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Celebrating Black History Month
February, 2007
 For the second straight year, in recognition of February as Black History Month, John Herzig, president of Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory is creating a special display with his ''Famous Endings'' collection of historical funeral memorabilia.
''Black history is more than just Black history - it is World history,'' noted Herzig. ''My interest in having a collection like this is driven by my personal interest in history and historical figures. In honor of Black History Month, the display will be highlighting a variety of influential black leaders from politics, entertainment, sports and more.''
Notable in the collection are the funeral memorial folders for figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Arthur Ashe, Mahalia Jackson, and Jesse Owens. Other more contemporary celebrities would include: Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Johnny Cochran, Walter Payton, and many, many more.
This year will also feature newer pieces acquired since the last display, including funeral stationery and memorabilia from the services of: James Brown, Gerald Levert, June Pointer, Freddie Gorman, Ennis Cosby (Bill Cosby's son), Elston Howard, professional fighter, Big John Tate, Master Chief - who was the Navy's first African American diver and was depicted by Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the motion picture Men of Honor, Carl Bashear, Billy Preston, and Mary Wells.
The display will be highlighted throughout the month of February at Toland-Herzig's Dover location and is open to the public during normal business hours. As always, there is no charge to view the collection.
''Last year we had dozens of visitors, as well as inquiries from different school and community groups,'' Herzig said. ''I expect this year to generate even more foot traffic - there are some very unique pieces in this collection and it is so much fun to share it with the community.''
For more information about the collection, you can reach John at (330) 343-6132 or by emailing johnherzig@tolandherzig.com
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