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‘Breaking Barriers:’ Highlighting initiatives for Black History Month in Youngstown

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

Updated February 6, 2024 4:59 PM

Celebrate the art and contributions of African Americans at local events like The African Marketplace at Youngstown State University.

Local organizations, businesses, school districts and universities have scheduled community events throughout February to commemorate Black History Month.

Austintown Middle School: ‘Breaking Barriers’

Last Friday, history teacher Ron Johnson and local artist Ray Simon came to Austintown Middle School.

They taught middle school students about the first four African American athletes who broke the color barrier in 1946 in the NFL.

The class got to see Simon’s “Breaking Barriers” painting which depicts the four NFL legends: Bill Willis, Marion Motley, Woody Strode and Kenny Washington.

Watch this video to learn about Simon’s “Breaking Barriers” program.

Celebrate the art and contributions of African Americans on a local and national scale at events like the African Marketplace at Youngstown State University.

Here’s what’s happening in the Mahoning Valley area starting Feb. 1 through Feb. 29.

Let us know if we missed any Black History Month events by sending an email to news@mahoningmatters.com and we’ll add them here.

Choffin Career and Technical Center

On Feb. 9, the city of Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown is signing a proclamation at 11 a.m. recognizing February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Youngstown

On Feb. 13, The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center Mobile Mammography Unit will be parked from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Choffin
On Feb. 15, Choffin hosts a free Career and Resource Event for current parents and students at 4 - 6:30 p.m. They’ll go over resources like job readiness and workforce development training opportunities.
On Feb. 20, members of the Harambee Youth Organization and Choffin Music Production and Recording program are performing at 9 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. at Choffin.
On Feb. 21, students in Choffin’s cosmetology program and at Raphael’s School of Beauty are giving out free haircuts at 8 a.m. and noon.

Youngstown State University

Artist Lauren Pearce is featured in this year’s Black History Month exhibition on display at the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery, located on the second floor of Bliss Hall. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Greatness Revealed: The Art of African Americans will be on display for visitors starting Feb. 1 through March 1 at The Butler Institute of American Art.
On Feb. 10, the YESS Gala One Moment in Time begins at 5 p.m. at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center, located at 7440 South Ave. in Youngstown.

Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has several special events commemorating Black History Month.

Throughout February, visit the PLYMC branches to collect trading card representing African American and Black pioneers in art and music such as Beyonce, Maya Angelou and Jean-Michael Basquiat.

Patrons who collect five trading cards will be entered to win a gift card.

On Feb. 17, there’s a graffiti paint-and-sip at 2 p.m. for teenagers and adults at the Michael Kusalaba branch of the PLYMC. Call (330) 744-8636 to register.
On Feb. 20, visit the main branch of the PLYMC at 6 p.m. for Exploring Black Creativity: Name that R&B Tune.
On Feb. 21, learn about African American inventors in history at 4:30 p.m. at the main branch of the PLYMC.
Inspired by the work of Bisa Butler, there’s a class at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Newport branch of the PLYMC to learn about textile arts and make quilt portraits.
Join the Braid Academy at 6 p.m. Feb. 26 for a braiding class at the Austintown branch.