We have lost a Civil Rights Icon

Edna Rose Lewis was born in Danville, Ill., on June 25, 1926.  She had eleven brothers and sisters.

She had always wanted to help young people.  And when she moved to Akron after graduating from Southern Illinois University, she was able to fulfill her passion.

When Edna arrived in Akron, she was able to secure a secretarial position through a program at the Akron Urban League.

She then took a job as the coordinator of the Summer Youth Employment Program.  And while there, served as the liaison between the Private Industry Council, and other businesses and organizations in the citywide Summer Jobs for Youth program.

Edna later worked as a secretary with the United Way Family and Children’s Services.

She moved on to the Summit County Department of Human Services, where she was a valued caseworker, and received several commendations for many of her cases.

She worked for the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services as the Equal Employment Opportunity officer, until her retirement.

She always said, “hard work never hurt anyone”.  She felt everyone was capable of achieving much more than they ever thought possible.  And she was always willing to help everyone.

She received several community service awards while working with the Private Industry Council, the National Alliance of Businesses, and for the PIC’s Youth Motivational Task Force.

Numerous organizations have recognized her outstanding leadership qualities, including, the Akron Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, where she served as Chairperson of Memberships for the Summit County Chapter; the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club; the United Negro College Fund, and the Summit County Community Welfare Forum.

Edna Rose was a Life Member of the NAACP, and worked with Mr. Ed Muse, the National NAACP Membership Chair.  He helped to prepare her for her mission in the Civil Rights Arena, that she enjoyed for over 50 years.

She helped President Ophelia Averitt to bring in the most memberships to the Akron Branch of the NAACP.

The Akron Summit-Medina Employment and Training Consortium also lauded her for her contributions to employment and job training.

She joined New Hope Baptist church in 1983, and was a valued member until her death.

She was a trustee, a member of the Sanctuary Choir, the Mother’s Board Ministry, and Women of Virtue.

Edna was a pure soul who left wonderful memories to all who knew her.  She will truly be missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Yvonne, and several nieces and nephews.