05-03-2025
Presentation explores history of Black people in Meadville
Tracing the history of Black people in Meadville will be the focus of a presentation Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S. Main St.
Armendia Dixon will discuss her book, 'Meadville Ebony Genealogy of Sorts,' for the second event in the year-long Meadville 1825 series, which celebrates a formative year in Crawford County history. The event is free and open to the public.
'Visitors will hear about the first African Americans who came to Meadville and we will go all the way to looking at African Americans who made an impact in Meadville,' Dixon said. 'I think it's important that we know the histories of all ethnic groups in Meadville and how they came together to problem solve and to make this one of the best communities I know of.'
Dixon will provide highlights of the book she co-authored with Dedra Pester, who died in 2022. The book, written in observance of Meadville's bicentennial in 1988, provides an account of Meadville's Black residents from 1800 to 1920. Dixon said the goal was to trace the roots planted by Black people in Meadville, showing that their lives overlapped and interlocked with other groups through many generations.
The account stemmed from the hope that sprang from experiences which brought about great expectations in spite of ill beginnings, according to Dixon, a hope that is shared with all people.
Dixon and Prester's book has also sparked other research and Dixon's presentation will include additional information provided by Thomas L. Yoset from the Crawford County Genealogical Society.
In addition to Dixon's presentation, Caitlyn Thompson, a senior at Allegheny College, will discuss how 'Meadville Ebony Genealogy of Sorts' influenced her research. Clotilda Anderson, a member of Bethel AME Church, will also offer an exhibit tracing the history of Bethel AME, which became the first Black church in Meadville when it was organized in 1849.
Following the presentation there will be food and fellowship.
Mayor Jaime Kinder and Joshua Sherretts, executive director of the Crawford County Historical Society, will be at the registration table. Ushers are Rich Chafey, Corinne Chafey, Angela Jones and Anna Mack. Planners for the event are Lynn Atwell, Lisa Clayton, Taylor Raszman, Maria Rosado-Husband and Gloria Shields.
Copies of 'Meadville Ebony Genealogy of Sorts,' which was reprinted in 2022, will be available for $10.
