Come visit the Garst Museum at Darke County Historical Society for an Ohio Humanities’ Speakers’ Bureau event with Valerie Boyer about the Underground Railroad in Ohio!

Do we really know the story of Underground Railroad? This talk discusses the food, the clothes, the Ohio Black codes, the technicalities around “freedom”, and the length of the journey—in all its complexity. The nuance of some of these things is often not taken into consideration when telling this story of heroes. The practices created to navigate this railroad of sorts are cultural customs and norms. This talk will illuminate how we still carry many of them with us today.

Valerie Boyer is a woman of many callings. She is a vocalist, musician, dancer, poet, activist, minister, historian, and most of all an educator. In every space, she breathes knowledge. Born and raised in Galveston, TX, Valerie Boyer was groomed in southern hospitality and shares that kindness everywhere she goes.

Her life’s work reflects the southern colloquialisms of her childhood and the tenacity of her adulthood. As a member of the National Forensics League, 2012 Miss Juneteenth Ambassador, Black Historian of the Year in 2019 UpStart Magazine, Valerie been able to travel the country, and has been featured at venues such as Ohio History Center, Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe, Columbus Color of Summer, Wednesday Night Live Howard University, Westerville Historical Society, Columbus City Schools GearUp initiative, Ohio Black Collective at Walsh University, NinaImani at Youngstown State university, SOBO at Ohio Black Expo, just to name a few. 

Valerie is an active member of Ohio Black Expo, and Advocates of Diversity for the state of Ohio. Valerie has taught Social Studies for years, and is currently the School and Inclusive Community Programs Coordinator at Ohio History Connection. Valerie Boyer is a proud graduate of Howard University, and resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Curious about our Speakers Bureau? Check out speakers and topics here.

Want to see other Ohio Humanities events? Check out our calendar!