Dr. Regennia Williams presents book talk at Collinwood High School

Members of the "Collinwood Collaborative" (left to right): GiGi Elder; Coreyaun Robinson; Dr. Regennia Williams; Shanita Horton; Caroline Peak; Lois Klamar; Toni McCall; Marquitta Billingsley and Nadine Grimm. Not pictured are: Naomi Leveck; Susan Watson; Arnita Washington; and Gail Greenberg.

Dr. Regennia Williams, Associate Professor of history at Cleveland State University and author of Cleveland, Ohio, recently presented a book talk and program celebrating the rich history of Cleveland’s African-American community to the “Collinwood Collaborative,” a group of Collinwood High School teachers and students, school district and community members.

Through Dr. Williams’ book (part of the Black America Series) – an archive of images from local newspapers, historical societies, and private collections of Cleveland residents – she and the group shared childhood memories and reminiscences of neighborhoods, churches, education, notable personalities, arts and culture. Participants represented not only a variety of generations but also special ties to our city.

CarolinePeak, manager of Cleveland Public Library’s Collinwood Branch, remembered her early years in her Mississippi home and the irony of how they impacted her chosen career. Shanita Horton, CHS English teacher, reflected on her parents and her childhood in the Glenville neighborhood. Coreyaun Robinson, CHS ninth grader, remarked that the photos gave him a new appreciation of the places his passes every day.

From the accomplishments of Louis and Carl Stokes to the civic and literary contributions of Charles W. Chestnutt and Langston Hughes, the conversation seemed without end. Everyone agree that Dr. Williams needed to publish a second volume, in order to continue telling the Cleveland “story.”

Dr. Williams’ appearance was made possible by a generous grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, in partnership with The Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County (ESCCC). Arrangements were coordinated by Nadine Grimm, ESCCC program manager and CollinwoodHigh School library media specialist, Gail Greenberg.