May 1 Youngstown May Day Festival
Opening Celebration
755 Mahoning Avenue
May 1, 2026 5-9
Calvin Center for the Arts
755 Mahoning Ave
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Vince Shivers, "P. Ross Berry, the African American who built Youngstown" KEY NOTE 6PM
Calvin Center for the Arts
755 Mahoning Ave
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Join us for this keynote on the incredible history of Abolitionist forefather P. Ross Berry. The City of Youngstown moved from being a Hamlet in 1860 when an African American named P. Ross Berry arrived here with his construction contracting company. From 1860 to 1890 Berry and his crew played a major role in the erecting of city structures , which included major buildings in Youngstown’s government, religious, educational, and business district. Berry was also an inventor and abolitionist & played a role in the early political and social activities in the city. Later in his career, Berry employed white men
on his construction projects.