The Alliance Area Preservation Society will hold its 2026 annual meeting inside Rodman Auditorium at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 20.
Following a brief business meeting, Dr. Tameka Ellington, the first Curator of Black History at the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, will discuss the visionary journey of “Building the Stark County Black History Museum.”
The talk will take a deep dive into the mission to preserve and celebrate the rich, often untold, legacy of Black residents in Stark County — from the early pioneers of the 1800s to the community leaders of today. Ellington will share insights into the collaborative efforts with the Committee to Preserve Stark County Black History and the exciting process of uncovering “hidden” history through community archives, family heirlooms, and oral traditions.
Ellington is an internationally acclaimed scholar, author, and curator. Before taking on her historic role at the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, she served as an associate professor and assistant dean at Kent State University, where she was the first Black professor in the School of Fashion. A dedicated “Black Beauty Activist,” Ellington has curated groundbreaking exhibitions such as “TEXTURES: The History and Art of Black Hair” and “RETOLD: African American Art & Folklore.” Her work is defined by a passion for reclaiming narratives and empowering communities through the lens of history and culture.
Registration is required at attend the event.