• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Generous!We Are Presidential!We Are Having Fun!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

The Black Heritage Council

By MarionMade! on December 13, 2021

February was proclaimed Black History Month
February was proclaimed Black History Month, 2020 pictured.

The Black Heritage Council of Marion County’s objectives are to promote an awareness of African American History and great African Americans to our multicultural society; to provide an environment for sharing cultural values and appreciation of diversity; to inspire community-wide participation in recognition of the outstanding achievement of African Americans; to support the Minority Scholarship Fund at The Ohio State University of Marion; and to provide additional scholarship program, The Black Heritage Council Scholarship, to African American students on a competitive basis to attend the college of their choice.

The Black Heritage Council history began with Earlean Burnette (Baskin) Hatch. Hatch’s character is demonstrated in her spirit of giving.

“I believe in blooming where you are planted,” is Hatch’s personal motto.

“Earlean enjoys people and her community,” reads the 42nd Annual Black Heritage Council awards banquet program. “This enjoyment translates into her desire to have annual Black History celebrations. In 1977 a committee was formed and in 1978 the celebration was on.”

The 2020-2021 Black Heritage Council members include an executive board consisting of Chairperson Jacqueline Twine, Vice-Chairperson Lucille Richardson, Secretary Linda Williams, and Treasurer Tara Dyer. Additional council members are Hattie Harris, Shawn Jackson, and Willie King. Michael Williams and Jeremy Walker are associate members.

Many people throughout the community have served on the Black Heritage Council and helped to make the celebration what it is today. According to the council, this is Hatch’s dream come true.

Black Heritage Council
Black Heritage Council accepts monetary donations and applies for grants.

Currently, the Black Heritage Council holds awards banquets where members award scholarships to students. Over $150,000 has been given to black students by the council over time. There are no requirements for where recipients have to attend school and students can work with their guidance counselors to apply.

“We have had some dynamic speakers at this culminating event for the awards banquet and Black History Month. Speakers do not charge for the event. They come because of their commitment to the council,” said Dyer.

The Black Heritage Council relies on community partnerships.

“We can never discount the work and the partnership we have with The Ohio State University,” said Dyer. “The work itself was designed to fill a gap. The ability to maintain the organization for over 42 years demonstrates its presence in this community. So many people in this community support the Black Heritage Council year after year with in-kind donations, sponsorships, and community partnerships.”

 Black Heritage Council awards competitive scholarships annually
Black Heritage Council awards competitive scholarships annually.

Some of this support has been around since day one.

“At a time when people are so negative about whether or not these organizations should exist, the fact that the Black Heritage Council can still stay strong and in solidarity with community partners says something about the organization,” said Dyer.

Additionally, the council is actively working on a project called “Umoja: from Blight to Beauty” for the west side of Marion around the Creston Avenue neighborhood. The objectives are to create an atmosphere of pride and vitality, to create a community garden to encourage healthy eating habits, and to create affordable housing for low to moderate-income individuals. These individuals include veterans, single parents, and those struggling with addiction.

The goals of Umoja are to continue to clean, mow and weed properties; to collaborate with Erin Miller and RSVP program for the community garden on Martin Luther King Avenue; to work with residents in the neighborhood to identify areas to revitalize the neighborhood; and to collaborate with the Hope Center to implement neighborhood groups.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of commitment. Marion is a unique city. The Black Heritage Council is an organization and a cause that people in our community support,” Dyer said.

The Black Heritage Council is a nonprofit organization in Marion. They are always willing to accept monetary donations or volunteers. For more information, the community can contact the council through social media or 740-751-8050.

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • MTC Alumni Hall of Fame

    Since 1970, Marion Technical College (MTC) has opened its doors to more than 40,000 local students. College can be an intimidating place, but MTC offers an accessible, supportive, and personal education to students from all walks of life.  Inside its classrooms are high school students earning free college credit and working parents finding flexible options. […]Read More »
  • The Forge Helps Small Businesses in Its Fifth Year

    Four local businesses and one non-profit organization participated in the 2021 Forge Competition. This was the fifth offering for the competition following seven weeks of classes with instructor Scott Hughes of Marion Technical College. “Part of the genesis of The Forge was that when we looked at some economic information, we learned that Marion was […]Read More »
  • Prioritizing Health and Wellness in Marion

    Dr. Coleen Denton-Prater didn’t always know she wanted to go into the family business. Denton-Prater says her father knew since the eighth grade that he would be a chiropractic physician, but it wasn’t until she was finishing her undergraduate degree that she realized she could pursue her passion as a chiropractor. Denton-Prater, a Pleasant grad […]Read More »
  • Dr. Frederick Cleveland Smith

    The story of Dr. Frederick Cleveland Smith, namesake of the former Smith Clinic in Marion, is rich and steeped in Marion history.  In his 71 years, he was a physician, world traveler, mayor, and congressman. Born in Shanesville, Ohio, in 1884, Smith earned his degree in osteopathic medicine from A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri, […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2023 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image