History and Healing: Spotlight on African American Heroes, A Shared Heritage

This presentation will speak to this critical community history project's broad educational, restorative value. The three architects of A Shared Heritage will highlight some of the key figures, stories, and places associated with Erie County's African American history, and reflect on the power of our shared past to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges that continue to confront both our region and a divided nation. A Shared Heritage is co-led by Johnny Johnson (Burleigh Legacy Alliance), Dr. Chris Magoc (Mercyhurst University), and Melinda Meyer (Erie Yesterday). Johnny Johnson, M.Ed., is a native of Covington, GA, and has been a resident of Erie for 50 years. Mr. Johnson taught health and physical education at various middle and high schools in Erie's Public Schools for more than 30 years before retiring. He is one of the founding members of the Harry T. Burleigh Society, the current president of the Burleigh Legacy Alliance has participated in numerous historical programs and is the author of Erie African Americans in the 1880s. Dr. Chris Magoc is a professor of History at Mercyhurst University whose most recent book is A Progressive History of American Democracy Since 1945: American Dreams, Hard Realities (Routledge Press, January 2022). He is a 2012 recipient of the Mercyhurst Teaching Excellence Award. Melinda Meyer is an experienced public historian, educator, project consultant, grant writer and nonprofit administrator. As a public historian, she consistently pursues avenues to share local history with all audiences. Ms. Meyer has also taught museum studies and historic preservation undergraduate courses at Mercyhurst University. Event: Free Event, please register in advance.