Label
RIA: Black
Title
Recognizing Trevor Diane Thomas Black in Celebration of Women’s History Month
Summary
WHEREAS, Women’s History Month provides a meaningful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the lives and legacies of women whose leadership, service, and commitment have strengthened our communities and inspired future generations; and
WHEREAS, Trevor Diane Thomas Black was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, to the late Carrington W. and Anez S. Thomas, alongside her sibling, Michael S. Thomas, and began her educational journey in the early 1960s in Lynchburg before continuing her studies in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she witnessed the Civil Rights Movement firsthand-experiences that deeply shaped her lifelong love of Black history and cultural pride; and
WHEREAS, in February 1970, her family relocated to Toledo, Ohio, where she completed her education, finishing eighth grade at Robinson Junior High School and graduating fourth in her class from Jesup W. Scott High School; and
WHEREAS, during her time at Scott High School, she served as a majorette in the Marching 100 Band, demonstrating her creative talents by designing and sewing majorette uniforms, homecoming attire, and prom gowns for her classmates; and in 1972, she was crowned “Miss Black Teenage Toledo,” showcasing her extraordinary creativity by designing an outfit that could be worn twenty-one different ways, and in 1974, her senior year, she was honored as “Outstanding Debutante” in the Cotillion sponsored by the Toledo Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, in the fall of 1974, she enrolled at The Ohio State University, majoring in Home Economics with a concentration in Fashion Design, where she continued to refine her talents by designing garments for Greek step shows, participating in the OSU Gospel Choir, and creating her first wedding gown during her junior year; and
WHEREAS, upon graduating in 1978, she launched her cottage industry, “Timeless Visions of Love,” while also working professionally at First National Bank and later with the Private Industry Council, where she discovered her passion for education and, in 1989, became a Job Specialist with Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates, mentoring at-risk high school seniors within Toledo Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, inspired by her work with students, she accepted a long-term substitute position teaching students with mild to moderate learning disabilities, which led her to earn a Master of Education degree from Bowling Green State University, and she faithfully served in this capacity for twenty-seven years until her retirement in June 2021; and
WHEREAS, throughout her distinguished career in education, she continued to share her artistic gifts by designing and creating homecoming gowns exclusively for Scott High School beginning in 1983, as well as Afro Ball Court attire for several years, earning recognition in The Toledo Blade and in The Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology 2015 Alumni Magazine, “Inspire,” for her outstanding service and impact; and
WHEREAS, she is a Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and an active member of the Maumee Bay Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., and is the co-founder of the HBCU Tour, which for over twenty-one years has provided area high school students the opportunity to visit and experience Historically Black Colleges and Universities; and
WHEREAS, she is the widow of the late “Coach” Dennis Black and a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church, exemplifying strength, faith, and devotion to family and community.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that:
SECTION 1. That in recognition of Women’s History Month, we honor Trevor Diane Thomas Black for her lifelong commitment to education, creativity, mentorship, cultural advocacy, and community service.
SECTION 2. That her enduring legacy of excellence, leadership, and empowerment continues to inspire generations of students, families, and community members to pursue purpose, creativity, and service with pride and distinction.
Adopted _________________: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance passed by Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council