Charles Follis Day observance theme: 'Power of One'
Residents of Shelby and across Ohio on Monday, Feb. 3 are observing Charles Follis Day, which honors the legacy of the first African American professional football player, a Shelby Blues team member.
Follis died in 1910.
In 2018, Ohio's governor at the time, John Kasich, signed state legislation designating Feb. 3 as Charles Follis Day.
In 2020, Shelby dedicated the roadway leading to the Black Fork Commons amphitheater venue as Charles Follis Way.
An ordinance passed in 2023 designates Feb. 3 each year as Charles W. Follis Day in Shelby and falls on the date of his 1879 birth.
The theme for Charles Follis Day in 2025 is the "Power of One."
"The ‘call to action or challenge’ on February 3rd, 2025 is for the individual person to dedicate 24 HOURS performing ONLY acts of kindness," the Charles Follis Foundation states on its website.
"No disdain, anger, nor negativity toward anyone, doing everything possible in your personal ‘POWER OF ONE’ for the entire 24-hour Charles Follis Day," the foundation states.
Earlier this week, Shelby Mayor Steve Schag issued a statement on the upcoming observance.
Here is Mayor Schag's statement:
I am so delighted to partner with the Charles Follis Foundation in celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Mr. Charles Follis.
The life of Charles Follis is characterized by faith and fortitude. A good portion of his prime years as an adult were spent with his football teammates, playing here in Shelby and across Ohio.
His beautiful life inspired, influenced, and positively impacted all he met on his earthly journey.
Historic accounts. Tell us that somewhere....most likely in the Shelby community, young Charles signed a football contract that would pave the way for men and women of color for decades to come.
I am humbled to think that Charles Follis walked our streets and graced our city not only with his football prowess, but also his demonstration off the field of a man that carried himself with Christian character.
He made this a better place by his exemplary actions and reactions. All of Ohio needs to hear the story of this humble young man who changed the world around him....the Charles Follis way.
So on February 03, 2025 let's remind ourselves that individually we can be world changers.
We are the power of one!