Grandson of George Washington slave, Abdu, Lariccia to be honored

YOUNGSTOWN

Herbert Marvin Ferguson has led a full life, even for someone who will be 99 on June 26.

The grandson of a slave freed from President George Washington’s plantation, Ferguson served his country in two wars — World War II and the Korean War.

He used his G.I. Bill benefits to finance a bachelor’s degree in education after WWII, and after serving in the Korean War to earn a master’s degree in education and social work from West Virginia University.

The Youngstown resident also faced racial prejudice along the way.

Ferguson, Joanie Abdu, in whose memory the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center at Mercy Health’s St. Elizabeth Hospital Youngstown was created, and Anthony Lariccia, one of the Mahoning Valley’s top philanthropists, will receive the Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing our Neighborhoods (ACTION) Frances Kerspack Award at the organization’s 13th Community Fund-raiser and Banquet on Thursday. The award recognizes individuals and organizations for enhancing the quality of life in the Mahoning Valley.

The banquet, at St. Michael Family Life Center, 300 N. Broad St., Canfield, begins with a social time from 5:30 to 6 p.m. followed by the dinner and program from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The featured speaker is Jim Tressel, Youngstown State University president.

With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, Ferguson said he was only allowed to teach high-school typing, which caused him to move to Ohio and then Michigan seeking better opportunities.

Read more of his story in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.