Akron, Kent State University, and Youngstown State University.

Averitt smiled as she talked and took pictures with attendees and signed copies of her latest book, which details her life and struggle in the fight for civil rights. She said it's a mission she can never consider complete.

"I may be retired, but my work will never be done," Averitt said. "I will never stop fighting for equal rights and protections for people in this community and across Ohio, and it is wonderful meeting people here today who share my same passion for civil rights."

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter, @athompsonABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Civil rights leader Ophelia Averitt honored by Akron, Summit officials