MEDINA – The parking lot of Second Baptist Church overflowed as patrons of Medina made their way to Black History Month’s 15th annual “Our History, Our Stories, Our Community” on an unusually warm Feb. 25. Pastor Ruffin of Second Baptist Church and the Medina County Branch of the American Association of University Women held an evening composed of recollections and inspiration.

Members of the community from all different backgrounds filled the sanctuary to its fullest as they listened to opening songs performed by Garfield Elementary students under the direction of Nick Dominguez. Students attending the ACE tutoring program at Claggett Middle School read personal pieces regarding the importance of Black History Month. Artwork created by Garfield students was also on display.

A documentary film made by Medina resident Miles Reed, “Story from the McGhee Family” made the reality of segregation prevalent as it followed the story of Medina’s own Rochelle and Tony McGhee. The McGhee’s shared their message of hope that comes from struggles of the past. Rochelle McGhee said, “You can do anything that you put your mind to.”

Dr. Brinca Hunter reflected the same hardworking outlook on life as she made her story known.

“I was in the top 10 percent of my class. I was very active in my school years,” Hunter explained. “Whatever club there was, I was there. Except for the drama club and singing.”

As for after high school, she said, “I attended Bowling Green State University for one year. I transferred back home to Medina so I could commute to Baldwin Wallace, then I got married and we started our family which was interesting and fun.”

Years later she attended Akron University to continue her education and graduated with a Bachelor’s in special education and went on to earn her Master’s in educational supervision and now has a Ph.D. in ministry.

“Anything worth having, there’s work to it,” Hunter said. “You do have to work for what you want.”

She concluded, “I have personally had a blessed life in Medina.”

“Dr. Hunter has been a huge influence on my life choices and in my career,” said Cheryl Mason of Job and Family Services.

“One of the defining moments in my life was when I was in middle school and Dr. Hunter took me to her school one day, which was at the Medina County Achievement Center which is now Windfalls Schools, and that day so impacted my life.”

From that day forward, she knew she wanted to give back to others.

“I am so blessed to have grown up in this community and to now have the opportunity to give back and make a difference in the lives of those in our community,” Hunter said.

Health Center Office Supervisor of the Medina County Health Department, Ashley Powell, furthered on Hunter’s point by saying, “This life is what you make it. This city is what you make it and you have such an opportunity right now, not later, but right now to make a difference.”

Powell said, “I love Medina, they have embraced us, there are so many resources here.”

Choirs from Claggett Middle School performed under the direction of Carey Knox. Sherril Rundle closed the evening by leading the room wide sing-a-long of “God Bless the USA.”