MUNCIE, Ind. — As Black History Month comes to an end, the community gathered one last time to celebrate the histories of the Muncie and Whitely communities.
Each year, the Notable Women of Muncie and Delaware County Project hosts an event dedicated to Black History Month. This year’s event is even more special as it is also in collaboration with Bracken Library’s 50th anniversary and Muncie Public Library’s America 250 initiative. Melissa Gentry, supervisor of the Paul W. Stout Map Collection and panelist, explains the importance of educating the public on topics like these.
“Muncie is just such a unique city. We have such a rich history that’s connected to so many big events in history, and I think it instills a sense of pride in you,” Gentry said.
Gentry believes Muncie plays a significant role in Black History, and other community members agree with her point. “Women of Whitely” is held at the historical mark of Shaffer Chapel Museum. The museum holds a world of Black History from Whitely community members and Muncie residents. Akilah Nosakhere recognizes how remarkable it is to have history to reflect on and build upon.
“Yes, it does move me. The women have always been the movers and the shakers in the community and in the family. And the women of Whitely showed that in their activities,” Nosakhere said.
Nosakhere is a Muncie native, and she makes it her duty to learn about the path that these women paved.
“It's the strength and the spirit that goes through generations, it keeps moving forward, and that's why I'm here tonight, to push it and to keep it moving forward,” Nosakhere explains.
The Notable Women of Muncie and Delaware County project will continue to host events that tell the stories of inspiring women. The Shaffer Chapel Historic Museum is open and available to the public for any interest.
Contact Kahmara Munn with comments at kahmara.munn@bsu.edu.
