October 2016 Edition

FREE October 2016

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Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Columbus City Schools Urges You to Vote Yes on Issue 57

AARP “Take A Stand” for Social Security

Curtis Stitt President/CEO of COTA “The Front Runner”

If our leaders don’t act, Social Security benefits could be cut by nearly 25% 5.8 million Ohioans are working hard and paying into Social Security. But the world has changed since the 1930s, and Social Security needs to be updated for the 21st Century.

That’s why AARP launched Take A Stand – a national campaign to press the presidential candidates to lead on Social Security and give voters real answers about how they’ll keep it strong for future generations. If our leaders don’t act, future retirees could face an automatic benefit cut of nearly 25 percent every year, after 2034, according to the 2016 Social Security Trustees Report.

Consider how a cut of this magnitude could affect future retirees in Ohio. If a 25 percent cut went into effect today, it would reduce seniors’ income, push more Ohioans into poverty, and reduce money available for basic needs like food, healthcare and utilities.

A Glimpse into the future of Ohio’s 65+ based on today’s data Average family income lost

$4,300

Percentage Increase in poverty

65%

Additional people living in poverty

87,900

Basic Needs in Jeopardy Average Amount Spent Per Year

FOOD

$6,400

UTILITIES

$4,400

HEALTHCARE

$6,900

A nearly 25% benefit cut could mean even less to spend on basic necessities

2016takeastand.org

Guest Editorial

Founder & Publisher Ray Miller

Layout & Design Ray Miller, III

Assistant Editor Ray Miller, III

Associate Editor Edward Bell Distribution Manager Ronald Burke Advertising Director Harmoni Stallings

Lead Photographer Steve Harrison

Contributing Editors Tim Ahrens, D.Min Tim Anderson Edward Bell, MBA Lisa Benton, MD, MPH Roderick Q. Blount, Jr. MA Deena Chisholm, PhD Iris Cooper, MBA John Delia Marian Wright Edelman Cecil Jones, MBA Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons, Psy.D William McCoy, MPA Steve Nichol Brandi Slaughter, JD Senator Charleta B. Tavares Kalitha Williams

The Columbus African American news journal was founded by Ray Miller on January 10, 2011

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS! The Columbus African American 503 S. High Street - Suite 102 Columbus, Ohio 43215 Office: 614.340.4891 editor@columbusafricanamerican.com

Donald Trump is fond of asking, often belligerently and in front of predominately white audiences, what African Americans have to lose by voting for him. He presents a vision of dystopia, where African Americans are all poor unemployed crime victims and he suggests he can change the game because Democrats have caused all this mess. Really?

A more interesting way to look at the contest between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton is to ask what African Americans have to gain by voting for Clinton. I think the gains are massive. We gain a candidate who “gets race” better than most white people do. That doesn’t mean that she gets it perfectly, but it means that she is race-sensitive. Her race sensitivity will mean that, with the right agitation, she will be able to advocate for race-advancing policies.

She has engaged in productive conversations with the Black Lives Matter movement. She has acknowledged the legitimacy of “reparations”, a concept most mainstream Democrats would have eschewed two decades ago, when Bill Clinton was President. She seems more open to legislative solutions for racial wealth and income inequality than others have been. There is something to be said for being enthusiastic about a candidate that really “gets race.”

Hillary Clinton will repair the Voting Rights Act by fighting to restore those sections the Supreme Court struck in the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder case. According to her website, she is also committed to setting a national standard for early voting, and to restoring voting rights those ex-offenders who should not be precluded from voting because of their prior crimes.

Hillary Clinton’s website indicates that she is committed to reform in the criminal justice system, and to undo some of the damage done from the Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.

She gets lots of negative press from that legislation, but she was the First Lady at the time, not the President, and she had no vote.

Furthermore, the 1994 legislation must be contextualized. People were so panicked about rising levels of crime then that the majority of Democrats and the majority of the Congressional Black Caucus voted for some of the draconian measures that triggered mass incarceration. Now, she is committed to reversing the trend, and she ought to have that chance. The contrast – a “law and order” candidate who is reading from the Rudy Guiliani “stop and frisk” playbook.

When we vote for Hillary Clinton we gain an advocate for working families. She is committed to raising the minimum wage, and has always been. She has been on record in rejecting the current federal $7.25 wage as insufficient, and has been on board (with some pushing for the Bernie Sanders team) for the Fight for 15.

According to Fortune Magazine, just more than half of all African American workers earn less than $15 an hour. These folks are beneficiaries of Hillary Clinton’s support to raise the minimum wage.

Hillary Clinton has been an advocate for economically marginalized people, women and children all of her adult life, and she will continue in that role as our President. Her early work with the Children’s Defense Fund is commendable. Her 1995 statement at the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China that “women’s rights are human rights and human rights are women’s rights” is a paradigm shift from the way women’s rights have too often been sidelined in international discussions.

She did not waver from her support for women’s rights during her tenure as Secretary of State. African American women are special beneficiaries when women’s issues are embraced.

Hillary Clinton is an education advocate. She wants to make preschool universal for every 4 year old in our country. She also wants to ensure that working families have affordable child care – paying no more than 10 percent of their income for child care. She also wants to make sure that child care workers are adequately paid, and would support women continuing their education with child care scholarships, and would expand campus child care programs. Many of these programs are efforts she supported while she was in the United States Senate. As President, she can push these programs with more force.

Secretary Clinton has also pledged to increase K-12 opportunities, to close the achievement gap, to make college tuition more affordable, and to support HBCUs. Her choice for Secretary of Education will be important, and African American Clinton supporters need to ensure that her choice is not as tone-deaf on African American issues as President Barack Obama’s pick.

I would be disingenuous if I did not acknowledge the imperfections in the Clinton candidacy. The trust issue is a big issue and the drip drip drip of the emails that Bernie Sanders “doesn’t give a damn about” have a corrosive impact on her image.

But if you read past headlines, you’ll read that she has acknowledged mistakes around the emails, apologized, and said she wouldn’t do it again. Too many have vetted the Clinton Foundation and found no conflicts (and indeed a stellar rating from Charity Watch) in their work. The optics make many uneasy, especially when the media has a harsher approach toward Clinton than toward Trump, whose own Foundation ought to be better vetted, and whose failure to provide tax returns (or reasonable medical records) is an outrageous disregard for the American people.

We have everything to lose with Donald Trump, and we have an opportunity to gain so much with Hillary Clinton. I can’t guarantee that Hillary Clinton will implement all the things I think she should. Unless she has a friendly legislature, she will have to fight with Republicans, just as President Obama did. (She has a track record, from her Senate time, of playing the bipartisan game well. Paul Ryan, are you going to help a sister out?). That’s motivation to vote down ticket, to ensure that she gets the Senators and Congressional representatives that will help her with her agenda. Further, the base that is mobilized to vote must also be mobilized to agitate. The lesson of the Obama Presidency is that you won’t get fed in your mama’s house unless you bring your plate to the table. Just as the LGBTQ community pushed President Obama on their demands, so must the African American community push Secretary Clinton on ours. We can’t simply assume that she “gets it” even though we know she “gets it”. She is strengthened when her constituency makes focused demands about her action.

Politics is not a sport to engage in every four years or even every two. African Americans who want social and economic justice and systemic change must be fully engaged in the transformation of our political system by confronting politicians and demanding their action. From this perspective, Hillary Clinton represents an opportunity for our engagement. She is a racially and culturally sensitive leader who will be an advocate for economically marginalized people, women, and children, and education advocate. She will do as much as we push her to do. She offers an opportunity that no other candidate does.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is president emerita of Bennett College for Women, an economist, author and commentator who’s popular writings have appeared in USA Today, Black Issues in Higher Education, Ms. Magazine and Essence Magazine. Follow her on Twitter @drjlastword 3

The Columbus African American • October 2016

In This Issue

Curtis Stitt - President/CEO of COTA Cover Story – Page 20

11 15 27

Columbus City Schools Urges You to Vote Yes on Issue 57

Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. Endorse Hillary Clinton

We Need Your Help to Save Ohio Babies: Join the Movement to Reduce Infant Mortality

5

Voting By The Golden Rule

6

What Can We (As A Community) Do To Stop Police Misuse of Force

7 8

15

Dr. Otis Moss, Jr.

Endorses Hillary Clinton

16

LeBron James Endorses Hillary Clinton

The Fish Fry and The African 17 Change is Coming American Voter

to the Franklin County Bridging the Gap Between Commission Police and Communities 18 The Dividing Lines Between of Color

the ‘Haves’ and the

9

The Curious Case of Cheryl Sullivan Brooks

10

Legislative Update

11

Columbus City Schools Urges You to Vote Yes on Issue 57

The Columbus African American • October 2016

‘Have Nots’ In Real Estate Investing

20

COVER STORY

23

We Are Not The Enemy

24

Becoming Culturally Competent

25

Still Waiting on an ‘October Suprise’ about Presidential Healthcare

25

How to Improve Your Health Literacy

26

Family First Act Works for Ohio Kids

27

We Need Your Help to Save Ohio Babies

28

7th Annual Central Ohio

HBCU College Fair - Photo Recap

30

Book Bags & E-Readers

31

Teaching for Success: Welcoming and Respecting Every Child

33

Money 101 - Part II

32

AARP “Takes A Stand” in Columbus

34

Secure Your Future with an Updated Business Model

35

Finances: Let’s Talk About It

36

History: Bill Willis - OSU & NFL Star - Youth Commissioner

37

Community Events

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.

18 ‘Save The Dream’ Returns:

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

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POLITICS

VOTING BY THE GOLDEN RULE

By Tim Ahrens, D.Min The Golden Rule is THE critical centerpiece for Faith in Action as Christians and Jews. Moreover, it is a guide that should direct every human being in relationship to every other human being. The Golden Rule calls us to “treat other people the way we want to be treated ourselves.”

In Matthew 7:12, Jesus says, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

The Gospel of Luke boils it down more, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). In Leviticus, the law of Moses reads, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18).

Somewhere in the politics of fear and distain, the Golden Rule has been lost and forgotten. It time to resurrect the Golden Rule for each of our lives.

It is certainly time to bring back the Golden Rule for the 2016 election.

As a local church pastor and religious leader in Central Ohio, I believe this election is critical to the future of our region and our nation. Faith in Public Life has developed a great voter’s guide for this election based on the Golden Rule. I encourage you to find it, read and follow it

closely.

I believe, this election presents an important opportunity to reflect on our deepest values and commitment to the common good. I believe elections should be about more than partisan divisions, the latest poll numbers, Super PACs and billionaire donors. Politics as usual is insufficient for the urgent task of addressing the defining moral issues of our time: growing economic inequality; mass incarceration that devastates communities and targets people of color; gun violence in our homes and on our streets; the student debt crisis; climate change and environmental devastation; a broken immigration system that tears apart families and confronting terrorism without abandoning our values.

All of these challenges require policy responses, but at root they raise moral questions about the kind of nation we want for our children and grandchildren. Religious leaders and ordinary people of faith have always been at the forefront of struggles for justice. The soul of American democracy is found in my sisters and brothers of faith who stand up and preach out and faithbased activists who have marched, bled and even died for voting rights, equality and human dignity. Inspired by this prophetic witness and united as people of faith, we turn our attention to this presidential election and statewide and regional elections not as partisans, but as faithful citizens committed to justice and compassion, responsibility and community.

There are candidates that command our respect as they seek to follow the Golden Rule. Find out who they are and get behind them. Work for them. Vote for them. There are issues on our

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ballot – like the Columbus School Levy and the COTA continuance levy that call us to vote “yes” for our children’s and mass transit future.

The Golden Rule — as Pope Francis reminded us during his historic address to Congress in September of 2015 — has political implications and requires action.

Pope Francis said: This Rule points us in a clear direction. Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities, which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities.

At a time when some demonize immigrants and Muslims, exploit economic insecurity and sow division to score political points, most Americans are looking for responsible leaders who unite citizens around a better vision.

I believe the 2016 election should be a national examination of conscience. Here in Columbus Ohio, I ask you to join me as we seek to live out and vote the Golden Rule.

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.

The Columbus African American NewsAmerican Journal • •February 2015 The Columbus African October 2016

POLITICS

WHAT CAN WE (AS A COMMUNITY) DO TO STOP POLICE MISUSE OF FORCE?

By Cecil Jones, MBA I love to lead, teach and write about Technology and Business initiatives. With the shooting of young people and other incidents, I will change my focus in this article to the police and the community.

Witnessing the inability of individuals in our community to be treated fairly in many encounters with the police, obliges me to communicate what I see.

I see: - While the City of Columbus says “Workforce should reflect the diversity of the residents of Columbus” (https://www.columbus. gov/odi/), the number of officers and the percentage of leadership does not reflect the will need to go directly to the community to diversity of the residents of Columbus. recruit, regularly. Surely, we can’t expect better - City of Columbus 2015 Annual Report outcomes if we use the same old methods. mentions nothing of the challenges with police brutality, lawsuits and the large expenditures What Can Be Done? for lawsuits. (https://www.columbus.gov/ uploadedFiles/Columbus/Elected_Officials/ Many people and organizations have their ideas City_Council/Annual_Reports/2015%20City%20 and recommendations. No one has all of the answers but we MUST try some new processes of%20Columbus%20Annual%20Report.pdf) and get better using continuous improvement.

- Columbus approves paying 780,000 for a police shooting (http://www.officer.com/ Develop a Community Review Board news/12255843/columbus-to-settle-in-accidentalThe Review Board will help to provide trust police-shooting) and confidence in the Police Department. Is - Columbus expected to OK 237,000 for a this adding another stakeholder to the incident review process? Yes, and it can help reduce the police shooting (http://myfox28columbus.com/news/local/ deaths and abuses. It can also help reduce the council-expected-to-ok-237k-settlement-to-man- number of lawsuits and settlements that the City of Columbus pays. shot-by-police) - Columbus pays $85,00 to settle lawsuit against Columbus Police officer (http://nbc4i.com/2016/02/23/city-pays-85000to-settle-lawsuit-against-columbus-policeofficer/)

Revisit Training

While the current training may seem effective, an objective reflection is whether the training works.

With the current and historical results (suits and abuses), the objective truth is that the training is After reviewing the 2015 City of Columbus not working. The Police Officer career path is a Annual Report, Columbus Police 2015 Annual tough one, psychologically. The training should Report, reviewing other documents, attending reflect that. sessions where our Chief of Police was a panel member and seeing the continued conduct of Revisit Recruiting Practices some police officers, it is obvious that to stop shooting of people of color and developing Review the rules for becoming a police officer. good relationships with the African-American Re-examine the smaller offenses that eliminate community in Columbus is not a focused priority one from being eligible for being a police officer. of the Columbus Police Department. I read the Resolve to go to the community and ask for their reports and then did went back and did basic help in recruiting. keyword searches using terms like ‘AfricanAmerican’, ‘Black’, ‘ Minority’, etc. Nothing Develop Additional Touch Points within the was there that dealt with this tense situation that Community has developed over the years.

Meet at the places where people congregate.

The Columbus Police 2015 Annual Report Wherever people gather is a good place to meet; mentioned: “A survey was conducted at the Civil the traditional locations (churches, recreation Service Police Officer Testing site that asked centers, etc.) are good; however, go to where what influenced a candidate to pursue a police the people are, in their neighborhoods. Talk to career, and the number one answer was a family citizens in times other than arrests. For officers or friend who was already a member of the whom are afraid of some citizens, this will help Division”. While the ‘Family and Friends’ plan them to be more comfortable. For citizens that has been a good tool to develop the current police are afraid of officers, this will allow them to get force, we are looking to bring additional African- to know a few officers. It is easier to like and American officers into the police division. We communicate with people with whom you know The Columbus African American • October 2016

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Jeff Siner/The Charlotte Observer

and are familiar.

Work with other agencies to provide household help to citizens that need it. Police are called when there are incidents or stressful situations.

Let’s change that definition. Let’s examine some social service agencies and non-profits that provide services and establish partnerships.

Become More Active If you are tired of the abuse by some police officers that is occurring, reach out! Reach out by identifying a City Councilperson that you might support. Call them and share that you would like to support them and also express your view on the incidents. Attend a meeting of the police and citizens (there are several occurring) to express your opinion; if you can’t find one quickly, please email me. Call the City of Columbus Safety Director (the Chief of Police’s boss) to express your opinion of the incidents. Attend City Council meetings. When politicians see and hear your opinion, they are more likely to respond.

Talk with your Pastor; ask what your church is doing on these issues. Talk with the organizations with which you belong; find out if there are other people there that have similar views. If you have mobility challenges and can’t attend meetings, use your phone. Many organizations can utilize your phone support to help with this issue, if you are available to call others (politicians, other members, etc).

This is political season. We are voting for our next President and many other political offices.

Please bring issues to the politicians running for office this fall and those whose re-election cycle is not this fall.

VOTE!!

Having managed technology, communications and business functionality for multiple Fortune 100 companies, Cecil is a technology and management leader. He teaches technology, business and communications courses. He is a past president of many organizations including BDPA (Technology group), and Columbus Association of Black Journalists. He serves on the Executive Committee of boards including Chairman of IMPACT Community Action Agency. www.AccelerationServices.net

POLITICS

THE FISH FRY AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN VOTER

By Tim Anderson Donald Trump self-describes himself as liberator, a real estate mogul and The Donald/ The Man. A more accurate description is that Donald is an ego driven narcissistic character, with little care for anyone or anything other than his own blind ambition.

Trump’s low-hanging-fruit statements concerning African Americans are a substitute for his failure to demonstrate intellectual and rational forethought. Undoubtedly, his analysis of the urban conditions makes his alma mater, the Wharton Business School, regret the day they accepted his application for admission into their elite business college. Trump’s repeated statement to African Americans, “what in the hell do you have to lose”, echoes more like a phrase spoken in Trump’s now defunct casinos, rather than a humbled petition for the African American vote.

Trump will never win the Nobel Prize in Economics despite his wealth, his education and sundry enterprises. For Trump is nothing more than a glorified landlord taking the income and cash flow and investing into other properties and businesses. When his mountain of debt interferes with his cash flow and his businesses fail, he seeks protection by filing bankruptcy. Now the landlord with questionable business practices is the Republican presidential candidate. This time, on the Trump acquisition radar are African American people. He claims he can save us with his business-know-how and expertise. Similar to Republican presidential candidates before him, Trumps lays the blame for our adverse conditions at the feet of the Democratic Party. Asserting that the Republican Party, the party of Lincoln can free us once again, while being led by “Donald, the Liberator”.

With only one percent of the black vote supporting Donald, he will need to mount a full court press to swing the African American vote towards The Liberator. I have decided to support him in getting out the African American vote.

By assisting Trump’s presidential aspirations; I hope to be rewarded for my contribution with a couple of Trump men’s dress shirts made in Bangladesh (size 17 ½ 36 with French cuffs). I am confident that the plan I share will gain the support of Trump’s negro inner circle (Dr. Ben Carson, Rev. Mark Burns, Sherriff David Clarke, Jr. and Omarosa). In sharing this strategy, the sensitivity of this information puts me at risk of being trumped-out of the African American community. This information is the Achilles heel to getting out our vote. Plainly stated, it is kryptonite to black folks.

Ok, Donald, black folks love fried fish, so on election day, November 8th your campaign should sponsor a fish fry event in every black voting precinct in the country. Black folks love whiting, bass, perch and catfish. In fact, black folks in the south eat fried fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So voracious is the African American appetite for fried fish, researchers have linked our high rate of heart disease and strokes to the high consumption of fried fish in our diet. If you do not believe that our love for

fried fish is as I claim, ask your inner circle, your negro advisers. They may initially be reluctant to confirm this highly sensitive information; but for validation at your next meeting with your negro advisers, cater it with fried fish sandwiches. Your negroes will swear their loyalty and continual support to you beyond your bid for the White House.

Now, Donald since we are afraid to walk in our neighborhoods due to the risk of being shot, I suggest that you have your negro advisers organize a shuttle service to the polls and afterwards to the fish fry events. How do you guarantee that once at the polls we will pull the lever for Trump? As you have attested, we have thoughtlessly voted for democratic candidates, certainly we will vote for the Great Liberator who will provide us with fried fish on election night. Donald, “to seal the deal” consider providing all the “fixins”; white bread, fried potatoes, cole slaw (I have a recipe that I will contribute to the cause for one more shirt) mustard and ketchup, Louisiana hot sauce (no tabasco sauce), salt and pepper; and finally we love old school drinks, like red and grape Kool-Aid (and don’t forget with lots of white sugar). This menu is guarantee to get black folks out on election day, take away votes from Hillary and bring them to the Trumpster.

One more consideration, we cannot leave are children home alone while their mammas and meemaws (urban vernacular for grandmother, Donald) are out celebrating your victory. So I suggest that you sublease daycare centers and provide free daycare for that day; a national network of daycare centers known as Sheneneh’s Place. During the election, our children will learn how you came to save our community, that they should not fear you, even though you have a slight orange tint that resembles the Oompa Loompas of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

There will be a contest at Sheneneh’s Places across the country, for the best Donald J. Trump hand gestures imitation; with our children’s orange water colored painted hands with photo comparisons of your own little hands.

Certainly you will have your distractors for going after our vote in such a blatant and wanton manner. Jesse (Jackson), Al (Sharpton), Marc (Lamont Hill), Michael (Eric Dyson) Cornell (West), John (Lewis) and others will condemn your inflammatory and profane approach to get our vote. They will remind us of your bigotry, your alliance with white racist individuals, your judgmental nature, your lack of decency and respect, your proclivity to incite others to turn to violence when it suits you, your stereotyping of those from other cultures, ethnic and racial groups and your demeaning of women and the disabled. However, throughout your presidential campaign, you have express no remorse or concerns for others. Even high ranking members of the GOP have disavowed their support for your candidacy for president; seemingly unphased you have stayed in step with who you are.

The real deal Donald is that you, your one percent (1%) black supporters and your negro advisers (Dr. Ben Carson, Rev. Mark Burns, Sherriff David Clarke, Jr. and Omarosa) need saving not the African American community. Your path to the presidency has exposed and corrupted the weakest within our community; those who seek 7

to be relevant, fame chasers, financial gainers and the self-haters. Your campaign strategy aimed at African Americans is divisive and reminiscent of our nation’s darkest period, that of slavery. Like house slaves speaking well of their master’s virtues, your negro advisers would have us to believe that you are a good man and sincere about the plight of those less fortunate.

On the contrary Donald, we have witnessed your campaigning style in using abusive and foul language, mockery and callousness towards others. Our history and common sense tells us that you possess no legitimate qualifications, lack composed temperament and are void of high moral principles to lead this nation.

It would be a costly mistake if we took your candidacy for president as a whimsical farce and became negligent by not voting; while believing you had no real chance of winning.

Only to learn, the day after the election, that the President-Elect is Donald J. Trump or more definitively for African Americans, “Massa” (master) Trump. I am not concern about your last minute antics to go after the African American vote, I am concerned that African Americans may become complacent by not exercising the right to vote. Suppression of the black vote could make President-Elect Trump conceivable on November 9th.

As voters, we must remain vigilant and consider that Trump could win with our vote (unlikely) or by a lower than expected African American voter turnout (plausible). There is little doubt that Trump’s negro advisers along with the Trump campaign are devising a scheme to suppress our vote and/or manipulate our voting. The self-proclaimed liberator is a skillful wheelerdealer, who would rather win at all cost than lose with honor. A Trump presidency for this nation would be a non-medicated, untreated, schizophrenic period. A Trump presidency for African Americans…, you fill in the blank. Keep your shirts, Trump!

Tim Anderson is a contributing columnist for the Columbus African American publication and online social media. To reach Tim, email him: tim.anderson614@gmail.com

The Columbus African October 2016 The Columbus African American NewsAmerican Journal • •February 2015

POLITICS

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN POLICE AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

By William McCoy, MPA Is anyone interested in a practical approach to bridging the gap between police and communities of color?

Once again, Columbus, Ohio is dealing with the aftermath of a Black person killed by a police officer. In this case, the victim is a 13-year old child. The public outcry has resulted in a protest that shut down a City Council meeting and led to council members being escorted out under police protection.

No one wants Columbus to erupt in protests, riots, or violence against police like Baltimore, Dallas, Ferguson, San Diego, and other cities.

So, what can or should Columbus do to avoid being next? Let’s look at a common-sense, yet effective, response to this challenge.

First, we must change the hearts and minds of police officers. To do so, a high-impact, experiential human relations intervention is needed that can help them change their violent and abusive behaviors, reduce racial bias, and learn to how to build relationships with people of color. This training should be used with everyone in law enforcement from cadets to the most senior staff to raise awareness, increase their understanding, and move them toward positive change. More intensive training should be used with officers accused of (or exhibiting) racist or biased behavior and/or verbal or physical abuse.

Furthermore, law enforcement officers should be empowered to use this training on their own with their peers and the general public. This will help police humanize their interactions with people of color and foster changes in perceptions. Law enforcement needs a human relations tool that puts them in control and lets them choose when, where, and how they use it. This, coupled with more sensitive and skilled officers, will greatly aid in bridging the gap between police and people of color.

The Violence Interruption Experience (VIE) is one such intervention with a track record of success. VIE training has proven effective in helping people confront the violence in their lives and build relationships. VIE focuses on the root causes of why people think and act as they do, as well as understanding people that are different, by exploring power dynamics, the roots of violence, racism and other “isms,” and related topics. VIE training was originally developed for and used in jails, prisons, and gang safe houses. It has

Fred Squillante/Dispatch

been embraced by colleges and universities, professionals, community and faith-based groups and individuals, and others- including the National Football League. It is time the City of Columbus do likewise.

Second, the City of Columbus should establish a Civilian Police Review Board to hold police more accountable. This is not a new idea. An article in The Free Press stated, “The lack of a Police Review Board keeps (Columbus) at the top of the death list” (2014). The same article also said an agreement was negotiated by the NAACP and Fraternal Order of Police to create a Civilian Review Board; but was “vetoed by the first elected Black Mayor in the city’s history, Michael Coleman.” Perhaps, now is the time to resurrect this idea.

Law enforcement officers must be held to the same standard as those they serve. Those officers who mistreat, beat, or kill citizens without justification should lose their jobs and/or go to prison. Few things spawn ill-will and civil unrest like police officers being exonerated or acquitted for acts of violence witnessed or videotaped by citizens. When prosecutors fail to get grand jury indictments or police departments find no wrong doing in cases like these, the public trust suffers.

Third, on the national level, the U.S. Department of Justice should require all law enforcement agencies to track and report data on policeinvolved shootings, deaths, and related activity.

Local police departments are not required to participate in the FBI’s uniform crime reporting program. A Fox News headline said “Hundreds

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

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of homicides reportedly committed by police not included in national crime statistics” (December 3, 2014). This needs to change.

In conclusion, law enforcement should stop being defensive and reactionary and become pro-active in cleaning its house and re-establishing positive relations with communities of color. Tools like Violence Interruption Experience training, Civilian (Police) Review Boards, and police departments and grand juries that discipline, convict, and/or incarcerate rogue officers can play an invaluable role in changing the attitudes and behaviors of law enforcement officers and bridging the gap with the African-Americans and others. We can and must do better.

William McCoy is founder and principal consultant with The McCoy Company- a personal services consulting firm that specializes in strategic planning, training, and economic development. The McCoy Company helps clients articulate and achieve their visions, make decisions and solve problems, and capitalize on their opportunities. Mr. McCoy has served every level of government, a myriad of nonprofits and foundations, and the private sector. He holds a BA degree in economics and a MPA in finance.

Mr. McCoy is a published author, award winner, profiled in Who’s Who in the World and elsewhere.

You can learn more about him by checking out his website at www.themccoycompany.com. You can also reach William McCoy at (614) 785-8497 or via e-mail at wmccoy2@themccoycompany.com.

POLITICS

THE CURIOUS CASE OF CHERYL SULLIVAN BROOKS

By Kalitha Williams On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, amid the hoopla for the Ohio Democratic and Republican Presidential primaries, which saw former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton triumph over US Senator Bernie Sanders and Governor John Kasich defeat Donald Trump, there was a little-known down-ballot race that shook the Franklin County Democratic Party (FCDP). In David vs. Goliath fashion, political novice Cheryl Sullivan Brooks defeated entrenched incumbent Ed Leonard in the Democratic primary for Franklin County Treasurer. This was likely one of the biggest political upsets in a local primary election in recent memory.

Sullivan Brooks’ victory is the making of a political fairy tale. Equipped with name recognition from nearly 10 years in office, the local Democratic Party endorsement and over $60,000 in his campaign war chest, Leonard was the de facto favorite to win the primary. Sullivan Brooks had never run for office and only raised $300. If elected in November, Brooks would be the only elected Black county treasurer in Ohio and one of a handful of Black county executive branch officeholders in the state.

A few days after the election, the fairy tale began to unravel. The Columbus Dispatch dropped a bombshell reporting that Brooks Sullivan’s past financial difficulties and criminal convictions included 3 bankruptcies, a conviction for passing a bad check and a conviction for having paraphernalia for a controlled substance. While the most recent conviction was nearly 20 years ago, questions ensued and began to weigh down her rapid ascent to a promising political future.

Why weren’t these issues raised, during the campaign? A quick review of public records would have uncovered these past “sins”. My guess is sheer underestimation. In what parallel universe would a woman with no political background and no money beat a well-financed, 10 year incumbent?

Earlier this summer, the Franklin County Democratic Party leadership met and among other things, voted to not give Sullivan Brooks their endorsement. Despite winning the primary with the support of over 60,000 voters, they believe she is unlikely to win the general election and unqualified to hold the office. There were also rumors circulating that Columbus City Councilmember Michael Stinziano was being encouraged to run in the race as an independent who, eventually, would receive the Democratic Party endorsement. This would be a highly unusual step for a political party to endorse an independent over their own primary winner.

Here are some questions for your consideration: • Is she fit for the job? Sullivan Brooks can, legally, hold office. Her past crimes were not committed in office and she served her required time. The only requirement outlined by the Ohio Revised Code for a county treasurer is the ability to secure a surety bond. The County Treasurer is “the bank” for the county and responsible for processing millions of dollars in tax revenues.

The surety bond protects citizens from fraud or

Eric Albrecht - Dispatch Photo

malfeasance. However, there is a concern about whether she can obtain the bond necessary to perform the daily operations of the office. She has posted on her Facebook page that she can be bonded. But at what price? In insurance, increased risk requires more expensive premiums.

Higher premiums that citizens would be required to pay.

• Did the FCDP treat her fairly? The political party endorsement is important to any candidate.

It includes money, volunteers, and recognition on the party sample ballot - the gold standard for many voters. There is no doubt Brooks Sullivan was not the FCDP candidate of choice.

She was the only successful member of a slate of unendorsed Democratic incumbent candidates.

It’s widely believed, that these incumbents were not endorsed, because they did not support then Columbus City Council President Andrew Ginther’s bid for mayor in 2015. While party leaders have cited her criminal and fiscal past as the main reason for their decision, Brooks Sullivan may be experiencing the backlash for the past year of party infighting. In an unusual twist, Brooks has not received the “spoils” of her astounding victory.

• Does any of this really matter? I think the general public would be surprised to know the

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number of elected officials with past financial troubles or criminal pasts. Some of our nation’s leaders have filed for bankruptcy, including former presidents Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. Even our beloved current President Barack Obama admitted in his own autobiography that he used cocaine.

Brooks Sullivan accomplished something very few ever people achieve. It is very difficult to win a county-wide election and she did it with practically no money, no name and as a Black woman. Instead of being celebrated for what she has accomplished, she’s being politically shunned. If elected, Brooks Sullivan would be the only Black woman serving as a County Treasurer in the state.

As a community, are we comfortable telling returning citizens that they cannot work in public service? Should past wrongs disqualify citizens from running for office? Is perfection the new standard for public service? I believe our democracy is stronger when we wrestle with these issues. Each voter will have to come to his or her own conclusion on November 2nd.

Kalitha Williams is a blogger and Democratic Central Committee member representing Columbus Ward 44. Follow her at www. columbusward44.com, Facebook and Twitter.

The Columbus African American • October 2016

POLITICS

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

COMPREHENSIVE INFANT MORTALITY BILL PASSES THE SENATE

By Senator Charleta B. Tavares The members of the Ohio Senate returned to the State Capitol in September 28 to address one of the health plagues on the African American community – deaths of infants.

Senate Bill 332, sponsored by Senators Charleta B. Tavares (D-Cols.) and Shannon Jones (R-Springboro) incorporated the majority of the recommendations of the Ohio Infant Mortality Commission (see CAANJ, Sept. 2016). The sponsors of S.B. 332 along with the President of the Senate and members of the House and Senate held a press conference to share the highlights of the bill and why it was identified as priority legislation by the Ohio Senate and House Leadership. Members of the Ohio Infant Mortality Commission including Rep. Hearcel Craig, Angela C. Dawson, Director of the Ohio Minority Health Commission and Dr. Patricia Gabbe, of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and founder of Moms2B also joined the press conference (see photo).

Over the last several years information has been provided in the Columbus African American on the disturbing rates of infant mortality among African Americans in Ohio. As noted in the April 2016 edition of the Columbus African American, the Ohio Infant Mortality Commission released a report in March 2016 which included fifty recommendations to address the atrocious numbers of infant deaths in our state and the inequities in the deaths between African American and Caucasian babies. The Commission’s report comprehensively included strategies and promising practices that were identified through exhaustive research, field hearings and personal testimony to reduce unnecessary deaths among infants in Ohio.

Unfortunately, one of the recommendations that was not included was the recommendation to improve cultural competency among health care providers by requiring training and continuing education on this issue. The report recommended that the Office of Health Transformation should

engage health care provider associations in efforts to increase provider awareness of the importance of cultural competency throughout their practices as a way to improve positive health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

In addition, the report recommended that Ohio’s medical schools and residency programs establish appropriate cultural competency training across their educational curricula for medical students and residents. The legislation that was passed by the Ohio Senate requires that the state of Ohio’s professional licensing boards (Nursing, Social Work, Medical and etc.) catalogue the cultural competence training curricula in Ohio’s professional colleges and universities etc. and report the information back to the Commission.

Senate Bill 332 was passed in the Senate by a vote of 29-1 (Jordan) and now moves to the Ohio House. The bill will either be heard in the Ohio House Finance subcommittee on Health and Human Services chaired by Representative Robert Sprague (R-Findley) with Ranking Member, Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) or the House Health and Aging Committee, chaired

by Rep. Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville) with Ranking Member, Rep. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood). Please contact the Ohio House Clerk to get the committee the bill has been referred to and the phone and email addresses of

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

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the committee chairs to advocate for the passage of the bill during the Lame Duck Session which ends on December 31, 2016.

For a complete listing of recommendations see the Commission Report at: http://cim.legislature. ohio.gov/Assets/Files/march-2016-final-report. pdf 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.

Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, D-Columbus, is proud to serve and represent the 15th District, including the historic neighborhoods of Columbus and the cities of Bexley and Grandview Heights in the Ohio Senate. She serves as the Ohio Senate Assistant Democratic Leader and the Ranking Member of the Senate Ways & Means and Health and Human Services Committees.

POLITICS

COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOLS URGES YOU TO VOTE YES ON ISSUE 57 move at least once during a school year; • At least 16% students who require special needs; and • About 16% students who do not speak English as their

The Columbus City Schools 2016-2017 school year is off to one of its strongest starts in years, as it continues ITS momentum of success. Over the past three years, the district has built a proven track record of improved efforts in preparing and protecting its students, and providing a transparent and accountable operation.

In Fall 2013, only 42% of Columbus City Schools’ 3rd graders met the standards of the 3rd Grade Reading Guarantee. By June 2014, 91% of the district’s 3rd graders from across the district met those standards -- and Columbus City Schools third graders achieved a 91% success rate again last year.

Columbus City Schools is helping more students earn their diplomas with more than 2,100 students in the Class of 2016 graduating and earning $57 million in scholarships and grants last -- up $15 million from the year before.

In order to keep these gains and more – Columbus City Schools needs your support of Issue 57 on November 8.

“Our team of teachers and staff have shown that we can produce positive results,” said Columbus City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Good. “Our 91% passage rate on the third grade reading test IS evidence of that.”

Columbus City Schools staff proudly supports a diverse student population including:

• About 90% of students who come from economically-disadvantaged circumstances;

• Nearly 30% of the district families who

native language

school.

Issue 57 includes the dedication of bond dollars to address building repairs and replacements across the district. It also includes a permanent improvement levy, which allows for proactive preventative maintenance and replacement efforts, keeping it from having the same backlogs.

As Columbus City Schools continues its focus on Issue 57 allows the schools to deliver other areas supporting students and keeping its momentum, the district has improved its operations with a of academic improvement. commitment to accountability, sustainability, and It also gives taxpayers the greatest return on their transparency. dollars by tackling a multimillion dollar backlog of overdue building repairs and replacements, Last year, Columbus City Schools reduced and lets Columbus City Schools students learn in its budget by $50 million. It also closed underutilized schools, sold unneeded properties, places that are safe, secure, warm and dry. and leased buildings to various organizations, The majority of the 6.92 mill combination levy/ further reducing costs. In addition, the Columbus bond request gives the schools the means to add Board of Education recently placed 13 more 290 new teachers and staff who will work directly unneeded buildings and properties on the market with students every day. Issue 57 will allow the as part of its operational efficiency efforts. district to: It has also made it easy for parents and the

• expand Early Childhood Education;

• reduce adult-to-student ratios in classes community view its operations by placing fiscal by placing more instructional assistants in and school-based data on the district’s website for everyone to check its progress. classrooms;

• place more social workers and licensed With approval of Issue 57, Columbus City nurses in schools;

• add support for special education Schools can build upon student success in the classroom and give student life-long options for students;

• enhance building safety by adding to careers after high school. security teams; and

• provide more career-technical education Columbus City Schools and its students need opportunities to a greater number of students - your vote for Columbus City Schools. including new career-tech programs in middle Vote Yes on Issue 57 on November 8.

11

The Columbus African October 2016 The Columbus African American NewsAmerican Journal • •February 2015

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The Columbus African October 2016 The Columbus African American NewsAmerican Journal • •February 2015

Why wait in line on

Election Day, November 8th? you have two options to VOTE EARLY & SKIP THE LINES on election day

OPTION 1

OPTION 2

Vote early in-person at the Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio.

Apply for an absentee ballot & vote early by mail.

Fill out an absentee request form at vote.franklincountyohio.gov or call 614-525-3100

Hours can be found a vote.franklincountyohio.gov

Need help? Visit VOTE.FRANKLINCOUNTYOHIO.GOV or call 614-525-3100 EARLY VOTING. IT’S YOUR VOTE. AT YOUR CONVENIENCE!

Voting on Election Day? You’ll need ID.

See the list at vote.franklincountyohio.gov or call 614-525-3100

The Columbus African American • October 2016

14

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

POLITICS

REVEREND DR. OTIS MOSS, JR. ENDORSES HILLARY CLINTON “We are honored to have the support of role models like NBA- champion Lebron James and civil rights leaders like Reverend Dr. Otis Moss Jr. A diverse coalition is uniting behind Hillary Clinton because her belief that we are stronger together is uniting people from all walks of life. From the start of his campaign, Donald Trump has mainstreamed hate, fueled divisive comments, and avoided questions about issues that impact African-Americans, which is why we must register, vote, and prevent Trump from ever getting close to the White House.”

- Olivia Lapeyrolerie, Clinton Campaign Spokesperson (9/28/16) The Reverend Dr. Otis Moss. Jr, one of America’s most influential theologians and civil rights leaders, endorsed Hillary Clinton for President calling her a leader with, “… wisdom, sound judgement, spiritual strength and moral courage.”

Rev. Dr. Moss Jr. served as the Pastor of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio before retiring after 33 years of service. He was also the co-pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta, Georgia.

dedicated. She is an activist in the struggles of the common life for the common good and has the record to prove it. She did not wait 70 years to “think” about civil rights and human rights. She is committed activist nationally and globally. She Why Secretary Hillary Clinton Should Be Our is the epitome of excellence.

Next President Let me repeat, Hillary Clinton will save the

By The Reverend Dr. Otis Moss. Jr. U.S. Supreme Court from political arsonists, obstructionists and destroyers of the civil rights, Mrs. Hillary Clinton is our best hope for moving human rights and voting rights. All the right the U.S. Supreme Court out of the hands of right wing, anti-civil rights, anti-voting rights, wing extremists know this. This is why they are anti-human rights judges. The next president endorsing and supporting Trump – including will shape the U.S. Supreme Court for perhaps some who tend to despise him. Mrs. Clinton will the next 50 years! By that time, the millennials fight for voting rights protection, health care for will be nearing (80) years old. Their children all and education for all without crippling debts. and grandchildren will be the living with the Hillary Clinton will give extraordinary national results of the 2016 election. The next president and global leadership. Leadership anchored in will nominate three or four U.S. Supreme Court reason, wisdom, sound judgement, spiritual justices plus score of federal district and appeals strength and moral courage. court judges.

She has been and remains active in her faith We need Hillary Clinton to be our next president commitment from her youth. She has embraced because she is qualified. She is prepared. She is The Holy Scriptures from her youth and knows

the names of the books of her Bible and the unsearchable riches contained therein. She knows the songs and hymns and music of her faith and does not scorn and demean other faith traditions.

She believes in the total Constitution - not just one or two amendments such as states’ rights and gun rights.

She does not bully her way through life. She has the courage of kindness, the endurance of longsuffering and the joys of Amazing Grace.

She loves children of all races, colors and ethnicities, rich and poor, rural, urban and suburban, healthy and ill, victorious and vulnerable, immigrant and Native American and those whose ancestors came in chains. This includes the well housed and the homeless. She does not seek votes from one group by hating and insulting other groups.

Mrs. Clinton deserves and needs our support and votes. If her opponent should win, we all lose; children, youth and adults. We can all win with Hillary Clinton.

SURVEY QUESTIONS 1.) Who do you support for President of the United States?

4.) Will you vote for the Columbus Schools Levy?

___ Hillary Clinton ___ Donald Trump

___ Yes ___ No Comment: ____________________________

2.) Who do you support for Franklin County Commissioner?

5.) Will you vote for the COTA transportation levy?

___ Kevin Boyce ___ Terry Boyd

___ Yes ___ No Comment: ___________________________ (Optional)

3.) Who do you support for Franklin County Prosecutor?

6.) What is your age? _______

___ Ron O’Brien ___ Zach Klein

7.) What is your highest level of education? ___________ 8.) What is your annual income? _____________________

Please email your survey to editor@columbusafricanamerican.com or mail to Ray Miller Enterprises The Columbus African American, 503 S. High Street - Suite 102, Columbus, Ohio 43215 By October 21, 2016 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

15

The Columbus African American • October 2016

LEBRON JAMES ENDORSES HILLARY CLINTON “We are honored to have the support of role models like NBA- champion Lebron James and civil rights leaders like Reverend Dr. Otis Moss Jr. A diverse coalition is uniting behind Hillary Clinton because her belief that we are stronger together is uniting people from all walks of life. From the start of his campaign, Donald Trump has mainstreamed hate, fueled divisive comments, and avoided questions about issues that impact African-Americans, which is why we must register, vote, and prevent Trump from ever getting close to the White House.”

- Olivia Lapeyrolerie, Clinton Campaign Spokesperson Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James is endorsing Hillary Clinton for president. Below is the op-ed he has written about his decision, which he has exclusively provided to Business Insider.

The op-ed will also be published in the print edition of the Akron Business Journal on Monday.

Kris Conner - Getty Images

Two years ago, I told you I was coming home to Northeast Ohio — where I was born and raised. But I was fortunate enough to have support and When I came back, I had two missions. mentors around me who kept me on the right path. That’s what we’re giving these kids through In June, thanks to my teammates and all your my foundation. And when someone believes in support, I accomplished my on-the-court mission. you, that changes everything.

We came back from being down 3-1 in the NBA Finals to finally grab what we’ve waited 52 long I’m so proud of the more than 1,100 students in years for: a championship in Northeast Ohio. my Wheels for Education and Akron I PROMISE

40 years, she’s been working to improve public schools, expand access to health care, support children’s hospitals, and so much more.

She wants to make sure kids have access to a good education, no matter what zip code they live in. She’ll rebuild schools that are falling apart and put more money into computer science. She’ll Network programs. We’re working on year six make sure teachers are paid what they deserve so Holding that trophy was beyond words. It still now, and my kids have big plans for their futures. they can give everything to their students. hasn’t hit me. But for me, coming home was never just about basketball.

A lot of them didn’t think college was for them, She also has plans to make college a reality for but now I hear they want to become things like As a kid, I didn’t have much money. It was just doctors and business owners. We even have a more people in America, especially for those who my mom and me, and things were rough at times. future astrophysicist. I can’t wait to see how far can’t afford it. My kids in Akron are proof of the hope and motivation that come from knowing But I had basketball. That gave me a family, a these kids can go. college can be in their future, no matter what community, and an education. That’s more than a lot of children in Akron can say. There are a lot I also tell all my kids how important it is that obstacles they might be facing. of people who want to tell kids who grew up like they give back to the community. Because if me and looked like me that they just don’t have basketball has taught me anything, it’s that no one Finally, we must address the violence, of every anything to look forward to. achieves greatness alone. And it takes everyone kind, the African-American community is experiencing in our streets and seeing on our working together to create real change.

That’s dead wrong. And that’s why I came back TVs. I believe rebuilding our communities by to Cleveland to continue my second mission. I When I look at this year’s presidential race, it’s focusing on at-risk children is a significant part am determined to make sure my kids in Akron clear which candidate believes the same thing. of the solution. However, I am not a politician, I have what they need to become their best selves. Only one person running truly understands the don’t know everything it will take finally to end Opportunities, a support system, and a safety struggles of an Akron child born into poverty. the violence. But I do know we need a president net for kids in poverty or kids in single-parent And when I think about the kinds of policies and who brings us together and keeps us unified. households shouldn’t be limited to those lucky ideas the kids in my foundation need from our Policies and ideas that divide us more are not the enough to be blessed with athletic talent. government, the choice is clear. solution. We must all stand together — no matter where we are from or the color of our skin. And When I entered the league, I founded the LeBron That candidate is Hillary Clinton.

Hillary is running on the message of hope and James Family Foundation. I didn’t know it at the unity that we need. time, but my mission has become clear. We give I support Hillary because she will build on the kids in Akron the resources and opportunities legacy of my good friend, President Barack There’s still a lot of work to be done in Akron, they need to stay in school and reach their dreams Obama. I believe in what President Obama has Northeast Ohio, and all across our great done for our country and support her commitment through education. country. We need a president who understands to continuing that legacy. our community and will build on the legacy of I don’t want to see any of them fall through the President Obama. So let’s register to vote, show cracks. That easily could have happened to me. Like my foundation, Hillary has always been a up to the polls, and vote for Hillary Clinton. champion for children and their futures. For over

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

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POLITICS

CHANGE IS COMING TO THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSION For 213 years the Board of Franklin C ounty Commissioners has been all White. Ohio became a State on March 1, 1803 and Franklin C ounty was established two months later on April 30, 1803. The very first act of the Ohio General Assembly, when they convened in Chillicothe--the State’s first Capital-- was to enact Black Codes. These Codes brazenly and unequivocally denied virtually all rights to African Americans. Black citizens could not attend the public schools; could not testify in court against a White person; had to post a bond to enter another Ohio County; could not serve in the militia; had to hang a “Certificate of Freedom” around their neck to mitigate against arrest for supposed vagrancy or to theoretically allow for the full enjoyment of their “liberties.”

Now, 213 years later, Franklin County is set to elect its first African American County Commissioner--will it be current State Representative Kevin Boyce or former Columbus School Board Member, Terry Boyd? The Columbus African American will interview both candidates for this influential public position and inform our community of who we believe will best speak-up for and act in a manner to properly serve all of the people of Franklin County.

The look of the three person County Commission will certainly change; however, our interest is not in more inclusive photographs. Our interest is in more inclusive policies, programs, and the allocation of resources to improve the quality of life for all residents of Franklin County, with particular interest in greater equity and opportunity for its African American citizens.

We do not need fence-sitting, self-gratifying maintainers of the status quo. We need new leaders who are on fire for justice and greater

opportunity for those who reside in our great “the foundation of the Republican Party looks at County. the sanctity of God and how the Constitution acts as a rudder that lines up with God. Democrats on The first candidate for County Commissioner the other hand, according to Boyd, believe man to be examined by The Columbus African is the author of his own destiny.”

American is Terry Boyd.

“There is a critical need, Boyd says, for Terry Boyd is no stranger to Columbus politics. grassroots economics. We need to create Most recently, he was a candidate for Mayor of micro-businesses that will hire people from the City of Columbus in last year’s election. He the community and not import high-priced ran a surprisingly strong race and finished just executives. Once those businesses are stable a few hundred votes short of qualifying for the they can be converted to small businesses, hire Mayoral run-off between himself and the eventual from the community, and raise per capita income. winner, Andy Ginther. Prior to that, Boyd served We can then teach men to create businesses for on the Columbus School Board. themselves which creates value and pride in their community and in their home. This gives a man Boyd was born in the inner-city of Cleveland, dignity, Boyd added, and this value proposition Ohio in a two bedroom apartment, the youngest strengthens the family unit. The renaissance in of six siblings. At John F. Kennedy High School turning around oppressed communities comes he was a standout athlete who loved basketball, from understanding economics and developing but was All-City in Football. He was accepted transformative programs rather than transactional into Dyke College where he would play point ones, he concluded.” guard. He later dropped out of college and got a job in a factory until an elder convinced him to The centerpiece of Boyd’s economic and go back to school. Boyd then sought out a college workforce development strategy is what he has that would provide for him the kind of discipline named the Center for Entrepreneurship and he needed. Defiance College was where he landed Opportunity. The Center would focus on training and he now holds four degrees--one Bachelors people for real jobs that are being brought into Degree, two Masters Degrees, and a Ph.D. which our County, retaining businesses that might be he received from the Ohio State University. Dr. facing closure, and increasing self-employment Boyd is now the Chair of Human Resources at in Franklin County from 88th in the nation to Franklin University where he initiated the MBA at least being in the top five or ten counties in Program. He has two daughters, one 27 year old America. who resides in Chicago, Illinois and a 25 year old who is completing her Ph.D in Physical Therapy.

The high-energy Dr. Boyd has plans to engage more citizens in the oversight of County Boyd said, “I am running for County government, thus providing greater transparency, Commissioner because I am sick and tired of our tax dollars being abused and the absence of place undercover police officers in schools to critical thinking in evolving situations. We now combat the heroin epidemic, expunge some have a government that is reactive and too slow, adjudicated crimes of human trafficking victims with too many politicians focused on keeping who have been forced to commit criminal acts, and teach children vocational skills needed to their job.” supplement their education.

Boyd is a Republican and very comfortable being one. He says, “I chose the Republican Next month we will present the candidacy and Party because it aligned more with my beliefs as platform of Representative Kevin Boyce who a Christian. The Democratic Party accepts any is also pursuing this same seat on the Franklin and everything,” he added. Boyd goes on to say, County Board of County Commissioners.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus African American • October 2016

HOUSING

THE DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN THE ‘HAVES’ AND ‘HAVE NOTS’ IN REAL ESTATE INVESTING

By John Delia Real estate investing can appear to be overwhelmingly dominated by opinion rather than fact. Few non-institutional investors bother to collect the scarce bits of data that can truly determine whether or not that investment house in your municipality would make sense from a financial standpoint.

In fact, if everyone’s talking about it, it’s probably a terrible investment. Fundamentally, if a property is in fact an investment, it should be income producing.

Let’s look at a fictional town of Investmentville A pleasant up-and-coming suburb outside of a major US city. You rent the house you live in, and your neighbor brags that his paid-off house appreciated by 10% over the last five years.

years, then your neighbor should not be bragging. Let’s assume that the interest rate in the US has He would have made more had he bought shares been 3% for a while, and let’s assume that it will continue for the foreseeable future. It follows that in the S&P 500. if your $100,000 real estate investment has only I f w e m a k e t h e a s s u m p t i o n t h a t t h e been increasing in value by 1% per year, you’re Investmentville house and the stock market will losing money compared to the inflation rate. (For continue to appreciate at the same rate (over the practical purposes we will assume that inflation next five years), wouldn’t it be smarter to put the is 4% per year). retirement money into the stock market instead?

No bueno!

Well, yes…sort of.

You could have put that $100,000 into inflationproof treasury bills instead, netting you more The real world is a bit more chaotic. Because money over those years. the real estate market is fragmented, countless opportunities show up every day. And many of See what I mean? these opportunities outperform the stock market by a very wide margin. This is why the savvy It can be very difficult to properly gauge investors are constantly on the lookout for these how profitable real estate is, but it’s good to incredible deals. be as quantitative as possible when making comparisons. Some people lose money every Smart real estate investors are a very calculating month, while others make enormous fortunes off of real estate investing. bunch.

Because, remember, money has an opportunity Because of his positive experiences, he’s thinking cost. Every dollar sitting in investment A is about putting his retirement money towards an not sitting in investment B. The only way to expensive townhouse on Main Street which he determine which is better, between A and B, is to do some quantitative analysis of the two. plans on using as a rental property.

The dividing line between the haves and the have-nots in real estate is top-notch quantitative analysis of the market and following a well outlined business plan.

About the author: John Delia has been an active investor in the Columbus OH market He suggests that you should do something Be scientific. Just because A feels like a good for over six years. To find out more about the investment doesn’t necessarily make it superior opportunities that exist in the area or how similar. What do you think? to B. you can get started investing in real estate, Well, it depends on the circumstances. If the connect with John and other local investors at stock market went up 30% over the last five Run the numbers!

CentralOhioPropertyExchange.com

‘SAVE THE DREAM’ RETURNS

HOMEPORT COUNSELORS TO HELP AVOID FORECLOSURE met. OHFA will determine final eligibility Whitman expects a healthy demand. and forward to your mortgage servicer for “Unemployment is still an issue,” said Homeport is once again acceptance.”

Homeport’s Whitman. “People on unemployment helping Columbus area Save the Dream Ohio was originally funded in still need help keeping their mortgages current.” residents avoid foreclosure 2010 by Congress through the federal Hardest through the newly r e p l e n i s h e d “ S a v e T h e Hit Fund. It came as the nation, including Ohio, Homeowners may qualify for the latest round of Dream Ohio” rescue and was reeling from The Great Recession that had Save The Dream Ohio if: destabilized employment and the real estate • Their household income is below $112,375. mortgage payment assistance programs. market.

• They owe less than $432,500 on their mortgage.

• They have been awarded unemployment “If you are having trouble with your mortgage Before the Save the Dream funds were exhausted benefits since Jan. 1, 2014. and have qualified for unemployment benefits in 2015, over 24,000 Ohio families accessed • They have been discharged from any on or after January 1, 2014, you should call to them and avoided foreclosure.

Of those families, bankruptcies. schedule a meeting with one of our counselors,” over 98 percent remain in their homes today, said Netta Whitman, director of Homeport’s according to OHFA. The maximum amount of assistance a homeowner Housing Advisory Services. could qualify for is $35,000, though the average During the first phase of Save the Dream Ohio, amount is expected to be $14,400.

Funds from Save the Dream Ohio, under the Homeport counselors helped 795 residents obtain operations of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), can cover past due mortgage bills and $14.1 million in mortgage payment assistance. Homeport can assist homeowners with Save The Dream Ohio applications beginning Sept. 26. provide up to nine months of ongoing mortgage Congress decided to re-up the program in 2016, Appointments with counselors can be scheduled payments. beginning Sept. 26, though on a smaller scale. by calling 614 221-8889, Ext. 134. To learn more about the program, visit savethedream.ohio.gov.

The amount of assistance can reach $35,000.

The $25 million allocated to the Save the Dream “Homeport will receive referrals from OHFA or Ohio program will enable OHFA, through HUD Steve Nichol is manager of public relations for we can refer clients to apply,” Whitman said. “We approved counseling agencies like Homeport, to Homeport, www.homeportohio.org, a leading provider of affordable housing and financial assist the client with submitting the application, assist an estimated 2,000 homeowners. education in Central Ohio. provided all program requirements have been

By Steve Nichol

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

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The Columbus African October 2016 The Columbus African American NewsAmerican Journal • •February 2015

COVER STORY CURTIS STITT -- PRESIDENT/CEO OF COTA “THE FRONT RUNNER”

By Ray Miller The Kirwan Institute is one of the great research centers in America. It is housed at The Ohio State University and named after one of the most visionary Presidents the University has ever had--Britt Kirwan. The Institute conducts long term research on some of the most intractable issues facing our nation,e.g., Affordable Housing, Implicit Racial Bias, Educational Inequality, Health Disparities, and particularly relevant to this article-- Public Transportation. In a very insightful race-related study conducted by the Kirwan Institute in Dayton/Beavercreek Ohio, the following words, spoken by none other than Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are used to frame the report: “Urban transit systems in most American cities, for example, have become a genuine Civil Rights issue because the layout of rapid transit systems determine the accessibility of jobs in the Black community. If transportation systems in American cities could be laid out so as to provide an opportunity for poor people to get meaningful employment, then they could begin to move into the mainstream of American life.”

Curtis Stitt was not gifted with the oratorical skills of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.--few people are. However, in the course of our two-hour interview, the same sentiments, foundation, and raison d’etre for the provision of mass transit, stated by Dr. King, was articulated consistently by the principal of this article. Some people are quite adept at “Talking the Talk.” Curtis Stitt has demonstrated throughout his life that he is all about “Walking the Walk.”

Curtis Stitt was born and raised in the Mt. Pleasant area of Cleveland, Ohio, poor but richly blessed with the Godly leadership of his parents.

He attended Mt. Olivet Institutional Baptist Church on Quincy Ave, in Cleveland, where Dr. O. M. Hoover was the Pastor.

Stitt’s work ethic was modeled after his father.

One of the blessings that came out of living in poverty, in a four room house was the openness of each room. Through the openness of the house, he was able to see his father each night on his knees praying. That established his foundation.

His mother did not work outside of the home in his early years, but later worked in the cafeteria system in the Cleveland Public Schools.

During his time at J.F.K. High School, he recalls his father being a construction worker for most of his career. When the winters came, his father was oftentimes laid off, but was always there for his family. Curtis used his father’s work ethic as a guide. From his first job as a paper boy, to dish washer, bus boy at a local restaurant, and even during college summer breaks working at the local factory.

Curtis attended Kent State University and though he dreamed of being an architect in high school, he earned his B.A. in Political Science and Economics. He attended law school at the Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University where he earned his Juris Doctorate.

Stitt spent half of his career as an attorney, doing things that most people in his field wouldn’t do, including working as a title researcher following college. He eventually moved to Columbus where he took a job in the Appellate Division of the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office.

Then he was offered the position of Superintendent for Credit Unions, to later find out it was an expendable position.

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

When I got my job in the Appellate Division in the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office, I had not applied for the position. I was in Franklin County with my first wife. Both of us were looking for jobs. She had an interview in Columbus at the Public Defender’s office and I had an interview the next day in Cleveland.

We drove up from Cincinnati. I’m sitting in the waiting room waiting for her to finish her interview and Jim Kura, the Franklin County Public Defender, a tiny wiry guy with bright red hair came out of his office, introduced himself and asked if I’d like to sit in. During the interview he asked me three or four questions.

We went on to Cleveland and when we got back, on our answering machine were two job offers.

I called Jim back and he asked me, “What area would you be interested in if you would consider a job here?” I said, “Definitely, Appeals.” and he offered me that job.

I say all this to say, my career path has not been fixed by me. I think it’s been ordained by God. It’s been a series of blessings. With that ordination, and I don’t want to use the term loosely, that’s what has driven me. That work ethic that I saw in my dad, and I developed in some of these strange and hard jobs that I had growing up, has driven me to strive for excellence. I’m a long way off but that’s the target. You know the phrase. I don’t want to get preachy and I’m not a biblical scholar, but I know the charge is to press toward the mark which suggests you’re not going to hit it, your charge is to press in that direction in everything you do.

What church do you attend?

I attend Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. I have two granddaughters, ages 4 and 2. That’s the best part of my day because they live at home with me.

Tell us about your relationship with Bill Lhota: I really like Bill Lhota because of how he

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Curtis Stitt

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COVER STORY mentored me in a very unassuming non-intrusive kind-a-way, which convinced me that I would make a good CEO for COTA. The first time he posed the subject with the leadership team he said that he had been here two-and-a-half years and he ended up staying seven in a half. In the next leadership team meeting he said that he thought the next CEO should come from within that room or a least within COTA. I was not interested in the least, in fact, he left the meeting early and on the way out, I said to rest, “If nominated I will not run, if elected I will not serve.” We worked very closely together, I reported directly to him even before I became a vice president as I was handling Government Affairs.

When he came in he pulled me out of the division I was in to have me report directly to him. He had a style of leadership that promoted people. It wasn’t just promoting you through the ranks within the organization, but promoting you to other people within and outside of the organization. Just watching that and every now and then hearing him ask the question, “Who do think at COTA will be a better CEO than you?”

He never really wanted an answer to that question he just wanted me to think about it.

The most important thing that I learned from Bill was how to be a better listener.

Share with us three major selling points about COTA: We help our community by contributing to workforce development and economic development. When you condense that down to the granular level; what we really do is get people to jobs and because we get people to jobs, our community remains vibrant and strong. I don’t know a major city that can say they are a strong city without a strong public transit system. I think that is a point of pride that we contribute to people’s lives.

In terms of accomplishments since I’ve been President: I think COTA is at a place today and is positioned in the community better than it’s ever been in its forty-two-year history. I say that because I have worked here almost all of that. I will have been here eighteen years in January.

I’ve learned some of the political history. I have a keen appreciation for the politics of COTA and its relationship with the business community.

Interface with other major system within Central Ohio: There are partnerships that we are working to develop with municipalities and private businesses to help us do our job.

A lot of the businesses in New Albany are struggling to find people. When the New Albany companies decided to start developing businesses, they didn’t think about how people who need jobs are going to get there 20 plus miles from downtown. So we entered into a partnership with the city of New Albany to increase the amount of service that we run from downtown. We were running one or maybe two buses and now we are running five.

Last year we launched a partnership called ‘GREAT’, Groveport Rickenbacker Employee Access Transportation. We increased our all day long service down to Rickenbacker. We increased span of service how long we run and added service on the weekend and the frequency.

The GREAT buses on three different routes are meeting our passengers at bus stops where they transfer and those circulating buses takes them

North West Elevation

to the front door. We partner where we see the demand to connect people from where they live to where they work.

Leadership style: Some people say you manage projects and lead people, I believe that. I’d like to view myself as a leader who is a ‘Front Runner’. You know part of the reason I use that phrase, but someone who is out front taking the lead, not just saying here is how you should do it, but let me show you how to do it. My dad was that way. He showed us how to be kind to people. There was never a stranger that asked him for a dollar that he didn’t give it.

It’s that Front Runner style; you want to give a good example of the level of effort, the level of dedication, the commitment to the organization, the commitment to our purpose and the people we serve.

Levy Request: In 2006 we asked the community to support us with an additional increment and they did for ten years. It’s 2016 and we need to renew the levy.

We ran about 630,000 hours at that low level in 2006, today we are providing 1,120,000 hours of service. Assuming the levy is renewed we will be able to increase that through 2018 up to 1.2 million hours. Another 80 thousand hours of service in the next two years. We need to be able to maintain our current revenue base. How are we going to meet all of our growing needs

21

if we just ask for the same amount? One of the things we are doing that is in the pipeline is called ‘Next Generation Planning Program’. In that project we are really engaging the community.

Collectively we are working with MORPC, the City of Columbus and others.

What do you do to unwind and enjoy life?

You heard about two of them, the two year old and four year old.

I love listening to jazz. If I had to rank my favorite artists they would be, Miles at different times of his life Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Rashaan Roland Kirk. I listen to all kinds of music. I like classical music, salsa, blues and a little bit of the old, old rap. I like people like LL Cool J. and The Fat Boys -- their songs were fun.

To unwind; I love track and field. In high school I ran the mile, two mile and the 880. I ran a 50 flat on my best day and these guys today are all running 48 and 47’s. I love working with kids (as a coach). We had twenty-seven kids to qualify to go to Sacramento for the Junior Olympics this year, but because of another National event in which we participated in Pennsylvania, and the cost of going to Sacramento, we only took about four kids out there. The name of the club is ‘New World Track Club’.

Curtis Stitt. Steady, Committed, a Man of God, and True.

The Columbus African American • October 2016

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

22

HEALTH

WE ARE NOT THE ENEMY

By Charleta B. Tavares African Americans are fed up with excuses and the exonerations of countless police and law enforcement officers who have shot and killed men, women and children in communities all across the country. According to The Guardian as of September 21, 2016, one-hundred and ninety-four (194) African Americans have been shot and killed by police. The Washington Post, another source identifies 732 deaths by police as of October 2016, 178 of which were African American, 114 Latino/Hispanic and 27 identified as other (see infographics table). This statistic represents 24% of the deaths to date among African Americans a disproportionate number – especially when African Americans represent just 13% of the U.S. population.

What is even more disturbing is that according to the data compiled by the Washington Post a big proportion of those killed showed obvious signs of mental illness. Mental health disorders also disproportionately impact African American and people of color. Of the 732 killed this year at least 173 were thought to be suffering from such conditions. Many of those killed carried guns according to police records. In at least 29 cases officers mistook toy guns for the real thing (children such as, Tamir Rice and Tyre King).

The Washington Post indicated that the death statistic for 2015 of individuals killed by police was 991.1 The Washington Post database that tracks fatal shootings by police shows a 6 percent increase in the number of such deaths during the first six months of 2016, compared with the same period last year. Fatal encounters are strikingly similar to last year’s shootings: Blacks continued to be shot at 2.5 times the rate of whites. About half of those killed were white, and about half were minorities. Less than 10 percent of all those killed were unarmed. One-quarter were mentally ill. their lives matter? Many within our community would argue that we are under siege and that But there are notable differences: More of the our communities of color are occupied by a shootings were captured on video, 76 in the paramilitary force that sees us as the enemy. first half of 2015 and 105 in the first half of this Some of the observations that highlight the year. And the number of fatal shootings of black disregard and enemy focus are: women, such as that of Jessica Nelson-Williams in San Francisco in May, has risen. Nearly the • Police and law enforcement agencies same number of black women have been killed unfortunately do not reflect the populations of the so far this year as in all of last year — eight this communities they serve (one of the requirements year, compared with 10 in all of 2015.2 to be a culturally and linguistically competent organization).

Why are African Americans being shot and killed at 2 ½ times the rate of Caucasians? Is • Local and state laws have eliminated residency there implicit bias, fear, racism, internalized requirements (requiring officers to live in the racism 3, increased criminal behavior, more communities they serve). This sets up a “them deadly behavior of African Americans? Are and us” mentality and feeds the occupation people of African descent less valued and do theory.

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• Officers of color have been vilified and released from duty when they stand-up and “out” the racist and criminal behavior of those within their departments/agencies.

• Lack of training in serving and respecting racial, ethnic and cultural communities (including religion, gender, race, sexual identity/orientation etc.).

• Lack of training in identifying and appropriately serving people with mental health and substance use disorders (such as Crisis Intervention Training and De-escalation tactics).

Continued on page 24

The Columbus African October 2016 The Columbus African American NewsAmerican Journal • •February 2015

HEALTH law authorizing the Pentagon to donate surplus protect” all communities. And, we need to Cold War era military equipment to local police address the internalized as well as, blatant racism so we do not justify the de-valuing of the lives • Lack of emphasis on the recruitment, retention departments. of African American children, women and men. and promotion of African American and other The Ohio Task Force on Black and Minority We have to be the advocates for our people and people of color within law enforcement.

Health’s final report in 1987 listed six diseases ourselves if we want others to join us. African American and communities of color deserve to • Fear of establishing Civilian Review Boards and conditions that African American, Latino/ live, long and productive lives. to review cases of excessive force and police Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islanders and Native Americans were impacted disproportionately 1Statista, the statistics portal by Dyfed Loesche, shooting deaths. and would address through the Ohio Commission Jul 8, 2016 • Fear of seating citizens from racial, ethnic and on Minority Health: Cardiovascular; Cancers; 2 Washington Post – Fatal Force Database cultural communities on the panels to screen and Diabetes; Infant Mortality; Substance Abuse; and (Database created in 2015) recommend candidates for the law enforcement Violence. Each of these diseases and conditions 3Levels of Racism: A Theoretic Framework and would be addressed through a health lens. A Gardener’s Tale, Camara Phyllis Jones, MD, academies.

Violence is one of the leading causes of death for MPH, PhD (Am J Public Health. 2000; 90:1212• Poor psycho-social assessments to determine 15-35 year-old African Americans and as noted 1215) the fitness (right mind, body and spirit) of above, disparities in violence and deadly force the candidates to enter the law enforcement by police and law enforcement is more than two Charleta B. Tavares is the Chief Executive Officer at PrimaryOne Health, a Federally times that of Caucasian residents. academies.

Qualified Health Center (FQHC) system providing comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, • Excessive use of force on children and women We cannot allow unnecessary and preventable pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health and deaths to occur in our communities. We must specialty care at 10 locations in Central Ohio. of color. not allow our community to be painted as the The mission is to provide access to services that • Focus on acquiring military grade equipment “enemy” to be gratuitously killed because we improve the health status of families including including guns, tanks, lethal calibrated Tasers fail to hold others accountable for their behavior people experiencing financial, social, or cultural etc. In 1994, the U.S. Government passed a or fail to require the necessary training and barriers to health care. www.primaryonehealth. evaluations to occur in order to “serve and org.

Continued from page 23

BECOMING CULTURALLY COMPETENT

By Jacqueline Lewis Lyons, Psy.D Diversity in the United States is at an all-time high. The US Census Bureau (2012) reported that 13% of our population is foreign-born. It would be impossible not to notice the changes in our neighborhoods and cities. However, in sharp contrast to our growing ‘melting pot’ (a term I heard from childhood), our churches typically do not reflect the diversity we see in schools and on job sites. Our places of worship generally reflect either an African-American or predominately Caucasian congregation. I believe this is because most people like to be around others who are like themselves – there is a certain level of comfort when you feel that you fit in.

However, this is not always the case and most of us these days are exposed to a very diverse group of people in the course of daily living. Perhaps the corner store that was run by a Mom & Pop couple when you were a child has now become a coffee shop where many Middle Eastern groups meet. It is quite likely that you have noticed how there are more Muslim women in the work place.

While our reach around the world expands, it makes the world feel much smaller in many ways. As African-Americans, I believe we have a unique point of view about diversity. We have never been part of the ‘identified majority’ but now, comparing numbers of all non-white groups, we have become part of the majority. I think it is in our best interest to develop an understanding and establish some interaction with the other groups which make up our wonderful melting pot.

The news stories of this past year have been filled with examples of how fear and hate impact us– there is no other explanation for the violence we are seeing daily around our country and the world. Discrimination and prejudice are not the values we need to perpetuate a change for our The Columbus African American • October 2016

country. When any group is victimized by hate, I believe we all lose a bit of our humanity. So, what can we do? That is the question everyone is asking. I suggest that we each make an effort to become more culturally competent. We need to shift from the old ‘colorblindness’ attitude of the 1970s in order to see and respect our differences, not ignore them. As we (as a nation, not just people of color) become more aware of our own cultural values and develop attitudes which allow understanding and appreciation of one another’s world view, we will increase in cultural competence. First, this requires that each of us takes a long, serious look at our own values and beliefs, examining where they come from and what they mean to us. For example, if you grew up in the South during the Jim Crow era, you undoubtedly have different feelings about race relations that someone who grew up in New York. It is important for us to consider if our deeply held beliefs are (1) true, or (2) relevant or serving a purpose. Second, we must open our minds enough to understand another person’s world view. Many of the things we focus on here just seem silly to outsiders, such as only drinking a fancy brand of bottled water when so many people in other countries don’t have clean water to drink. We must become more attuned to 24

the truly important matters in the world and seek to find ways to alleviate the global problems, starting with person-to-person issues.

In the 1940s, Charlotte Towle wrote “Common Human Needs” to address human behavior in social environments. Unfortunately, her research was limited to the needs of “normal” young, white males. What we have learned from this is that we need to acknowledge that most of us do not have common experiences. We must look at the role of historical, institutional, and cultural factors and how they shape our individual and collective identities. Living in such a diverse world provides us with many opportunities for growth and new experiences. It would be a shame to allow fear and hatred to stunt our own human development.

Dr. Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons’s 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 of running, she expanded her practice to include servces related to Sports Psychology for athletes of all ages and levels. To reach her, call 614-443-7040 or email her at Jacqui@ DrLewisLyons.com

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

HEALTH

STILL WAITING ON AN “OCTOBER SUPRISE” ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL HEALTH CARE

By Lisa D. Benton, MD, MPH Ever since I heard that Hillary Clinton was diagnosed with pneumonia, as a doctor I was waiting to hear more. Perhaps I was naïve in thinking that her campaign would use the spin of her pneumonia as a teachable healthcare moment.

It would have been an excellent opportunity as the next potential leader of the free world to alert the public about the importance of getting pneumonia and/or influenza (flu) shot, or the risk factors for getting pneumonia and how to stay healthy. It would have been worthwhile to educate the public about “covering your cough”, proper hand-washing techniques to remove germs, and how to limit your exposure to and contamination of others if you have pneumonia or other respiratory infections.

to pneumonia. We’re more likely to die from pneumonia, walking-type or otherwise. Also having other medical problems such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, kidney and heart disease can make it harder for us to recover if we get pneumonia. We should have heard more about the early signs and symptoms of pneumonia.

Instead, we were left with unanswered questions of whether or not she was still contagious when watching the photo op of Mrs. Clinton and the little girl standing on the New York City sidewalk.

An alternate focus would have been to emphasize the need for America to invest in updating the vaccine development pipeline and making it a priority. We saw media coverage during the outbreaks of Ebola, cholera and bird flu that when there is a delay in developing vaccines and putting infection control measures such as gloves and masks, into place, people became critically ill. As a nation we learned how we are safer and more prepared for any disaster or crisis when public health infrastructure shortages are highlighted and addressed in advance.

Affordable Care Act to millions who had preexisting conditions, or could not get insurance for other reasons. The story could have been the importance of getting coverage to the millennial African Americans and other young people who don’t feel they need health insurance but really do. It would have been a chance for the presidential candidates to compare and contrast their leadership on getting and keeping America healthy.

Unfortunately, in contrast with just weeks to go before the election, I am left wondering with the paraphrase of a quotation originating in the 1800’s if when America sneezes and catches a cold, whether Black America will die from pneumonia.

Learn about pneumonia: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/index.html

Lisa D. Benton, MD, MPH (The Doctor is In) For African Americans, it should have been breastsurgeonlb@gmail.com a chance to be reminded of our increased risk It was also a missed opportunity to reinforce Twitter: @DctrLisa (415) 746-0627 for respiratory and other complications related the benefits of expanded health coverage by the

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH LITERACY

By Deena Chisolm, PhD Think back to the last time you went to your doctor’s office or the last time you filled a prescription. How sure were you that you understood all of the instructions that the doctor or pharmacist gave? The last time you watched a commercial on TV for a new medicine, did some of the side effects sound like a foreign language? You are not alone. Every day we are faced with healthrelated information, and over 50% of Americans struggle to understand and use that information for their health.

who do not speak English well have even greater difficulty. In a 2003 survey about health literacy, 2% of African Americans and 4% of Hispanics were proficient in health literacy compared to 14% of Whites. A person’s ability to find, understand and use health information is called health literacy. People with low health literacy find it hard to read things like directions for taking medicines or health insurance forms.

They may also have difficulty understanding spoken instructions or asking questions about health problems. As a result, people with low health literacy often have worse health. Research has shown that low health literacy is associated with more emergency department visits in people with asthma and with poorer blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Parents with low health reading skills are more likely to give their child the wrong dose of a medicine.

added to help with understanding.

October is Health Literacy Awareness month and healthcare providers across the country are being reminded about the importance of clear communication. Hospitals and doctors’ offices are starting to put more focus on making sure that all patients can understand the information they need to get healthy and stay healthy.

Three common ways that health systems are trying to improve communication are universal precautions, plain language and teach back.

Health literate organizations that use these methods are making a commitment to improve communication, but health communication is a two-way street. While providers must do a better job of communicating, we also need to be sure that patients can do a better of understanding.

What can you do as a healthcare consumer?

2. Plain Language is the use of the simplest words whenever possible. For example, “use” is simpler than “utilize” and “shot” is simpler than “injection.” Often the exact same information can be shared using words that are easier to read or understand.

3. Teach Back is a style of communication in which the doctor or nurse makes sure that the patient or parent understands what they’ve been told by having the patient “teach back” what they just learned. For example, after a nurse shows a parent how to use a new inhaler, the nurse could then ask the parent to explain it back to them in their own words. This allows the nurse to learn if there were any misunderstandings and to reteach when needed.

1. Ask questions – Asking three simple questions of your provider can help you be an active participant in your care communication. The Ask Source: iTriage (2015) Tracking American 1. Universal Precautions for health literacy Me 3 campaign developed the National Patient Health Literacy and Prescribing Improvement simply means that every sign, form and brochure should be written in a way that can be understood Continued on page 26 African Americans, the elderly, the poor, people by nearly everyone. The goal is generally a sixthwithout a high school degree or GED and people grade reading level. When possible, pictures are

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus African American • October 2016

HEALTH Continued from page 25

Safety Foundation encourages patients to ask three questions at every visit: 1) What is my main problem? 2) What do I need to do? 3) Why is it important for me to do this? If you don’t know the answers to these questions before you leave your visit, ask!

or phrases that are unfamiliar. Also sometimes, even when they explain a word, you may forget the explanation by the time you get home.

That is okay. There are a few great sources of trustworthy information online. The National Library of Medicine publishes medlineplus. gov. The site offers information on diseases, conditions, medications and health behaviors in videos and easy-to-read articles. Information specifically designed for parents and youths can be found at healthlibrary.nationwidechildrens. org. Read about your condition before your visit so you know what questions to ask and read more after your visit to clarify what you learned.

This can help you be an informed, engaged and activated patient or caregiver.

2. Say “Stop” – Often, when patients feel overwhelmed by what they are hearing, they just “zone out” and stopping listening. This can lead to missing important information. Whenever you do not understand what you are hearing, you can say “STOP.” You can ask your provider to repeat the information in plain language. Repeat what you heard back to them, in your own words, to Racial differences in health are real, but most make sure you understand the key message. aren’t related to race biologically. Instead, 3. Do your research – Even when providers are they can be explained by social, economic, trying to be clear, sometimes they still use words environmental and even educational differences

that exist by race. Health literacy is one of those differences and it is one that can be addressed by patients and providers working together to communicate clearly and ensure understanding.

Dr. Deena Chisolm is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health at The Ohio State University and Director of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Population Health and Equity Research. Her research focuses on improving health and healthcare for children with over 50 peer-reviewed papers on pediatric health services, outcomes and disparities. Dr. Chisolm currently serves as Board Member for the Ohio Commission on Minority Health and a member of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Advisory Panel on Outreach and Education. She earned her B.S. in Biological Science Education from Miami University and her M.S. in Preventive Medicine and Doctorate in Public Health from The Ohio State University.

FAMILY FIRST ACT WORKS FOR OHIO KIDS

By Brandi Slaughter, JD Congress has the opportunity to act on a critical bill that supports keeping children safely with their families, preventing the need for foster care. The Family First Prevention Service Act (FFPSA) is a bipartisan compromise that recently passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming support. Despite its support, the Senate failed to act on the bill before adjourning for summer recess but will have another opportunity upon reconvening after Labor Day. The FFPSA redirects federal resources to improve outcomes for children, invest in prevention, and support family-based care and residential treatment for children with special needs.

Further, the Act makes the federal government an equal partner with Ohio in keeping children in family settings by providing funding to states to reimburse preventive services, not just costs associated with caring for a child already in foster care. Foster care often has the least desirable outcomes for children, yet virtually no funds are available for services to keep children out of foster care and safely with families such as quality mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment, and in-home parenting skills programs. Under the FFPSA, these services could be provided to a child or on behalf of a child, such as to the parents or caregivers, to help the family stay together.

who live in group homes have no mental or behavioral health diagnoses that require such placement. When children remain with families, they are safer, have better academic outcomes, and grow up to lead normal, healthier lives. We must fight to keep children in family settings.

Some opponents of the FFPSA claim the bill will lead to the medicalization of group home care, claiming that all youth placed in such settings will now require licensed clinical care. That’s not the case. The medical residential treatment programs envisioned by the bill mean to address the specific needs of children who have suffered significant trauma through care and treatment by licensed medical staff to ensure professionals are available to appropriately administer medications, Under current federal law, children and youth diagnose and treat the child’s needs with proven in foster care are unfairly and overwhelmingly trauma-informed practices. placed in group care. While group care may be appropriate for some, as many as 40% of youth The intention of this bipartisan bill is to support

The Columbus African American • October 2016

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the long-held, evidence-based practice that children do better in families. The FFSPA is an important step that will strengthen the federalstate partnership in child welfare by providing new federal support for prevention services for vulnerable children, ongoing support for placing children in family-like settings when foster care is necessary, improving the quality of residential treatment programs, and assisting pregnant and parenting youth transitioning into adulthood.

Most importantly, the bill works because it puts the needs of children first.

Brandi Slaughter is the Chief Executive Officer of Voices for Ohio’s Children.

Voices for Ohio’s Children advocates for public policy that improves the well-being of Ohio’s children and their families by building nonpartisan collaboration amongst the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO SAVE OHIO BABIES

JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO REDUCE INFANT MORTALITY Too many babies in our state are dying every day. Nearly 1,000 babies die each year before age one. African American babies are dying at nearly three times the rate of white babies.

soon are at risk for poor health later in life due to mental illness, obesity and breathing problems according to the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. They may also have a harder time in school or be unable to work when they grow up.

Why Is this Happening?

Babies born too soon is the number one cause of baby deaths in Ohio.

Keeping babies from being born too soon will save Ohio families from heartache.

Support Healthy Pregnancies in Ohio “Our Babies Count” supports healthy Connection and Education pregnancies in Ohio. We encourage women to go There are local programs working to reduce to the doctor as soon as they think, or know, they baby deaths and improve pregnancy outcomes are pregnant. We are focusing on this because for women. Many women also don’t realize their we know prenatal care can help prevent health insurance company has great pregnancy premature births and baby deaths! programs AND offers free rides to the doctor.

They also connect women to resources for basic Our Babies Count is a grassroots movement living needs like paying for food and bills. working to inform all Ohioans about the issue and to provide simple ways people can help. The Our Babies Count was created by Ohio’s five campaign also supports the many local programs Medicaid managed care plans (Buckeye Health working around the state to lower infant mortality Plan, CareSource, Molina Healthcare, Paramount rates.

Advantage, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), the Ohio Department of Medicaid, Black One Baby Lost Affects Us All Doctors Ohio and the Ohio Chapter of the Ohio’s a great place to live, but we’re all American Academy of Pediatrics to empower impacted by this health challenge as Ohio is women, families, communities…all Ohioans… only as healthy as our tiniest citizens. In addition with steps we can all take to help our moms-toto a lower chance of survival, babies born too be have healthy pregnancies and babies.

You Can Help • Drive a pregnant woman to her doctor (or midwife) appointment • Watch her children so she can go stress-free • Volunteer with local programs working to reduce baby deaths • Like and follow “Our Babies Count” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter • Use #ourbabiescount to share personal experiences and encouragement Spread the Word About the Importance of Pregnancy Care • Visit OurBabiesCount.org for materials.

• Order FREE information cards, magnets, stickers and posters • Use video, article, web ad, social media graphics, more Get involved! OurBabiesCount.org • Like and Follow “Our Babies Count” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Ohio, We Need Your Help Too Many Babies Are Dying

1,000

babies die each year before age one

#1

cause of baby deaths is babies born too soon

African American babies die at nearly 3x the rate of white babies

Find out what you can do to support healthy pregnancies. Because one baby lost is one too many.

#ourbabiescount

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus African American • October 2016

THE 7TH ANNUAL CENTRAL OHIO HBCU COLLEGE FAIR On Saturday, September 24, 2016, more than 1,000 people participated in the 7th Annual Central Ohio HBCU College Fair at Barnett Recreation Center. With nearly 30 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in one room, students and parents traveled as far away as Chicago to attend the event. In addition to the colleges, there were various community vendors that offered everything from scholarship information to additional resources for parents. Entertainment was provided by DJ Krate Digga and students recieved a special performance by several local black Greek organizations. For those of you who missed it, below are some photos from the event. A special thanks to: Columbus Parks and Recreation, The Columbus African American, Sparkle Career Development Group, LLC, Imagine Reign Creative, HBCU Apparel, CollegeEase, Free Ride to College, Krate Digga, Computer Consultants, Inc., and The Columbus Chapter of the United Negro College Fund. See you all next year!

The Columbus African American • October 2016

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus African October 2016 The Columbus African American NewsAmerican Journal • •February 2015

By Ray Miller, MPA From Reconciliation to Revolution - The Student Interracial Ministry, Liberal Christianity, and the Civil Rights Movement

Black Elephants In The Room - The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans

By Corey D. Fields

By David P. Cline

What do you think of when you hear about an African American Republican?

Are they heroes fighting against the expectation that all blacks must vote democratic? Are they Uncle Toms or sellouts, serving as traitors to their race?

What is it really like to be a black person in the Republican Party?

Black Elephants in the Room considers how race structures the political behavior of African American Republicans and discusses the dynamic relationship between race and political behavior in the purported “post-racial” context of US politics. Drawing on vivid first-person accounts, the book sheds light on the different ways black indentity structures African Americans’ membership in the Republican Party.

Conceived at the same conference that produced the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Student Interracial Ministry (SIM) was a national orgranization devoted to dismantling Jim Crow while simultaneously advancing American Protestant mainline churches’ approach to race. In this book, David P. Cline details how, between the founding of SIM in 1960 and its dissolution at the end of the decade, the seminiary students who created and ran the organization influenced hundreds of thousands of community members through its various racial reconciliation and economic justic projects.

For Their Own Cause - The 27th United States Colored Troops

Our Black Sons Matter - Mothers Talk about Fears, Sorrows, and Hopes

By George Yancy, Maria Davidson and Susan Hadley

By Kelly D. Mezurek The 27th United States Colored Troops (USCT), composed largely of free black Ohio men, served in the Union army from April 1864 to September 1865 in Virginia and North Carolina. It was the first time most members of the unit had traveled so far from home. The men faced daily battles against racism and against inferior treatment, training, and supplies. Yet their contributions provided a tool that allowed blacks with little military experience, and their families, to demand social acceptance and acknowledgement of their citizenship.

Their service did not end when their enlistment was over. The men of the 27th returned to Ohio, they and their families sought full access to the 14th and 15th Admendments and compensatory rights for their sacrifice.

Our Black Sons Matter is a powerful collection of original essays, letters, and poems that addresses both the deep joys and the very real challenges of raising black boys today. From Trayvon Martin to Tamir Rice, the list of young black men who have suffered racial violence continues to grow. Young black people also deal with profound stereotypes and structural barriers. And yet, young black men are often paradoxically revered as icons of cultural cool. The book courageously addresses painful trauma, challenges assumptions, and offers insights and hope through deep bonds between mothers and their children. Our Black Sons Matter sends the message that black lives matter and speaks with the universial love of all mothers who fear for the lives of their children.

The Politics of African American Education - Representation, Partisanship & Educational Equity

By Kenneth J. Meier & Amanda Rutherford

The Education of Kevin Powell - A Boy’s Journey Into Manhood

By Kevin Powell In the spirit of Piri Thoma’s Down These Mean Streets and Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Birds Sings, writer and activist Kevin Powell’s memoir vividly recounts the horrific poverty of his youth and his struggles to overcome a legacy of anger, violence, and self-hatred.

Time and again, Powell harks back to lessons his mother taught him as a little boy: never stop learning, never stop telling the truth, always strive to be a better man, do what is right. Written with urgency and insight by one of the most gifted voices of our times, The Education of Kevin Powell is a powerful chronicle of healing and growth, survival and redemption.

Ultimately, Kevin Powell’s journey is our journey, too.

Based on the 1,800 largest school districts in the US over a decade, The Politics of African American Education documents the status of African American education and the major role that partisanship plays. The book brings together the most comprehensive database on minority education to date that centers around three arguments. First, partisanship permeates African American education, second, African American representation matters and third, political structures matter, but they are not determinative. Two different structures - election rules and the independent school district - create the rules of the game in US education politics and policy but do not limit others from using those rules to change the outcome.

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

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TEACHING FOR SUCCESS: WELCOMING AND RESPECTING EVERY CHILD

By Marian Wright Edelman Teaching children may be the highest way to seek God. It is, however, also the most daunting way, in the sense of the greatest responsibility.

- Gabriela Mistral, Chilean Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature As a new school year begins, how do we teach Black and other non-White children and youths and all those who are poor or have special needs to ensure their successful readiness for the future? How do educators and all those with primary responsibilities for preparing children for the future understand that every child is sacred and deserves fair treatment? How do we create a pedagogy that respects the unique gifts of our diverse child population and nation of many colors and faiths and become a beacon for our multiracial multicultural world?

Dr. Terrell L. Strayhorn, the youngest full professor at The Ohio State University and Director of its Center for Higher Education, reminds teachers they must begin by making sure all children know they belong and are valued. He explained: “All of us as educators are about trying to inspire students to reach their highest potential to be innovative, to be creative, to move outside the borders, to imagine and connect the dots that aren’t even connected yet. They can’t get there without first satisfying dysfunction around belonging. That’s how central and important it is.

How do you start to build it? . . . The first thing you can start to do is accept students for who they are. Short, tall, skinny, thick, real hair, fake hair. Clean clothes or dirty clothes. Smell like you and don’t smell like you. We have to, first of all, love them, embrace them; that is, we accept them — because they can’t possibly be free in a place that starts to treat them as different, as outcasts, as outsiders.”

Dr.Christopher Emdin, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Teachers College, Columbia University points out that many teachers didn’t have all the right role models in school themselves: “There’s so many educators who feel like they’re doing the right thing and doing the right work for the right reasons, but they have not yet done the deep internal work of healing from the trauma of their own experiences in schools. What happens is when you go into a school and you have a tough day, guess who you become? The teacher who did violence on you.”

He encourages young teachers today to take the time to think about what might have been broken in their own school experience — and embrace the opportunity to reimagine what they want school to feel like for their students.

Drs. Emdin and Strayhorn discussed these crucial thorny issues during this year’s Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® training dedicated to stopping summer learning loss, creating a love of reading, and empowering children to make a difference in their schools and communities. Dr. Emdin, the author of the

bestseller For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of Y’all Too and Urban Science Education for the Hip-Hop Generation, has spent much of his career focused on how to make science and math education engaging and relevant, and how to appreciate the cultural backgrounds and community traditions students bring to the table. Dr. Strayhorn has conducted extensive research on belonging. And while CDF Freedom Schools primarily serve poor children and those of color left behind, many of the ideas these two brilliant educators share ultimately transcend color and income to get at the root of the work all educators and others who work with children need to do to help all children succeed and fall in love with learning.

Dr. Strayhorn shared a personal story. He had always excelled at math until his senior year in high school, when a teacher’s ugly comment on an exam changed everything: “Miss Pitts gave me my test back, and I had made a mistake . . .

She circled it and said ‘stupid move.’ A teacher called me ‘stupid’ in twelfth grade. I went home and told my mother. Long story short, before you know it — my grades started slipping in math.

Before you know it — I had always planned to go to [the University of Virginia] to major in math; I went to UVA and majored in music and religious studies. But it wasn’t until I got in my doctoral program in a stats class years later that I realized, ‘Oh, my gosh, I like math.’ And then I said, ‘Well, wait a second. I always liked math.

When did I stop liking math?’ It was when Miss Pitts told me I was dumb at math.” He warns that words really matter.

He reminded our young teachers and college servant leaders that teaching is a calling: “Carter G. Woodson once wrote that the mere imparting of information is not education. So if you’re going to be about the business of teaching, you are an educator, and how you prepare for that moment is to realize that what you’re about to do is in fact more than impartation of information.

It is actually a calling. It is a vocation … there are young people in this country who need you . . . Every single day, you’ve got to wake up to that call, and you’ve got to be present in the moment about that call.”

Dr. Emdin stressed that one of the highest parts

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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of that calling is to create joy — for both children and teachers: “You know, for me, it’s about whatever it is that you can create in a classroom to allow joy to be present . . . I always tell classes this too: I do hip-hop, hip-hop science, hip-hop STEM not for my students, but for me, because I needed to heal and bring back up who I wanted to be.” He added: “It’s a battle for you to keep your spirit alive every day . . . and once you do that, they will learn, because joy is the key to learning.” He emphasized that too often students are penalized for their behavior in settings that “are killing the joy before it can happen”: “We blame them for not being able to actively engage because of the structure of the classroom, when in reality, we are doing the violence on them . . .

Joy first. Anything else second. That’s the work.”

These are messages many thousands of excellent teachers around the country already carry in their hearts and implement in their actions every day.

Let’s celebrate and encourage all of them as they start a new school year prepared to recognize and nurture the best in every child, appreciate the gifts each one brings to the classroom, and cultivate the joy and love for learning that so many of our students desperately need. And let us say to those who see teaching as just a job and who do not love and respect every child and aren’t committed to ensuring their success to please go do something else.

You can have the best curriculum in the world and as many degrees as you can pay for from the best schools but the foundation for building strong children is respecting and remembering the specialness of every individual child. Educating each of our children is a sacred trust and a noble undertaking. I am so grateful to all those who go into school buildings across our nation every day to build strong educated citizens to ensure the competitiveness and security of our nation.

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 • October 2016

AARP ‘TAKE A STAND’ CAMPAIGN IN OHIO AARP launched “Take A Stand” - a national campaign to press the Presidential candidates to lead on Social Security and give voters real answers about how they’ll keep it strong for future generations. If our leaders do not act, future retirees could face an automatic benefit cut of nearly 25 percent every year, after 2034, according to 2016 Social Security Trustess Report. Below are photos from a recent meeting with AARP Ohio State Director, Barbara Sykes, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and executive members of AARP to talk about the campaign. They also visited with local volunteers in Columbus who are leading the charge to raise awareness in their communities.

(L to R) Luke Russell - ASD Advocacy, Kristin Dillon - SR. VP, AARP State & Community Engagement, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH3), Barbara Sykes AARP Ohio State Director, Belen Mendoza - VP, AARP National Campaign

Columbus volunteers for AARP’s “Take A Stand” campaign getting ready for election day.

The Columbus African American • October 2016

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

BUSINESS MONEY 101 - PART II

By Edward Bell, MBA Last month we began our series discussing our need to budget.

In this issue, you will be shown how to generate an easy monthly budget for you and your family.

The first thing necessary to begin your monthly budget, is to track the expenses incurred during the month. It is a good idea to ask for and keep all receipts. That breakfast sandwich you purchase at the local fast-food establishment is a withdrawal from your available funds and you can easily forget purchasing it as the days go by. Get a receipt for everything. If you make a purchase of any kind GET A RECEIPT!

With receipts in hand, find a comfortable seat at a desk or table with a plan in mind. You are determined to track where your money is going.

For this, you can use a simple Monthly Expense Tracker, like the one I have included below (feel free to copy this one), or create your own, as long as it shows the expenses you accumulated during the prior month.

MAKING A PLAN Once you’ve tracked your expenses for a month and have a grip on what your income is, you can start to plan a budget. For each category (living, personal, food, etc.), see what you’ve spent, and make a spending plan for the coming month.

After tracking expenses, you’ll probably find areas where you can cut back and areas that need a little more juice.

Every month you should balance your budget to make sure that you’re not spending more than you’re making. Entertainment expenses can go up quickly with children, but they’re easy to cut back. Housing and utilities aren’t as easy.

Making a budget is a work in progress, so don’t get frustrated when you’re starting out. You’ll eventually get the hang of it, and spending within your budget will become second nature.

BALANCING YOUR BUDGET

Once you get in the habit of tracking your expenses, you’re ready to start balancing a budget. Take a look at how much you’re spending each month in each category. You now have a picture of where your money is going. So you can scrimp in one category if you anticipate needs in another. For example, if a great concert is coming to town, you can cut back on snacks or be frugal with groceries for a couple of days so you can go to the concert and enjoy yourself without busting your budget.

WORKSHEET

This budget worksheet below will help you set up your personal budgeting system. Enter your income and expenses in the first column.

After a month, compare it to your tracked expenses and income. How far off were you?

Make adjustments, and try it again the next month.

THE COMPUTER: THE CENTER OF YOUR UNIVERSE Can you imagine what your parents’ lives must have been like without a personal computer? No email, no music downloads, no video games… no web surfing! Horrors! It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? When your parents were your age they probably spent a lot of time actually going to a band or Credit Union and either interacting with a teller or using a new-at-the-time technology called an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Well, it’s a new day, and technology rules. One of the areas where technology has been fully utilized is online banking. Now just about every customer transaction that used to be done by hand is fully automated – thanks to online banking.

One of the biggest advances in online banking has been bill pay. If you still pay your bills by snail mail, you may want to check this out. It’s nearly instantaneous, more efficient and paper free.

REASONS TO BANK ONLINE Open 24/7 – In case you haven’t noticed, computers don’t need sleep.

Easy access – See your account balances, transfer money and pay bills from any computer, anytime.

Learn to manage your money – Most online banks and Credit Unions are full of tools that can help you with financial literacy.

• Tutorials • Budgeting tools and automated spreadsheets • Printable online statements • Easy fund transfers • Copies of checks you’ve written • Student loan information • Automatic reminders to pay your bills GETTING STARTED To enroll in online banking, you may have to do it the old-fashioned way, go to your bank

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or Credit Union. In some cases, you may be able to enroll online. In any event, it’s a good idea to shop financial institutions for the best interest rates, fees, etc.

YOUR MONEY AND ONLINE BANKING Online banking is great for a lot or reasons.

But mostly, it’s valuable because it helps keep you organized in ways you couldn’t imagine. It is also important to keep your own log and not solely rely on online banking.

BILL PAY This is probably the single most convenient feature of online banking. You can enter your regular monthly payees. Each month, with just a few clicks, you can handle many of your payments. No envelopes. No stamps. If you choose to, you can set it up to pay your bills automatically at a pre-determined date or remind you when a payment is due. Some banks will even have your bills delivered to you online.

STATEMENTS Another extremely useful feature is the ability to view your statements online. Even better, you can view past statements too. Its convenient, saves trees and deters mail fraud and identity theft.

FUND TRANSFER From a security standpoint, one of the best things that online banking brings to the table is that it allows you to transfer funds electronically.

Transfer money between your personal accounts and outside accounts, such as car loans, credit cards and sometimes other customer’ accounts – like landlords’.

Edward Bell, MBA, AAMS, CMFC, CSS was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and graduated with honors in a course, “Writing for Children,” from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

He has served as Contributing Editor of the Autograph Times. Ed won the 1999 award for best screenplay from the PEN American Center in New York and garnered the runner-up award for non-fiction writing in 2000. He earned a Master’s degree, as well as designations as: Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS); Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC), and Certified Customer Service Specialist (CSS).

The Columbus African October 2016 The Columbus African American NewsAmerican Journal • •February 2015

THE BOTTOM LINE:

SECURE YOUR FUTURE WITH AN UPDATED BUSINESS MODEL

By Iris Cooper, MBA The world has changed and your business model may need some remodeling.

Not long ago, a merchant would open a shop and repair shoes for people that needed heels or soles.

Farmers would grow crops and sell them to gain income to support the farm. Restaurants would serve good-tasting meals to the same people every week with the same tastes. Drycleaners would clean suits and dresses and return them to the customer in a few days.

These industries are not antiquated; people still need these goods and services. However, new concepts have invaded the market place to satisfy customers with unique needs, desires, and demands. Investopedia offers this definition of the business model: “The plan implemented by a company to generate revenue and make a profit from operations. The model includes the components and functions of the business, as well as the revenues it generates and the expenses it incurs.”

The discussion of business models emerged during the dot.com revolution when websites became popular, but did not include an income stream. Those early entrepreneurs realized that capturing the customer’s attention was important to advertisers, and began charging for advertising space on the sites, (also known as monetization.)

From that point, innovation became the mantra for businesses to compete in the global market for goods and services. Innovation is the term used for transferring a unique technologybased idea to the marketplace, where customers perceive new value. Sadly, innovation is missing from many business models today.

How do you know if your business model needs a tune-up?

• A decline in sales, either gradually or immediate, can be an indication that the market for your product or services has changed. Check your financial records to see if regular customers are missing or reducing their purchases.

• A visual inspection of who is in the room is another way to check the landscape.

If your customers look different than the ones you had last month or year, examine their characteristics. You may be attracting a new customer that presents an opportunity to conduct marketing research for more information.

• New market participants from all directions can also signal time for a change. The internet can offer great insight into who is doing what in the world. Even though the participant is not in your backyard, he/she could be soon.

Marketing research is critical in this era of immediate and transparent movement.

• Employees leaving for other jobs may also indicate a broken model. If employees get bored or are attracted to competitors, your The Columbus African American • October 2016

business model may be obsolete. When valuable people leave your business, knowledge travels with them and your business must replace the void with technology or from training a new person from scratch.

• Your technology is dated and manual systems still exist. When systems are slow and inaccurate, competitors have the upper hand by offering new benefits with increased efficiency.

If you are not using the web to attract and retain customers, then your business model is definitely broken and will soon be obsolete.

• The language of your business had changed and you need an interpreter. When new words and terms appear that are foreign to your ears, you may be out of touch with the industry.

• The terms of engagement have changed and you perceive risk. Government regulations, industry standards, or taxes threaten your existing operation and you are unsure of what to do.

• Poor networking. You do not know who or what is moving into your lane, let alone moving into your industry.

Some entrepreneurs are creating new markets with new business models that previously were nonexistent. These blue ocean innovators* reach into an existing business model and insert new benefits that attract entirely new customers. An example of this trend is Nike. Before this giant emerged, tennis shoes were rubber-soled items that laced up and kept you from falling on the gym floor or tennis court. Then Nike decided that sneakers were more than foot coverings and infused fashion and celebrity into the brand.

Michael Jordan helped Nike make zillions with this strategy. Prices skyrocketed when Nike convinced the consumer that tennis shoes were an expensive necessity, intended to enhance your social and athletic brand.

The world has changed and 2017 is looming with even more adjustments and uncertainties. Just because you have income and

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customers at the moment does not mean your business model is sustainable. Even if it is solid today, it may crack tomorrow. (Time is money, remember?) Fix it now and stay ahead of the competition. *Kim, W. C., & Mauborgne, R. {2005}. Blue ocean strategy: from theory to practice.

BIO: IRIS ANN COOPER aka “JustAskIris!” (www.justaskiris.com) Iris Cooper ’s career includes leadership positions in financial services, economic development, community service, entrepreneurship, 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. In 2016, she obtained her DBA from Walden University, majoring in Entrepreneurship.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

FINANCES: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT...

By Edward Bell, MBA This month within the pages of the African-American News Journal, we introduce a new column that will require our circulation’s participation. We understand when it comes to finances and all the nuances therein, questions arise. It is our hope that many of those questions can be answered thereby alleviating the anxiousness that can accompany new ventures. Should you have a questions concerning anything financial in nature, we ask that you submit your question(s) on paper, clearly legible with your contact information (in case you need to be contacted), and of course the question you desire an answer for. Due to the amount of mail we receive, please understand that any question submitted become the property of the African-American News Journal. Please limit your questions to those dealing with finances only.

Question: I have heard you say you do not like banks but prefer Credit Unions instead. Could you explain this to me? Karen – Circleville Answer: While this is a personal decision, my reasons are well known. Karen, it comes down to fees and the expenditure of money that is not necessary. I can remember a time when as a boy I could shovel snow during the winter and cut grass during the summer. Proudly, I would put my money into a bank account and each year, delight in seeing how much my savings had grown. Sadly, those days are over. Putting any funds into a bank and not initializing any activity for over 60 days, will cause the owners to incur a penalty (inactivity fee). Over a period of time, left unattended, you could see your savings

evaporate. With a Credit Union however, you money continues to earn interest and no fees are incurred for inactivity. There are multiple other fees banks charge that Credit Unions don’t.

Question: As a Senior Citizen with no family or dependents remaining, I have heard there is a way for me to receive money from a bank for my house and still live in it. Is this true? F r a n k – Columbus Answer: Frank, in essence that is true. Here’s how it works. A reverse mortgage is an arrangement whereby a homeowner borrows against home equity and receives regular payments (tax-free) from the lender until the accumulated principal and interest reach the credit limit of equity; at that time, the lender either gets repayment in a lump sum or take the house. Reverse mortgages are available privately and through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). They are appropriate for cash-poor but house-rich older borrowers who want to stay in their homes and expect to live long enough to amortize high up-front fees but not so long that the lender winds up with the house. In essence, you give ownership of your house to the lender but retain your right to live there until the loan is paid off or you pass away.

Question: I have heard that with the markets going down, it is better to buy later when I see the market on the rise again, yet people like Warren Buffett, who I see on the news, say this is the time to buy. What is your take on this? John – Reynoldsburg Answer: Well John, in reality, anytime is the best time to get into the markets. As an advocate of investments, I usually tell anyone who inquires, that they should just get in because there is no perfect time to begin. But since you asked

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specifically, I will address the issue. I am from the school of Warren Buffett. I too believe that the time to invest is when the market is trending down “bottom fishing” is how Warren terms it.

Let me ask you a question, if you are out looking to buy a new suit and you find a tailor who is selling them at a 50% discount, are you going to tell the tailor, “no, I’ll wait until the price goes back up!” As ridiculous as that sounds, that is how it is when people wait for the markets to go back up before getting in. Because historically the market is on a steady climb, there will be those ups and downs (known as chatter), and its during those down turns you find your best bargains. The idea is to buy those companies you grew up with that have steady growth. They may not be the glamorous technology companies, but they are usually proven winners and should make you smile all the way to the bank.

Question: To find great stocks, am I right to seek ones with low P/E ratios and high dividend yields? Pam – Bexley Answer: Pam, while that is a solid start, look beyond those measures, too. After all, many great stocks pay little or no dividends – at least while they’re still young and growing rapidly.

Facebook, Netflix and Amazon, for example, along with Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, pay no dividend. Companies also sometimes have high yields and low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios only because their stock price has tumbled because of some major trouble. Never make a purchase decision based on very few numbers.

The more you learn about a company, the sounder your decision should be.

Edward Bell, writes exclusively for the AfricanAmerican News Journal and questions to this column should be addressed to him at: 3222 N. 34th Street, Apt. B, Tampa, Florida 33605

The Columbus African October 2016 The Columbus African American NewsAmerican Journal • •February 2015

HISTORY

BILL WILLIS: OSU & NFL STAR - YOUTH COMMISSIONER

By Rodney Q. Blount, M.A. 2016 has proven to be a monumental year regarding politics and resulting potential political shifts that can change our nation and the world forever. The local, state, and national airwaves are filled with political and campaign advertisements, especially here in the key battleground state of Ohio. The increase in political ads foretells the ushering in of the height of the political season like the changing of the color of leaves symbolizes the arrival of Fall.

We are charting into unknown territory as two of the most unpopular American presidential candidates of all time compete against each other for the presidency. A lot is at stake in this presidential election including the potential Supreme Court justice and federal appointments, legislation changes, economic growth, domestic issues (especially addressing police shootings and related policies), international relations, education, etc. In addition, we face a key United States Senate battle in Ohio and even the local landscape has changed this year with the election of Andrew Ginther as the mayor of Columbus.

Politicians have immense power and their policies affect everyone. They also have the ability to create jobs and make appointments.

Bill Willis was an outstanding humanitarian from Columbus who was well-known for his achievements on the football field. However, less people know that he served as the chairman of the Ohio Youth Commission, a state appointment he received to preside over a state agency created to “combat criminality among young people.”

Columbus native William Karnet Willis, Sr., was born to Clement and Willana “Anna” Willis on October 5, 1921. He was raised by his mother and grandfather after his father passed away before he reached the age of five years old. He had three sisters (Ida, Dorothy, and Georgia) and an older brother, Claude, who was an All-state fullback football player at East High School and recently passed away at the age of 100 in 2014.

It should be noted that Willis lived his formative years amid the Great Depression and I believe that had a considerable impact on his life. Willis was a great athlete at East High School where he was on the football team and the track team. He won Honorable Mention All-State honors as a senior and upon graduation he earned a football scholarship to The Ohio State University in 1941 with the help of a letter of recommendation from his high school football coach, Ralph Webster.

Willis excelled on the football team at The Ohio State University. Initially, Willis was encouraged to focus on the track team, but when Paul Brown, the Ohio State University football coach, put him on the 1942 team he soared. At six feet two inches and 210 pounds, the Buckeye lineman was a star and played a major role in winning Ohio State’s first national title. Willis was a three-year starter and played both offense and defense. He was a superb blocker on offense and a “punishing, relentless tackler on defense.” “He blocked for Les Horvath, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1944, and became Ohio State’s first black All-American in 1943-44. The university

Photo courtesy of Linda Fleming-Willis

honored Willis on November 3 by retiring his No. 99 jersey. During the ceremony in Ohio Stadium, officials presented him with a replica of his championship ring.” He completed his sojourn at Ohio State in 1945 with a B.A. in education.

In 1946, Paul Brown was putting together the first Browns team as its first coach. No black player had appeared in a pro football game since the National Football League of the early 1930s.

However, Brown changed that when he signed Willis and Marion Motley, a powerful fullback, on to the Cleveland Browns team. Willis’ quick speed, strength, and intelligence in drills were the determining factor in him being picked to star on the team, despite what some considered a small frame for the National Football League. In 1947, he met Odessa Porter in a Cleveland restaurant.

They married the following year and would have three sons: William, Jr. (Linda), Clement (Lee), and Dan (Madge).

“During Willis’s eight years in professional football (1946-1953), the Browns established a football dynasty on Lake Erie. With the future Hall of Famers Otto Graham, Dante Lavelli, Lou Groza, Motley, and Willis, the Browns won every AAFC championship (1946-1949) and an NFL championship in 1950, the year the Browns entered that league. Used on both the offensive and defensive lines, Willis played a key role in the Browns’ five-man defensive line as the middle guard who would drop back a yard from scrimmage to attack any offensive threat before being blocked.

Willis earned first team all-league honors three years in the AAFC and four years in the NFL.” Bill Willis’ trademark was not only excelling on the field, but also his outstanding character. Willis wielded respect from his college and professional football teammates. Willis did receive racial slurs and epithets that were hurled at him during his early days on the field by opposing teams, but he earned their respect also after dominating on the football field. “I soon won the respect of my opponents,” Willis said. “They learned that I could take it and dish it out, and I didn’t really have to play dirty ball to hold my own. Speed was my greatest asset, but I could unleash a pretty solid forearm block and a rather devastating tackle.”

Willis earned membership in both the college and NFL Halls of Fame and is considered “the first African American starter in modern day professional football.” Successively, Willis served as Assistant Director of Recreation for

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the city of Cleveland until 1964 when he was appointed Deputy Director and ultimately Director of the Ohio Youth Commission (later named the Ohio Department of Youth Services) because of his love of children. He changed the lives of countless young men, especially several considered “at risk,” through his direct involvement in their lives and serving as a sterling role model. Willis was a member of many boards and commissions including membership in Lambda Boule’, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Zeta chapter), Columbus Thursday Club, Varsity “O”, NAACP, Ohio Commodores, NFL Alumni, and many other organizations.

Willis passed away on November 27, 2007 at the age of 86. His funeral was held at First Congregational Church, where he was a longtime member, and he was praised for his life of public service. There has been a lot written about Bill Willis, but a lot of the literature only emphasizes his phenomenal college and professional football career. However, Bill Willis excelled in his outreach to children, especially as the Director of the Ohio Youth Commission. “Bill was the last person who would take credit for something. He would say he was just doing what was right,” said Gov. Ted Strickland. His humility, professionalism, and talent were used to the benefit of all Ohio residents and beyond.

Considering the current social and political climate, we could use more public servants like Bill Willis to redirect the ship we call America into a positive direction.

Works Cited http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/mfootbl/spec-rel/091914aac.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Willis http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/29/sports/ football/29willis.html?_r=0 http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/ sports/2007/11/28/bill_willis28.ART_ART_1128-07_C1_Q98K0DL.html h t t p : / / w w w. o h i o h i s t o r y c e n t r a l . o r g / w / William_K._Willis http://www.anb.org/articles/19/19-01025.html 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.

COMMUNITYEVENTS October 7 - 28 , 2016 New Harvest Cafe Funk Fridays Are you tired of fast-food joints or waiting in long lines at lunchtime for your food? Then you need to check out the only place in Columbus where you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat Soul Food buffett, art gallery and live music venue! Great food, service and more. Come for the food and stay for the vibe! For more information, call 614-447-8810.

October 14, 2016 The King Arts Complex 10th Annual Legends & Legacies The Legends and Legacies program recognizes the ancestral continuum of the rich and diverse contributions of Americans by paying tribute to local, regional, and national individuals that have shown their commitment to freedom through their efforts in social justice, human rights, cultural democracy, artistic excellence and service. For tickets, please call 614-645-5464.

Location: New Harvest Cafe Address: 1675 Arlington Ave., 43211 Time: Noon - 7:00 PM Admission: Call for prices.

Location: The King Arts Complex Address: 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., 43203 Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Admission: $50 Web: www.KingArtsComplex.com

October 9, 2016 The Taste for FACE Fundraiser The Friends of Art for Community Enrichment (FACE) is excited to host its annual The Taste for FACE fundraising event at its new venue, the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Guests will enjoy gourmet sample dishes from influential Central Ohio celebrity chefs. The fun also includes line dancing, door prizes and an art exhibit. For tickets, please call 614-668-6469.

Location: The Greater Columbus Convention Center Address: 400 N. High Street, 43215 Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Admission: $50 Web: www.ColumbusConventions.com October 11, 2016 29th Annual Candidates’ Night Join Mt. Vernon Avenue African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for their annual candidates’ night. This event will allow people from the community to meet and ask questions of those candidates who are currently running for office. For more information, please call 614-253-4323.

Location: Mt. Vernon Avenue A.M.E. Church Address: 1127 M. Vernon Ave, 43203 Time: 7:00 PM Admission: FREE October 12, 2016 Early Voting Begins If you want to avoid those long lines on election day, then you can vote early starting on October 12th. As a registered voter, you can request an absentee ballot from the board of elections or you can vote in person at 1700 Morse Rd., 43229 from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM weekdays. Times will vary over the weekend. Please bring your current ID to vote. For more information, call 614-525-3100.

Location: Franklin County Board of Elections Address: 1700 Morse Rd., 43229 Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Weekdays) Admission: FREE Web: www.VoteFranklinCountyOhio.gov

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

October 14-15, 2016 Comedian: John Witherspoon “Pops” is coming back to Columbus! Comedian John Witherspoon has over 30 years on the comedy circuit and as an actor starring in iconic films such as Friday, Next Friday and on TV shows including The Wayans Bros and as the voice of “Robert Freeman” on the Boondocks.

For tickets, call 614-471-5653 Location: The Funny Bone Address: 145 Easton Town Center, 43219 Time: Varies Admission: Call for prices.

Web: www.ColumbusFunnyBone.com October 14-16, 2016 Sol-Con: The Brown & Black Comic Expo 2016 Experience the only comic book and sci-fi convention geared towards African American and Hispanic patrons! This 3-day convention will showcase Black and Hispanic-themed comic book artists, writers, and publishers from around the country. For more information, please call 510-367-9112.

Location: OSU Hale Hall Address: 154 W. 12th Avenue, 43210 Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Admission: Free October 14-16, 2016 Ringling Brothers Circus Studies have shown that the public display of performing elephants contributes to heightened public awareness of the animals themselves and our responsibility for their wellbeing and protection. This is also true for performing clowns. Or you can go just to have fun watching elephants chase clowns. For showtimes and ticket prices, visit the website below.

Location: Schottenstein Center Address: 555 Borror Drive, 43210 Time: Varies Admission: $14-$81 Web: www.schottensteinCenter.com

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The Columbus African American • October 2016

COMMUNITYEVENTS October 15, 2016 The Annual Royal Ball: Daddy Daughter Dance Calling all Fathers and Daughters! Come out and share in this special evening at the annual Royal Ball: Daddy Daughter Dance.

This annual event sponsored by D.A.D.D.S., Inc. is great way to kick-off the holiday season with a special father/daughter dance.

For tickets, please call 614-245-5313 or visit the website below.

October 20, 2016 Lincoln Theater Association Conversations Series: To Be Young, Gifted and Black This free series is designed to generate community discussion on a variety of interesting questions surrounding the arts. Inspired by the Nina Simone single “To Be Young, Gifted and Black,” the event will explore the issues of empowerment, conflict resolution, and cultural identity of today’s young artists.

Location: Hilton Columbus at Easton Address: 3900 Chagrin Drive, 43219 Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Admission: $25 Web: www.tickets.4dadds.org

Location: Lincoln Theatre - Cardinal Health Ballroom Address: 769 E. Long Street, 43203 Time: 5:30 PM Admission: Free Web: www.LincolnTheatreColumbus.com

October 15, 2016 Central State University Homecoming There is nothing more spetacular than an HBCU football game and in Ohio, you don’t have to go very far to get your fix. This year Central State Unversity Marauders will take on the Lane College Dragons in their homecoming match-up! Enjoy the game, the bands, the culture and the people at Central. For tickets, please call 937-376-6502.

October 20, 2016 2nd Annual Healthcare Justice Awards PrimaryOne Health will celebrate the 2nd Annual Healthcare Justice Awards by honoring individuals and providers in the community who are eliminating health disparities, expanding access to healthcare & wellness services and breaking down cultural & social barriers to quality healthcare. For tickets or sponsorship information, please call 614-526-3267 or visit the website below.

Location: McPherson Memorial Stadium Address: 1400 Brush Row Rd., 45384 Time: 1:30 PM Admission: $15 Web: www.MarauderAthletics.com

Location: Hilton at Columbus Easton Address: 3900 Chagrin Drive, 43219 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Admission: Call for prices.

Web: www.PrimaryOneHealth.org

October 18, 2016 The Supreme Court of Ohio Forurm: Hidden History of How the Civil Rights Act of 1866 Lives in Our Laws Today Appreciation of the long journey of American civil rights law is vital to understanding how our nation’s aspirations of liberty and freedom have evolved. The year marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which remains a cornerstone of human rights enforcement.

October 25, 2016 Festival of Praise Tour Coming to Columbus for one night only, the 2016 Festival of Praise Tour featuring; Fred Hammond, Pastor Hezekiah Walker, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard, Regina Belle, Casey J, and Earthquake. This is one concert that you do not want to miss! For tickets, call 614-469-0939 or visit the website below.

Location: Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center Address: 65 S. Front Street, 43215 Time: 5:30 PM Admission: Free (Register by Oct. 14 at forum@sc.ohio.gov) Web: www.SupremeCourt.Ohio.gov

Location: Palace Theatre Address: 34 W. Broad Street, 43215 Time: 7:00 PM Admission: Call for prices.

Web: www.TicketMaster.com

October 18, 2016 Candidates’ Forum The Consortium for Good Government will host a candidates’ forum featuring the Columbus School and COTA levies, Franklin County Commissioner, House Districts 18 and 25, U.S. House District 3 and Court of Common Pleas. For more information, please call 614-383-8683.

October 28-29, 2016 Comedian: Lavell Crawford Lavell was one of the most recognized comedians on BET’s Comic View. He went on to appear in various movies and TV shows, with a special reoccurring role on the hit drama Breaking Bad. For ticket information, please call 614-471-5653.

Location: The Funny Bone Address: 145 Easton Town Center, 43219 Time: Varies Admission: Call for prices.

Web: www.ColumbusFunnyBone.com

Location: First Congregational Church Address: 444 E. Broad St., 43215 Time: 6:30 PM (Refreshments), 7:00 PM (Program) Admission: Free Web: www.FranklinCountyConsortium.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 the last Friday of each month.

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Columbus African American The ColumbusThe African American News Journal • October February2016 2015

“So this year, in this election, I’m asking you to join me — to reject cynicism and reject fear, and to summon what is best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States.”

Barack Obama Democratic National Convention July 27, 2016

Protect our Progress.

Stand with Hillary and Democrats On Election Day Tuesday, November 8 HillaryClinton.com Paid for by Hillary for America

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015