Courtesy of PA Humanties
Three Erie community leaders have been recognized by PA Humanities as part of a new statewide initiative celebrating Pennsylvanians who strengthen civic life through education, storytelling, community engagement, and cultural preservation.
The organization recently launched The Window Keeper: Civic Honors, a program created in celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The initiative recognizes individuals whose everyday work helps build stronger communities through the humanities.
Among the inaugural class of 25 Window Keepers are Tammy Blount, Ben Speggen, and Kyra Taylor, all of whom were honored for their contributions to the Erie community.
Blount was recognized for her leadership of the Teen Reading Lounge and Youth-Led Humanities programs at the Erie County Public Library. Through those initiatives, she has helped engage young people in reading, discussion, and civic participation.
Speggen was honored for his work at the Jefferson Educational Society, where he brings people together to discuss important contemporary issues and encourages community dialogue.
“I am grateful for this recognition and am incredibly honored on behalf of the many people who share in the work and the scores more who’ve come together and have benefited from it,” Speggen said.
Taylor was recognized for her work as executive director of Erie’s Black Wall Street, an organization focused on economic empowerment and community development.
According to PA Humanities, the Window Keeper initiative is inspired by a poem by Philadelphia Poet Laureate Yolanda Wisher that imagines the Declaration of Independence as a window that must continually be cared for and maintained so it can reflect the values and experiences of each new generation.
“Window Keepers are people who are illuminating what’s possible in their communities every day,” said Laurie Zierer, executive director of PA Humanities. “They are contributing to a flourishing civic life in ways that often go unseen.”
The first 25 honorees were selected from PA Humanities’ statewide network and represent individuals working in education, history, arts, culture, and community development.
The organization is now accepting public nominations for future Window Keepers through July 31. Selected individuals will be featured on the PA Humanities website and included on an interactive statewide map highlighting civic engagement efforts across Pennsylvania.
A celebration honoring all selected Window Keepers is planned for this fall.
The first full list of 25 Window Keepers can be found online here.