In time for Black History Month, local author John Lee is putting on an African American Expo Exhibit to raise money for a center to honor former Harford County Board of Education president Percy Williams, who died Nov. 14, 2009.
Lee, who wrote "Portrait of a Black Educator: The Struggle Continues," about Williams' work in desegregating Harford County schools, said he hopes to display various aspects of black history at the event.
It will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Holiday Inn, 1007 Beards Hill Road in Aberdeen, to raise funds for The Learning & Mentoring Center that would "immortalize Dr. Williams," Lee said.
The event will feature Earl Christy, a Havre de Grace native who was the starting running back for the New York Jets when the team beat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in 1969.
Christy, who lives in Tampa, Fla., said he is excited for "the opportunity for me to come back to my hometown to see the folks I grew up with."
Christy is Williams' cousin and graduated from Havre de Grace Consolidated School in 1961.
He said he will speak at the expo about his life, attending school and playing in the Super Bowl.
"I'll be taking them on that journey and of course some of the life [experiences] that I have had as far as being a show basketball player," said Christy, who toured with the Harlem Wizards.
"This is really the first time I have had the opportunity to really speak to my hometown," he said about the expo. "Some of the greatest people in the world come from Harford County."
Lee said the expo will include the stories of both local people and national events in black history, including President Barack Obama, Hurricane Katrina and the Million Man March.
"Primarily we are featuring local history in Harford County, but we will have some other things," he said, adding he is expecting about 200 people.
The event is being sponsored by several local businesses, including Mars and ShopRite. There will also be a silent auction and refreshments.
Christy "is a hometown hero. He was born and raised right here," Lee said, about why the former football star is speaking.
For more information, contact Lee, 410-939-1229.