A miniature version of U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes made a grand appearance Friday afternoon at Helen Arnold Community Learning Center, part of Akron’s celebration of Black History Month.

Third grader Italy Pullum walked on stage in a pinstripe skirt suit, black shirt and low-top platform Vans accented by pearls.

“I’m a leader from Akron, Ohio, and a Congresswoman who works hard to make sure everyone has access to good jobs, healthcare and safe communities. I stand up for fairness and equality every day.” 

Helen Arnold CLC students celebrated a collection of local Black heroes, from Sykes, LeBron James and Joshua Cribbs (and his wife, Maria), as well as national figures such as Ruby Bridges, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Amanda Gorman and Martin Luther King Jr.

And around town, local organizations and government agencies remembered sacrifices and successes of their trailblazers through special events and numerous social media posts.

Sports: Fritz Pollard

The City of Akron remembered Fritz Pollard, a pioneer in professional football. 

After leading Brown University to the 1915 Rose Bowl and serving in the army during World War I, Pollard arrived in Akron, where, by 1920, he helped the Akron Pros win the league title. The following year, Pollard became pro football’s first head coach. He was immortalized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2005. 

Government: Local judges

Akron Municipal Court celebrated six African American judges from the past and present: Joseph D. Roulhac (1968-87), James R. Williams (1983-89), Harold K. Stubbs (1987-89), Carla Moore (1989-2004), Annalisa S. Williams (2003-present) and David Hamilton (2019-present).

Public safety: John Suddieth

John Suddieth wasn’t the first Black police officer in Akron — that honor goes to Marvin Kendrick (1921), a fact discovered by Akron Beacon Journal reporter Mark J. Price.

But Suddieth, who was hired in 1922, was the first African American to make a significant impact on the force. As the second-ever Black police officer in Akron, Suddieth served for more than 40 years. 

Education: Martin Chapman

In 1947, Martin Chapman became the first Black person to serve in an administrative role at Akron Public Schools. Nearly eight decades later, the public school district is led by an African American — Michael Robinson.

Music: James Ingram

His voice was described as a soft but sturdy baritone; muscular yet rounded at the edges; soulful, whisky-sounding; warm, sincere and full of finesse; smooth and velvety.

More than a singer: He was one of the co-writers of Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T.” (Pretty Young Thing). 

His name is honored on a portion of Fuller Street – between Fifth and Seventh avenues, where he grew up in Akron. 

The Akron Urban League on social media honored Ingram, who was born and raised in Akron. His collection of collaborations and solo efforts — from “Just Once,” “There’s No Easy Way,” “Baby Come To Me” and “I Don’t Have the Heart” explain why this R&B and soul singer, songwriter and producer earned national acclaim for three decades.   

Industry / Arts: Ray and Rita Dove

The Summit County Historical Society honored one of Akron’s most inspiring father-daughter duos.

Ray Dove was the first African American chemist in the rubber industry, working at Goodyear Tie & Rubber Co. in 1946. He retired in 1986 — after four decades. Rita Dove is the first African American to serve as U.S. Poet Laureate at the Library of Congress (1993-95). She’s authored 11 collections of poetry, including “Thomas and Beulah,” which won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for poetry.

More on Helen Arnold CLC’s student performers

Back at Helen Arnold CLC, Pullman was joined on stage during the Black History Month program by several classmates.

  • Annie Owens (kindergarten) as Ruby Bridges
  • Mariah Bridges (second grade) as Gabby Douglas
  • Amiyla Saafir (second grade) as Simone Biles
  • Sarah Outley (fifth grade) as Amanda Gorman
  • Kenneth Walker (third grade) as Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Montierre Autry (first grade) as LeBron James
  • Dallas Dixon and Lehela Workman (fourth grade) as Josh and Maria Cribbs

Managing Editor (he/him)
Gary is returning to Akron after previously working at the Akron Beacon Journal as a sports reporter from 2003 to 2006. He is committed to delivering authoritative, trustworthy journalism that is accessible to everyone. Gary mostly recently worked as a newsroom leader in Clarksville (Tenn.), Murfreesboro (Tenn.) and Nashville, where he was the business, race and culture editor at The Tennessean. He is a native of New Orleans and a product of Southern University and A&M College. In his free time, you can find him cycling, playing paintball and smoking meats.