This black history publication recognizes and honors African Americans and other pioneers that helped to build and enrich the communities of Licking County. The first known, free blacks in the area were identified in 1809. During this time, there was a movement to send all blacks to Africa. Few left, and those who remained worked diligently to make Licking County their own. The fruits of their labor can be partially seen in the development of the first black church, Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was started in the 1800's and has been a pillar of the community since its completion.

Rita Jackson is a Multicultural Consultant and Race Relations Mediator. Since 1979, she has been a licensed social worker and she has received several awards for her contributions in the community, including the YWCA's Women of Achievement Award. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and she has received many awards for her community service contributions, including an Education Hero Award, in 2006, from the American Red Cross of Licking County.