
MLK sign finds a home at Second District
Four years after it was first proposed, a large sign honoring Martin Luther King Jr. finally has a permanent home inside the main entrance to Second District Elementary School.
'We chose to put in our vestibule,' Principal Kelli Trenga said this week, 'so that it would be in a high-traffic area where everyone could see it and appreciate the beauty of the plaque and our commitment to carrying out his dream of equality and fairness and hope for a better future for us all.'
The idea for the sign was conceived in 2021 by the Rev. Gary Manning, who proposed placing it outside the school along South Main Street, much like a historical marker already placed near the school. That marker, near the intersection of South Main Street and Autumn Drive, honors the role that Meadville resident Elias Allen played in the desegregation of Pennsylvania schools.
After months of bouncing back and forth between meetings of Crawford Central School Board and Meadville City Council in an effort to work out concerns over the location of the sign, potential copyright infringement concerns and worries about maintenance and the sign's durability, Manning's efforts appeared to go nowhere and the sign remained unposted.
In fact, before being contacted by The Meadville Tribune on Wednesday, Manning was unaware that the sign was recently installed inside a custom case in the school.
'That's just excellent,' he said upon hearing the news. 'I wasn't really sure about them putting it outside because I didn't know how the weather would affect it, but I'm glad they had use for it.'
Manning credited Deputy Mayor Larry McKnight for continuing the effort to have the sign placed in a prominent location, while McKnight gave much of the credit for the sign finally finding a home to Crawford Central Superintendent Jenn Galdon.
The 68-year-old McKnight attended Second District himself — he still recalls when the cafeteria was added to the building — and said the school made for a good location for the sign given the history of desegregation in Meadville.
As the historical marker outside the school explains, an 1854 law mandated segregation in Pennsylvania schools. In fall 1880, Allen, who was Black, attempted to enroll his two children in what were then known as the South Ward schools, which allowed whites only at the time.
When his attempt was unsuccessful, he appealed to Crawford County Court of Common Pleas and Judge Pearson Church ruled the 1854 law unconstitutional. On July 4, 1881, the state Legislature amended the law to prohibit segregation.
Such efforts, McKnight said, provided a foundation for the advances achieved by the Civil Rights Movement that King helped lead decades later.
'For students, I hope it makes them realize that segregation is not something people just started fighting about when Martin Luther King came on the scene,' he added. 'I want kids to realize even way back then there was a fight for desegregation. It was not a one-sided thing. You had Blacks as well as whites that did not agree with it and fought, actually made laws to have it changed.'
Placing the sign near the school's entrance, where it is protected from the weather and in a high-traffic area, is a 'win-win for the community and the school,' according to Galdon.
'It looks great and it's right there when you walk in,' she said. 'It felt like it was important for the community to put it in a nice spot.'
McKnight was optimistic that the sign will serve as a reminder of the importance of inclusiveness in Meadville's history.
'I hope that our kids and people who come and visit will realize this area played a very significant part in changing history,' he said, 'and that we can continue to do that, regardless of what color you are.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tampa City Council member Gwen Henderson dies at 60
Gwendolyn Henderson, a Tampa City Council member, has died, a council member confirmed with the Tampa Bay Times. She was 60 years old. Henderson went to Florida A&M University for her bachelor's degree in education. She went on to receive a master's of education and an education specialist degree from Saint Leo University. She was the chairperson of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency board and was a board director on the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority. Council member Luis Viera said Tampa administrators notified him and other council members of Henderson's death. He didn't have information on the cause of death. 'Gwen had a passion for Black History - from 1619 to today. If you wanted to see the beauty of Gwen's heart, you should stop by her dream realized - her Black English bookstore,' Viera wrote in a text message to the Times. 'That bookstore was about the pride she had in the journey of her family and families like hers. It showed a beautiful heart. Gwen's life and values were intertwined in the journey of Black Tampenos.' Council member Lynn Hurtak said in a statement she was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Henderson's death this morning. Hurtak said Henderson, similar to herself, was a neighborhood advocate. 'She dubbed me 'Fifteen,' and I in turn called her 'Sixteen' in reference to our places in the sequence of the very few women to ever serve on city council,' Hurtak wrote. 'I deeply regret that I will no longer be able to enjoy her laughter, infectious spirit, and boundless energy as we continue our work to build a Tampa that works for everyone.' This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Check back at
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry Awards $1.0 million to 31 Churches and Nonprofits Across Texas and New Mexico
Grantees Build Resilient Ecosystems of Generosity that Drive Meaningful Transformation AUSTIN, Texas, June 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Texas Methodist Foundation has awarded $1.0 million in grant funding to 31 churches and nonprofit organizations across Texas and New Mexico. These recipients, selected as part of TMF's Spring 2025 grant cycle, are driving meaningful transformation in their communities, offering spiritual guidance, educational empowerment, and holistic renewal to thousands of individuals. Spring 2025 grantees we're proud to support: TMF Partners in Ministry "These ministries are meeting complex challenges head-on with creativity, compassion, and deep faith, and we are honored to support their missions," said Wendolyn Abel, TMF's vice president of Grants Ministry. "From early childhood education to food co-ops, mental health support, and workforce development, their work is reshaping lives and communities." Each of the selected organizations demonstrates a commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities rooted in faith and service. These grantees include: BridgeBuilders in Dallas, Texas, serves over 3,500 households in South Dallas, building bridges of access and opportunity for students, neighbors, and their community. With over 200 active volunteers, the ministry addresses urgent needs, including food insecurity and housing support, while investing in long-term development initiatives such as job training and family wellness checks. Ciudad Nueva in El Paso, Texas, empowers downtown El Paso's youth, families, and seniors through a robust mix of mentorship, after-school programs, leadership development, summer camps, and a community food co-op. Their deeply relational model fosters belonging and dignity for over 700 community members annually. Finding Hope Wellness Center in Lakeway, Texas, promotes mental and spiritual wellness through trauma-informed care, support groups, faith-based training, and professional referrals. It connects individuals to safe, compassionate mental health resources, reduces stigma, and fosters healing, equipping people and communities to thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Neighbors in Action in Port Houston, Texas, empowers families through education, spiritual growth, and basic needs support. Programs include tutoring, adult education, summer camps, college prep, and emergency assistance. With a commitment to dignity and community transformation, they foster hope, opportunity, and long-term success for all. Wiley University in Marshall, Texas, remains a beacon of education and social justice. Wiley University—a historically Black college founded in 1873 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church—champions leadership and service through a rigorous liberal arts curriculum and workforce development. The university nurtures students as agents of change in a supportive and spiritually grounded environment. "These organizations are living out God's love in tangible and powerful ways," said Justin Gould, TMF's chief philanthropy officer. "They're not just doing good — they're building resilient ecosystems of generosity and transformation. Supporting their efforts helps us all move closer to the world God imagines." About Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry empowers innovative churches and nonprofits that provide evangelism with social impact and community programs and services that improve the conditions of those living in poverty across Texas and New Mexico. Our ministry is made possible by a cycle of generosity that begins with investors and donors, empowering a unity of faith and funds to meet the needs of the church and the communities it serves. In 2024, the ministry distributed over $1.8 million in grants to 99 churches and nonprofits, supporting individuals and families and strengthening local communities. To learn more, visit About Texas Methodist Foundation Texas Methodist Foundation is a ministry partner to the church, the body of Christ, helping bring about the loving world God imagines through cultures of purpose, generosity, and courage. Founded in 1938, Texas Methodist Foundation helps strengthen churches and nonprofit ministries through Impact Certificate and market-based investments, loans, gift planning, endowment services, and grants. Texas Methodist Foundation's leadership ministry, which began in 2002, is known nationally as a convener and conversation partner on the future of the church, courageous leadership, and innovation across the spiritual landscape. Texas Methodist Foundation serves organizations throughout Texas and New Mexico. Based in Austin, Texas, the organization is led by President & CEO Rev. Lisa Greenwood, who is also President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners. To learn more, visit View source version on Contacts Janet M. MitchellChief Marketing OfficerTexas Methodist Foundationjmitchell@ 512-583-1942800-933-5502


Business Wire
6 hours ago
- Business Wire
Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry Awards $1.0 million to 31 Churches and Nonprofits Across Texas and New Mexico
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Texas Methodist Foundation has awarded $1.0 million in grant funding to 31 churches and nonprofit organizations across Texas and New Mexico. These recipients, selected as part of TMF's Spring 2025 grant cycle, are driving meaningful transformation in their communities, offering spiritual guidance, educational empowerment, and holistic renewal to thousands of individuals. 'These ministries are meeting complex challenges head-on with creativity, compassion, and deep faith, and we are honored to support their missions.' Share Spring 2025 grantees we're proud to support: TMF Partners in Ministry 'These ministries are meeting complex challenges head-on with creativity, compassion, and deep faith, and we are honored to support their missions,' said Wendolyn Abel, TMF's vice president of Grants Ministry. 'From early childhood education to food co-ops, mental health support, and workforce development, their work is reshaping lives and communities.' Each of the selected organizations demonstrates a commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities rooted in faith and service. These grantees include: BridgeBuilders in Dallas, Texas, serves over 3,500 households in South Dallas, building bridges of access and opportunity for students, neighbors, and their community. With over 200 active volunteers, the ministry addresses urgent needs, including food insecurity and housing support, while investing in long-term development initiatives such as job training and family wellness checks. Ciudad Nueva in El Paso, Texas, empowers downtown El Paso's youth, families, and seniors through a robust mix of mentorship, after-school programs, leadership development, summer camps, and a community food co-op. Their deeply relational model fosters belonging and dignity for over 700 community members annually. Finding Hope Wellness Center in Lakeway, Texas, promotes mental and spiritual wellness through trauma-informed care, support groups, faith-based training, and professional referrals. It connects individuals to safe, compassionate mental health resources, reduces stigma, and fosters healing, equipping people and communities to thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Neighbors in Action in Port Houston, Texas, empowers families through education, spiritual growth, and basic needs support. Programs include tutoring, adult education, summer camps, college prep, and emergency assistance. With a commitment to dignity and community transformation, they foster hope, opportunity, and long-term success for all. Wiley University in Marshall, Texas, remains a beacon of education and social justice. Wiley University—a historically Black college founded in 1873 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church—champions leadership and service through a rigorous liberal arts curriculum and workforce development. The university nurtures students as agents of change in a supportive and spiritually grounded environment. 'These organizations are living out God's love in tangible and powerful ways,' said Justin Gould, TMF's chief philanthropy officer. 'They're not just doing good — they're building resilient ecosystems of generosity and transformation. Supporting their efforts helps us all move closer to the world God imagines.' About Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry empowers innovative churches and nonprofits that provide evangelism with social impact and community programs and services that improve the conditions of those living in poverty across Texas and New Mexico. Our ministry is made possible by a cycle of generosity that begins with investors and donors, empowering a unity of faith and funds to meet the needs of the church and the communities it serves. In 2024, the ministry distributed over $1.8 million in grants to 99 churches and nonprofits, supporting individuals and families and strengthening local communities. To learn more, visit About Texas Methodist Foundation Texas Methodist Foundation is a ministry partner to the church, the body of Christ, helping bring about the loving world God imagines through cultures of purpose, generosity, and courage. Founded in 1938, Texas Methodist Foundation helps strengthen churches and nonprofit ministries through Impact Certificate and market-based investments, loans, gift planning, endowment services, and grants. Texas Methodist Foundation's leadership ministry, which began in 2002, is known nationally as a convener and conversation partner on the future of the church, courageous leadership, and innovation across the spiritual landscape. Texas Methodist Foundation serves organizations throughout Texas and New Mexico. Based in Austin, Texas, the organization is led by President & CEO Rev. Lisa Greenwood, who is also President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners. To learn more, visit