Ada-Woodson Adams has been a changemaker in her community. She has served for 25 years as a volunteer on five Community Boards and worked with students in sharing the rich Black American history and culture. 

Ada-Woodson was a co-founder of the Multicultural Genealogical Center in Chesterhill, Ohio, where she served as President for 15 years. She continues to serve as the Vice-President and she is also the President of the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center, in Athens, Ohio. She is a widely respected historian and genealogist.

I was not born in this area and grew up in Pennsylvania. In high school we were taught history by memorizing names and dates and battles; not very interesting! Years later I became excited by visiting sites and museums and reading the stories people had to tell about their histories. I have lived here, outside Amesville, since 1976. 

When I learned the Multicultural Genealogical Center had Saturday speakers, I started attending and then helped with food afterward.  When I retired in 2016, I was asked to join the board. I am now the secretary.

Karyn Edwards Harris Armstrong was born and raised in Cincinnati Ohio, Hamilton County on May 23,1962.  My parents are William and Jackie Dexter Edwards. I was raised in Cincinnati and attended school there, graduating in June1980.

In the Fall of 1980, I started at Ohio University and graduated in Fall 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and majoring in Marketing. I never left Athens after receiving my bachelor’s degree because I got married to Edwin Harris in 1986 as he was attending Ohio University also. We have two daughters, Nicole and Janielle Harris, who were born and raised in Athens County.

I became interested in genealogy after having a conversation with Ada Woodson Adams. Our family history is also documented in a book called “History of the Jones family.” I have been on the Board since 2006. I have held two different positions while on the board – Treasurer from 2008 to 2011 and Secretary from 2011 to 2018.

I am a retired law professor and attorney. Areas of Practice – International Institutional Development (practicing in war torn areas such as Somalia and East Africa) and Women’s Small Business Development (volunteer).

Tony Mayle Jr. has taught and co-taught at Ohio University, Hocking College, and Zane State College, and he is now the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Marietta College. His teaching background includes Child and Family Studies, Clinical Mental Health, Rehabilitation, and Addictions Counseling, as well as Diversity Awareness classes.

Tony has also been involved in local and regional diversity efforts in the past and present. He has also presented at conferences throughout the country on the topic of diversity and inclusion of all populations. Tony has also been interviewed for the Southeast Ohio magazine on the topic of the Southeast Ohio Underground Railroad connection to the local families. He has also served as a panel member with the International Storytelling Center/Freedom Stories Project discussing the topic of Melungeons and the criminalization of Race.

Tony also has a background in delivering Unconscious Bias Awareness and Cultural Competency training in the workplace. Mayle spreads knowledge he has gained from the elders and his own personal experiences by assisting as a guide, holding community lectures and discussions, mentoring, and writing to educate the masses on African American culture and heritage.