The World of WIlliam Fouse will be the program for the Westerville Historical Society’s January meeting, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 in the meeting rooms at the Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St.

Learn how educator and activist Fouse broke barriers and left Westerville with a powerful legacy for Black history and American history.

Fouse was the first Black graduate of Westerville High School and the first Black graduate of Otterbein University. He spent much of his life fighting for equal educational opportunities for Black students — but he didn’t do it alone.

The stories of Fouse and his support network provide insight into the legacies of racism and slavery, the leadership and creativity of local Black activists, and their lives’ continuing relevance for today.

This presentation will be given by Westerville History Museum Specialist Kathryn Kaslow, and is based on the Museum’ s The World of William Fouse. The exhibit will be open for meeting attendees to browse, 30 minutes before the start of the program.