Hamilton County commissioners are officially designating February as Black History and African-American History Month in the county. Though the board has participated in programs in the past, it says this is the first time such a step has been taken by the county itself.
The move was led by the newest member of the board, Vice President Stephanie Summerow Dumas, who also selected nine prominent African-American leaders for recognition. She calls the honorees "great, living African-Americans."
"I just think that it needs to be acknowledged and to spotlight the month," Summerow Dumas tells WVXU.
"Knowledge is power. Get to know your neighbors and their backgrounds and their heritage no matter who they are - black, white, Hispanic - and just celebrate this time."
Those recognized for their works and service include: