Local Woman Headed for Hall of Fame

Chillicothe Gazette

Connecting people to their roots and educating children always have been passions for Beverly Gray. Those passions have caught notice of many over the years, most recently the state, which will induct Gray into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame.

"It is such a humbling thing. I feel very humbled to be nominated first of all. To me, that's a mark of respect from people you know every day. It makes you feel some of the things you're involved in have some meaning," Gray said.

Toni Brooks, who attends First Baptist Church with Gray, nominated Gray for her efforts to connect people with history, specifically the underground railroad. Gray co-founded the David Nickens Historical Museum, which features exhibits about African American history.

"She has worked hard to bring history into the lives of so many ...I always like the positive light Bev would put to this (the underground railroad). Not blame, but how people worked together (in order) to bring people together for a dialogue," Brooks said. "We can always learn from our history so we don't repeat it."

Established in 1978, the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame has inducted more than 375 women with the purpose of publicly recognizing the contributions Ohio women have made. Gray is the seventh Ross County woman inducted.

While sitting in the women's exhibit at the David Nickens Heritage Museum, Gray points to the stories of African American women who weren't part of a Hall of Fame.

"If it hadn't been for ladies like this, I couldn't teach not alone receive this honor ...I feel blessed to be able to have this particular award," Gray said.

Born and raised in Ross County, Gray graduated from Ohio University with a degree in elementary education and continues her teaching efforts at the David Ater Dyslexia and ADHD Clinic. As a child, she attended Eden Baptist Church, a sister church of First Baptist Church, where she became interested in African American history and its impact and interwoven part in American history.

"I think I got an early love of history in the church and realized the whole story was never told," she said. "I was very interested in the African American and Native American story, a huge part of the American story, and getting people to be proud of their heritage."

Over the years, Gray has done extensive research of Chillicothe and Ross County's African American roots and worked to share that information with others. Currently, she and some members of First Baptist Church are working with Ohio University-Chillicothe professor Rick Barnes to film a docudrama to be played at the Heritage Museum, where 300 children visited last year. About 200 adults also visited the museum last year.

Aside from sharing her research, Gray also continues to take college course and attend conferences to expand her mind. She has taught elementary, middle school, high school, vocational education and inmates at Chillicothe Correctional Institution.

"I think that is what life should be about -- learning. We should keep learning," she said.

As Gray has reflected on her life, she thinks she hasn't "even scratched the surface of what can be done." So, she'll continue doing what she has, to spread the word.

"Our life is built on our experiences. I feel like if I do try to use some of those experiences I've had ... to try to teach or enhance the lives of children. I want to keep on spreading the word; making our children know there's something in legacy."