The free public event will be held at 10 a.m. in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium, 1 Capitol Square, and followed by a reception that will held in the Rotunda.
This will be the sixth year the commission has recognized those in the state considered to be heroes of justice and equality.
Gooding, a native of Minden, La., led the local civil rights organization for nearly 20 years before retiring from the position in 2002.
“I certainly appreciate (the honor),” Gooding said. “However, I didn’t fight to get honors, I fought because there was a need. But, I still appreciate the honor.”
Gooding began working for Wright Patterson Air Force Base in 1955 and after completing his duties as a chemist during the day, he would join fellow civil rights leader W.S. McIntosh and others in various civil rights meetings and actions at night.
He is credited with leading the fight to desegregate the Dayton Public Schools and some major employees in the Dayton-area. His efforts resulted in him being recognized at the local, state and federal level.
Gooding retired from WPAFB in 1984 and served as a Jefferson Twp. trustee for 24 years.
He recently co-authored the book, “Freedom and Justice For All, My Life and Dayton Civil Rights History,” with Rosalind Vera Osinubi. The book can be purchased on Amazon.com or by calling Osinubi at (937) 510-4709.
Other inductees include the late Rev. Mother Louis Shropshire of Cincinnati, Joan Evelyn Southgate of Cleveland, Emily Spicer of Cincinnati, Judge S. Arthur and Louise Spiegel of Cincinnati, John B. Williams of Columbus, and Gloria Steinem of Toledo.
Three Ohio Freedom Riders will also be recognized. They are Betty Daniels Rosemond of Cincinnati, Dr. David Fankhauser of Cincinnati and Frances L. Wilson Canty of Cincinnati.
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