BGNN Black History Month feature: Q & A with Kenneth Cheatham
PHOTO PROVIDED
Thanks to Kenneth Cheatham for providing answers to questions posed by The BGNN. All profiles will appear in print in the Feb. 25 Barberton Gazette & Norton News. If you would like to recommend someone to respond to these questions while Black History Month is being recognized, please email [email protected].
“Yes, the Cheatham Family has roots that goes back to the late 1800s in Barberton. LaSamual Cheatham, to my knowledge was one of the first black settlers in Barberton and ever since there have been Cheathams in Barberton.”
How would you describe yourself in three sentences (a short biography)?
“I graduated from Barberton High School in 1984. Joined the Army where I served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm 1990-1991. In October of 1991 I was hired by the Barberton Police Department as a Dispatcher/Jailer (first full-time African American hired full time) and in March 1995 I was hired as a Barberton Police Officer (first full-time African American Police Officer). I served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, D.A.R.E. Officer, and School Resource Officer for 20 years. I also am the Pastor of Community Holiness Church in Barberton.”
Who was an inspiration to you throughout life?
“My Mom and Dad, Bill Pfeiffer, Leon Ricks and Melvin Maughmer Sr. (host of others)”
What involvement do you have in the Barberton community?
“I serve as a Pastor and my greatest contribution to Barberton was when I served as a School Resource Officer for the Barberton School District.”
Do you feel Barberton is an inclusive community?
“I feel that Barberton is inclusive in a lot of ways but can work on being more all-encompassing in a few areas.”
If Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today and came to Barberton, what do you think he would say about the community?
“If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were to come to Barberton I believe that he would tell the City of Barberton to Love one another, be understanding of one another, Watch out for one another and again I say Love one another.”
If you could have dinner with any influential figure from Black history, who would it be and why?
“With out question I would love to have Dinner with Dr. MLK just to be in his presence and just listen to him behind the scenes so to speak and take it all in.”
I lived and worked in Barberton for years and had the pleasure of many interactions with him. He truly cares about everyone, no matter the age, skin color, social standing, or religious beliefs. The world could use many more like him.