Cultural preservation group forming in Lake County

Staff Report, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·1 min read

Oct. 10—The Greater Painesville Underground Railroad Freedom and Cultural Preservation Society has announced its inaugural meeting, aiming to spotlight and preserve the Black history of Lake County.

Taking place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Lake County Historical Society, 415 Riverside Drive in Painesville Township, this gathering seeks to unite individuals passionate about Black history cultural preservation, according to a news release.

"It is crucial to challenge the erasure of Black cultural contributions to American history," Brian Jones, founder/community pastor of Cross Outreach Ministry Painesville, Ohio, stated in the release. "Our mission is not just to recognize, but also amplify, the often-unheard black voices in our community."

This grassroots community-based organization's initiatives span from preserving the Union Chapel to marking significant black churches, homes, and businesses with historical plaques, the release stated.

Their work also entails comprehensive surveys of the Greater Painesville underground railroad and spearheading the formation of a black historical district in Painesville City.

The organization's broader vision encompasses the establishment of the African American Cultural Center of Lake County Ohio and the Greater Painesville City African American History Project, according to the release. Both projects aim at acknowledging and appreciating the invaluable contributions of African Americans to the community.

"We want to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in every nook and corner of our community," Jones stated. "The importance of recognizing (Black, indigenous and people of color) contributions cannot be understated and we're glad to have the Lake County Historical Society, Painesville City, Lake Erie College and St. John Baptist Church as key allies in this work."

To take part or for more information, call Cross Outreach at 440-296-5073.