The Canton City School District will honor three outstanding and influential alumni at its 2023 District-Wide Black History Month Celebration. This annual event will be held on Thursday, February 2, at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall beginning at 6 p.m.
The honorees are:
Christopher J. Stokes, a 1997 McKinley High School graduate, and the keynote speaker, will appear live virtually from his home in Seoul, Korea where he works as president and general manager of Lilly Korea. Stokes earned his bachelor’s degree at George Mason University and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Indiana. He was a member of McKinley’s state championship track team and an NCAA All-American in the hurdles at Virginia Tech and George Mason. 
Shanice Robinson, a 2011 graduate of McKinley, will also accept her award virtually from her home in Kansas City, Mo., where she is a fourth-year resident physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Missouri. Robinson is a graduate of Spelman College, where she majored in Biology/Pre-Medicine with Summa Cum Laude honors. She earned her doctorate at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She is a reproductive justice advocate and plans to dedicate her career to addressing maternal mortality. 
Honoree Kyle L. Stone is a 2001 graduate of McKinley Senior High School and earned his bachelor’s degree at The University of Findlay. He earned a master's degree in Public Administration and a law degree from The University of Akron. He is also an ordained pastor and holds a master's degree in Ministry from Temple Baptist Seminary. Stone was elected as Stark County Prosecuting Attorney in November 2020. Prior to this role, he tried numerous cases as a criminal defense attorney. 
The 2023 celebration was planned and organized by CCS Human Resources Director Deidre Stokes Davis and her team after two years of virtual programs due to COVID-19.
“I am delighted that we can return to Umstattd in person to celebrate Black History Month and to honor our alumni who make us so proud,” Stokes Davis said. “It is always a privilege to bring our community together to enjoy our student talent and recognize the great accomplishments that come out of Canton City.”
The mistress of ceremonies is Canton native Tonya Strong-Charles, an executive producer for Spectrum News and a former Cleveland area news anchor.
The district will also feature student performances and speakers. 
This event is free and open to the public. Umstattd Hall is located on the campus of Canton McKinley Senior High School, 2323 17th St. NW, Canton, Ohio.
 

Lisa Reicosky
Executive Communications Coordinator
Canton City School District
330-438-2560