Akron mayor honors Black centenarians with proclamations at Joy Park ceremony

Anthony Thompson, Akron Beacon Journal
Updated ·2 min read
Jackie Gordon, daughter of 101-year old Rosie L. Davis, holds her mother’s photo after she and other centenarians were honored by a mayoral proclamation during the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation’s Black History Month program Saturday.
Jackie Gordon, daughter of 101-year old Rosie L. Davis, holds her mother’s photo after she and other centenarians were honored by a mayoral proclamation during the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation’s Black History Month program Saturday.

In honor of Black History Month, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik honored four African American residents who have reached or surpassed their 100th birthday Saturday afternoon.

The event, attended by dozens of people, was held by the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation at the neighborhood's community center.

Fr. Norman Douglas holds a proclamation presented by Akron Mayor Shammas Malik honoring Black American centenarians at the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation’s Black History Month program Saturday.
Fr. Norman Douglas holds a proclamation presented by Akron Mayor Shammas Malik honoring Black American centenarians at the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation’s Black History Month program Saturday.

"Today, the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation has gathered to celebrate Black history and the contributions African Americans have made to our city throughout history, with special recognition to the centenarian members of the community, both past and present," Malik told the crowd. "Longevity of life is a blessing for individuals, as well as for the community that benefits from the knowledge, creativity, and experience brought forth by those individuals."

Malik gave a proclamation honoring Helen Brown (102), Rosie Davis (101), Ora Dee Henderson (100) and Lillian J. Morris (104). While none were present at the ceremony, some of their family members were in attendance, including Davis' daughter, Jackie Gordon.

More: Local history: Akron woman, 100, recalls Rosie the Riveter days and career in teaching

Ten individuals were also honored posthumously, having passed away as early as 1990 and as late as this year. Those individuals include:

  • Beatrice Arrington-Thomas - died at 101 years old

  • Ella Dix - died at 103 years old

  • Leona Wright Farris - died at 104 years old

  • Rev. Flonerra Henry Harris - died at 103 years old

  • Bernice J. Hinton - died at 102 years old

  • Mangia R. Holmes - died at 101 years old

  • Tony Jones - died at 105 years old

  • Edith Smith - died at 104 years old

  • Cora Mamie Lee Sneed - died at 102 years old

  • Lilli Ruth Wilson - died at 102 years old

Pastor Lori Porter gave the keynote speech at the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation’s Black History Month program Saturday at the Joy Park Community Center.
Pastor Lori Porter gave the keynote speech at the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation’s Black History Month program Saturday at the Joy Park Community Center.

The event also included prayers by New Exodus Christian Fellowship Pastor Gregory Partridge and Fr. Norm Douglas of St. Vincent Parish Church, a keynote speech by Love Akron Program Coordinator Pastor Lori Porter and drumming and stories of Ghana by local artist Donnty Lakina.

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

Lakina “Donny” Ando from the African country Ghana gives a drumming demonstration at the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation’s Black History Month program held Saturday in Akron.
Lakina “Donny” Ando from the African country Ghana gives a drumming demonstration at the Joy Park Neighborhood Federation’s Black History Month program held Saturday in Akron.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Black centenarians honored by Akron Mayor Malik at Joy Park event