May 2016 Edition

FREE

CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF EXCELLENCE 2011 - 2016

May 2016

11

Recuperative Care: Addressing Health Care Needs of the Homeless

By Charleta B. Tavares

13 26

Mental Illness Leads to Increased Mortality

By J. Mariah Beidleman

Poindexter Opportunity Day Exceeds Expectations

By Nancy Tidwell

Tina Thomas-Manning Reynoldsburg School Superintendent

“Failure Is Not An Option”

Publisher’s Page Founder & Publisher Ray Miller Layout & Design Ray Miller, III Assistant Editor Ray Miller, III Staff Ashley Burkes Photographer Ira Graham, III Steve Harrison

Contributing Editors

Tim Anderson Tim Ahrens, D. Min Lisa D. Benton, MD J. Mariah Beidleman, M.A. Roderick Q. Blount, Jr. M.A. Iris Cooper, MBA Marian Wright Edelman Cecil Jones, MBA Elizabeth Joy, MBA Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons, Psy.D Marty Miller William McCoy, MPA Abbie Roth Charleta B. Tavares Nancy Tidwell Kalitha Williams

The Columbus African American News Journal was founded by Ray Miller on January 10, 2011 The Columbus African American News Journal 750 East Long Street Columbus, Ohio 43203 Office: 614.340.4891 editor@columbusafricanamerican.com

A few years ago, I was invited to be a principal speaker at the Asian Business Association of Central Ohio. The meeting, quite naturally, was held at a large Asian-owned restaurant--not at a community center, public library, college or university, arts center, church basement or private conference room. It seemed so logical and natural that a meeting of this kind would take place in a business, so that business could be transacted. This was a meeting about Asian commerce, helping one another, and having big fun (the karaoke was hilarious). What stuck with me, however, was the lack of separation between those who were in attendance. There was no stratification or division based on one’s profession, education, income, occupation, place of employment, skin color or economic class. The nail tech sat in the booth with the engineer. The medical doctor conversed with the small restaurant owner. The medical student was engaged in conversation with the food broker, and so forth. No one was too good to associate with someone of perceived lesser status. Unfortunately, this is not the norm with African Americans. We have more barriers erected than Fort Knox!

If we are to achieve the kind of “community” that we so often speak of, then we are going to have to stop excluding one another from opportunities for advancement. Our tent should be big enough to invite everyone who genuinely desires to learn and improve the quality of their lives to come inside and make their contribution. A powerful example of this can be found in Cycle VIII of the Progressive Leadership Academy shown on pages 28 and 29 of this edition of the news journal. We need to operate more in the collective and a lot less as self-serving individuals. This is one of the principle tenets being taught in the PLA. I am often asked, “so what do you teach the Fellows in your Academy?” The answer is not complicated or mysterious in any way. They are taught to understand and practice African American succession planning; understand the importance of and begin building their net worth; own property, particularly in the African American community; know the fundamental truths of American history; understand the proper functioning of government at all levels; know who the major players are in Columbus; know where the resources are to assist one with starting a business or building an organization; get the job or contract that you want; identify and secure business and employment opportunities; stop begging and start building; know the responsibilities of leadership; appreciate different leadership styles; recognize the values, principles, and beliefs of outstanding leaders; utilize a collective approach rather than pursuing the individual self-serving path to success; build their self-confidence; know their worth; be the best “you” that you can be; improve their public speaking; be results-oriented and develop specific accomplishments; be honest and ethical at all times; to practice the principles of time management, project management, and avoid procrastination; engage actively in community service; face your demons and how to rid yourself of them; and understand that African Americans are not a monolith.

This leadership Academy which we have developed over the last ten years is clearly one of the premiere programs of its kind in the nation. The participants are all accomplished individuals when they are admitted into the Academy. They are doctors, lawyers, PhD’s, marketing professionals, elected officials, counselors, therapists, school teachers, information technologists, business owners, candidates for political office, bankers, insurance agents, school teachers and individuals from so many other professions. Their average age is 32 years old; however, it is not unusual to have a number of Fellows in each class who are in their early forties. What I enjoy most, as the Director of the program, is being able to step back and observe the intra-group teaching which takes place. The development of team projects to address a critical need within our community is also a highlight of the program. But what is most impressive and instructive is having two or more African American CEO’S to come to each class over an 18 week period and share their views on leadership, their personal journey, and leadership lessons to live by.

The graduation ceremony for the program is always memorable and inspiring. Clark Kellogg who served as the keynote speaker for Cycle VIII was phenomenal. The Class speaker Kaneeka Dalton Paul was her normal effervescent and brilliant self and our 16 year old soloist for the occasion, McKenna Hensley was breathtaking in her performance of Anda Day’s “I Rise Up.” All of the graduates spoke eloquently and Senator Charleta Tavares, State Representative Hearcel Craig, and Ohio Commission on Minority Health Director, Angela Dawson were all inspiring and encouraging to the graduates. Dr. Chanelle Jones was presented with this year’s Exemplary Leadership Award for her strong support of the Progressive Leadership Academy and Cycle II graduate, Ephraim Laidley received the Outstanding Alumni Award for his community engagement and purchasing two major properties on the East side of Columbus.

The theme for the graduation was taken from a quote voiced by Hannibal, the brilliant African Carthaginian General who stated, “We will either find a way or make one.” That is the kind of resolve that we should have every day. Considerably more progress would be made if we were to fully embrace and live out these words on a daily basis.

With Appreciation and Respect,

Ray Miller Founder & Publisher 3

The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016

In This Issue

24

Hope Is Waiting for the US Supreme Court

25

Restaurants - A Banker’s

Bellyache

26

Poindexter Day of Opportunity

Exceeds Expectations

28

PLA Cycle VIII

Graduation

30

Book Bags & E-Readers

31

Martin Delany:

Abolitionist, Scholar, and

Tina Thomas Manning - Reynoldsburg Superintendent

One of the First

Cover Story – Page 20

15 23 31

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing - Our Community on the Edge

By Tim Anderson

Federal Law Prohibits Racial Discrimination In Education

By Ambrose Moses, III

Martin Delany: Abolitionist, Scholar and One of the First Proponents of Black Nationalism

By Roderick Q. Blount

5

How To Make Schools And 10

Students Safer

6

African American and African Community Study Center

7

Voices for Ohio’s Children Announce New CEO

7

A Bright Star in 43205

7

Kappas Continue the Tradition of Supporting Students

8

Recruiting for Prison

9

Treating Sickle Cell Disease in the United States

The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016

Cancer Support Community Provides Offsite Programs

10

Giving Ourselves a Break

15

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing - Our Community On The Edge

17

Legislative Update

18

Race Matters and There is More to It Than What

You See

20

COVER STORY

23

Federal Law Prohibits Racial Discrimination in Education 4

Proponents of Black

Nationalism

32

Harriet Tubman and The

Color of Money

34

King Arts Complex Gala

34

Meet Robert E. Dalton, Jr.

35

Marcia Sapp to Headline

Women’s Day at Second

Baptist Church

35

Live Long and Prosper -

IMPACT and AARP

Partnership

36

Community Events

38

Distribution List

All contents of this news journal are copyrighted © 2015; all rights reserved. Title registration with the U.S. Patent Office pending. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and illustrations will not be returned unless accompanied by a properly addresses envelope bearing sufficient postage. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.

1 EDUCATION

CAANJ

HOW TO MAKE SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS SAFER

By William McCoy One of the keys to improving the educational environment, experience, and outcomes for middle school and high school students is to make schools safer places for students, teachers, and staff.

How can anyone concentrate on what a teacher is saying, when they are worried about being assaulted, bullied, or victimized in other ways?

School violence and the threat of violence hinders academic achievement by diverting students’ focus from learning to personal safety. School violence and victimization contribute to increased absenteeism and truancy by students and teachers alike. Furthermore, zero tolerance policies put perpetrators on a fast-track to being suspended, expelled, dropping out, and/or getting involved with the juvenile justice system.

Many school officials and others talk about school violence, discipline, truancy and absenteeism, and poor academic performance as if they have no idea what to do about them. Each negative news report, publicized incident, or set of dismal statistics, elicits a predictable reaction of blame, denial and deflection, public forums, and the formation of committees and commissions to study the problem. Seldom do these actions result in safer places or people.

The good news is school violence, like many social problems, can be dramatically reduced.

The knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to reduce this problem exist within our community. However, the answer cannot be found in generic remedies that fail to deal with the root causes of why students think and act as they do. These generic strategies offer little hope for either victims, perpetrators, or witnesses of violence.

So, what can or should be done to reduce violence and victimization within schools? A comprehensive approach is needed that focuses on both the individual and overall system. At the individual level, high-impact, experiential interventions are needed to reach and change the hearts and minds of students and school staff.

Violence interruption is heart work, not head work. It requires an intervention that taps into the experience of each individual and helps him or her recognize and resist violent and abusive attitudes and behaviors, and learn how to build more positive relationships with others. In short, they need a Violence Interruption Experience (VIE).

If school violence ought to be treated as a public health problem, then VIE-type interventions would focus on prevention, intervention, and treatment. In prevention, workshops and presentations could be held at key points during the school year, starting at the beginning of the academic year. These presentations should raise awareness, set the tone for how students (and teachers) interact, and introduce strategies and

resources for dealing with anger or violence. In terms of intervention, multi-day VIE trainings could be held with students at-risk of or facing suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary action. As for treatment, more intensive interventions involving multi-day VIE training and on-going support groups could be used to deal with hard-core, chronically disruptive students.

On a systemic level, school districts and individual schools can promote safer students and schools through the creation of a violence interruption environment. This proposed solution involves: (1) the preparation of a strategic plan for school violence interruption and reduction; (2) implementation of a Zero Casualties in Schools initiative; (3) the creation of expanded leadership opportunities for students; and (4) linking students with employment opportunities.

First, a strategic plan for school violence interruption and reduction should be prepared that focuses on individual schools and the district as a whole. This strategic plan should combine violence interruption, leadership, and employment initiatives with bullying, dating violence, and substance abuse prevention. The provision of crime victim services and reduction of disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice system should also be addressed.

Second, a Zero Casualties in Schools initiative should be implemented to help students interrupt and change violent and abusive attitudes and behaviors, while learning to build relationships with others. Zero Casualties in Schools utilizes workshops aimed at violence prevention, multiday training for problem students (e.g. those involved in incidents, suspended, or expelled students), and in-service training for faculty and staff. A brief Zero Casualties in Schools presentation can be viewed online at https://www.

5

youtube.com/watch?v=OMbN7n5pGVU. Third, school districts should expand leadership opportunities for “average” and/or “problem” students. Young People in Action is one of several local, nonprofit organizations that is experienced at designing and implementing such programming. VIE includes a training-of-trainers component, which can be used to create a cadre of students and staff capable of customizing and conducting VIE training on their own.

Finally, the Columbus City Schools should link students to part-time jobs during the school year and full-time employment during the summer months. Vocational exploration programming could be made available to those students who are too young to work. These employmentrelated opportunities should be tied to student attendance and academic performance.

In conclusion, we can interrupt and reduce school violence, and improve the educational environment and experience for our students.

School board members, school administrators, and elected officials should heed the words of Napoleon Hill, who said, “Don’t search for opportunity in the distance, recognize and embrace it right where you are.”

William McCoy is founder and president of The McCoy Company- a world-class, personal services consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, economic development, and training that helps its clients articulate and achieve their visions, solve problems, and capitalize on their opportunities. Mr. McCoy is a soughtafter speaker, trainer, and technical assistance provider. He is a nationally-recognized expert in employment and training, as well as violence interruption. Mr. McCoy can be reached at (614) 785-8497 or via e-mail at wmccoy2@ themccoycompany.com.

The Columbus African American NewsNews Journal • February 2015 The Columbus African American Journal • May 2016

THE OSU AFRICAN AMERICAN AND AFRICAN STUDIES EXTENSION CENTER Dr. Myers shared the frameworks of many new programs of which the Center is moving forward.

These include building out the Ubuntu program.

Facilitating bringing additional thought leaders in health, well-being and the essence of being human is coming. Ubuntu will develop as a Think Tank. “Bringing together academic scholars, pop culture and other human cultures is important”, says Dr. Myers. “The best of what these areas bring to bear to justice and equality is needed.

Our knowing and way of knowing has been so marginalized that it has been devalued”.

By Cecil Jones, MBA Are you interested in the positive development of your family and friends?

Do you want to understand more about improving the health and well-being of our community? Do you want continued education?

Please take advantage of the programs and services provided by the OSU African American and African Studies Community Center (AAAS) Community Center.

I have had the honor and privilege of learning from Dr. Linda James Myers in one of her graduate course a few years ago and sitting down and interviewing her, recently. As a community journalist, I thought I was generally aware of what goes on at the AAAS Center. Well, after talking to Dr. Linda James Myers and doing a little research, I realize that I would have FAILED the exam/quiz of knowing what this center does.

After talking with Dr. Linda James Myers, I was pleasantly amazed at the valuable programs, services and knowledge available at the AAAS Center. The source of this knowledge is local, national and international. We talked about the following topics.

What is the mission of the African American and African Studies Community Center?

Of course, there is a mission statement on the website https://aaascec.osu.edu/mission. Dr. Myers explained to me that the mission of the Center is to be a voice for those that we seldom hear. It provides a balanced voice for those that we do not always hear. The Center provides a vehicle for social justice and social sustaining of those things near and dear to our community.

A key focus is reaching our local and national resources to shift resources and utilize the resources that we can. She shared that “If we keep doing the same things that we have been doing, getting poor results, then we need to shift the paradigm”. To explain, she shared that we are capable of addressing social issues that have been generational challenges to our community.

Breaking that generational chain is important.

What Activities and Programs are Sponsored by the Center?

The Cultural Enrichment of Individual and Collective Enhancement of Community Health and Sustainable Well Being Program Series is a program focused on our collective health and well-being in a holistic perspective. Dr. Myers shared that while this of course includes physical health, but it also includes the other ‘health’ that must exist: economic, social and cultural. The Poindexter project utilized the Center to connect people to jobs. Hundreds of aspiring applicants participated in the career event and program.

Saturdays at 11am, there is an ongoing Ubuntu Passage program. Students can participate any Saturday.

Dr. Linda James Myers

Collaboration with the NAACP’s Labor and Industry is occurring.

through 12th grades with science, technology, engineering and mathematics sessions to learn Collaboration with the Wexner Center ’s concepts and obtain hands-on skills.

Mathematics and Science program has developed.

Contact the Center to get ages 9 to 12 and ages 13 to 18 students to their Ubuntu Code Academy this summer. This initiative provides those important technology skills to our youth. In collaboration with Columbus Parks and Recreation along with Columbus Public Health Application for Purpose, Pride and Success. The program has no cost, instruction is free and transportation will be provided from designated Columbus Recreation Centers to the AAAS Center.

The Senior Digital Literacy Program is growing.

Alumni Scholars and Leaders is another program that provides education, researched knowledge and experience sharing by alumni scholars and other leaders. Some of the sessions have included:

Working with the African American Male Wellness Walk is an effort that will help support health and wellness.

- Dr. Mario Beatty, PH.D., nationally known African-American studies scholar and author - Scottie Graham, Former NFL Player and NFL Players Association Executive Scottie Graham; Athletics Executive with Arizona State University - Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, PH.D., Author and Cultural Guru - Ethiopian scholars - Scholars exploring human and African origins - Many other scholars bringing topics focused on our community

The Avant-Guarde Documentary series of film and thoughtful, actionable discussion will continue and grow.

There is a focus on an Entrepreneurial series.

The Coffee and Conversation series on AfricanAmerican Studies continues.

For the Malcolm X celebration, there will likely be a community program. In addition, the Center has other programs and more programs in the works.

How can the community and students take advantage of the Center’s services?

Contact the OSU African American and African Extension Center at 905 Mt Vernon Avenue, 614292-3922, aaascec@osu.edu.

Finally, I asked Dr. Myers: “If people with particular skill sets want to volunteer to assist Getting Physical - In addition to social issues, with the Center’s activities, what skill sets are economic issues and other issues, the Center needed?” provides sessions to get physical and stay active with Zumba, tai chi and other exercise and dance Dr. Myers’ smiled and replied: “Just bring classes. Dr. Myers says that “When you move, PASSION!” sing and dance, your spirit is lifted”.

I learned so much about this valuable community Collaborative Leadership – Near East side resource. Please take advantage of this location Chief Executive Officers and other leaders of and instrument of community advancement. the major community focused organizations in the area gather to share knowledge, strategy and Having managed technology, communications information that benefits the community. and business functionality for multiple Fortune 100 companies, Cecil is a technology and Van Taylor Monroe (nationally known creative management leader. He teaches technology, artist, www.vanmonroe.com) conducted a business and communications courses. He is a creative workshop on ‘Painting Sneakers’ for the past president of many organizations including Center.

BDPA (Technology group), and Columbus Association of Black Journalists. He serves on Dr. Monique Morris, author of Pushout: The the Executive Committee of boards including Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools (www. Chairman of IMPACT Community Action goodreads.com/book/show/25159334-pushout) Agency.

The OSU African American Extension Center at 905 Mt Vernon Avenue, 614-292-3922, aaascec@ osu.edu, provides various technology interactions for young students and for adults. There are technology programs for senior adults. All adults can attend various technology sessions. There are educational opportunities for students in the 4th What do you see in the Center’s future?

The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016

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www.AccelerationServices.net

CAANJ

VOICES FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN ANNOUNCES NEW CEO:

BRANDI SLAUGHTER TO LEAD STATEWIDE ADVOCACY GROUP COLUMBUS, Oh. - Voices for Ohio’s Children [‘Voices’] announced today that Brandi Slaughter has been selected as CEO of the organization.

Slaughter has worked with Voices for almost four years, serving first as Director of Communications & Policy Associate before becoming the organization’s Chief Operating Officer.

“There is no one better equipped to serve in the role of CEO than Brandi,” said Jim Mason, Chair of the Voices for Ohio’s Children Board of Directors.

“In her time with Voices, she has made the organization stronger, more effective and more efficient. Her extensive experience developing policies that improve the lives of Ohio’s children and families makes her the ideal person to lead

our organization and continue to build on what Voices has achieved over the years.”

In her previous role as COO, Slaughter helped set the strategic direction of the organization and oversaw all day-to-day operations. Slaughter developed and implemented an integrated communications strategy to raise the visibility of Voices’ programs across Ohio, and led the strategic planning for Voices’20th anniversary, which it celebrates this year. In her role as Director of Communications and Policy Associate, Slaughter strengthened the Voices brand and worked closely with lawmakers to develop state and federal policy to keep kids safe, inspire learning, and support working families.

Slaughter has an extensive policy background, having worked as a legislative liaison for the Ohio Department of Health, legislative director for the Rehabilitation Services Commission (now known as Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities) and as a legislative aide in the Ohio Senate. While working the for Public Children

Services Association of Ohio, she coordinated and mobilized advocates from across the country to pass a bi-cameral, bipartisan federal bill to support children and families involved in the child welfare system. Slaughter also has a diverse array of experience providing direct service to the communities that Voices advocates on behalf.

Before coming to Voices, Slaughter served as a case worker for the severally mentally disabled, a group worker to children and families at risk for abuse and neglect, and a home health care community liaison.

“This is an exciting time for Voices,” said Mason.

“We are confident that under Brandi’s leadership, Voices will continue to be the most effective children’s advocacy organization in the state. As we celebrate 20 years of Voices’ victories, we are as committed as ever to making Ohio a great place to grow up.”

Voices for Ohio’s Children advocates for public policy that improves the well-being of Ohio’s children and their families.

A BRIGHT STAR IN 43205 Dharar Abdus-Sabur is a lesson in how to succeed against the odds. Dharar is 17. His mother is Kenyan and his father is African American.

He was raised on the edge of downtown Columbus in zip code 43205 where gang violence, drugs and crime rule. According to 2012 crime statistics published by CLR Search.com, the risk of someone living in zip code 43205 to be a victim of murder, rape, robbery, or assault is 1.5 – 1.75

times greater than the national average.

Dharar will graduate this month from Horizon Science Academy with a composite GPA of 4.17. He received offers from 24 colleges and universities and has selected The Ohio State University. Dharar speaks four languages, played on his high school basketball team, runs track and cross country and is a martial artist. He compiled more than 250 hours as a volunteer at COSI where he was recognized by his peers and the staff for his dedicated service. He is also an alumnus of the Tim Horton Youth Leadership Program and has been inducted into several honor societies including the National Honors Society and The National Society of High School Honors.

Dharar plans to become a physician and continue to give back to his community.

How is that Dharar has succeeded in a neighborhood where so many fail? Ask his parents and they will tell you that their son is their purpose. They found a way to make sure he had a solid education including giving him the support he needed with his studies and providing him with outside learning experiences. They made sure he was understood the importance of his religion in determining his path in life.

Dharar’s parents would simply and humbly tell you that they were and continue to be lovingly engaged in every aspect of their son’s life.

Congratulations to Dharar and to his parents.

KAPPAS CONTINUE THE TRADITION OF SUPPORTING STUDENTS (Columbus, OH) The Kenneth L. Howard Scholarship Fund (KLHESF) is proudly entering its 19th year of service in supporting primarily students-of-color within the Greater Columbus metropolitan community. The 2016 recipients include: E. Princeton Ball, Wellington; Justin Smith, Norhland H.S.; Sekou Kaba, Walnut Ridge H.S.; David Via, Eastmoor H.S.; Austin Andrews, St. Francis DeSales H.S.; Wedley Cazy, Northland H.S.; Anthony Gripper, Fort Hayes H.S.; and the lone returning scholar Vincent Johns Jr. of Ohio State. To date, the KLHESF has supported a total of 157 students by providing $131,500.00 to awardees who have attended colleges both locally and across the nation.

Originally, the Brothers of the Columbus Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. set out to support one graduating senior from the Columbus Public Schools in 1986. Over time, the scholarship fund has grown to support area

students from all public, private and charter schools in the general metropolitan area.

Students have been selected from as far away as Newark, OH, and most of the area suburban schools, parochial, church affiliated, and charter schools along and home schooled students have received awards. Nationally, different fraternity alumni chapters have been distributing scholarships since 1972.

The KLHESF currently operates under the auspices of the Columbus Kappa Foundation (CKF), which holds the federally designated 501C-3 IRS status. “We’d really like to support more area students.” said Byron L. Potts, the CKF President who helped raise funds with fellow attorneys to support a scholarship for students interested in the study of law. The attorney group raised $2,500.00 this year. “Unfortunately, we always have a few great kids that we cannot support but with additional community and

7

corporate support we may be able to benefit additional students” he added.

KLHESF Scholarship applications are available

by October 1st of the year and application deadlines are generally within the first week of February. Applications will be posted this coming year on the updated Columbus (OH) Alumni Chapter ’s website. Additionally, applications can be secured directly from school counselors at local high school in the beginning of October.

Next year’s Annual KLHESF Brunch date has been set for Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the Lincoln Theatre. Companies interested in corporate sponsorship or in establishing scholarships for ‘grow your own’ local talent should contact career educator and KLHESF Chair Emeritus P.R.West, Sr. via e-mail at 1chair@sbcglobal.net or 614-226-3873.

The Columbus African American Journal • May 2016 The Columbus African American NewsNews Journal • February 2015

CAANJ

RECRUITING FOR PRISON

By Elizabeth Joy, MBA, LSW, LCDC III African American’s history of trauma at the hands of oppressors includes a long, disheartening battle for access to education. From being denied access to schooling, to segregated schools, to integrated schools which required the protection of Federal troops, any progress we’ve made has come with a battle.

At first glance, it would appear that the battle was won and equality finally prevailed. Without issue, we enroll our children in public or private school and see our people graduating from the most prestigious universities in the country.

Considering our history, this is certainly progress however, more work must be done.

The battle continues with more subtle yet equally problematic forms of discrimination facing our of expulsions and 42% of referrals to students.

law enforcement while in school.

• African American and Hispanic Positioned as an effort to prevent drug abuse and students constitute 42% of students yet violence in schools, the advent of zero tolerance account for 72% of those arrested for policies in fact became the beginning of the school-related offenses. school-to-prison pipeline.

• African American youth offenders Of the 49 million United States students enrolled are referred to juvenile courts for in the 2011-2012 academic year:

delinquency adjudications at a rate

140% greater than Caucasian youth.

• 3.5 million students experienced in-

• African American youth offenders

school detention

are 6 times more likely to be

• 1.9 million students were suspended

incarcerated than Caucasian youth

for at least one day

offenders.

• 1.6 million students were suspended

• African American youth are 40% more

more than once in the school year

likely to be diagnosed with learning

• 130,000 students were expelled

disabilities than Caucasian youth

and those with learning disabilities are In 2012, over 2 million youth under the age of 2 to 3 times more likely to be eighteen were arrested leading to 1.3 million involved in offending and delinquent delinquency cases in juvenile court. Nearly activities than those without a diagnosis.

80,000 adolescents are confined each day in the United States in detention centers, residential Essentially, it can be concluded that alleged facilities, or youth prisons ordered by juvenile efforts to address drugs and violence in schools courts. Additionally, there are approximately are better identified as efforts to continue the 10,000 adolescents transferred to adult courts and oppression of African Americans. The under held in adult jails and prisons each year. In total, tones closely reflect the War on Drugs which nearly 400,000 adolescents experience some ultimately led to the mass incarceration of form of incarceration each year.

African American adults.

More disturbing than these general statistics reflecting the school-to-prison pipeline are the numbers which reflect the African American experience.

• Since 1975, African American students have been suspended from school at 2 to 3 times the rates of Caucasians, with some researches reflecting even higher disparities.

• African American males are 3.5 times more likely to be suspended or expelled than their peers.

• African American students constitute 18% of students yet represent 39%

or inappropriate behavior” is a starting point.

How are we defining disruptive and inappropriate behavior? Who decides that definition? Ohio Revised Code 2151.354 (c) provides options for the juvenile court to intervene by requiring counseling or other support services, but also permits the court to start criminal charges against parents. The policy DOES NOT require the school to intervene with the youth prior to filing a truancy compliant. Additionally, policy which requires cultural and linguistic competency training for both teachers and administrators is critical.

Organizations such as the Ohio Juvenile Justice Alliance offer various opportunities to get involved. You can view your child’s school’s performance in preventing the school-to-prison pipeline at http://racialjusticenow.org/index. php/report-card03. A review of policies as well as recommendations to address these issues including data and statistics outlined in this article can be found in “The School-To-Prison Pipeline: A Comprehensive Assessment” by Dr. Christopher A. Mallett, a licensed Social Worker and attorney who is currently a professor of Social Work at Cleveland State University.

As we consider solutions for education for our children and address poor academic performance, Our children are often being disciplined for what we must also address policies that ultimately are boils down to cultural differences. They’re “too recruiting efforts for the growing for-profit prison loud,” they won’t “sit still.” Additionally, they industry. are being disciplined for behaviors which are actually cries for help. 26-60% of adjudicated Elizabeth Joy is founder of Survivors To Alivers, delinquent adolescents have past or concurrent a non-profit organization focused on empowering maltreatment victimizations (abuse, neglect, and trauma survivors to overcome challenges and dependency). Youth who have abuse history achieve restoration. Her organization offers are more likely to be involved in more serious online support groups and a space for trauma delinquent activities and are more likely to be survivors to connect and support one another.

Elizabeth is a speaker, life coach, and author arrested. of “You Survived… Now What? A Road Map Efforts to address policy are in order. Addressing to Reclaiming Life.” For more information vague wording in Ohio Revised Code 3313.534 visit www.survivorstoalivers.org, email ejoy@ which indicates “zero tolerance” for “disruptive survivorstoalivers.org, or call 614-332-1592.

The Columbus African American News Journal • May February 2016 2015

8

2 HEALTH

CAANJ

TREATING SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN THE UNITED STATES the-counter and prescription medications. “And just because a patient is discharged doesn’t mean “Unfortunately, caregivers are not always the crisis is over,” explains Dr. Villella. “Most educated by the health care team,” Dr. Creary patients are sent home with medications to help says. “When caregivers get their information them continue to manage the pain.” from the community and the internet, a lot of misinformation can play into their decision Patients with sickle cell disease often rely on emergency departments for care during a crisis. making.”

Because opioid medications are frequently Even when patients are taking hydroxyurea, they required to treat pain crises, adolescent and adult may still have pain crises. And once a patient patients are often stigmatized and regarded as is in crisis, the only available treatment is pain drug seekers, even when they reveal their sickle management. But this could change in the near cell diagnosis. future.

While doctors and patients wait for more drug A new drug currently awaiting phase III options for treating sickle cell disease, the focus clinical trial could change that. In the phase II is on providing comprehensive support and randomized, double-blinded study of the safety education for patients, families and communities. and effectiveness of Rivipansel, patients who The psychological complications associated with received the drug experienced shorter length of sickle cell disease are largely the result of having hospital stay, shorter time to crisis resolution and a genetic disease that causes severe, chronic pain and other symptoms that interfere with the daily reduced use of opioids for pain management. life of the patient. The problems most frequently encountered, according to a review in the British This drug has been a long time coming.

Journal of Haematology, are anxiety, depression, Since the signing of the Sickle Cell Anemia social withdrawal, aggression, poor relationships Control Act in 1972, the prognosis for children and poor school performance. born with sickle cell disease has improved, but much of that has come from better supportive Nationwide Children’s Sickle Cell Comprehensive care, more widely available vaccines and the use Clinic serves children, adolescents and adults of prophylactic antibiotics, explains Anthony with sickle cell disease. During each clinic Villella, MD, physician in the Division of visit, patients are seen by a physician, nurse Hematology/Oncology/BMT at Nationwide practitioner, nurse clinician, social worker, psychologist, dentist and genetic counselor. This Children’s. integrated approach is vital to creating a support But more still needs to be done. Historically, system for the patients and their families. drug companies and research institutions have neglected sickle cell disease and instead focused “Sickle cell disease affects a disproportionate on diseases treated with lucrative medications. number of people from minority ethnic groups, “For example, with hemophilia, another rare many of whom also struggle with poverty and hematological disease, you have an abundance lack of insurance and access to care. Hospitals of therapeutic options because for many years are not going to make money off of this there has been fierce competition among drug patient population. We are fortunate to have an companies to bring very effective, but also very extraordinarily dedicated team and the support of expensive, drugs to market. Consequently, most Nationwide Children’s for the care we provide,” patients with hemophilia now can enjoy a near says Dr. Villella. normal quality of life,” says Dr. Villella. “Our hope is that someday this will be true for sickle Abbie Roth is a science writer and editor committed to the communication of life cell disease, as well.” science and medicine to diverse audiences.

She is the editor of Pediatrics Nationwide Life-Long, Comprehensive Care and PedicatricsNationwide.org and a science As the patient ages, the length of each sickle cell writer for Clinical & Research Communication crisis tends to increase. The average hospital stay at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She is a is four to five days, but most, an estimated 90 graduate of Otterbein University in Westerville, percent, of crises are treated at home with over- Ohio. the medication when they had fears about it.

By Abbie Roth While people with sickle cell disease have better outcomes in the United States and other Western countries, progress in developing treatments has been slow moving.

Sickle cell disease is marked by painful sickle cell crises, in which sickle-shaped red blood cells get distorted in the small blood vessels, causing problems including disrupted blood flow and a lack of oxygen at the tissue level – leading to severe pain.

Limited drug choices, gaps in education and a need for comprehensive care comprise serious challenges for patients and practitioners dealing with sickle cell disease. In an age in which research funding is highly competitive, it can also be a challenge to get support for sickle cell disease research and drug development.

Treating Sickle Cell Disease With Drugs Only one drug – hydroxyurea – is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help reduce the number of crises a person with sickle cell disease experiences. When taken at clinical-trial level doses, it has been shown to be very effective. But there are barriers to using hydroxyurea in children with sickle cell disease, and a recent study published in BMC Research Notes finds that caregivers frequently decline the drug for their children.

“Even though all caregivers surveyed in the study noted that sickle cell disease negatively impacted daily life for the caregivers and the patients, not all caregivers choose to give hydroxyurea to their children,” says Susan Creary, MD, physician in the Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and lead author on the study.

According to the study, reasons for choosing not to give hydroxyurea included belief that their children did not have “severe” sickle cell disease.

Caregivers who did not choose hydroxyurea also did not ask their child’s provider questions about

To Advertise in The Columbus African American contact us at: editor@columbusafricanamerican.com Ray Miller, Publisher 750 East Long Street, Suite 3000 Columbus, Ohio 43203 614.340.4891 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016

CAANJ

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY PROVIDES OFFSITE PROGRAMS

PARTNERSHIP WITH HEART OF OHIO FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS BRINGS CANCER PROGRAMMING TO UNDERSERVED NEIGHBORHOODS

COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 20, 2016) – Cancer Support Community Central Ohio is now partnering with Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers to offer no-cost services and resources to residents who are facing cancer in underserved communities According to the American Association for Cancer Research, individuals of color and those with low socio-economic status are disproportionately impacted by cancer. For example, the overall cancer death rate among black men is 28% higher than white men, and for black women it is 13% higher than among white women. Access to and use of health care is one of several contributing factors in these disparities.

A cancer diagnosis has implications that extend far beyond the physical ramifications of the disease. Research shows that cancer creates countless social and emotional effects that resonate throughout every aspect of a patient’s life and the lives of those who surround them.

Psychological distress is prime among these effects, and one that is associated with a significant increase in medical costs. One study suggests that an individual with depression will spend $8,400 more in healthcare costs per year due to psychological condition.

There is evidence to suggest that around 2,500 cancer survivors in Franklin County are living with serious psychological distress, and yet two-thirds of them haven’t seen a mental health professional about it, oftentimes because they think they can’t afford the help.

“Research shows that it is important to treat the whole patient when dealing with cancer,” said Bev Soult, President & CEO of Cancer Support Community Central Ohio. “That means understanding and addressing the patient’s level of distress and their emotional needs in addition to the appropriate medical protocols. Our mission is to help people alleviate this distress through services that offer support and knowledge, and to customize a plan for each patient that will address that person’s unique needs.”

the missing link in the overall health and wellbeing of cancer patients and their loved ones.”

About Cancer Support Community Central Ohio The mission of Cancer Support Community Central Ohio is to ensure that all people affected by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. All of its programs and services are provided at no cost, to ensure that they do not increase the financial burden of those already coping with life-threatening issues.

Cancer Support Community serves all cancer patients— any diagnosis, any stage— as well as their families and caregivers. Their comfortable, homelike setting helps people find a sense of community among others with whom they can share, learn and improve their quality of life.

Jen Westgerdes, MSW, LSW, a licensed social worker from Cancer Support Community, is making sure help is available for cancer patients and family members affected by cancer – at no cost – who utilize Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers’ locations in North Linden and Whitehall. Westgerdes is onsite at each location twice a month to provide resources, stress management classes, distress screening and referral information to patients.

About Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers “Cancer Support Community Research Institute has found that when a patient’s emotional needs are met, they are more likely to comply with their doctor’s treatment plan,” offered Bev Soult. “That means better outcomes overall for the patient.”

Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers serves more than 6,000 patients annually. “At Heart of Ohio Family Health, we understand the importance of linking our patients to community resources that will improve their quality of life,” said Marty Miller, Heart of Ohio Family Health CEO. “That is why we are excited about our partnership with Cancer Support Community because they provide

Heart of Ohio Family Health is the parent company for two federally qualified health centers: Whitehall Family Health and Capital Park Family Health. The mission of Heart of Ohio Family Health is to provide high-quality, holistic and sensitive care to meet the healthcare needs of their patients and the communities served by the health centers. Their goal is to transform the health of these communities through excellent medical care and by intervening to improve the conditions and social determinants where their patients are born, live, work and grow.

GIVING OURSELVES A BREAK

By Jaqueline LewisLyons, Psy.D Mothers are special people. There is no doubt about it. T he time, tears, and prayers invested by mothers to raise their children represent a seemingly impossible job. After all, children don’t come with directions, so we do the best we can. Yet, whenever something goes wrong, or the unexpected happens, we are quick to blame ourselves. This issue comes up frequently in my work with women. “If only I had known…”, “But, I believed…”, and “That’s the way I was ...”

usually related to work. The next few include things I must do for others, like family or church responsibilities. Next are the everyday tasks that I won’t forget but still write down, such as do the laundry. And at the very end, I see that I’ve written something for myself – like mani-pedi, organize fabric for quilting, or start reading the book that I bought 3 months ago.

Why do we do it? Sure, life is busy and our lists of responsibilities continue to grow. But why are you last on the list? This is especially problematic because most days, if we are honest, we don’t finish the list! That means we never get to #15 which is Me Time.

So, what do you do? Rather than throwing your own personal temper tantrum or bingeing on M&Ms out of frustration, let’s try this. Put yourself at #1. It’s really okay and you don’t have Let’s take a moment and set aside the doubts to do it every day. and regrets about what may happened in the past. Women must find a way to lift themselves After all, if you are not being cared for, you can’t and one another up, rather than focusing on do your best for the ones who depend on you. any mistakes we have made. So, this year, to celebrate Mother’s Day, I am challenging you to Here are three tips to help you practice some practice being a little more kind to you! For most totally worthwhile self-care: of us, we would not talk to a friend as we talk to 1. Plan some quiet time to start your day – even ourselves (in our heads or out loud). if that means getting up 15 minutes earlier.

I’m a list maker and I’m sure that many of you Spending a few minutes to relax, stretch and are too. And, I’ll bet that the last item on your consider what you need for the day will reduce daily to-do list is something for you. Go ahead your stress level. and check the last few days. I’m sure I’m right because that’s how my list usually looks. The 2. Put a small reward in the middle of your list top items are important tasks that must be done, for getting x number of items checked off. No need to wait until the end. It’s really okay to take The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016 2015 February

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a break to make some tea and put your feet up.

Then get back to work…

3. Identify something you really want to do and plan reminders throughout your day. For example, perhaps you have planned to take a walk with a friend. Set the alarm on your phone or computer to keep you looking forward to the visit.

The key is to remember that you ARE worth the extra effort to take care of YOU! Dr. Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons’ office is located in North Columbus. Her practice centers on helping clients with depression and anxiety related disorders. In recent years, after discovering a love for running, she expanded her practice to include services related to Sport Psychology for athletes of all ages and levels. To reach her, call 614-443-7040 or email her at Jaqui@ DrLewisLyons.com

CAANJ

RECUPERATIVE CARE: ADDRESSING HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE HOMELESS LOCAL PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED TO ADDRESS OUTPATIENT CARE

By Charleta B. Tavares PrimaryOne Health announced the establishment of a new program, Recuperative/Respite Care for Homeless residents in Central Ohio. The program is a partnership with the YMCA of Central Ohio, The Central Ohio Hospital Association and the Community Shelter Board who announced the opening of the medical respite/recuperative care program at the Van Buren homeless shelter on Friday, April 29, 2016.

The Medical Recuperative Care Program for the Homeless is the first one of its kind in Columbus.

Community partners including other programs serving homeless Franklin County residents have worked together for over a year to develop a Medical Recuperative Care program. The program will offer acute and post-acute medical care for homeless persons who are too ill or frail to recover from a physical illness or injury on the streets, but who are not ill enough to be in a hospital. This new Recuperative Care program will be operated and staffed by PrimaryOne Health’s current Health Care for the Homeless program staff at the YMCA’s Van Buren Shelter located at 595 Van Buren Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43223.

Jeff Klinger (COHA), Arlene Vance, Kendra Kelso, Dr. Kelly Seifert, John Tolbert, Nicole Miller, Lori Summers-Corey, Brian Hall, Charleta Tavares, Jasmine Handon, Bhuwan Pyakurel

Homeless individuals face many risks not encountered by the general public when trying to heal or recover from an injury or illness. The challenges they face are even more critical than lower-income individuals and families who at least have stable housing. For a homeless person the magnitude of risk can be greatest following a physical illness, injury or surgery when there is no safe and hospitable environment within which to recover. For most homeless individuals, being discharged from the hospital or even an outpatient medical facility means returning to the streets, homeless camps or shelters.

Coordinator and John Tolbert, Director of Community Services researched and determined that the best approach to appropriately serve the health care needs of this population was to start a Recuperative Care program. As defined

by HRSA, Recuperative Care consists of shortterm care and case management provided to individuals recovering from an acute illness or injury that generally does not necessitate hospitalization, but would be exacerbated by their living conditions (e.g., streets, shelters or other places less than suitable for recovery).

PrimaryOne Health has stepped up working with its partners to offer this service in order to provide an appropriate setting and care to homeless patients who need to recover from physical illness, injuries or surgeries, but that do not require or no longer require hospitalization.

As a primary care provider they are in the best position to offer these services.

In a number of cases these individuals also may be detained in the hospital longer than medically necessary due to a lack of housing, which also drives up costs and decreases bed capacity for other hospital patients. The environments where homeless people reside lack the comfort, safety and provisions that would assist individuals to care for themselves and/or have another individual to assist with their care. Multiple organizations in Columbus that work with the homeless have identified a need for a transitional respite program to provide adequate housing and care for an individual who is homeless and recovering from surgery or an illness.

PrimaryOne Health which operates a Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) 330(h) Healthcare for the Homeless program, led by Lori Summers Corey, Homeless Program

The organization’s primary health care and case management services as well as, health education will be provided to each patient.

The Recuperative Care program will start with an approximately six-month pilot program, which will be offered at the Van Buren Shelter where a suite is available for this program to operate. The intent is to sustain and grow the program beyond six-months to create a longterm program to meet the health care needs of homeless individuals discharged from local hospitals who still need monitoring. The objectives of the program include: 1) establishing a six-bed Recuperative Care Pilot Program; 2) developing a strong framework for transitional care that includes a network of health and housing service providers; 3) increasing patient confidence in meeting self-management goals

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(self-management goals consistent with those used by other federally funded Recuperative Care programs); 4) demonstrating a reduction in unnecessary hospital utilization and improved efficiency in health care spending. The Central Ohio community will continue to work together to find innovative care and service models to address the health care and social service needs of our homeless populations. If you would like more information, please contact Lori Summers Corey at Lori.Summers@primaryonehealth.org.

Charleta B. Tavares is the Chief Executive Officer at PrimaryOne Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) system providing comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health and specialty care at 10 locations in Central Ohio. The mission is to provide access to services that improve the health status of families including people experiencing financial, social, or cultural barriers to health care. www.primaryonehealth.org.

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The Columbus African American Journal • May 2016 The Columbus African American NewsNews Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

CAANJ

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING - OUR COMMUNITY ON THE EDGE

By Tim Anderson A few months ago, I began attending a planning committee meeting for a community health initiative focused on mental wellness.

The African American Male Wellness Walk Initiative, chaired by retired Judge Grady Pettigrew had begun to plan for a mental health event aimed at African American men living in the central Ohio area. During our committee planning meetings (comprised of both men and women) men would share their struggles that were impacting their families, their career and themselves. In the planning process it became evident to me and others, that as African American men we do not share our pain and the stresses that bind us to unhealthy behavior. As young children, we are punished by “whippings” and scolded to “shut up” or “stop crying”. As we grow older, we are conditioned to live with physical pain in organized sports. Through adulthood, as men, we mask our pain and stresses through anti-social behavior, drug use and alcohol abuse. As African American men we are further burden by the toxic environment that we live and work in, further exacerbating our pain and stresses. As men we are challenged to maintain mental and emotional wellness, but as black men we are afflicted by inimitable factors and a set of conditions that further aggravate our ability to effectively manage stresses.

asking God to show me the way. That prayer began my journey of living well with diabetes, by becoming a health expert on Tim Anderson and sharing my knowledge with others. I continue to learn about how the body works and how we can simply and affordably make changes that will promote healing. Fifteen years ago, I traversed from a low, dark and isolated place to a point in my life where clarity is crystal clear, where my passion is in sync with my purpose and where my physical, mental and emotional wellbeing are not defined by chronic illness but by my healthy behavior and lifestyle.

Our mental health is at the forefront of living well. As African American men we must During our planning committee meetings, I recognize that the constant stresses we face shared my perspective with other members are harmful to ourselves, our families and of the planning committee concerning the community. Anxiety, depression and other mental relationship existing between mental health illnesses can be treated and skills developed and chronic diseases. African Americans are with techniques learned and practiced towards disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses, improving mental health and wellbeing. On May thus we are also disproportionately affected with 27, 2016, the African American Male Wellness mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression Walk will host the event, Close to the Edge 2.0, related to our physical health. As a consultant a community conversation about mental health and speaker addressing living well in an urban environment, I have shared my personal journey of living with diabetes and the mental health challenges that I once faced upon my diagnosis fifteen years ago.

focused on African American men. The event will be held at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 East Long Street, Columbus OH. 43203. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the guest speaker is CNN correspondent Marc Lamont Hill. Marc is also an academic, a journalist, author and activist.

His viewpoint on cable news provides a culturally relevant perspective to current events affecting people of color, particularly African Americans.

Please join us for this important community event, as we free ourselves from conditions that bind us. For more information, contact the African American Male Wellness Walk Initiative by calling (614) 754-7511. This event is free and open to the public.

Tim Anderson is a contributing columnist for The Columbus African American with a focus on healthcare. He is the founder of In My Backyard Health and Wellness, providing health education and wellness activities within the urban community. To reach Tim directly, contact him at 614-402-2089 or by email: timanderson@ inmybackyardhope.com.

My story is similar to others who suddenly find themselves at a point in life, faced with a chronic illness that was attacking my body in ways I did not comprehend. At forty-one years of age, I was diagnosed with diabetes with having blood sugars level so high that every part of my body was affected including my mind. As my body, began to shut down so was my mind and I could feel myself mentally and emotionally slipping away. I would lay in bed unable to move or even speak; feeling helpless, I viewed my health status as hopeless.

For two weeks I struggled to eat, take my medication or do anything that would enable me to feel better. There was no clarity of thought and it was my worst of times. One night, while lying in bed, believing that an impeding stroke or worse was inevitable, I began praying and The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016

CAANJ

MENTAL ILLNESS LEADS TO INCREASED MORTALITY: DISPROPORTIONATELY FOR MINORITIES An epidemic is plaguing Central Ohio and communities throughout the nation—reduced life expectancy for people suffering from mental illness. Many people either do not seek treatment for known illnesses or do not follow-up with care after a diagnosis, which can further exacerbate the situation. People with severe mental disorders comprise a disproportionately high percentage of the aforementioned population, and therefore, often suffer from premature mortality. In fact, people with severe mental disorders have a 10-25-year shorter life expectancy than the general population, and the vast majority of premature deaths are due to chronic physical medical conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory and infectious diseases, diabetes and hypertension, according to the World Health Organization.

African Americans and Hispanic Americans make up a disproportionately high percentage of the people who die prematurely, as minority groups are less likely to seek treatment for both mental and physical ailments, According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The problem is not limited to uninsured or underinsured people. According to the National Association of Community Health Centers and the Robert Graham Center, many Americans do not have ready access to primary care, despite being insured. Additionally, nearly half of Americans do not receive the basic primary care services they need, and the numbers are even more dismal for those lacking social and financial resources, which includes a high number of people suffering from mental illness.

To find the source of the epidemic and help alleviate the issue on the local level, Columbus Area Integrated Health Services, Inc., (CAIHS) examined consumer behavior and the organization’s internal practices and approach to health care. CAIHS found that many people who were previously diagnosed with mental health issues were solely treated for their behavioral health conditions poor physical health is often an underlying issue. Additionally, consumers who sought medical treatment for minor injuries did not always follow up with medical care after the initial diagnosis due to lack of financial resources, limited access to transportation and/or lack of understanding about their diagnosis.

The delay of treatment is not only a disservice to the client, but also to the community in which the client lives, due to the high public cost associated with medical treatment and emergency room visits for the uninsured or for people who are insured, but cannot afford to pay high deductibles for advanced medical conditions that could have been prevented by primary care.

People who suffer from mental illness have shorter life expectancies, but integrated health care can help close the gap between mental and physical health care, increase treatment for preventable and mangeable physical illnesses and end the epidemic.

needs of the surrounding community and the clients the organization directly serves,” said CAIHS President and CEO Anthony Penn.

“We’re helping to reduce the number of people in Central Ohio who needlessly suffer from preventable physical ailments, detect chronic conditions and provide the necessary on-going treatment, which results in an increased life expectancy for individuals with mental illness.”

CAIHS’ service expansion will also benefit the surrounding community through reduced public cost for medical treatment and emergency room visits for the uninsured, and will also create a more stabilized community by reducing health disparities.

One of CAIHS’ primary focuses is the transition into providing primary care, in addition to mental health services, for consumers. CAIHS opened the Janie E. Bailey Primary Care Clinic in 2014, which enables the organization to address both the mental and physical health care needs of consumers. In addition to providing consumers with psychiatric treatment, CAIHS added medical physicians, nurse practitioners and medical nurses to team to offer additional services. “By using a patient-centered approach to health care, our team of professionals can address multiple areas of need including psychological, physical and emotional needs, resulting in better patient outcomes,” Penn said.

primary care physician to receive primary medical care onsite at CAIHS health care facilities.

CAIHS also expanded its pharmaceutical service offerings and eligible insurances, increased the number of patients receiving primary care services and created a new admission process, which ensures all clients receive comprehensive health evaluations at the point of entry.

Although long-term results are not yet available, the impact of integrated health care services in Central Ohio is evident. More people, including a high number of minorities, are being treated for both mental and physical conditions, which could help increase life expectancy for the target population.

The CAIHS Pharmacy is open to the general public from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday thru Friday, and offers the latest prescription technologies combined with the advice and answers consumers need.

About Columbus Area Integrated Health Services, Inc.

Columbus Area Integrated Health Services, Inc., is a leading mental health and wellness service provider in Franklin County. Founded in 1965, CAIHS was one of the first mental health and wellness service providers in Franklin County, and is one of the largest community-based The integration of primary care and behavioral behavioral health and wellness organizations in “As a community- and customer-driven organization, Columbus Area responds to the health care services enables clients without a Central Ohio.

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CAANJ

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

131ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY - CAPITAL BUDGET AND OTHER ACTION

By Senator Charleta B. Tavares The members of the Ohio General Assembly are attempting to wrap-up their business to recess for the summer. There are several important bills moving through the legislature and anticipated to pass prior to the end of May. The Capital Improvement Budget, Senate Bill 310 which funds capital construction and renovation of education/government institutions and facilities as well as, community projects passed the Ohio Senate on April 20, 2016. The bill was unanimously passed out of the Senate Finance Committee (12-0) on April 19th and then passed the Senate by a vote of 32-1 (Jordon) the following day.

Senator Charleta B. Tavares, the only Democratic senator in Central Ohio and lone woman and African American senator on the Senate Finance Committee, was successful in advocating for many projects for our higher education institutions such as the Ohio State University, Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) and Columbus State Community College that are in her district as well as, community projects that support community-based arts and cultural organizations and non-profits. These projects help to strengthen the economic and services vibrancy of neighborhoods and create temporary and permanent jobs for residents. Although all of Senator Tavares’ requests were not successful such as funding to support renovations for the King Arts Complex some of the successful community projects funded included:

- $1.0M • Columbus Arts College CCAD (CTI) - $750K • Scioto River Corridor Metro Parks Development (DNR) - $500K • Scioto Audubon Metro Park Pedestrian Bridge (DNR) - $500K • Crew Soccer facility improvements (DNR) $500K • CHOICES: for Victims of Domestic Violence (MHA) - $500K • LIFETOWN financial literacy Arts and STEM Center / Chabad House (DDD) - $450K • Lincoln Theatre Renovations (FCC) - $300K • Columbus Briggsdale Apartments Phase II (MHA) - $250K • Expansion of Lettuce Work (MHA) - $250K • McCutcheon Road Park (DNR) - $250K • CAPA’s Palace Theatre Renovations (FCC) $250K • Aminah Robinson Cultural Arts Center (FCC) - $150K • Topiary Park Improvements / Main Library Renovation (DNR) - $150K • Sullivant Avenue Teen Tech Lounge and Career Lab (CTI) - $100K • The Buckeye Ranch Kids treatment Center (MHA) $100K • Motts Military Museum 9/11 Memorial (FCC) - $50K • Alvis Women Community Re-entry project (MHA) - $50K

(see CAANJ, Dec. 2015) jointly sponsored by Senators Charleta B. Tavares and Bill Seitz (R-Cinc.) was passed out of the House State Government Committee on April 28, 2016 unanimously (12-0). The bill will now go to the House of Representatives for a vote.

Senate Bill 36 – Road Naming in Honor of Senator John W.E. Bowen (see CAANJ, Jan. 2016) would designate a portion of US Route 33 in Columbus as the “John W.E. Bowen Memorial Roadway.” Senator John W.E. Bowen was a former City of Columbus assistant attorney and in 1966 he became the first ever African American to be elected to the Ohio Senate from Franklin County. The bill passed the Ohio House of Representatives and is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.

The committee schedules, full membership rosters and contact information for the Ohio House and Senate can be found at: www.ohiohouse.gov and www.ohiosenate.gov respectively. If you are interested in getting the House Calendar each week of the General Assembly, contact the House Clerk, http://www.ohiohouse.gov/housecalendar/ house_calendar.pdf or your state Representative.

Senate calendars are available at www. ohiosenate.gov; contact the Senate Clerk’s office at (614) 466-4900 or your state Senator.

The Ohio General Assembly sessions and the House and Senate Finance Committee hearings can be viewed live on WOSU/WPBO and replays can be viewed at ohiochannel.gov (specific House and Senate sessions can be searched in the video archives). If you would like to receive updated information on the Ohio General Assembly and policy initiatives introduced, call or email my office at 614.466.5131 or tavares@ohiosenate. com to receive the Tavares Times News monthly legislative newsletter.

The bill is now being heard in the Ohio House of Representatives’ Finance Committee which is chaired by Representative Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell) and Ranking member Representative Denise Driehaus (D-Cinc.). There are three African American legislators on the House Finance Committee Representatives Kevin Boyce (D-Cols.), Alicia Reece (D-Cinc.) and Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) who will be working to address other community needs. You can contact them • COSI Museum Exhibit (FCC) - $5.0M to advocate for the King Arts Complex and other • Scioto Peninsula (DNR) - $4.025M capital needs for our community by contacting Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, D-Columbus, is proud • Edison Welding Institute (OSU) - $1.5M them via email or phone (see contact information to serve and represent the 15th District, including • YWCA Women’s Residency Program (CTI) - below for the Ohio House roster). the historic neighborhoods of Columbus and the $1.0M cities of Bexley and Grandview Heights in the • Franklin Park Conservatory – Phase II (DNR) Senate Bill 131 - Genocide Awareness Month Ohio Senate.

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The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016

CAANJ

RACE MATTERS: THERE IS MORE TO IT THAN WHAT YOU SEE

By Lisa D. Benton, MD, MPH Of late, the issues of race, ethnicity and racism seems to be getting more attention.

Although it seems the many mentions of race on both sides along the presidential campaign trail seem to be the gift that keeps giving, they more often play out as merely another missed chance to peel back the curtain and have genuine discussions that get to the root of people’s insecurities and lack of knowledge.

Not openly talking about race and racism keeps us from moving forward in so many areas as a society. Since I write about medical issues, I want to take this time to say yes, knowing more about race and ethnicity matters for your health and healthcare.

While at school about 2 weeks ago, an uninformed classmate referred to my stepdaughter as the “N” word. Needless to say the situation was quickly brought to the attention of the school principal and proper apologies were made. Unfortunately while an opportunity for education all around, not much more discussion beyond the apology happened.

genes and reside in the nucleus of just about every cell of your body. For each whole set of DNA in every cell of your body, half of each of these sets of your DNA come from your mother and the other half comes from your father.

When name calling like that happened when I was growing up you were able to use the comeback phrase, “I know you are but what am I?” or “I know I am but what are you?” and escalate a war of words before you were ready to throw down with fist to cuffs.

For every person, your single genome is almost the same as any other person’s on the planet. It is the greater than 99 percent of your genome that makes you more similar to the at least 6 billion other people on our planet rather than different from them.

Photo by Dawn Kearney

diseases earlier, personalized targeted treatment for cancer, a better understanding of who is more susceptible to mental and physical illnesses and the ability to know which medications and therapies work better for some patients based on their race or ethnicity.

Your DNA gives rise to the human genome.

Every person has one genome. A genome is the sequence or recurring pattern of the almost 21,000 genes made by your DNA.

Thus, now when someone calls you the “N” word you can respond “right back at you” or “you should really go home and ask your mama (daddy, grandpa, grandma or greatgrandparents).” Then proceed to educate them as to what we now know about the 99 versus less It is only the less than one percent part of your than one percent of the human genome. genome that causes you to have a different eye color, hair color, skin color, how you age. Also Learn a little more… residing in that less than one percent are some of the reasons why we are prone to and inherit National Human Genome Research Institute, June 2000 White House Press Event certain illnesses. https://www.genome.gov/10001356/june-2000Unfortunately since the effects of the less than white-house-event/ one percent of our each human genome are what we see, we’re misguided and exaggerate our A Guide to Your Genome differences rather than our similarities. Basing https://www.genome.gov/pages/education/ your assumptions of other people on only the less allaboutthehumangenomeproject/ than one percent difference in the genome is like guidetoyourgenome07_vs2.pdf foolishly trying to play a Mozart concerto on only eight keys at one end of the piano while ignoring Bill Clinton Says “We Are All Mixed-Race” The Huffington Post, February 17, 2016 the rest of the whole keyboard. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ While the one percent area of the human genome entry/bill-clinton-mixed-race_ that gives rise to our differences is the focus of us_56c1cf6ce4b0c3c55051de41 almost countless studies on how our health and well-being are affected by the environment, Lisa D. Benton, MD, MPH (The Doctor is In) chemicals, stress, diet, exercise and so on and breastsurgeonlb@gmail.com so forth, work is underway looking at the entire Twitter: @DctrLisa genome.

(415) 746-0627

DNA is made up of amino acids that arrange in specific recurring patterns to make proteins.

Your DNA, these specially arranged sequences of amino acids, are the building blocks of your

Any advances in science and medicine related to any part of the genome benefit everyone else.

Some examples of results from research on the genome include better genetic tests to identify

In actuality, today there is more scientific evidence than there was back then to show that we are more alike than different. So the answer to those questions should have been “We are really more the same, or I am just like you.”

Former President Bill Clinton recently reminded us once again that the human genome is 99.5 percent the same for just about everyone, and it is only the 0.5 percent that makes our race and ethnicity different. In his words “We are all mixed-race.”

The first time he commented about this was back in 2000 when he was describing why he supported the Human Genome Project. This is the effort that our government supported back in 1989 to map out what genes are in the cells we’re made of.

The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016 2015 February

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The Columbus African American Journal • May 2016 The Columbus African American NewsNews Journal • February 2015

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3 COVER STORY

TINA THOMAS-MANNING: “Failure Is Not An Option”

By Ray Miller Being a Superintendent of a School District is both extremely challenging and rewarding. In fact, when one truly examines the myriad responsibilities heaped upon our nation’s School Superintendents, it becomes quite clear why their average tenure in the position is on average three and one-half years.

This is what you can expect when you sign-up for the job: o You automatically become a CEO of a major enterprise. o The product you are developing is a human being, not an inanimate object.

Trenton, Parker, Pierce and Tina Manning

o For more hours than any other leader, you are in custody of our future. o You manage those who will develop the next generation of leaders. o You are responsible for every conceivable bad thing which will occur during your tenure. o Many people will love and admire you and your work, but keep those precious thoughts to themselves. o And yet, you wake up every day, at the crack of dawn, put on your uniform

(“The Breastplate of Righteousness”), smile in the mirror, and leave the safety of your home to go out an inspire, challenge, encourage, discipline and save our children.

Thank you for answering HIS call.

The Columbus African American was fortunate to secure an interview with one of the rising stars in the field of Educational Administration.

Reynoldsburg School Superintendent Tina Thomas-Manning has had a very rich and rewarding career in public education. She has been a school teacher, principal, executive director, college instructor and associate superintendent at the Ohio Department of Education. This interview provides some insight on someone who will undoubtedly impact public education in the State of Ohio for years to come.

Please share some of your background with our readers.

I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio to Robert and Linda. I attended Columbus City Schools and graduated from Marion-Franklin High School where I was a member of the drill team and a cheerleader. In college, I studied English Education at The Ohio State University and went on to earn a master’s degree in Special Education. I began my career teaching English at Gahanna Lincoln High School, where I also served as the drill team adviser. I served as an assistant principal in Hilliard and Westerville, before becoming a middle school principal in Westerville and Reynoldsburg. I even taught college for a couple of years at Central Florida

University, in Orlando, Florida. In all, I have grow. My mother is an amazing woman who has always been my biggest supporter. From been an educator for 25 years. cradle to career, I could count on my mother, What was it about the field of education that who would often times neglect her own needs to fulfill mine. She is the individual behind attracted your interest? my success and she taught me the meaning of Like most teachers in the field, it was a teacher personal sacrifice. My aunts are also very strong who inspired me to become a teacher. I had the women who have served as mentors for me. most remarkable English teacher my sophomore They have helped me develop an appreciation for year in high school. He was smart and witty, good work/life balance. They were all working and he thoroughly loved working with kids. In moms and wanted me to understand that I can his class, I developed a love for literature. I be an executive and a good mom and wife. I’ve remember really learning how to read texts and learned so much from my family. draw meaning from novels such as To Kill a Mockingbird and The Grapes of Wraths, both What was the most traumatic event of your books I eventually taught my students when I life and how did it shape who you are today? became a teacher. I also discovered the power of written communication in this teacher’s class. He The most traumatic life event for me was the worked closely with me on my writing and really bumpy transition from high school to college. taught me to use my voice to help convey my Leaving the comfort and support of my family message. After the experience I had in his class, and being thrust into the great big world of I knew right away that I wanted to work with The Ohio State University was truly a lesson in survival of the fittest. Despite the fact that I was children, helping them the way he helped me. born and raised in Columbus, fewer than 10 miles Name a few leaders who you most admire in away from campus, The Ohio State University was foreign land to me before my freshman year. the field of education and why.

Even with help of my older sister, who had blazed Booker T. Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune, the trail one year ahead of me, learning how to Dr. Martin Luther King, and Judge Robert complete and file all the necessary paperwork, Duncan were all true leaders in education and schedule classes, purchase textbooks, pay tuition, individuals who made it possible for African room and board, all while trying to literally Americans to have access to quality education navigate the enormous campus and become an today. Often times during my undergraduate independent adult, seemed insurmountable. There days, I had to remind myself of the selflessness were many days that I didn’t think I would get and personal sacrifices of these great leaders. to the finish line, but I knew that if I earned my These reminders kept me motivated and focused degree from Ohio State University, I could do just toward my goals. Even today, I lift these leaders about anything. up as examples to help motivate students to complete their education and maximize their Describe the Reynoldsburg City School District. intellectual potential.

Who served as your mentors and what did you Reynoldsburg City Schools is a wonderfully diverse school district. With 14 schools in 12 learn from each of them? buildings, including two science, technology, I am fortunate to have a wide network of strong engineering and math (STEM) elementary women in my life who have helped me learn and buildings, one STEM middle school, and two

The 2016 2015 The Columbus Columbus African African American American News News Journal Journal •• May February

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CAANJ changed. Today, teachers are expected to teach, empower, counsel, parent, and so much more. Being a teacher today is difficult work, but it is also remarkably rewarding. There’s no better compliment than to have one of your former students share what an impact you made in their life. What an awesome gift. Another challenge we face in education is recruiting males and minorities to the field. It is critical to have a teaching pool that closely mirrors the demographics of our student population. Our Pierce and Parker Manning kids need to see people who look like them instructing in their classrooms and leading in Tina poses with school children in China. their school buildings and districts.

This has STEM high schools, our district’s 700 staff always been a priority for me as a school leader. members proudly serve approximately 7000 resource, capable of motivating students. Our operating budget is just shy of Please share with us some exemplary instructional even the most learners. I am no $70 million dollars, with 80% of those dollars a c h i e v e m e n t s o f s t u d e n t s , t e a c h e r s , longer surprised reluctant by the depth of our children’s going directly into classrooms. Reynoldsburg administrators and staff of the Reynoldsburg understanding of technology and I no longer is recognized throughout the state and nation City School District. apologize when I need to ask them to help me as a district on the cutting edge of innovation. better utilize my own devices. There are many Over the past two years, publications such as I am extremely proud of our efforts toward technological geniuses among us. If in doubt, Newsweek magazine, The Wall Street Journal helping our students plan for careers beyond just walk into your child’s or grandchild’s and other education magazines have written about high school. A career pathway is a purposeful classroom and you’ll see what they can do. our success with students. We pride ourselves in sequence of course or education experiences in a our quest to educate all children. career field that lead to credentials, certification, What do you do to relax and enjoy yourself? associate or bachelor’s degree. We currently How is your school district performing on the an love family time. My husband and I are busy have career pathways among the four high Iparenting two teenaged boys who are very State Report Card and any other required school11academies.

They are: communications, quickly (too quickly) becoming men. We enjoy measures? digital media design, media arts, digital, watching our boys participate in the many energy, pre-med, medical assisting, activities they are involved in and we also enjoy Our 2014-15 state report card results gave us design, human services, and law. We begin traveling. If I were given a day of “me time” I cause to celebrate and plan for improvement. career awarenessbusiness, with our students in grades would either curl up with a good book or take a We saw very promising results with our younger K-4th. In middle school, we that our long run in the park. students. Ninety-eight percent of our 3rd graders students have experiences that ensure expose them to passed the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, the various career pathways, so that they can Can you name a book that is a must read for indicating that we are doing a great job getting make an informed decision regarding their high our students to read at or above grade level before school academy selection, where the pathways educators? the end of third grade. We are also pleased to coursework begins. Thanks to these pathways,

by Carol Dweck is a must read for continue to increase the number of students our students leave high school with a solid plan Mindset educators. Mindset is a book about learning graduating high school. We received A’s on both for what they intend to do in the next phase of how to maximize one’s full potential by how our 4 and 5-year graduation rates. However, we their lives. we think about things or situations. It provides were not pleased with our progress grades, which information that can be extremely helpful to reflect how much academic growth our students Can you cite any unique programs or teachers working with students who are reluctant are making in a year. We also need to get more initiatives within your District? learners or students who are not maximizing their students to the achievement targets. We are potential for fear of failure. confident that we will see improvements in these We are extremely proud of our efforts toward two areas on our 2016 report card. making college accessible to our students while What is the last great book that you have they are in high school. Even before the new read?

What is your leadership style?

College Credit Plus legislation, Reynoldsburg committed to ensuring that our students had I just finished Breaking Night, by Liz Murray. My I pride myself in being a distributive leader. I was to college courses and/or credentialing husband bought the book after hearing the author believe in teamwork and I know that you win access In June of 2015, more than 450 of speak at a fundraising event for the Children’s with people. So, I hire hard so that I can manage coursework. high school students also had completed a Hunger Alliance. The book is a memoir of Liz lightly. The interview process with me can be our course. Our 2015 graduates earned more Murray’s life, detailing her journey from being grueling because it is paramount that I identify college 1,658 college credits while attending high a homeless teenager, forced to care for her the right people on the team to complement than saving themselves nearly $1.2 million drug-addicted parents, to becoming a Harvard my leadership style. My goal is to surround school, tuition. At the end of this month, our 2016 graduate. It is a beautiful story of perseverance, myself with people who can compensate for in will surpass these numbers. We are grit and survival. It was a page-turner that I my weaknesses and then get out of their way so graduates creating opportunities for our thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover. they can effectively do their jobs. No matter the aggressively to access college and earn credits while Who is your best friend and how would that leadership style, my non-negotiable as a school students in high school, them up for tremendous person describe you? leader is that every single decision we make must success beyond setting the walls our district. We are be made with kids in mind. Kids come first; confident that 2017 will beof the year we will award My husband is my best friend. Having met him they are our customers and it is our pleasure and many of our high school graduates a diploma and my very first day of college, we have essentially delight to serve them. I can work with anyone an associate degree during commencement. grown up together and now we are raising our who shares this core value. family together. He and I share the same core If a donor handed you a check for 10 million What are the most significant challenges dollars today to improve the Reynoldsburg beliefs and the same interests. He would describe me as being a strong-willed and determined facing public education and your school City Schools how would you spend it? woman. district today? question, I would spend every dime Final words from the author.

Educators in our state continue to be asked to Without the $10 million dollars on technology and I The songwriter penned these lyrics, “Everything do more with less, and this is no exception in of would want the kids to help do the shopping. must change. Nothing stays the same. That’s the Reynoldsburg. The role of the teacher has Our K-12 students are digital natives and they way of time, no one and nothing stays the same. changed since my years in high school, when are extraordinarily gifted and talented when it There are not many things in life you can be sure the core responsibility of the classroom teacher comes to understanding technology, and using of--except rain falls from the clouds, sun lights was to deliver the lessons, while the students it to maximize their learning and simplify their up the sky, and Tina Thomas-Manning will fly.” were expected to absorb the content, but times lives. Technology is an amazingly powerful We shall all bear witness.

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The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016

CAANJ

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4 JUSTICE

CAANJ

FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN EDUCATION

By Ambrose Moses, III A federal law, known as Title VI, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., was enacted as part of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Under Title VI, if a recipient of federal assistance is found to have discriminated and voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, the federal agency providing the assistance should either initiate fund termination proceedings or refer the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice for appropriate legal action.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination against people based on race, color or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Title VI states that: No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

The law impacts most schools, colleges, students, families, and communities. Virtually all public school districts are covered by Title VI because they receive some federal financial assistance.

Public colleges and universities generally receive federal financial assistance, and most private colleges and universities receive such assistance.

There are some private colleges that do not receive any federal assistance, and Title VI does not apply to them.

Education Programs and Services Subject to Title VI Schools and colleges that receive federal funds must operate without discriminating when it comes to race, color, and national origin.

Educational programs and services that must be operated and provided in a non-discriminatory manner include, but are not limited to: •Admissions •Recruitment •Financial aid •Academic programs •Student treatment and services •Counseling and guidance •Discipline •Classroom assignment

•Grading •Vocational education •Recreation •Physical education •Athletics •Housing The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is responsible for enforcing Title VI as it applies to programs and activities that receive federal funds. OCR’s principal enforcement activity is the investigation and resolution of complaints filed by people alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.

How to File a Discrimination Complaint with OCR Anyone who believes there has been an act of discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, against any person or group, in a program or activity that receives federal financial assistance, may file a complaint with OCR under Title VI. It is important to note that the person or organization filing the complaint does not have to be a victim of the alleged discrimination but may complain on behalf of another person or group.

A complaint should be sent to the OCR regional office that serves the state in which the alleged discrimination occurred. Timing is important.

A complaint must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination unless the time for filing is extended for good cause by the Regional Civil Rights Director.

Complaint letters should explain who was discriminated against; in what way; by whom

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or by what institution or agency; when the discrimination took place; who was harmed; who can be contacted for further information; the name, address and telephone number of the complainant(s) and the alleged offending institution or agency; and as much background information as possible about the alleged discriminatory act(s).

If an investigation indicates there has been a violation of Title VI, OCR attempts to obtain voluntary compliance. If OCR cannot obtain voluntary compliance, OCR will initiate enforcement action, by referring the case to the Department of Justice for court action, or by initiating proceedings, before an administrative law judge, to terminate Federal funding to the recipient’s program or activity in which the prohibited discrimination occurred. Terminations are made only after the recipient has had an opportunity for a hearing before an administrative law judge, and after all other appeals have been exhausted.

As President John F. Kennedy said in 1963, “Simple justice requires that public funds, to which all taxpayers of all races contribute, not be spent in any fashion which encourages, entrenches, subsidizes or results in racial discrimination.”

Ambrose Moses, III is a lawyer and writer whose mission is to promote and obtain “. . . legal, social, and economic justice for all.” His primary areas of practice are business, 501(c) (3)/nonprofits, and crowdfunding. Ambrose regularly presents with community and business development organizations on business and lawrelated topics.

Email: info@MosesLaw.pro • Website: www.

MosesLaw.pro • Telephone: (614) 418-7898

The Columbus African American Journal • May 2016 The Columbus African American NewsNews Journal • February 2015

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HOPE IS WAITING FOR THE U.S. SUPREME COURT

By Marian Wright Edelman “Baldo came to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico, in 1988, when he was 17 years old. He lives in Pasadena, California, with his wife and their two U.S. citizen daughters, ages nine and 13.

While in the United States, he trained as an electrician and, for nearly 20 years, worked for the same company installing electrical wiring and residential security systems. He lost his job in March 2014 when his employer discovered that Baldo was undocumented. Baldo’s employer told Baldo that he hated to lose him and that he would like to rehire him as soon as Baldo obtained work authorization. Baldo’s current work as an independent contractor has created financial difficulties for him and his family, as he can no longer rely on a weekly paycheck and cannot count on getting work every week. The lack of a reliable income makes it difficult for Baldo to plan for his family’s financial future.”

-Brief filed by immigrants’ rights, civil rights and labor groups in U.S. v. Texas The futures of Baldo and his family and millions of other immigrant families are on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court makes a decision in U.S. v. Texas expected in June. Texas and 25 other states filed a lawsuit in February 2015 to block President Obama’s November 2014 executive action to help keep immigrant families together.

The Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiatives would help parents and young adults remain in the U.S. temporarily to work, further their education, and support their families. Baldo’s story is documented in one of the 19 friend of the court briefs filed on behalf of more than 1,000 organizations and individuals supporting the President’s executive actions.

The Children’s Defense Fund joined 75 other education, health and child advocacy organizations in one of these briefs. The National Immigration Law Center says the multiple briefs in this case “demonstrate the severe, nationwide harm — to millions of individual families, to the safety of our communities, and to local and national economic well-being — produced by the injunction barring implementation of the Obama administration’s DAPA and expanded DACA programs.”

DAPA would allow immigrant parents like Baldo with citizen children to seek protection from deportation, get a work permit, and keep their families together. The brief shares more about his story: “Baldo’s financial difficulties are compounded by his fear of being forced to return to Michoacán, where he has not lived in nearly 30 years. He has heard from family members about kidnappings and other drug cartel-related violence, and would not feel safe returning to Michoacán. Given the risk of harm, he would not want to take his daughters there, but he also would not want to be separated from them.”

An estimated 16 million people in the United

States have mixed-status families like Baldo’s.

One in five undocumented immigrant adults has a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse and about 3.8 million undocumented immigrants have children who are U.S. citizens. Broad documentation shows how deportation can result not only in separation of children from a parent but also food insecurity, challenges in accessing health care, housing instability, and sometimes entry of children into foster care. Families lose the financial stability provided by their formerly employed parent and the local economy suffers lower tax revenue. The very real threat of a parent’s removal is causing millions of U.S. citizen and lawful permanent resident children emotional, psychological, and educational harm.

DAPA would allow a parent like Baldo to return to his former job and stay with his family for at least three years without fear of deportation, with the opportunity for renewal.

By expanding DACA, the Department of Homeland Security would offer deferred action to more young people brought to the United States as children before their sixteenth birthday. They must have continuously lived in the U.S. since January 2010 and every day since August 15, 2012, have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be in school. They would have access to important educational opportunities, internships and career and vocation training and have better chances of new jobs and increased earnings. The state of Texas’ injunction prevents an estimated 290,000 people brought to the country as children from applying for DACA. The friend of the court brief of educators and children’s advocates which CDF joined cites two young women who benefited from the initial DACA initiative. Tonya had dropped out of high school in Arizona, discouraged after her parents returned to Mexico, but DACA gave her an incentive to complete her GED and enroll in a medical assistance training program. With DACA support and the needed identification, college student Jessica was able to volunteer at a hospital, apply for an internship at a medical school, and take the MCAT, hoping to move on to her dream of medical school. With expanded DACA in place more young people like these will be able to pursue education and jobs.

The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016

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Qualifying for these temporary, renewable deportation deferrals requires people to meet a variety of requirements and pass a criminal background check. In recognition of the benefits for children and families and the economic future of our country, there is very broad support for DAPA and expanded DACA. Sixteen states and the District of Columbia; 116 cities and counties (including Brownsville and Austin, TX, New Orleans, LA, Knoxville, TN, Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, Los Angeles, CA, and New York City), along with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors; 51 current and former chiefs of police and sheriffs and the Major Cities Chiefs Association and Police Executive Research Forum; 326 immigrants’ rights, civil rights, labor, and social service organizations; a bipartisan group of former members of Congress; 225 current U.S. senators and representatives; and former federal immigration and Homeland Security officials have filed friend of the court briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court.

I hope the U.S. Supreme Court will seize this opportunity to move our nation forward, prevent family break up, end the stressful hardships countless families face, and give hope and stability to millions of families, children, and young adults who would benefit from the President’s executive actions.

In the Jewish and Christian traditions, Leviticus 19:33-34 commands, “When strangers sojourn with you in your land, you shall not do them wrong. The strangers who sojourn with you shall be to you as the natives among you, and you shall love them as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Let all of us break our silence and speak up about the suffering of our sisters and brothers whose family members are at risk of being torn apart by deportation.

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind mission is to ensure every child a Health Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communitites. For more information go to www.

ChildrensDefense.org

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

5 BUSINESS

CAANJ

THE BOTTOM LINE: RESTAURANTS - A BANKER’S BELLYACHE

By Iris Cooper, MBA A s a f o r m e r b a n k e r, I cowered when a prospect submitted a loan request for a new restaurant, since I knew the life of a solid one was seldom longer than five years. In my 25 year banking career, I can recall approving several restaurant loans for entrepreneurs that managed to survive the highs and lows of the industry.

Others collapsed quickly, leaving equipment and furniture to the liquidators. I loved the restaurant business, but some financing requests were too risky for my taste, especially those that relied on the owner to cook, market, manage, clean, and keep the books.

My late Glory Foods partner, Bill Williams, launched the celebrated Marble Gang Restaurant that pleased patrons for over seven years in the Columbus, Ohio Mt. Vernon Plaza, before changing ownership. The Marble Gang was more than a diner; it was a family reunion of old and new friends collaborating over food, drink, and song. The urban eatery featured remarkable ribs, decadent desserts, and whimsical waiters, but also possessed a critical element that kept it alive long after others had expired: strong handson management. Bill’s knowledge came from a prestigious culinary arts degree, and leading five star restaurants in addition to the 15 restaurants in the Lazarus Food Division. I quickly learned the formula for success while working from the inside out under Bill’s wing as the marketing manager. I was fortunate; Charles Lazarus gave me complete authority to develop new restaurant models and marketing strategies, which frequently made Bill’s life miserable. We were a successful team and sales grew significantly during our tenure with the Columbus retail giant.

Years later, we would work together to create Glory Foods, Inc. at the corner of 18th and Oak. I continue to work with food enterprises today as a marketing and branding consultant.

The food industry is crucial to economic growth,

due to its contribution to employment and the travel and tourism industry. Restaurant owners must daily enforce the business model through stringent financial controls and innovative marketing techniques. Stress is a normal part of a lifestyle that burns through cash and character simultaneously. Below are five traits of successful restaurants that lead to operational sustainability.

• Experienced multi-level management.

The owner must make decisions based upon customer preferences, financial results, and competitive strategy. When the owner is not available, someone else must be available and able to step up to duplicate the management process and policies.

• A fervent commitment to quality. An imbedded quality control function must occur at every stage of production, from preparing the food to cleaning rest rooms with ample toilet paper! All employees must understand the value proposition and the systems for success.

• Hiring based upon qualifications, not relationship. Family members are loyal and sometimes talented, but must be held to the same standards as anyone else in the food chain.

• A unique brand and commitment to quality that permeates the facility. Customers must leave with a feeling of satisfaction and a desire to return.

• Systems to automate and simplify operations. Software is now available to calculate food cost, profit margin, theft, and every other aspect of restaurant management.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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I love restaurants and hate to see them fail.

Bankers love them too, but only as patrons, enjoying a succulent meal with a glass of vintage wine.

Iris Cooper’s career includes leadership positions in financial services, economic development, community service, communication, government, and education.

She is the owner of “JustAskIris!” an entrepreneurial coaching firm. Iris is a founder of Glory Foods, Inc., a multi-million dollar food marketing company. Iris is recognized nationally as an expert in business strategy and branding, having coached many startups to sustainability. Her newest venture is Finish Your Gloryfied Business Plan Now!, a workshop to foster entrepreneurial success. Iris is the former Director of the Ohio Division of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, where Iris led the state from 29th worst place for small businesses in 2007 to the 9th best in the nation, and 1st in the Midwest in four years.

In 2015 Iris introduced the 2nd version of “When the Devil is Beating His Wife, a Christian Perspective on Domestic Violence and Recovery” co-authored with Melanie Houston and available on Amazon and alabasterboxmedia.com. Iris is a featured writer and speaker on business topics, and an adjunct professor at Franklin University.

She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the Indiana University Alumni Association, and WELD. She will complete her DBA in 2016 from Walden University, majoring in Entrepreneurship.

The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016

CAANJ

POINDEXTER OPPORTUNITY DAY EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

By Nancy Tidwell It is no secret that that there is a growing demand for skilled workers and that without action now, the construction industry will soon face a severe labor shortage. Under the umbrella of the Poindexter IIA and IIB Redevelopment Project, the first in a series of events was conducted on April 9 to bring together employers, job seekers, and training programs. Poindexter IIA and IIB is the new construction of multi-family housing on a portion of the site once known as Poindexter Village.

The event was held at The Ohio State University African American and African Studies Community Extension Center. Linda James Myers, Ph.D., Director of the Center stated, “Employment and education are two of the most pressing issues in our community today. It was

an extraordinary experience to see such a large number of employers and training organizations spending time in our neighborhood meeting the needs of the unemployed while at the same time taking a major step forward to address labor shortages.”

More than 100 job seekers attended the event to meet with the 26 employment and training organizations ready to interview and provide

services needed to guarantee the beginning of a career pathway to success. Columbus State Community College, Godman Guild, and COWIC provided information on how and where to get a GED, among their many other services.

The Columbus Urban League, Neighborhood House, and IMPACT Community Action offered “ready to work” trainings.

Five union apprenticeship programs were represented to encourage participation in what is often called “the best kept secret” for how to get an education and get paid at the same time. These included Bricklayers, Electrical Workers, Iron Workers, Plumbers & Pipefitters and Sheet Metal Workers. The Associated Builders & Contracts also encouraged apprenticeships and is in fact in the development stages of offering a summer training institute specifically for the Poindexter project but open to others as well.

Employers interviewing at the event included: Accurate Electric, Affordable Quality Painters, Commercial Painting, Corna Kokosing Construction, Global Source Personnel, Graves Lumber, Kirk Bros. Masonry, Kokosing Construction, M & C Construction, Messer Construction, Munnerlyn Cleaning Services, Ruscilli Construction, Turner Construction, and Thompson Concrete Construction.

Jim Austin, a workforce development consultant to NRT & Associates, Inc., lead organizer of the event, was pleased with the turnout and excited about the interaction that occurred. “It is clear that the results of this event will be long lasting. It is my understanding that one young man ‘wowed’ five or six employers and has since received several job offers. We are continuing to work with other attendees to help make connections for them.”

“The construction workforce development strategy for this project is to continue to support ‘soft skills’ training offered locally by numerous non-profit organizations and to encourage construction companies to make an investment in ‘hard skills’ training with a commitment to

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hire. We have a labor force able to work—many just need a ‘jump start’ toward a career. This strategy will shrink the current skill shortage,” Austin further stated.

The work to be performed on the Poindexter project is subject to Section 3 HUD requirements that employment and training opportunities be directed to low and very low-income persons to the greatest extent possible. Individuals interested in construction jobs are encouraged to complete a job referral form that will be forwarded to contractors hiring on the Poindexter project.

Forms are made available by calling NRT & Associates, Inc., Lead MBE/WBE/Section 3 Consultant for the Poindexter project at (614) 237-6021. The form can also be accessed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ HZ682HW. In order to meet the needs of as many unemployed individuals as possible, completed job referral forms will also be made available to other local construction projects upon request.

The Poindexter IIA & IIB Project development team is being led by McCormack Baron Salazar in partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority. Ruscilli Construction is the General Contractor. This event was co-sponsored

by The Ohio State University African American and African Studies Community Extension Center.

Nancy Tidwell is the President of NRT & Associates.

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r a t S t h g i Midn don’t miss

at the King arts Complex 29th gala Saturday, May 21 thekingartscomplex.com

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presented by

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Progressive Leadership Academy Cycle VIII Graduation On behalf of the faculty, staff and program supporters of the Progressive Leadership Academy, we wish to commend the Fellows of Cycle VIII for your active involvement in every aspect of the training that we offered. You are a phenomenal group of young professionals and we fully expect you to take all that you learned into the marketplace and make this a better community, a better state, and a better world.

There are countless individuals who need you to speak up on their behalf. Do not ignore or dissapoint them. Slience is not an option.

Ray Miller, Founder & Director

(L to R - Back Row) Councilmember Shannon Hardin, Rev. Dr. Mark Hensley, Cecil Jones, Ephraim Laidley, Rep. Hearcel Craig, Dr. Chanelle Jones, Elizabeth Joy, Brenna Travis, Councilmember Jaiza Page, Rodirick Dye, Camren Harris, Senator Charleta Tavares, Director Angela Dawson, John Sinkfield, Ray Miller, Burhan Ahmed.

(Front Row) Brooke Brown, Quiess Muhammad, Dr. Rhonda Talford Knight, Yaves Ellis, Helen Stewart, Kaneeka Dalton Paul, Antwan Steward, Dr. Kevin Dixon

Camren Harris, Cycle VIII - Introduces Keynote Speaker, Clark Kellogg

Mistress of Ceremonies - Elizabeth Joy, Cycle VIII

McKenna Hensley sings “Rise Up” by Andra Day

Keynote Speaker - Clark Kellogg, CBS Sports/OSU Board of Trustees

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Quiess Muhammad, Cycle VIII - Introduces Faculty Member State Senator Charleta B. Tavares

State Senator Charleta B. Tavares - Faculty Member brings greetings from the Ohio Senate

Antwan Steward, Cycle VIII Introduces State Representative Hearcel Craig

State Representative Hearcel Craig brings greetings from the Ohio House of Representatives

Dr. Rhonda Talford Knight, Cycle VIII - Introduces Director Angela Dawson - Faculty Member

Director Angela Dawson - Ohio Commission on Minority Health Faculty Member

Brooke Brown, Cycle VIII Introduces McKenna Hensley

Master of Ceremonies - Yaves Ellis, Cycle VIII

Brenna Travis, Cycle VIII Introduces Class Speaker

Kaneeka Dalton Paul, Cycle VIII Class Speaker

Helen Stewart, Cycle VIII Introduces Leadership Award Winner Dr. Chanelle Jones

Yaves Ellis, Dr. Chanelle Jones, Helen Stewart

Dr. Chanelle Jones, Professor Ohio Dominican University

Rodirick Dye, Cycle VIII Introduces Outstanding Alumni Award Winner Ephraim Laidley

Yaves Ellis, Ephraim Laidley, Rodirick Dye

Ephraim Laidley, - Chase Bank & Community Development Director Olde Town East

Ray Miller - Founder/President

Rev. Dr. Mark Hensley, Cycle II, RMI gives the benediction

Ray Miller and Clark Kellogg

Councilmember Jaiza Page, Cycle VIII - Introduces Ray Miller

The Progressive Leadership Academy

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By Ray Miller, MPA Picturing Frederick Douglass - An Illustrated Biography of the Nineteenth Century’s Most Photographed American

The Sleep Revolution - Transforming Your Life, One Night At A Time

By Arianna Huffington

By John Stauffer and Zoe Trodd

We are in a sleep deprivation crisis, writes Arianna Huffington, the co-founder and editor of The Huffington Post. And this has profound consequences - on our health, our job performance, our relationships and our happiness. What is needed, she boldly asserts, is nothing short of a sleep revolution. Only by renewing our relationship with sleep can we take back our control of our lives.

In today’s fast-paced, always-connected, perpetually-harried and sleep-deprived world, our need for a good night’s sleep is more important - and elusive -- than ever. The Sleep Revolution both sounds the alarm on our worldwide sleep crisis and provides a detailed road map to the great sleep awakening that can help transform our lives, our communities, and our world.

A landmark and collectible volume beautifully produced in duotone - that canonizes Frederick Douglass through historic photography. Picturing Frederick Douglass is a work that promises to revolutionize our knowledge of race and photography in nineteenth-century America. Teeming with historical detail, it is filled with suprises, chief among them the fact that neither George Custer, nor Walt Whitman and not even Abraham Lincoln, was the most photographed American of that century. In fact, it was Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), the exslave turned abolitionist, eloquent orator, and seminal writer whose fiery speeches transformed him into one of the most renowned and popular agitators of his age.

Cultures In Conflict - Eliminating Racial Profiling

The Color of Hope: People of Color Mental Health Narratives

By Martha R. Bireda, Ph.D.

By Vanessa Hazzard

The suspension and expulsion of ethnic minority students, especially African American males remains a critical issue in schools today. This book addresses the root causes of racial disparity in discipline. Dr. Bireda shows how culturally conditioned beliefs and cultural misunderstanding negatively impact teacher-student relationships and interactions in the classroom. In addition, factors in the school climate that may precipitate and escalate disciplinary events are examined.

Ultimately, Cultures In Conflict provides a framework which assists administrators and teachers in establishing a dialogue on issues related to race and culture, and provides a set of strategies for reducing disciplinary events and referrals.

The Color of Hope: People of Color Mental Health Narratives is a project that sheds light on mental health in communities of color by sharing stories of those affected by mental illness. By sharing our stories, we open up discussion around the topic and break through stigma and shame. The contributors represent those living with or affected by loved ones with depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions. They are men ad women, children and adults, political prisoners, college students, business people, artists...all of African, Latino and Asian descent. Their narratives add to the tapestry of the human experience and without them, our history is incomplete.

Safeguarding Black Children: Good Practice in Child Protection

By Claudia Bernard

Too Important to Fail - Saving America’s Boys

By Tavis Smiley

Providing an exploration of the key issues, this book offers practical advice on how to improve the safeguarding and welfare of black children and young people in need.

With contributions from academics, researchers and practitioners, it promotes an understanding of the particular cultural and social issues that affect black children in relation to child protection. It highlights how race and racism, as well as culture, faith and gender, can influence the ways need and risk are interpreted and responded to. Essential reading for all social workers and child protection workers, as well as students and support managers, Safeguarding Black Children provides the tools and understanding needed to better support these children.

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Too Important to Fail - Saving America’s Boys is the companion volume to Tavis Smiley Reports PBS special which was funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as part of its American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen initiative. The book examines an undeclared crisis in America -- the staggering dropout rate among young black males. In countless urban schools the graduation rate has plummeted to less than 20% and nationwide, fewer than 50% of young black males will graduate from high school. Low graduation rates combined with disproportionate rates of suspensions, expulsion and young black males assigned to special education classes, fuel this state of emergency. This volume picks up where the special leaves off with an expanded discussion, dot-connecting data and real life examples of the information and resources needed to harness our frustration and concern into collective and effective action.

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6 HISTORY

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MARTIN DELANY: ABOLITIONIST, SCHOLAR, AND ONE OF THE FIRST PROPONENTS OF BLACK NATIONALISM

By Rodney Q. Blount, M.A. Columbus is strategically located in the center of Ohio and has many ties to communities and institutions throughout Ohio. One Ohio community, Wilberforce, is an example of a community with strong ties to Columbus and has an exemplary history. Hundreds of Columbus residents have went to college, contributed to or worked at Wilberforce University, Central State University, or Paine College (all located in Wilberforce). Also, both have black communities whose histories that extend over two centuries.

Both areas have been the home to prominent scholars, abolitionist, authors, etc. Martin Delany, who made his home in Wilberforce, was prominent in all of the previous mentioned areas and more.

Delany, distinguished African American abolitionist, scholar, author, diplomat, Black Nationalist, explorer of Africa, and veteran of the American Civil War was born in West Virginia to Samuel, a former slave, and Pati Delany (a free woman). Since his mother was a freewoman, this allowed Delany to be born free by law. From his childhood, his parents told him that his ancestors were African royalty. They instilled pride and the value of education in him. Delany’s grandparents were all from Africa, but had been captured and brought to America. Delany’s family rushed north when his mother faced retribution for educating Martin and her other children.

His intellect gained him admission into Harvard University Medical School becoming the first African American, along with two others, to gain this privilege. Delany obtained letters from 17 doctors attesting to his skill, he applied to several medical schools but was denied solely because of the color of his skin. Delany was admitted to Harvard University’s medical school in 1849.

He attended for only a few months, however, before his presence became so controversial that the Dean of the Medical School, Oliver Wendell Holmes, rescinded Delany’s admission.

Unfortunately, their presence caused such an uproar that Delany was forced to withdraw in the first few weeks.

Delany decided to continue his medical practice when he moved to Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh, Delany became extremely involved in the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement. Addressing a rally in 1850, Delany said, “My house is my castle. If any man approaches that house in search of a slave... if he crosses the threshold of my door, and I do not lay him a lifeless corpse at my feet, I hope the

grave may refuse my body a resting place, and righteous Heaven my spirit a home.”

Delany became a newspaper publisher and an author whose works included The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States, Politically Considered. Delany also published Mystery, a weekly newspaper supporting the abolitionist movement, from 1843-47, during which time Delany began working with Frederick Douglass.

After the Mystery closed, Delany became coeditor of Frederick Douglass’s newspaper, North Star. After his joint venture with Douglass, he apprenticed under several physicians in the Pittsburgh area and then opened his own practice, specializing in dentistry and leech therapy.

Delany was a man of letters and distinguished his thoughts in his writing. Delany wrote a book

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in 1852 entitled, The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States, Politically Considered. It was one of the first widely read books that advocated Black Nationalism. He also wrote a book called, Blake, or The Huts of America, which was written as a response to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin because Delany was irritated

by Stowe’s depiction of black enslaved men and women as submissive victims.”

In August 1854, Delany helped organize the National Emigration Convention of Colored People held in Cleveland. At the convention, Delany called for abolition, and for free blacks to resettle in the Caribbean, Central or South America, or East Africa. In fact, Delany went to Liberia and Africa’s Niger Valley where he discussed resettlement plan of African Americans to Africa with various local African leaders.

Delany also traveled to London and Canada where he spent several months lecturing to academic groups about his travels in Africa, speaking to human rights groups about his life in America and held a discussion with a fugitive slave community. The Civil War began not long after his travels. He joined the military and was assigned to the 104th Colored unit. Martin Delany became the first African-American to become a field officer in the US Army, reaching the rank of Major.

Delany worked for the Freedman’s Bureau after the Civil War and was an advocate for former slaves. Accordingly, he moved to South Carolina and ran for Lieutenant Governor in 1874. He lost narrowly on a ticket opposing the Republican Party. He endorsed the Democratic ticket at the following elections, and was appointed to a judgeship after they succeeded. Thereafter, Delany moved to Wilberforce to retire and so his kids grow up an area with access to a great education. He was also an active Mason and a Fellow of the Royal Society. On January 24, 1885, Martin Delany, distinguished African American abolitionist, scholar, author, and diplomat died as a result of tuberculosis. Martin Delany is buried in Massies Creek Cemetery in Cedarville Township, Greene County, Ohio.

Martin Delany is an extraordinary man beyond his time. There is not enough space to permit me to talk about all of his accomplishments, but I encourage each of you to read about Major Delany and about his contributions that made him ahead of his time.

Roderick Blount is an Educator and Historian.

He received two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Ball State University and a Masters of Arts degree from The Ohio State University. His work has been featured in several publications.

Roderick is a native of Columbus, Ohio and is a member of several organizations.

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HARRIET TUBMAN AND THE COLOR OF MONEY

By Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens Harriet Tubman, God’s greatest lifelong American steward of justice, will grace the twenty-dollar bill by 2020. The first AfricanAmerican and the first woman to appear on modern American paper money is a woman who defied slavery -the greatest system of financial and human injustice this nation has ever known.

She was purchased as a slave, broke the uncivil laws of slavery by running away and through 13 missions into slave states led over 70 people to freedom in defiance of the economics of injustice.

Loved by African-Americans as “Moses” bringing her enslaved sisters and brothers to freedom she was feared by “the Pharoahs” of the south who considered her to be their greatest threat to their “property.” As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Ms. Tubman never lost a passenger.

Born, Araminta Ross in March 1822, on a plantation in Dorchester County, Maryland, the daughter of Harriet Greene Ross and Ben Ross escaped to Philadelphia in 1849. She immediately returned to Maryland to free her family, including her husband John Tubman. She continued to journey south and back again until November 1860. During the war, she became the first woman in American history to lead a military force as she led the Union Army on a daring raid on Combahee Ferry, South Carolina which liberated more than 750 slaves. Although she served the Army as a nurse, a spy, and a scout, she was never paid a penny and never received any government pension which left her poor.

After the war, she moved to Auburn, New York to live in the home she had purchased in 1959. It was in Auburn that she raised money and built a

nursing home for African Americans who had no one to care for them. While it was recommended by her AME Zion church that someone pay $100 for entrance into the home, Harriet believed that only people who had nothing at all should be admitted for care. It was in this home that she died penniless in 1913 at the age of 91.

Harriet Tubman was not only one of our nation’s greatest freedom fighters, she was also one of our nation’s greatest stewards. As a devote Christian and a leader in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion), Ms. Tubman lived the principles of good stewardship. She spent over 90 years of her life giving her time, talents, material possessions, and wealth to others in the service of God. When we say she was the first African-American woman to appear on paper money, this is not completely true. During the war, the Confederate States of America printed money and on very piece of currency, slaves were depicted. In all the pictures, the slaves looked “Happy.” If anyone says the Civil War was not about slavery they need only look at Confederate Currency to see that it was all about slavery.

Jesus says, “Where your treasure is there your heart shall be also.” The heart of the Confederate States of America treasured slavery and economic benefits of this evil system. This picture of a “female slave carrying cotton” appeared on 21 different Confederate currencies including the $10 bill in the State of Alabama. In “Confederate

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Currency: The Color of Money” John W. Jones tells this horrible story of the intersection of currency and slavery.

It is time to change the color of money once and for all.

What better way to do it than honoring America’s greatest steward? Harriet Tubman gave everything she had to others. She gave everything she had to God. She gave and gave and gave again! The woman who was declared valueless by her master when she was child, the woman who couldn’t be sold for $100 because she was too small and weak, the woman who suffered from severe headaches and epilepsy because of head trauma caused by being hit hard in the head by a slave driver and almost dying as a child will soon be enshrined forever on the $20 bill. When we exchange her currency, may we always do so as stewards of the gifts that God has given us. May we invest in life the way Harriet Tubman did. By so doing, we will ensure that freedom and justice is not just an ideal but a reality for all people.

Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens is the Senior Minister of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in downtown Columbus. A church known for its witness to social justice since its birth as an abolitionist congregation in 1852. Rev. Ahrens is the fifth consecutive senior minister from Yale Divinity School and is a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ.

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FROM ROCKS AND WEEDS TO HEALTHY PRODUCE

COMMUNITY EMBRACES COMMUNITY GARDENS AT CAPTIAL PARK FAMILY HEALTH COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 2, 2016) – “This has been a three-year journey of patience and persistence in more ways than one,” said Marty Miller, CEO for Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers, the parent corporation for Capital Park Family Health located at 2365 Innis Road. “Our community garden started out as rocks and weeds mixed with some produce that the deer and other animals found tasty.” But thanks to grants from the Franklin County Commissioners and Scotts Miracle Grow, we have fencing to keep the animals out and we have raised beds with rich soil for planting. Miller added that they currently have 13 garden plots being worked by families of the health center and the surrounding communities. “In fact, we have so much demand that next year we plan to add an additional 26 Heart of Ohio Family Health staff, family and plots.” community members celebrated Earth Day by Community gardens have many benefits such as dedicating an original mosaic design for the tool increased physical activity, lower stress levels, shed created by local artist, April Sunami improved food security and better dietary habits through education. In addition, community gardens create important social connections

which are beneficial to the overall wellbeing of the community.

For more information about the community gardens at Capital Park Family Health, please visit us at www.facebook.com/ communitygardencapitalparkfamilyhealth.

About Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers Heart of Ohio Family Health is the parent company for two federally qualified health centers: Whitehall Family Health, 882 South Hamilton Road, Whitehall, OH 43213 and Capital Park Family Health, 2365 Innis Road, Columbus, OH 43224. The mission of Heart of Ohio Family Health is to provide high-quality, holistic and sensitive care to meet the healthcare needs of their patients and the communities they serve. Our goal is to transform the health of these communities through excellent medical care and by intervening to improve the conditions and social determinants where our patients are born, live, work and grow.

YOGA STRETCHES ITS WAY TO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING

By Steve Nichol You’re never too young to relieve stress – or to learn how to breathe. Just ask the kids in the after school program at Homeport’s Pheasant Run Apartments in Reynoldsburg.

From the “Up Dog” to “Downward Dog” to the “Warrior Pose,” elementary and middle school students are learning yoga thanks to instructors brought in by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus.

“It’s different and I wanted to try it,” said Lanisha Clayton, 13. “It’s a stress reliever.”

It also leads to muscle development, said Reign Wilson, 12.

“It felt good. But then you start feeling the burn,” said Reign, a sixth grader. “I told my Mom and she said, ‘It’s good for you.’”

Yoga breathing techniques also help in providing oxygen to the body and creating a mechanism to deal with anger, said Halden Sabri, one of the instructors. “Breathing has a huge impact on their bodies . . . It’s more than an exercise.”

Alex Romstedt, Homeport’s Assistant Director of Learning & Engagement, said the yoga class is one more tool in building successful futures for children in the after school programs.

“I think there’s definitely value here. Yoga is all about self-awareness, which without can lead to behavioral problems,” Romstedt said.

The classes began in March and are held every other Tuesday. The instructors are graduates of the Balanced Yoga Studio in Clintonville.

As part of their certification the instructors were told to find a place to make a “contribution … to provide yoga to people who normally would not have access,” said instructor Susan Marsh.

A friend of Marsh had a contact for Lisa Gordon, the Pheasant Run site leader for Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus, and from there the class was

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set in motion for her and fellow instructor, Sabri.

Sabri said she has been pleased with how well the classes have been received, particularly given shorter attention spans of children.

It doesn’t hurt the exercises have colorful names with positive impacts, like snake (posture), caterpillar (digestion) and elephant (spine), she said.

Steve Nichol is Manager for Public Relations for Homeport

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KING ARTS COMPLEX 29TH GALA: A HERITAGE OF HEALING This year, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex (The King Arts Complex) will be celebrating its 29th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, May 21, 2016, honoring Black doctors and dentists from around Ohio.

This annual fundraiser makes sure our guests leave happy as we provide the best in fine dining and entertainment.

In addition to the great time to be had, our Galas are attended by some of the biggest names in Art, Politics and Business in Columbus, making this event a great place to meet new people, mingle and network.

We invite guests to enjoy a full casino alongside great food and drink as we provide premiere entertainment, sure to get people dancing.

“Columbus has a rich heritage of African American healers: from the doctors and dentists who lived and built their practices in Columbus’ Near East Side and served as leaders in their communities, to the many African American physicians and dentists today who make important contributions to their fields and our health. It is fitting that we honor them at The King Arts Complex, where our mission

is to connect community through the arts.” Demetries Neely, Executive Director The theme of this year’s Gala is A Heritage of Healing: Honoring African American Physicians and Dentists. Columbus has a rich heritage of African American healers: from doctors and dentists who lived and built their practices in Columbus’ Near East Side and served as leaders in their communities, to the many African American physicians and dentists today who

make important contributions to their fields and our wellbeing.

“We are extremely excited to honor AfricanAmerican physicians and dentists who have served our community over the years. Their efforts and the efforts of those before them exemplify the “Heritage of Healing” that The King Arts Complex celebrates for the 29th Anniversary on Saturday, May 21st.” –Jevon Collins We are proud to announce that our headlining musical act this year will be Midnight Star. The Electro-Funk band used its Soul and Disco roots to wow fans and top billboard charts in the US, UK and across the world, leading one of their albums to go double-platinum in the States.

Rolling Stone called their fourth album, No Parking on the Dancefloor, one of the greatest pop albums of the 80’s. To this day Midnight Star continues to receive praise from myriad acclaimed music publications for their unique blend of genres and high-energy live performances.

So come join us at The King Arts Complex, Where Dreams Come Alive, as we honor these striking individuals and their contributions to our world!

MEET ROBERT E. DALTON, JR. Robert Dalton was born in Sioux Falls South Dakota and moved to the Columbus area when he was three years old. During his life in Columbus he lived in the African American community.

He attributes his success in life to the values and traditions conveyed to him by both his mother and father.

In 1964, Bob graduated from Columbus East High School and entered the United States Navy where he performed the duties of a radioman and electronic technician. He is a survivor of the Viet Nam War where he saw action in many campaigns.

He and his wife Ronda, have been married for 41 years, and they are the proud parents of two amazing children; Tiffany and Nicholas. Both children are adults now and are active members of the communities in which they live.

Mr. Dalton obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University specializing in two areas: Business Administration and Computer Science.

He later attended Ohio State University where he received an MBA in the area of Business and Finance.

In his professional life his career spanned over 30 years inside the telecommunications industry where he held many managerial positions.

During his private sector experience all of his assignments were challenging and prepared him for life after in a corporate environment.

During his tenure in the private sector, he was a manager in field operation, customer service, collections and billing, marketing, information technology, retailing, engineering, and budgeting and planning. All of these functions were performed for the local, state, and regional areas of SBC, formally known as Ohio Bell and later as Ameritech. He retired from the telecommunications industry in 2000.

In 2001 he and his wife Ronda established a Limited Liability Company (LLC) known as Delightful Delights. This is a service company dedicated to the food and refreshment industry.

They specialize in full service catering, vending machines and providing office coffee services,

and bottled water services. The main goal of the company is to improve the reputation of the food industry in general and to gain the respect of clients through the use of honest and trustworthy relationships.

Since the conception of Delightful Delights the business motto has been simple “Exceed expectations”. Delightful Delights does this with your very first contact and continues to take the hassles out of obtaining food and refreshments for the office complex. By implementing this business motto Mr. Dalton’s company is making a significant impact within the Columbus community.

The services that highlight the value added aspects of Delightful Delights are: Catering, coffee service, bottled water service, and vending service. Each of these services are offered to all types of businesses to respond their needs. In this environment his company offers many billing and discount plans to meet the demands of the business budget. All of the services offered by Delightful Delights are designed to provide the best services with the best

office for all employees.

The flag ship service of the company’s multi functional array of products is their full service catering for groups of 10 and up with an extensive line of meal options to fit any type of occasions from the continental breakfast to the formal white glove dinner. Delightful Delights is an authorized catering firm at all of the major meeting venues, such as all, CAPA locations, Franklin Park Conservatory, Valley Dale, King Arts Complex, and many others.

He is a past member of several civic organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Ohio Jaycees, Reynoldsburg Kiwanis & Toastmasters, Central Ohio Management Association, and Charity Newsies. His company is currently a member of the Columbus and Westerville Chambers of Commerce and the Columbus Area Better Business Bureau.

Bob Dalton’s business is one that is truly revolutionary within the food and refreshment industry. His company is making a substantial in the Columbus area. Dalton says, “That prices. They are able to do this by offering all of impact at Delightful Delights exceeding customer’s the traditional food and refreshment services in expectations is why we are in business.” a package deal to enhance the time spent at the

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MARCIA SAPP, NATIONAL RECORDING ARTIST, TO HEADLINE: SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION

outlets, including Black Entertainment Television (BET).

The Second Baptist Church family would like to extend an invitation for all Central Ohio women to celebrate their 77 th anniversary, especially former members. For more information visit www.secondbaptistcolumbus.com.

By Kalitha Williams Columbus – Pastor Howard T. Washington and The Second Baptist Church are pleased to invite the Central Ohio community to participate in its 77 th Annual Women’s Day Celebration on Sunday May 15, 2016 at 10:45 am at 186 N. 17th Street Columbus, OH 43203 . The worship service will feature Marcia Sapp, national recording artist and 2014 McDonald’s Gospelfest Female Soloist of the Year. This year’s theme is Women United Through Christ (Psalms 133:1).

In unity, the women of Second Baptist Church will be adorned in all white accented with royal blue scarves, to worship on one accord honoring the service, dedication and achievements of its women. The Sunday Morning Service speaker will be Reverend Marcia Sapp of St. James AME Church in Newark, New Jersey. Reverend Sapp

is a national recording artist, author, and serves as the Director of the Praise and Worship Team Ministry. She has ministered internationally and opened for Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary, Tramaine and others. She has sung with many gospel greats, including Stephen Hurd, Karen ClarkSheard, and the late Rev. Timothy Wright. Her ministry has been featured on various television

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER:

IMPACT COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY AND AARP HELP OLDER AMERICANS FIND WORK

According to the National Healthy Worksite (NHW) Issue Brief No.1 , advances in public health and medicine and improvements in technology have allowed Americans to not only improve their health, but to increase their life expectancy as well. The average life expectancy for Americans has increased from age 70 to age 78 over the past 50 years. This improvement in life expectancy and health brings with it the willingness for some older adults, and sometimes the financial need for other older adults, to work beyond the traditional retirement age of 66.

Researchers have found that as baby boomers (people born from 1946 to 1964) age, they are prolonging their careers, resulting in an increase in the number of older workers in the workplace.

By 2030, the number of people aged 65 years or older in the United States is projected to double to 7 million adults, which will represent 20% of the total U.S. population. According to the Social Security Administration Brief, “When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits,” the current full retirement age is 66. However a person may

choose to retire at 62 years. If retired at 62, the monthly retirement benefit will be reduced by 25% to account for the longer period of time that a person may receive the benefit. Usually this decrease is permanent.

Conversely, a person may delay getting benefits until they are 70. This would increase the monthly benefit by 32%. The benefit is from the delayed retirement credits earned if a person decides to postpone receiving benefits until past the full retirement age. The Brief also sites that more than one in three 65 year olds today, will live to age 90 and more than one in seven will live to age 95. Social Security benefits, which last as long as you live, provides valuable protection against outliving savings and other resources of retirement income. Therefore people should choose wisely based on their own circumstances when to retire to ensure that they have enough income when they need it. Facing a reduction in benefits and higher costs of living, older workers are remaining in the work place to ensure that the maximum benefit is leveraged by age. Although there is no consensus to the definition of an older worker, the U. S. Department of Labor considers an older worker to be someone aged 55 years or older.

There are 37,554 households with persons age 50-54 and 31, 197 households with persons age 55-59 (living in Franklin County according to www.surburbanstats.org, “Suburban Stats Current Franklin County Ohio Population, Demographics and Stats 2016, 2015” report. As this customer demographic grows, so too must IMPACT Community Action’s programs and service offerings for older adults.

The partnership between IMPACT and the AARP Foundation meets the need for older Americans to have opportunities to remain self-sufficient.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) helps low-income job seekers age 55 and over gain the skills needed to reenter or remain in the workforce. The program provides the participants with training and income to prepare them for finding employment 35

and helps employers address their workforce shortages by becoming a resource for trained, qualified mature workers.

Mr. Robert Walker, Ms. Theresa Howard and Mr. Louis Mathis (shown from left) are among the SCSEP participants employed by IMPACT. Like millions of older workers, they opted to remain in the workforce and secure a better financial future.

However the projected growth of this population may exceed employment opportunities and must be met with training and job retention.

T h r o u g h i t s Wo r k f o r c e D e v e l o p m e n t Employment Plus Program, IMPACT offers the latest in technology and workforce development training. The workplace simulated environment naturally supports inclusion, teamwork, workplace values, and emotional intelligence with a diverse wide range of participants. Employment Plus is supported by financial literacy and computer literacy training, professional development, case management and opportunities to interview with employers.

Older Americans are encouraged to complete the curriculum based 5 week training and gain the critical skills needed for these mature job seekers. IMPACT supports the efforts of AARP SCSEP. “The impact of the older workers on our workforce has been tremendous,” says Robert “Bo” Chilton, CEO of IMPACT, “we hope that other non-profit organizations will build their partnerships with AARP. Our workers from AARP have been and continue to be reliable and invaluable asset to us.”

Sources: 1) National Healthy Worksite (NHW) Issue Brief No.1; 2) Social Security Administration Brief: When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits, 3) U. S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics; 4) www.surburbanstats.org: Suburban Stats Current Franklin County Ohio Population, Demographics and Stats 2016, 2015 report; American Association of Retired Persons Foundation Senior Community Employment Program (AARP SCSEP).

The Columbus African American Journal • May 2016 The Columbus African American NewsNews Journal • February 2015

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COMMUNITYEVENTS May 6, 2016 Steve Lehman Octet - Jazz Jazz saxophonits and composer Steve Lehman brings his octet to the best room for jazz in this evening of inventive and exhilarating music. Currently on tour in the US, they will stop in Columbus for one night. For tickets, call 614-292-3535.

Location: The Wexner Center for the Arts Address: 145 Easton Town Center, 43219 Time: 8:00 PM Admission: $13 students, $17 members, $20 general Web: www.WexArts.org May 10, 2016 Going Off Script with Vannessa Williams The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio is hosting its Keyholder 2016 event this year with actress, author, producer and humanitarian Vanessa Williams. This annual fundrasing event for the community is designed to amplify the voices of women and girls. For tickets, call 614-225-9926.

Location: The Ohio Theatre Address: 39 E. State Street, 43215 Time: 6:30 PM Admission: $50 + Web: www.WomensFundofCentralOhio.org May 10, 2016 All Jokes Aside The Central Ohio Young Black Democrats invite you attend a special event featuring Raymond Lambert and Chris Bournea, co-authors of All Jokes Aside, a new book that offers a backstage look into Lambert’s successes, failures and lessons running a “star factory” that launched the careers of Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, Mon’Nique and many others. WBNS-10 TV anchor, Jerry Revish will facilitate the discussion.

May 12-15, 2016 Comedian: DeRay Davis DeRay Davis is one of the most talented comedians in Hollywood.

After a successful stint on BET’s Comic View, Davis went on to appear in multiple movies inlcuding, Jumping The Broom, Barbershop 1&2, Scary Movie 4 and Johnson’s Family Reunion. He also did voiceover work for the hit series Boondocks. For tickets call 614-471-5653.

Location: The Funny Bone Columbus Address: 145 Easton Town Center, 43219 Time: Call for show times.

Admission: Call for prices.

Web: www.ColumbusFunnyBone.com May 11, 13-15, 2016 Women’s Day Weekend - Second Baptist Church Celebrate Women’s Day at Second Baptist Church where their theme is Women United Through Christ, Psalm 133:1. The weekend will start with prayer service on Wednesday, followed by a Pot Luck Dinner on Friday, Race for the Cure on Saturday and Worship Service on Sunday featuring Marcia Sapp.

Location: Second Baptist Church Address: 186 N. 17th Street, 43203 Time: 6:00 PM (Wed), 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Fri), 7:00 AM (Sat) 10:45 AM (Sun) Admission: Free Web: www.SecondBaptistColumbus.com May 15 & 22, 2016 Oral Histories: Poindexter Village Join us every Sunday in May to hear recorded oral histories that capture what life what like in mid-20th century Columbus, as recalled by some of the people who lived in Poindexter Village, a New Deal public housing complex on the east side of Columbus that opened in 1940. For more information call 614-297-2300.

Location: The Funny Bone Columbus Address: 145 Easton Town Center, 43219 Time: 7:00 PM Admission: $20 Web: www.ColumbusFunnyBone.com

Location: Ohio Historical Society Address: 800 E. 17th Ave., 43211 Time: Noon - 5:00 PM Admission: $10 Adults, $9 60+, $5 Youth Web: www.OhioHistory.org

May 12, 2016 Community Conversation: What Is Safety?

Tired of talking about problems in our community without solutions? Then join us for a community conversation on “What Is Safety?” Work to develop a community platform for safety and justice that is by us and for us. Sponsored by the People’s Justice Project. For more information call 614-206-4531.

May 18, 2016 Comedian: Pierre The “Light-Skinned Comedian” is back. Pierre has appeared on BET’s Comic View, Def Comedy Jam and in several movies including BAPS, How To Be A Player and For The Love of Money. Sponsored by Boom 106.3 FM, join host City News for this one-night only event! Call for tickets 614-471-5653.

Location: African and African American Extension Center Address: 905 Mt. Vernon Ave., 43203 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.AAASCEC.OSU.edu

Location: The Funny Bone Columbus Address: 145 Easton Town Center, 43219 Time: 7:30 PM & 9:45 PM Admission: Call for prices.

Web: www.ColumbusFunnyBone.com

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COMMUNITYEVENTS May 20-21, 2016 Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters Based on the famous children’s book written by John Steptoe, the Thiossane Institute, will bring the story to life through tradtional African dance and music. This family friendly production is one that you do not want to miss. For tickets, call 614-469-0309.

Location: The Lincoln Theatre Address: 769 E. Long Street, 43203 Time: 6:30 PM (Friday), 7:30 PM (Saturday) Admission: $11.50 - $21.50 Web: www.LincolnTheatreColumbus.com

May 28, 2016 Family Fun Day - Columbus Commons Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with Family Funday at the Columbus Commons. Families can enjoy carousel rides, inflatable games, arts and crafts and much more. After a full day of fun, stay for the free movie showing of The Good Dinosaur. For more information visit the website below.

Location: Columbus Commons Address: 160 S. High Street, 43215 Time: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.ColumbusCommons.org

May 20, 2016 Easton Food Truck Festival Who doesn’t love a fresh food truck fare? Well come out to Easton Town Center and sample all of your favorite food trucks in Central Ohio. Enjoy lunch or dinner - or both! Bring your family and friends and have a great time. For more information visit the website below.

May 28-29, 2016 Asian Festival Celebrate Asian culture in Columbus, Ohio at the 21st Annual Asian Festival. Each year more than 100,000 people convene at Franklin Park to engage in various activities from music, to food, entertainment and more. This is a great event for the entire family to enjoy.

Location: Easton Town Center Address: 160 Easton Town Center, 43219 Time: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.EastonWay.com

Location: Franklin Park Address: 1755 E. Broad Street, 43203 Time: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.Asian-Festival.org

May 21, 2016 The King Arts Complex: 29th Annual Gala In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Nationwide Insurance and The King Arts Complex will honor African American Doctors who have served Columbus. In addition to the social activities, guests will also enjoy a performance from the legendary R&B group, Midnight Star. For tickets call 614-6455464.

May 31, 2016 5th Annual Ripple Awards Join IMPACT Community Action Agency as they host the 5th Annual Ripple Awards which honors leaders within the Central Ohio community. Enjoy a special keynote address from Dr. Melissa HarrisPerry (formerly of MSNBC). For more information or to purchase tickets, call 614-453-1624.

Location: The King Arts Complex Address: 867 Mt. Vernon Ave, 43203 Time: 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM Admission: $80 - $200 Web: www.KingArtsComplex.com May 26, 2016 Close To The Edge 2.0 - Health Seminar Join the National African American Male Wellness Walk Initiative for this importan health seminar. The panel will discuss issues around mental health wellness, reducing stress and other important issues related to African American men. For more information, call 614-754-7511.

Location: The Lincoln Theatre Address: 769 E. Long Street, 43203 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.AAWALK.org

Location: Hilton Easton Address: 3900 Chagrin Dr., 43219 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Admission: $60 or $600 per table of 10 Web: www.IMPACTCA.org June 1, 2016 Sounds On The Town - Gregg Swan & The Late Crew Kick off the summer with Sounds On The Town at Easton Town Center.

Listen to the sounds of funk band Gregg Swan & The Late Crew. Bring your family and have a great time! For more information on upcoming performances, visit the website below.

Location: Easton Square Address: 160 Easton Town Center, 43219 Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.EastonWay.com

Please note: Information for this section is gathered from multiple commnuity sources. The Columbus African American is not responsible for the accuracy and content of information. Times, dates and locations are subject to change. If you have an event that you would like to feature in this section, please call 614-3404891 or email us at editor@columbusafricanamerican.com. Submissions are due by the last Friday of each month.

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The Columbus African American News Journal • May 2016

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THE COLUMBUS AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWS JOURNAL PARTIAL DISTRIBUTION LIST

COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES

RESTAURANTS

Capital University - Student Union Columbus State Community College - Franklin Hall Franklin University Ohio Dominican University OSU Hospital East OSU Medical Center OSU Diversity & Inclusion Bricker Hall OSU African American & African Studies Community Extension Center

A Family Affair La Glory Cafe New Harvest Cafe Old Bag of Nails Super Chefs Tooties Chicken & Waffles The Lincoln Cafe (Formerly known as Zanzibar Brews)

GROCERY STORES

News Journal Distribution Locations

The Hill’s Market Kroger - Bexely Kroger - Whitehall Kroger - Reynoldsburgh Kroger - Gahanna Kroger - German Village Kroger - Short North/Campus

The Columbus African American is the largest minority publication in Central LIBRARIES Ohio with over 40,000 readers. The news journal is distributed on the first Friday of every month at more than 150 locations around the city. Pick up your CML - Driving Park Branch copy today at a location near you!

CML - Gahanna Branch New Jerusalem Baptist Church CHURCHES CML - Canal Winchester Branch New Birth Christian Ministries CML - Hilltop Branch All Nations Church New Salem Missionary Baptist Church CML - Karl Road Branch Asbury North United Methodist Church Oakley Full Gospel Church CML - Linden Branch Christ Memorial Baptist Church Original Glorious C.O.G.I.C. CML - Livingston Branch Columbus Christian Center Refuge Missionary Baptist Church CML - MLK Branch Corinthian Baptist Church Rehoboth Temple of Christ CML - Reynoldsburgh Branch Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church Rhema Christian Center CML - Shepard Branch Faith Ministries Second Baptist Church CML - Whitehall Branch First A.M.E Zion Church First Church of God Family Missionary Baptist Church Friendship Baptist Church Higher Ground A.A. Hosack St. Baptist Church Jordan Baptist Church Kingdom Christian Center Living Faith Apostolic Church Love Zion Baptist Church Maynard Ave Baptist Church Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Mt. Vernon AME

Shiloh Baptist Church St. John AME Church

RECREATION CENTERS

St. Paul AME Church

AARP Ohio Jenkins Terrace Isabelle Ridgeway Care Center Summit’s Trace Wexner Heritage Village STATE, COUNTY & CITY DEPARTMENTS ADAMH of Franklin County Columbus Health Department COWIC Dept. Jobs & Family Services Franklin County Children Services Ohio Dept. of Transportation MISCELLANEOUS Dollar General (Broad & Main) All Neighborhood Health Centers King Arts Complex Homeport C.D. White Funeral Home Caliman Funeral Home

St. Phillip`s Episcopal Church St. Philip Lutheran Church Southfield Missionary Baptist Church Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church Spring Hill Baptist Church Tabernacle Baptist Church Traveler’s Rest Baptist Church Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church Trinity Baptist Church Union Grove Baptist Church Vineyard Columbus

May 2016 2015 The Columbus African American News Journal • February

SENIOR CARE ORGANIZATIONS

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Canal Winchester YMCA E.E. Ward Family YMCA Hilltop YMCA North YMCA Barnett Recreation Center Beatty Recreation Center Driving Park Recreation Center Marion Franklin Recreation Center

Mt. Carmel Hospital East & West 22 Newstands Downtown

®

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

OPEN ENROLLMENT STARTS

You Have a Choice!

Now!

Serving Grades

K-8

CHALLENGING CURRICULUM AND DAILY SPORTS INSTRUCTION! 3 ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN 3 Small Class Sizes 3 Extended School Day from 8 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

3 Daily Fitness Instruction in Martial Arts, Soccer, and Tennis 3 No Tuition!

3 All Students Wear Uniforms 3 Teachers and Staff Who Care!

3 Individualized Instruction to Meet the Needs of the Whole Child 3 LIMITED SPACE. UNLIMITED POTENTIAL!

Strong Academics—2 hours of reading/language arts, 1.5 hours of math, 1 hour each of science and social studies daily 3 Daily Character Education

Choose from 1 of 5 conveniently located campuses!

1258 Demorest Rd. • Columbus OH 43204 E-mail: ssantos@performanceacademies.com Phone: 614-318-0606

1875 Morse Rd. • Columbus OH 43229 E-mail: medwards@performanceacademies.com Phone: 614-318-0600

3474 Livingston Ave. • Columbus OH 43227 E-mail: wconnick@performanceacademies.com Phone: 614-324-4585

Information Meetings will be held at each school for interested parents.

Please check the websites for dates and times.

2220 South Hamilton Rd. • Columbus OH 43232 E-mail: ntate@performanceacademies.com (Grade 4-8) jpammer@performanceacademies.com (Grade K-3) Phone: 614-314-6301

274 E. 1st Avenue, Suite 200 • Columbus, Ohio 43201 E-mail: ahaman@performanceacademies.com Phone: 614-318-0720

www.performanceacademies.com 40

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015