Shirla R. McClain, Ph.D., recognized historian and educator, is best known for her five hundred page published doctoral dissertation of the history of black people in the Summit County area. Dr. McClain began her career as an elementary school teacher and educational specialist. She became professor of elementary and secondary education at Kent State University and was later a professor of education and assistant director of teacher preparation at Walsh University in Canton.

Dr. McClain’s dissertation, "The Contributions of Blacks in Akron: 1825-1975" documents the rich history of Akron’s Black residents. The 1996 published version is indexed and condensed and is useful to students and researchers alike as the preeminent source on African-American history in Akron. It provides an extraordinary account of events, people, groups, organizations and issues of African-Americans in Akron, as well as contributions to the development of the city.

Dr. McClain, along with numerous community volunteers, was instrumental in establishing the gallery and repository of Akron’s black history a The University of Akron – now known as The Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron’s Black History and Culture.