Oral History Video Series

The History of Hope in the Making:
The Legacy of African Americans in Dayton

Watch this captivating oral history video series for The History of Hope in the Making: The Legacy of African Americans in Dayton. Featuring Black community members who have shaped the Miami Valley for generations, the series highlights personal stories and historic chapters through moving reflections on their firsthand experiences.

The video series serves as a companion resource for the popular book. To provide students and teachers throughout Miami Valley schools with the series and books, please donate today or contact Joyce Reid Kasprzak at chps@woh.rr.com.

Debbie Blunden-Diggs

Chief Executive & Artistic Director, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC)
William Gillespie

Former Dayton Deputy City Manager and Urban League CEO
Frances M. Turner

Fiber Artist and Doll/Figurine Designer
Honorable Walter H. Rice

Senior U.S. District Judge for Ohio Southern District
Juanita Mayo Barnett

Educator and Daughter of Black Entrepreneur Mark Mayo Sr.
Ralph J. Hopper Jr.

Drummer of Dayton’s First R&B/Funk Band, The Moroccos
Annette McGee Wright & Frances Elaine McGee-Cromartie

Daughters of Dayton’s First Black Mayor James McGee
Tom Roberts

Civic Leader, Former Ohio State Senator, Ohio Conference NAACP President
Rhine McLin

Former Ohio State Senator & Former Mayor of Dayton
Jesse Logan

Son of Black Entrepreneur Ben Logan
Joseph Shaw Jr., Lynette Shaw Grisby, & Chris Shaw

Family of Black Entrepreneur Joseph Shaw Sr.
Jessie Gooding

Civil Rights Leader, Former NAACP President