Honoring Black History Month: Ohio Turnpike’s Legacy of Progress
James W. Shocknessy (center), chairman of the Ohio Turnpike Commission, receives a national award from the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity for “his outstanding humanitarian policy of non-discrimination in employment and travel on the Ohio Turnpike.” The award was presented by Lawrence Tolbert (left), polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi, and Matthew G. Carter (right), executive director of the Spring Street YMCA, during an event held at the historic Neil House hotel in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 28, 1955.
Black History Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has played a role in advancing opportunities and ensuring fairness long before national legislation mandated equal rights.
In the 1950s, as Black Americans fought for equality and social justice, the commission championed non-discriminatory hiring and employment practices years ahead of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Eight years prior, James W. Shocknessy – the commission’s first chairman – responded to a question from the Columbus, Ohio, chapter of the NAACP about the commission’s hiring practices, stating: “It would be quite unthinkable that the commission would choose personnel or conduct any of its affairs on any basis other than pure merit, regardless of race, religious belief, or other unfair, improper or discriminatory standard.”
The commission also required all hotels and motels listed in its publication, Shelter for the Night Along the Ohio Turnpike, to agree as a condition of the listing that there would be no discrimination against any person because of race or religion. This action preceded both state and federal legislation prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations, such as motels, hotels, and restaurants.
By 1964, Black Americans were employed by the commission in various roles, including toll collectors, maintenance workers, and administrative positions. Today, we continue to recognize those who helped pave the way for inclusion in our workforce.
As part of this tribute, we created a 70th Anniversary video to highlight these milestones and honor a few of our trailblazers, including Clarence D. Rogers, Jr., the first Black member and commission chairman; Daisy G. Collins, who served as assistant general counsel; and Dr. Jack Marchbanks, who served as interim executive director and commission member. We also honor the memory and legacy of great leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.
Alongside this important tribute, the Ohio Turnpike is celebrating a major milestone—its 70th Anniversary. Since its opening on Oct. 1, 1955, the 241-mile toll road has connected travelers, communities, and businesses across Ohio and beyond. Throughout 2025, we are planning exciting events and activities to highlight the commission’s seven decades of service and innovation.