MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Building on the success of The Ohio State University at Marion’s 2023 public history lecture series, the campus is partnering this spring with Mayes Community Temple—one of Marion’s historic Black churches and a longstanding center of faith, service, and community empowerment—to present a free, public three-part program. Together, the two organizations will co-sponsor the Marion Histories Spring Lecture Series, highlighting the pivotal contributions of Black Marionites to the region’s political, economic, and social development.

All lectures will be held in the Garden Room at the Harding Centre, 267 W Center St., Marion, OH 43302, from 6–8 p.m. The series is free and open to the entire Marion regional community.

Led by Ohio State Marion Associate Professor of History, Dr. Margaret Sumner, the series will explore how generations of local Black residents shaped the civic leadership, businesses, and community networks that helped define Marion’s past and continue to influence its future.

Lecture Schedule
Tuesday, March 31 – “Tough Choices: A History of Black Marionites and Political Parties, 1870–1970,” This lecture examines the evolving political landscape and the strategic decisions local Black citizens made as they navigated shifting party systems and political opportunities over a century.

Tuesday, April 28 – “Enterprising Pioneers: Black Business Owners Helping to Move Marion Forward,” Dr. Sumner will highlight the entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, and innovators whose businesses advanced economic life and community identity in Marion.

Tuesday, May 26 – “Legendary Leaders and Mentors: Family Stories from Marion’s Black Community,” This concluding session celebrates the influential leaders, educators, and everyday mentors whose family histories continue to inspire future generations.

A Community Collaboration
This series reflects ongoing commitments by Ohio State Marion to honor diverse community histories and create accessible public programs that strengthen an understand of Marion’s past while helping to shape its future. The Marion Histories Spring Lecture Series builds on successful community learning programs like Ohio State Marion’s monthly Buckeye Talks on Tap at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen, reflecting the campus’s commitment to lifelong learning. These programs give community members the chance to explore timely issues in an accessible, conversational setting. Learn more about Buckeye Talks on Tap at https://osumarion.osu.edu/community-outreach/buckeye-talks. Ohio State Marion looks forward to welcoming the community to this timely conversation and reaffirming its commitment to open inquiry, civil dialogue, and shared learning.

For more information, please contact Dr. Margaret Sumner at sumner.27@osu.edu.