Mount Healthy council recognition: Councilmember Cordell George Jr. recounts first Black male teacher; mayor issues Black History proclamation

Councilmember Cordell George Jr. gave a prepared oral-history presentation to the Mt. Healthy City Council on Feb. 18 tracing the community’s Black history and recounting his interviews with Lorenzo Belcher, whom he identified as the city’s first Black male educator.

"This was an honor and a dignified way to do my part by bringing upon awareness and paying homage to those who have paved the way before me," George said, describing Belcher’s career and the research that led him to document local genealogies and school history. George told the council Belcher began his teaching career in 1963, later worked in Mount Healthy schools and served in education across four decades, a tenure George described from his oral history interviews.

Mayor Jennifer Moody read a proclamation formally observing Black History and praising the city’s diversity. "I, Jennifer Moody, mayor of the City Of Mount Healthy, proudly observe black history and the diverse spirit and unity it provides," Moody said; she said the proclamation, dated Feb. 18, will be posted outside city offices.

During public comment, resident Jeanne George praised Cordell George Jr.’s research and described how genealogy work revealed family history, including ancestors who were enslaved in Boone County, Kentucky.

The council and mayor said the presentation and proclamation are intended to raise awareness of the city’s history and inspire local students; the mayor noted related genealogy programming will be offered at the Mt. Healthy library in the near future.