The many roles Clarence Walker, Jr., has filled have led to many honors, awards, and recognitions.
He's a former Toledo Board of Education member, past branch chairman of the Toledo YMCA, former northwest regional director of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and more. He's been called a driving force in Toledo's African-American community.
There have been numerous accolades over the years; some of them still feel special.
"It's nice to be honored by your own," he said.
Mr. Walker was one of eight people honored Saturday -- two of them posthumously -- at the African-American Legacy Project of Northwest Ohio's seventh annual Legends Luncheon. About 600 people filled the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons in Perrysburg for the event.
The luncheon, sponsored by The Blade and Mercy, recognizes people in Toledo's African-American community who have served as leaders, community activists, and inspirations to others.
Along with Mr. Walker, the honorees are:
Dr. Donald A. Baker, who for years was a teacher and football coach with the Macomber and Scott High School teams and later was a coach with the University of Toledo. He switched careers, becoming an orthopedic surgeon in the 1970s, and later opened one of the first walk-in clinics in Toledo.
Odell Carl Barry, a Toledo native who played for the Denver Broncos but would find greater success beyond the gridiron. He served in several governmental roles in the city of Northglenn, Colo., including mayor. He is the owner and president of Coldwell Banker Barry & Associates, and has been involved in major real estate developments, including serving as chairman of the site selection committee for the Denver Broncos' stadium.
Shirley M. Ellis, who was the first African-American nursing director at a Toledo- area hospital system, serving as nursing director for obstetrics and gynecology along with pediatrics from 1974 to 1976 at the former Riverside Hospital. In 1984 at Riverside, she became the first African-American to hold the position of executive director of human resources at a Toledo-area hospital.
Berene Sibyl Miller, who helped lead the Toledo Bowling Senate, serving as its president for 24 years in three separate terms.
Reva Rice, a Scott High School graduate who has performed on several national musical and skating tours, including Oprah's musical production of The Color Purple. She is one of the youngest to receive recognition by the Legacy Project.
The Legacy Project posthumously honored James Cobham, Jr., and Richard Allen Huston, Sr.
Mr. Cobham was a Toledo McDonald's franchise owner and was treasurer of the National Black McDonald's Operators Associations.
Mr. Huston was an assistant principal at Robinson Junior High School, principal at Ella P. Stewart Elementary, and director of Lucas County Head Start, among other roles. He received the Bronze Star for service during World War II.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including school board members, former and current judges, and Ohio legislators.
Legacy Project President Robert Smith said that the legend honors are not just to help build a legacy for the Toledo African-American community but also to show children there are numerous career paths and ways to build family and communities.
Students from Ella P. Stewart Academy for Girls and Martin Luther King, Jr., Academy for Boys were guests at the luncheon.
"We try to demonstrate to young men and women that their are options, and there are choices," Mr. Smith said.
The luncheon was just one of a trio of events for the Legends Weekend.
A meet-and-greet was held Friday at the Toledo Museum of Art's Glass Pavilion, and the Legacy Project is to be host for a music night from 6:30 p.m. to midnight tonight at Admiral's American Grill at the Docks, featuring 1950-1970 music.
Contact Nolan Rosenkrans at: nrosenkrans@theblade.com or 419-724-6086.
First Published October 16, 2011, 5:02 a.m.
