Legends in Toledo’s Black history were honored during the 20th anniversary of the African American Legacy Project.
“Today is the greatest example of why we challenge the unchallengeable,” said Robert Smith, project president and founder.
“The men and women we honor eloquently represent not just our past, but our future. They represent the epitome of our community. They represent what we aspire to be. They represent what we want our kids to aspire to be,” he said. “We are grateful for the lives they have led and for allowing us to share their stories today and far into the future.”
The Pinnacle in Maumee played host to nearly 400 people at Saturday’s Legends Celebration.
Honorees included Norman A. Bell, Sr., retired city of Toledo administrator and founding board member of the African American Legacy Project; Marsha Bonhart, retired radio and television news broadcaster; David D. Carter, educator and founding member of the Toledo Opera Chorus; Derrick R. Clay, lobbyist and senior vice president for Shumaker Advisors; Dr. John M. Rudley, President Emeritus of Texas Southern University; and former Toledo mayor John Marshall “Jack” Ford (posthumous), who holds the distinction of serving as Toledo’s first African-American mayor.