MUNCIE, Ind. (NewsLink) -- With Black History Month in full swing, University Libraries’ Melissa Gentry is ensuring that all students are seen with a panel titled, “Celebrating the African American Women of Muncie History.” This 90-minute discussion features some of the most prominent women in Delaware County and what they did to make local history.
“We’re focusing on different women who have contributed to the community in some way, through history,” explains Melissa Gentry, Maps Collection Supervisor at Ball State Libraries.
This event is one of many that the “Notable Women of Muncie and Delaware County” put on for the community at least once a month. This month, they put their focus on Black History Month, recognizing African American women who have given it their all for Muncie. From Lucille Sanders, who began Wayside Mission, a homeless shelter for girls and women, to Josephine Pierson who founded the first African American Suffrage Club in Delaware County, speakers at this event anticipate great conversation about the individuals who helped contribute to the rich history of Muncie.
“It’s such an inspiration. These women were working so hard…all of them had jobs, they had families, they were working with their church, they were doing multiple things and it was just an inspiration…for me, I feel like I could be doing more. You could do so much good if you join forces like they do,” Gentry said.
Their stories are being told with the intention of bringing recognition to these women and their efforts.
The panel is set to take place at 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 22. Students and members of the community register for this event online by searching bsu.edu/events and selecting Feb. 22 on the calendar.
Contact Olivia Sloniker with any questions or comments at omsloniker@bsu.edu.
