Sophia Mitchell Leadership Hall dedicated to Ohio’s first African American woman to serve as mayor
NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio – Perry County Job and Family Services (JFS) has honored Ohio’s first African American female mayor by dedicating a hall in her honor during Women’s History Month.
Perry County JFS held a ceremony on Friday, dedicating the Sophia Mitchell Leadership Hall in honor of Rendville’s former mayor. Several of Mitchell’s family members were in attendance for the dedication and shared stories of her impact in Rendville and her family.
“Like I stated in my remarks, she didn’t set out for any type of accolades or anything. There was a need in the town for somebody to lead it and she kind of stepped up and said she would do it. And so, you know, it’s a great source of pride for me as a great granddaughter,” said Jessica Mitchell. “Never had the opportunity to meet her but you know from all the stories that I’ve heard from family and friends about her, I feel like I know her.”
Jessica drove from Detroit with her sister and mother to attend today’s event. Mitchell was appointed as mayor of the coal mining town in 1969 after serving as the president of the village council for 14 years.
Perry County JFS Director Amy Frame says the Sophia Mitchell Leadership Hall can serve as an example and learning opportunity for the community.
“Even though she’s not with us here anymore, what lessons she has to offer us are endless and this is just an opportunity for us to highlight a very important person who lived here in Perry County and did some very amazing things. That we can honor her and honor her family and drum up conversation amongst her family and local community members about what her life meant and the lessons that she continues to teach us today,” Frame said.
You can learn more about Sophia Mitchell’s life and legacy by visiting the Rendville Historic Preservation Society’s website. Rendville is also the home of Ohio’s first African American woman to serve as postmaster, Roberta Preston, and Ohio’s first African American to earn a medical degree, Dr. Isaiah Tuppins.
