Emancipation Day Tour

African Americans have played a major role in the foundation, settlement and development of the City of Youngstown. To honor this history, a tour will take place on Saturday September 6, 2025, a significant date marking one hundred and ten years after African Americans in Youngstown celebrated the Emancipation Proclamation.

During the tour, historian Vince Shivers will share his extensive research, with special guests historian Sean Posey, genealogist Stacey Adger and Civil War reenactor Steffon Jones. Native Youngstown poet Cherise Benton will lend a contemporary voice to the event. The tour will make stops at historically significant locations across Youngstown including Oak Hill Cemetery, The Rayen School and Youngstown City Parks.

The free tour will begin at 9:00am and end at 4:00pm at the Tyler History Center, and will include lunch. Transportation by bus to historic sites will be provided. Please note that this tour will require participants to walk distances outdoors on uneven ground, and up and down stairs. The tour is open to all ages. Attendees under 15 must be accompanied by an adult and seating is limited to 100 participants. To register, please visit lityoungstown.org.

This tour is organized by Lit Youngstown, Vince Shivers and the Tyler History Center, with support from the Raymond J. Wean Foundation and Sojourn to the Past.

Lit Youngstown is a literary arts nonprofit with programs for writers, readers, and those who love a good story. More information is available at www.LitYoungstown.org.