History isn't just about timelines and old documents—it's alive, pulsing through the streets we walk today. That's the essence of what Mark Souther, a history professor at Cleveland State University, is capturing in his work. Souther recently featured on Viking Voices, where he talked about his project called Green Book Cleveland. It's a digital resource highlighting locations across Northeast Ohio that were crucial to Black entertainment, leisure, and recreation—a nod to the historic "Negro Motorist Green Book." These places, as Souther points out, tell a story beyond what's written in textbooks.
In a world that often forgets to look back, Souther emphasized the importance of these historical sites. "It's necessary to always remember and honor these spaces where Black life thrived, even in times when segregation was the law of the land," he said in the Cleveland State University discussion. His project aims to deeply understand and educate about the African American experience in the region. The work doesn't just stop at archiving the past, Souther is also on the front lines of making history today. He played a critical part in the recent renaming of a local school, showing that to truly embrace the future, we must be willing to critically revise our own narratives.
These efforts by Souther showcase a community's pursuit to engage with its heritage. The significance of such work lies in its power to bring forth change. When history is not just seen as something that happened but as a foundation upon which today rests, we can begin to see our own roles within this continuum of time. Souther's work is a testament to the belief that our understanding of the past can shatter misconceptions and build a more inclusive society.
The podcast, which has gained attention for shedding light on local history through engaging conversations, allows Souther to elaborate on why he chose to actively get involved in the school's name change initiative. "It's about more than just a name. It's about what we choose to glorify and the messages we're sending to our children," Souther explained, highlighting the impact that historical recognition can have on the community's values. Therein lies the commitment to not just study history, but to actively participate in its making and its retelling, a theme that has resonated with Viking Voices listeners and the wider public.
