2024 marks 50 years since Dr. Francine Childs (1940-2023) came to Athens and joined the faculty at Ohio University. In honor of this anniversary and of all her outstanding contributions and achievements, Ohio University Libraries Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections and Digital Initiatives has collaborated with the Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society (MZBCPS) DBA Mount Zion Black Cultural Center History Committee to create a digital exhibit, “Francine Childs: Life and Contributions at Ohio University & Beyond, 1974-2023.”

The exhibit highlights, through documents and photographs from the Ohio University Archives, the story of Dr. Childs’s career, her passionate dedication to students, higher education, Black Studies, and to civil rights and social justice.

This event celebrates the public launch of the digital exhibit. It invites members of the Ohio University campus and the Athens community, returning alumni, and all who are interested, to join together to celebrate Dr. Childs and her role in promoting Black Studies at Ohio University and supporting Black students and community members during their time here.

A short clip will also be shown of an interview with Dr. Childs conducted by members of the Ebony Bobcat Network during the September 2022 Black Alumni Reunion (BAR).

Light refreshments will be served. Brief remarks will be given by:

• Rob Ross, Ohio University Libraries Dean
• Vibert C. Cambridge, Ohio University Professor Emeritus, Media Arts & Studies, Chair of the History and Research Committee for the Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society
• Reverend Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., Executive Director, The Ohio Council of Churches, Director, Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society (MZBCPS) DBA Mount Zion Black Cultural Center
• Kelly N. Davidson, Associate Director, Diverse Alumni Initiatives, Ohio University Alumni Association
• Erin Wilson, Digital Imaging Specialist and Lab Manager, Ohio University Libraries Digital Initiatives

Please join us in person or online. Contact Miriam Intrator intrator@ohio.edu for more information or for accessibility accommodations.