November 2019 Edition

Columbus & Dayton

November 2019

6 8 15

FREE

Yes, Your Vote Matters

By William McCoy, MA

Race In The Midwest

By Kalitha Williams

Legislative Update

By Charleta B. Tavares

Hon. Elijah Cummings “The Conscience of America” 1951 - 2019

There is no routine mammogram.

When it comes to mammograms, routine just isn’t enough. That’s because routine applies only to what’s predictable, straightforward and logical. And breast cancer simply isn’t. At The James, our radiologists read only mammograms, all day, every day. They’re trained to detect the nuances that people who don’t read mammograms all day might miss. It’s that level of expertise that results in prevention, detection and peace of mind that are far beyond routine.

Don’t get a routine mammogram. Get a James mammogram.

To schedule yours, call 800-240-4477 or visit cancer.osu.edu/mammo.

James No Routine Mammo_ColAfAm_10.25x14.5.indd 1

2/15/19 11:22 AM

PUBLISHER’S PAGE Founder & Publisher Ray Miller

Layout & Design Ray Miller, III

Assistant Editor Ray Miller, III

Distribution Manager Ronald Burke Student Interns Jada Respress Olivia Deslandes

Lead Photographer Steve Harrison

Contributing Editors Tim Ahrens, DMin Tessie Belue, JD Lisa Benton, MD, MPH Rodney Q. Blount, Jr., MA Troy Glover, MA Cecil Jones, MBA Eric Johnson, PhD Ako Kambon Darren Lundy, MBA William McCoy, MPA Joe Motil Sarah D. Sparks Fmr. Sen. Charleta B. Tavares Laurel Wamsley Kalitha Williams C. Dexter Wise, III, DMin

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

The Columbus & Dayton African American

Imagine this--you are on a transatlantic flight from Johannesburg, South Africa to a much-needed vacation in Hawaii, and the pilot disturbs your serenity with an announcement that he must make an emergency landing in Baltimore, Maryland. The date is October 25, 2019, and the weather and beaches in Baltimore draw virtually no comparison to those in Maui. Needless to say, you are very disappointed and, to make matters worse, the pilot further announces that all passengers must disembark the plane and make plans for a 10-hour layover in Baltimore. Because you now have time on your hands, you decide to explore the City. You make your way over to New Psalmist Baptist Church where Bishop Walter Thomas presides. There you find more law enforcement officers, Secret Service Agents, FBI Officers, Sheriff’s Deputies, and undercover agents than you have ever seen. Out of curiosity, you decide that you must get inside the church to see what or whom would necessitate such a show of force.

Upon entering the crowded church, you learn that a funeral service is being held for someone who obviously is very well-known and respected. President Bill Clinton is there. President Barack Obama is there. Vice-President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi are present, along with many members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate from both sides of the aisle. Leaders and laypeople from every walk of life packed the sanctuary. Who was this man who was so well-loved to command such a homegoing service?

The accidental visitor from South Africa was amazed to learn that all of these great men and women had come to show their last respects for an African American. One who was not born of privilege. In fact, this man’s mother and his father both had a 4th-grade education and were sharecroppers. This man, who as a young boy was placed in a special education class, but then would go on to graduate from Howard University and become a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. After graduating from Howard he would matriculate to the University of Maryland School of Law where he would earn his Juris Doctor degree.

The unintended visitor from South Africa would learn that the deceased was a son of Baltimore named Elijah Eugene Cummings. He had served 14 years in the Maryland House of Delegates where he was elected by his colleagues as Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and was the first African American in Maryland history to be elected Speaker Pro Tempore, the second-highest position in the House of Delegates. Cummings would be elected to the United States House of Representatives from Maryland’s 7th Congressional District from 1996 until his death in 2019.

The question still remained, what made Congressman Cummings so special that the highest dignitaries in the nation would come to eulogize him? Moreover, why did the average citizen mourn his passing with such reverence? Here’s the answer. All current and would be elected officials should take heed of these attributes and incorporate them into their daily living.

Congressman Cummings worked hard, studied hard, had an insatiable appetite for learning, was not afraid of anyone, but respected everyone, loved his City, his State, his nation, and the world. Cummings was the conscious of the U.S. House of Representatives and a moral leader within America. He loved this country and was a patriot, while at the same time he could challenge America for not living up to its promises. He saw the people that others ignored or denigrated. He loved his children, his wife, his Church, and his God. He attended church every Sunday at 7:15 a.m. And finally, he clearly understood that our children are our future. He demonstrated his love for children through his sponsorship of legislation, community service, educational service, parenting, and mentorship. Congressman Elijah Eugene Cummings represented the best of America and we are all made better for his service to our country.

There is a dynamic young woman in our City who reflects the hopes and dreams of thousands of people throughout our community and beyond. She too is an attorney. All of the attributes listed above are embodied in this young conscientious Member of the Columbus City Council.

Councilmember Shayla Favor, in her relatively short tenure as an elected official, has already shown that she is not afraid to challenge, to question, to respectfully disagree, and most importantly to build consensus and develop creative strategies to address critical issues such as employment, affordable housing, evictions, vacancies, criminal activity, abandonment, and blight. Congressman Cummings consistently talked about providing opportunities and creating pathways for our children and young adults. Councilmember Shayla Favor is just the kind of leader whom he would encourage and embrace and so should we. Tuesday, November 5th is election day. We have a number of fine candidates running for election next Tuesday. Many of them are presented within this edition of the news journal. Let us continue to lift up and celebrate the Elijah Cummings’ of this world. America will be a better place for our actions.

With Respect & Appreciation,

503 S. High Street - Suite 102 Columbus, Ohio 43215 Office: 614.826.2254 editor@columbusafricanamerican.com www.CAANJ.com

Ray Miller Founder & Publisher 3

The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

In This Issue

Hon. Elijah Cummings 1951 - 2019

22 32 33 5

Candidate Spotlight

Shayla D. Favor - Councilmember Jennifer A. Adair - Columbus Board of Education

Pillars of Wisdom By: Ako Kambon

Comparing Mutual Funds to Managed Money By: Darren Lundy

How Truth, Politics, and

13

Eating Dessert First: The

Progress Erode the

Politics of Protecting

Power of the Ballot

the Employed and

6

Yes, Your Vote Matters

Unemployed

7

Why Are You Araid to Vote? 15

8

Be The Change by

16

Your Well-Being Matters

Voting and More

17

Mental Health and Subtance

8

Race In The Midwest

Use Policies: Increasing

10

Stop Tax Abatements

Access, Services

and Funding

The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

18

Vaping-Related Lung Illness Alarms the Nation and Hits Close to Home

20

COVER STORY

22

Candidate Spotlight

23

Honda Business Resource Group Seeking to Better Community

24

Infants Recognize Counting Long Before They Can Say, ‘1, 2, 3’

25

Brown, Portman Introduce Legislation Honoring the Life, Work and Legacy of Toni Morrison

26

A Word from The Wise

26 Policy Matters Names Jasmine Ayers

Policy Liaison 29

Book Bags & E-Readers

31

John Conyers, Jr., Who Represented Michigan for 5 Decades, Dies at 90

32

Pillars of Wisdom

33

34

Comparing Mutual Funds to Managed Money Cloud Technology for Beginners and Professionals

35

Hon. Elijah E. Cummings:

Civil Rights Advocate

and Maryland Congressman

36

Celebrating the Servant

Leadership of Steven Minter

37

Community Events

Legislative Update

4

All contents of this news journal are copyrighted © 2015; all rights reserved.

Title registration with the U.S. Patent Office pending. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

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

POLITICS

HOW TRUTH, POLITICS, AND PROGRESS ERODE THE POWER OF THE BALLOT?

By Eric Johnson, PhD As another election cycle is concluding and the customary trip to the ballot box is compelled, there are again as always more difficult realities that have to be confronted by the Black community. Our political process has to be understood for what it is and what it is not.

The political process is fraught with realities that make it difficult if not nearly impossible to ascertain any sustained version of truth or progress. Our political system has baked within it a history of privilege that is in part racist, sexist, economically exploitative, and biased. While those realities are incontrovertible, it is also the only political process we have and to make it work, we have to soberly analyze the options available. We can not go to the ballot box in a search for truth, it is simply an expression of a political will expressed by people who are flawed, both the candidates and the people who support them. For all the things our political system is not, it still proports to be one of the best representations of a people’s political will available in the world today.

As we go to the polls this November, we should give particular attention to our choices for County Attorney/Prosecutor, Sheriff, Mayor, Judges, City Council and even School Boards. Judges, City Council members and Mayors can be directly held to account for their response to the happenings in our communities particularly on the issue of police violence and other forms of misconduct. County Attorneys/Prosecutors are also making decisions about who is charged and for what? Sheriffs and Mayors impact the policing strategies and allocate resources based on identified community priorities. School board members impact the way young people are treated in our schools and influence policy that either support or hinder their journey to discover their best possible selves. Our best options are not always people who look like us and sometimes they are people who challenge what we believe. The stakes are always high and the outcomes are never certain. That is why we must work to inform ourselves and live with a humility that encourages us to continue to grow and learn. The choices we make have a direct impact on the people we love. While it is important to hold our elected officials accountable, we can never leave ourselves out of the evaluation process.

If we love our sons and daughters the way we claim, we will endeavor to do and be better on the issues that matter and when warranted we can extend that same grace to the flawed people making decisions.

Our local elections represent ground zero in our quest for equality and justice, however statewide and national elections are not irrelevant to the journey. Neither of the national political parties are our saving grace. Each presents significant challenges

to the realization of our citizenry being fully recognized. However, lately the Republican Party line has proven to be more adversarial on the issues relevant to realizing a fair and just system for Black and Brown people.

They have stood behind a President that seems to care more for himself than he does about the country. While there are those who think President Trump is racist and sexist, and to be sure he has given plenty of reasons to reach those conclusions, he seems to be mostly motivated by his own interests and when presented with any significant challenge he often resorts to the comfort of his own ignorance. President Trump is not in any way the source of any problems facing the Black Community, if he has done anything, he has revealed the deeply entrenched racial bias embedded in a flawed political system.

The Trump Presidency should simply be understood as a manifestation of all that is wrong with the process and the people. If the lesson we take away from the Trump Presidency is simply that we need to get out and vote we are doomed to repeat this challenge. We can not expect a political process that favors the dominant over the disenfranchised and subjugated to ever be anything other than what it is. However, we are nonetheless obligated to work for the best possible outcome at every opportunity.

Our responsibility to our children and our future requires us to be political realists and maneuver with pragmatism as our political philosophy.

The impeachment of President Trump will have little if any impact on the lived experiences of everyday people. While it does appear that the President has committed impeachable offenses, his impeachment does little to restore faith in a process that is defective. The Republicans seem to be right about one thing, it appears that the Democrats want to over turn the 2016 election but they cannot. It has forever happened, moreover it has revealed that the battle we fight has no conclusion because even 150 years after emancipation, nearly 5

60 years after Brown vs Board, 80 years of lynching, and 50 years after the Civil Rights act of 1965 a man like Donald Trump can be elected President. There are those who thought it could never happen sadly those are people who didn’t truly appreciate the process for its true essence. We need not be discouraged because we have never faced a circumstance where victory has not been the result. However, victory has always been predicated on a clear-headed assessment of the situation.

The journey to find truth has never been a political question or quest, and the notion of progress has always been complicated when measured in political terms. When we lose sight of what the political process is and is not, we compromise our ability to utilize it fully and thus its power is diminished. There are those who say politics is the “art of the possible” that assumes an understanding of what is not. As we go into the ballot box this November let us be clear and empowered about the tool we are using and the purpose that it serves. The screwdriver is a far more powerful when you don’t use it as a hammer. If you evaluate the progress of your work by how many nails you hammer with your screwdriver you are bound to be disappointed. We have to stay in the fight and be encouraged by not allowing quests for truth and progress to detract from the power of the ballot box. The true power of the ballot belongs to those who wield it wisely.

The future we create and discover is only enhanced by our understanding of political possibilities. So, go vote and continue to seek truth and progress for our children, because as the late Honorable Elijah Cummings once said “our children are living messages we send to a future we will never see.” Let us be clear about the messages we send through the ballot box.

Dr. Eric L. Johnson currently serves as the Chief Consultant with Strategies to Succeed and is on the faculty at Virginia International University. He is the former Chief of Research Publications for the United States Air Force Academy.

Columbus & Dayton African American 2019 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal• •November February 2015

POLITICS

YES, YOUR VOTE MATTERS

By William McCoy, MPA Some say the Devil’s greatest deception is convincing people he does not exist. If this is true, those who have convinced some African-Americans their votes do not matter may be a close second. The truth is: your vote does matter!

If your vote does not matter, why did the Founding Fathers and Constitution of the United States deliberately deny AfricanAmericans, Native-Americans, and women the right to vote? If your vote does not matter, why did (and do) national, state, and local elected and appointed officials pass laws, create administrative impediments, purge voter rolls, and systematically deny African-Americans this right? If your vote doesn’t matter, why did the Ku Klux Klan, White Citizens Councils, and vigilantes and mobs intimidate kill, and otherwise try to stop African-Americans from voting? Yes, your vote does matter!

Don’t tell Kevin Entze, Robert B. Kennedy, or David Yancy that your vote doesn’t count.

All of them lost elections to various offices by one vote. Kevin Entze, a police officer from Washington state, lost a GOP primary in a state House race by one vote out of more than 11,700 cast. The Seattle Post Intelligencer reported he later learned one of his fellow reserve officers left his ballot on his kitchen counter and never mailed it in.

In 2000, George W. Bush barely won Florida’s election, electoral votes, and the presidency after a bitter, contentious recount.

In 2008, Democrat Al Franken defeated Republican Norm Coleman by just 312 votes out of almost 2.9 million votes cast- and gave Democrats a 60-vote supermajority in the Senate. There is a long list of hotly contested elections, where a few votes here or there would have changed the outcome.

The impact of one candidate winning and another can make a huge difference in the lives Black people, their communities, and country. Take, for example, the vote for a national health care system. After decades of failed attempts to develop a winning bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by just seven votes. Because of these seven votes, over 16 million more people now have health insurance than before.

Some politicians, public servants, and their allies are moving at breakneck speed to implement laws, policies, and practices designed to discourage or prevent people of color from voting in the 2020 elections.

Billions of dollars are being spent to disenfranchise, dilute, and/or diminish Black voters’ impact on the upcoming elections.

Why would so many people expend all of this time, effort, and money if your vote doesn’t matter? The answer: your vote does matter; your vote is important!

Working America published its Front Porch Focus Group Report, “Does My Vote

Matter?” (September 2017), which was based on face-to-face conversations with 582 working-class African-Americans in Columbus and Central Ohio. This report stated: (a) Black voters are demoralized about the economy, politics, and Democrats; (b) believe it makes no difference to their economic well-being if Democrats or Republicans are in power; (c) there is activism among Black voters, but ties to the Resistance are weak; and (d) face-to-face contact with potential Black voters motivates them to vote. The report also noted there was a significant decline in the percent of Black registered voters that actually voted (62%) in 2016 from the “astonishingly high” level (72%) of 2012.

Reverend Jesse Jackson once described himself as, “a public servant not a perfect servant.” Perfection is not a prerequisite to hold public office, in my opinion. The reality is: voters are frequently faced with limited or flawed choices. For example, have you seen candidates on a ballot so politically extreme or hostile to your interests that you voted against them, instead of for someone else?

The 2020 elections will soon be here. A lot of time, money, and political effort are being spent to discourage and disrupt the AfricanAmerican vote. That, plus the history of Black Americans and voting rights, tells you all you need to know about the importance of voting. The mere presence of AfricanAmerican voters strikes fear into the hearts of those who oppose Black people, progress, and/or power. Former President Lyndon Johnson said, “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.” You have the power: vote!

The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

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Voter education, registration, and participation will be the keys to electing officials with Black America’s best interests in mind. In strategic terms, AfricanAmericans should: (1) educate themselves about their choices- especially candidates for state and local offices (e.g. prosecutors, sheriffs, city and county councils, school boards, et al) that directly impact the quality of their daily lives; (2) make it a point to register and vote themselves; and (3) encourage others to vote- or, better yet, take people to vote (i.e. “Souls to the Polls”).

In conclusion, a New York Times op-ed (entitled Vote. That’s What They Don’t Want You to Do, March 10, 2018) said, “This is a fragile moment for the nation. The integrity of democratic institutions is under assault from without and within, and basic standards of honesty and decency in public life are corroding. If you are horrified at what is happening in Washington . . . (vote!)”

William McCoy is founder and president of The McCoy Company- a world-class, personal services consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, economic development, and training that helps its clients articulate and achieve their visions, solve problems, and capitalize on their opportunities. He has worked with national think tanks, held two White House appointments, and consulted with every level of government, foundations, and the private sector. Mr. McCoy holds a BA in economics and a MPA in finance, and is profiled in Who’s Who in the World and elsewhere. You can reach William McCoy at (614) 785-8497 or via e-mail wmccoy2@ themccoycompany.com. His website can be found at www.themccoycompany.com.

POLITICS

WHY ARE YOU AFRAID TO VOTE?

By Rev. Tim Ahrens, D.Min We are living in turbulent times.

One way to garner power and address the turbulence of our times is to vote. Through voting, we can change the people in office we complain about. We can vote for ballot issues that effect Children that are at risk or need support for a better education.

For example, we can vote for Issue 10 on this year’s ballot which will continue funding for Franklin County Children’s Services (FCCS). Without this continuance, FCCS will lose $85.6 million dollars or 42% of its operational dollars. So, vote for the children.

Vote for the Franklin County Children’s Services Levy.

By voting we can also improve parks, build safe and affordable housing in our community, and strengthen our city and county services. Yet, people stay away from voting and allow the status quo to continue in times that demand BETTER leaders, BETTER education and BETTER care for our children in high risk situations and BETTER housing for our region’s working poor.

Voting can change the landscape of our community. But people don’t get out and vote. They yield their power of the ballot to a small minority of voters. You get what you

vote for. If you don’t vote, you can see the As children do. results in the poor leadership we complain We were born to make manifest about from the President on down to the local The glory of God that is within us. level.

It’s not just in some of us; So, what are you afraid of? Why don’t you It’s in everyone. vote?

And as we let our own light shine, In her powerful poem, “Our Deepest Fear,” We unconsciously give other people Marianne Williamson addresses what holds permission to do the same.

As we’re liberated from our own fear, us back. Take time and read her words.

Our presence automatically liberates others.

Our Deepest Fear

By Marianne Williamson

Marianne Williamson took her own advice and is running for President of the United States. She is right about overcoming our Our deepest fear is not that we are fears and shining light in the darkness. We inadequate. are powerful beyond measure. We are not Our deepest fear is that we are powerful meant to “play small.” We are meant to beyond measure. shine. God’s light is in every one of us. As It is our light, not our darkness children of God, we are meant to be a light That most frightens us. to the nation and to the world. You can start shining right here and right now. Get out and We ask ourselves vote. November 5th is Election Day. Don’t Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, be afraid. Use the power of the vote you have fabulous? been given and get out and make a difference.

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens is the Senior Minister of First Congregational Church, United Church Your playing small of Christ in downtown Columbus. A church Does not serve the world. known for its witness to social justice since There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking its birth as an abolitionist congregation in So that other people won’t feel insecure 1852. Rev. Ahrens is the fifth consecutive around you. senior minister from Yale Divinity School and is a lifelong member of the United Church of We are all meant to shine, Christ.

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Columbus & Dayton African American 2019 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal• •November February 2015

POLITICS

BE THE CHANGE BY VOTING AND MORE

By Lisa Benton, MD, MPH Whether it’s the students of Lancaster High School that chose to wear the GahannaLincoln High blue in memory of JaShawn Scott, fellow student and wide-receiver, and coach Tommy Brown, who lost their lives in the past week, or celebrating the legacy of a political giant like Elijah Cummings, you engage and have a chance to be a voice for someone who no longer can.

Your remembering keeps their vision and leadership alive.

Many times, you like I have probably been encouraged and inspired by some version of the saying attributed to Mahatma Gandhi “to be the change in the world you want to see.”

You might have had a gut reaction of anger, frustration, yet also inspired by the movies The Hate U Give, Central Park Five, Do the Right Thing and BlacKkKlansman or any of a number of other social justice themed movies to take a stand for something that matters.

Maybe it was something you just saw or heard about in the news or on social media last month, last year or even yesterday. So voting is your excellent first opportunity to make a change.

If you must, think of voting as taking a baby step on a race to the mountain top that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached about. Be inspired to learn that your vote really makes a difference in the whole election process.

Goggle Bush v. Gore and learn about the 2000 presidential election to be reminded just how much.

get a pass from school on Election Day, see history in the making, and learn more about how government works. Being a poll worker also counts for community service and looks good on you college applications. Check with you county Board of Elections or ask your history and social studies teacher about signing up.

Think about signing a petition to get an issue on the ballot for the next election as taking a bigger step, because you are activating your power as a registered voter when you choose to sign one, or not. Did you know that the number of signatures a petition needs to make it to our Ohio ballots to vote on depends on the number of people who voted in the prior election? Yes, another reason to vote and use your power.

Voting at the least should be one of your first steps to making change, leaving your mark and holding those in leadership accountable to do what they’ve promised. Know that whatever part you play in the election process will not be too small, so show up and let your voice be heard. Remember that no beginning is too small, humble or hard to achieve greatness.

Knowing about the power you and your vote have makes your decision to run for elected office or get appointed to serve better than any touchdown, goal or homerun that you might otherwise accomplish. Stepping into politics and government service give you the potential to make a difference in the rules and laws for our great nation that can outlast you and last for generations.

Be Empowered: Use this link to The Columbus Dispatch’s voting guide to learn about issues and candidates in the upcoming election: www.

Dispatch.com/votersguide The League of Women Voters is another excellent nonpartisan resource and has 800 state and local leagues across America. There are 32 leagues across Ohio. www.lwv.org

Consider signing up to be a poll worker on Lisa D. Benton, MD, MPH (The Doctor is election day and get paid! If you are 17 and In) breastsurgeonlb@gmail.com, Twitter:@ at least a high school senior, you can usually DctrLisa (415) 746-0627

RACE IN THE MIDWEST

By Kalitha Williams Recently, I served as a panelist for a local public affairs television program. I was invited to talk about “Race in the Heartland,” a report our organization co-released with Economic Policy Institute, COWS of Wisconsin, University of Iowa and Iowa Policy Project.

The report chronicles racial disparities in the 12 Midwestern states, including Ohio.

Some public policies have helped break down barriers to well-being and prosperity for Black Midwesterners. But for the most part, the report shows that public policies have allowed white Midwesterners to accrue compounding advantages and pass them on to their children at the expense African Americans.

During the show, one of the panelists said the key to fixing the Midwest’s racial divide was increasing cultural awareness. We can all benefit from spending time with people that are of different races, faiths and values; but that won’t undo years and years of racist policies. Interacting with diverse people can build our understanding and get at the heart of the implicit bias we all have. But

this process takes time. In the face of blatant racism, we can’t wait for our better angels to emerge. Public policy can be an immediate response or course-correction to injustices we see in our society.

The Industrial Revolution drew Black people out of the South in search of economic opportunity. The Midwest offered highpaying, unionized manufacturing jobs -- a stark contrast to the Jim Crow dominated

The Columbus African & Dayton American African American News Journal • November • February 2019 2015

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sharecropping economy many left behind.

This economic boom paved the way for the Black middle class and began to chip away at the disparities between Black and white people.

Despite the important gains, interests that profited from racist policies and practices pushed back. They attacked unions, Continued on Page 9

POLITICS Continued from Page 8

progressive taxation, public education and programs that make sure everyone has the basics like food and health care. The consequences have been dire for Black people in Ohio. Strong public policies are critical to putting us on a path to eliminating racial inequity.

Education Education has been identified as an important element in generational economic mobility.

Some have called it the “great equalizer.”

Unfortunately, Ohio’s public education system treats Black and white students unequally. The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled four times that Ohio’s over reliance on property taxes to fund our public system is unconstitutional. Due to decades of redlining, segregation and lack of public and private investment, Black communities often have lower property values that contribute to a low tax base to support their neighborhood district. Proper, equitable funding is critical to providing quality education to all Ohio children. The lack of it may, at least partly, explain why the state’s Black students scored 41 points lower than their counterparts on the National Assessment of Education Progress eighth-grade assessment of proficiency in math. To tear down the barriers that hold Black students back, the state of Ohio needs to increase public school funding and make sure it goes to communities that need it.

Employment & Wages Despite record economic productivity, the gains aren’t being distributed evenly.

Unionization or collective bargaining was important in decreasing racial disparities in the workplace. Declines in manufacturing jobs, which tend to be unionized, have eroded the income and economic well-being of Black Ohioans. Ohio has the 9th largest racial wage gap in the nation. According to the United States Census, median Black Ohioan household income is $27,466 lower than white Ohio households. That gap has increased by nearly 6% since 2007.

Employers are more likely to steal wages from Black workers by not paying them all they are owed. Policy Matters estimates that from 2013 to 2015, Ohio employers stole from over 35,000 Black workers.

Black unemployment tends to be higher than white unemployment in any state, but Ohio has the 5th largest employment-to-population racial gap in the nation. Unemployment not only harms workers’ ability to support themselves and their households, it also has physical and psychological consequences on the workers themselves, their families and their communities.

Raising the minimum wage, protecting the right to form unions and enforcing wage protection regulations are proven strategies to reduce the racial income gap and decrease unemployment.

Financial Security Public policies and business practices systematically deny Black people opportunities to build wealth and financial security. When lawmakers created Social

Security benefits in the 1930s, they deliberately excluded domestic workers (day workers), almost all of whom were Black women. Black veterans were seldom able to take advantage of the benefits of the GI Bill, which helped build the white middle class after World War II. Banks refused credit to people of color, or charged significantly higher rates than they did for white people.

While policymakers in the late 1960s and 1970s passed laws that tried to dismantle discriminatory financial exploitation, new practices have emerged that require strong regulation as well. It was not until after the Great Recession of 2008-9, that we realized just how deliberately mortgage lenders targeted Black borrowers with subprime loans, regardless of their credit history. The foreclosure crisis that ensued caused Black families to lose billions of dollars in wealth, that likely will never be recovered. Financial institutions continue to prey on Black people with predatory financial products like payday loans and high-fee prepaid debit cards. Last year, Congress voted to allow car lenders and dealers to charge Blacks higher interests for auto loans. Research has shown that auto insurance companies engage in “redlining,” by charging higher rates to customers who live in ZIP codes where the majority of residents are Black. Earlier this year, Prosperity Now reported that income poverty among Black Ohioans is nearly triple that of white Ohioans. More needs to be done to protect Black consumers from new schemes and business practices meant to strip their ability to build wealth.

Decades ago, political leaders and policymakers made important efforts to mitigate the effects racism by expanding voting rights, protecting the right to bargain collectively, striking down segregation in public schools and protecting homebuyers against discrimination.

No amount of cross cultural understanding could have achieved what these and other policies accomplished. Diversity initiatives will only go so far in a hostile public policy environment. As new challenges surface, we need a renewed commitment to address racial inequity. We have to be intentional and diligent in advancing change we want to see. Using a racial equity lens in all areas of society will help us identify and uproot institutional discrimination and implement public policies that prevent it in the future.

Kalitha Williams is the Project Director of Asset Building at Policy Matters Ohio and serves on the board of the Consumer Federation of America. The report, Race In the Heartland, can be found at www. policymattersohio.org

To Advertise in The Columbus - Dayton African American contact us at: editor@columbusafricanamerican.com Ray Miller, 503 S. High StreetPublisher - Suite 102 750 East Long Columbus, OH 43215 Street, Suite 3000 614-571-9340 Columbus, Ohio 43203

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

POLITICS

STOP TAX ABATEMENTS

Photo from Columbus Business First

By Joe Motil City Council has approved the wishes of The Columbus Partnership and their political bosses for more than $300 million in tax abatements over the last 4 ½ years alone.

I have publicly testified at City Council meetings during this time no less than 25 times against the abuse of tax abatements that go to Fortune 500 companies, luxury real estate developers and well-established corporate Columbus companies. Most of these are major campaign contributors to Mayor Ginther and City Council members.

Tax abatements were never meant to be used as they have been for the last 15-20 years.

They were designed to help private investors overcome risks with financial investments in older distressed commercial areas. These blanket tax giveaways are given to those in risk-free development areas throughout Columbus such as Downtown, Short North, Easton, Polaris, and the Rickenbacker Global Distribution Center.

These tax abatements have proven to be counterproductive while increasing property values for those on fixed incomes, seniors who have lived in their homes for generations and raising rents in neighborhoods making them unaffordable for the working middle class to low-income citizens. One of the only ways our underserved will escape the grasp of

poverty is through gaining a proper education.

City Council has been sacrificing property tax revenue for city income tax revenue at the cost of our children’s education and adding significant problems to our affordable housing crisis for years now.

46% of the U.S. population and 33% of Canada’s is within a 10-hour drive of Columbus. This is why Rickenbacker’s Distribution Center is so coveted by so many. E commerce is continuing to grow due to consumer shopping trends and there is only a 4% vacancy rate at Rickenbacker.

City Council argues that these tax abatements Why on earth would any developer need a tax are job generators and that we must provide abatement there? corporate welfare to developers and corporations in order to compete with the If the city income tax revenue generated from suburbs and other cities in our region. This the jobs City Council claims is being created couldn’t be further from the truth. There by these tax abatements, then why isn’t our is too much money to be made here and city’s income tax revenue overflowing with Columbus and everyone knows it. Columbus cash? It’s not. According to our City Auditor has numerous benefits going for it that other our city income tax revenue is barely keeping cities do not. To name a few, serving as the up with providing basic city services. It’s far state capital generates a great deal of revenue past time that everyone pays their fair share from those visiting and who work directly of taxes and this exchange of tax abatements with our state government. There are 52 for campaign contributions and other favors colleges and universities within an hour’s needs to stop. drive of Columbus which benefits the labor pool that companies need to draw from. I a m a l i f e l o n g 6 3 - y e a r r e s i d e n t o f The Ohio State University boasts the largest Columbus with 33 years of city-wide campus in the nation and has the 3rd highest community involvement. I am a former enrollment. We have one of the best library endorsed Democratic candidate for State systems in the country and our municipal Representative and past candidate for Columbus City Council. Coming from parks system is recognized nationally. a middle-class family of 11 children, a Battelle is recognized world-wide for its retired member of Laborers Local 423, work on national security, energy and health 14-year construction safety professional, science research. And Columbus is home to athlete and musician has helped provide 15 Fortune 1,000 companies and 5 Fortune me with considerable knowledge of those 500 companies. from different social, economic and cultural backgrounds.

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • November 2019 American News Journal • February 2015

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ELECT

For Columbus City Council Joe is a former: • Vice-Chair, Columbus Historic Resources Commission • Board Member, FLOW (Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed) • Executive Committee Member, NAACP • Zoning Chair, University Area Commission • Member, Clintonville Area Commission (Historic Buildings Subcommittee) ...and current 27-year President of the Tuttle Park Community Recreation Council

A lifelong Columbus resident from a family of 11 children, Joe spent the last 33 years of his life fighting for fairness, opportunity and justice for all. Being a retired union construction worker from Laborers Local 423, current construction safety professional, athlete and musician have provided Joe with considerable insight into those of different social, economic and cultural backgrounds. For years he has displayed the political courage, outspokenness and independence that is both sorely lacking on City Council and necessary to bring democracy back to the citizens of Columbus.

I would be honored to have your vote on November 5th! — Joe

Paid for by Motil for City Council Michael F. Motil Treasurer 99 Town Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230

STOP TAX ABATEMENTS

LEON B. SEPTEMBER ‘68 – MARCH ‘ 17

Life didn’t end for Leon. It got better. At ADAMH – and the 30+ notfor-profit agencies we partner with – our mission is to change lives in our community for the better. By helping people recovering from addiction and mental illness get the help they need to start living happier, healthier, fuller lives. So, they can get better.

ADAMH – Where better begins.

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adamhf ranklin.org

Columbus & Dayton African American 2019 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal• •November February 2015

The Columbus African & Dayton American African American News Journal • November • February 2019 2015

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EATING DESSERT FIRST: THE POLITICS OF PROTECTING THE EMPLOYED AND UNEMPLOYED

By Tessie Belue, JD, Mdiv I. INTRODUCTION

stress-related work conditions create victims, despite our education, talents and hard-work.

We must settle for suffering as opposed to being happy in our workplace. Many like my friend and me suffer from the Strong Black Woman’s Disease: Over-stressed, overweight and over-driven to maintain our survival and/ or those whose survival rely upon us.

The October Edition of the African American News Journal entitled, “Politics Public Policy & government (Part 1) published my article, “Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Politics of the Employer-Employee Relations.” Part 2 focuses upon survival Not every workplace is a toxic environment. issues facing workers in toxic, non-living Yet, certain bosses/supervisors/managers create a stressful workplace, resulting in wage and work places. mentally distressed workers. We need work to survive. All of the goods and services II. SURVIVAL that our money buys will cease when work is unavailable due to real or “fake news” Eating Dessert First: Toxic-Workplaces of unemployment. We often accept partYears ago a woman that I call, my mentor, time, low pay or even no pay, e.g. unpaid died at the age of forty. She was a divorcee Internships to improve our chances at finding and mother of an eight-year-old daughter. She employment. was a highly gifted professional educational Amazon’s New Policy of Paying Workers trainer. She suffered from some of the ills of a Living Wage: being a strong, African-American female, a strong oak among saplings whose trunk The October 2019 issue of “The Columbus snapped one day and fell with a thundering Free Press,” published an article entitled, crash to the earth. Death of anyone whose life “$15 Minimum wage at OSU: To what do touches my own always causes me to reflect we owe this largesse?” The Columbus Free upon the transient nature of life. We became Press discuses “living wage,” an idea that I friends as she helped me secure a part-time described as “progressive,” in the October contract trainer position with a small non- Edition of the African American News profit for which she worked as a trainer.

Journal entitled, “Politics Public Policy & government (Part 1).

She was a hard-working woman whose manager had found the doors to her soul: During my fifty-three years of employment, her strength and drive. She was educated no master (employer) ever considered and strong but powerless to control her whether my pay was a “living wage.” I was work conditions. Traveling throughout Ohio over forty before a friend suggested that I training clients, leaving early in the mornings bargain with a master (employer) over the and arriving late in the evenings, her boss amount of an entry-level salary job offer. required her to work two or three more hours However, had the master (employer) rejected my counter-offer for a larger entry-level at night training more people. salary, I still had a job with another employer. survival is necessary for a servant My friend was furious. The stress from If (employee), /she may not bargain with a the long hours at below average wages potential newhemaster (employer) because he/ was not the only cross that she bore. She she will reject the servant (employee). was overweight, highly perfectionistic and driven while managing her partner’s life and Remember the power differential between raising her eight-year old daughter. My friend the master’s (employer) and the servant’s described one of her favorite coping devices (employee) bargaining power mentioned in for dealing with stress, anger and rage. She the October African American News Journal. said, “Eat dessert, first.” Anger combined How many servants (employees) perceive with overweight, stress and a toxic workplace that they have the power to bargain for a was and is a sure recipe for disease. She told “living wage.” Traditionally, the master me secretly one day that I had helped her to (employer) dictates how much the servant release her anger; I wanted to know how. She (employee) earns. periodically called and dropped hints. She would say, “Well, I am going to let go.” One The Columbus Free Press article explains day she told me, “I did it,” She had conquered the impact of “…Amazon’s $15-an-hour her fear of starting over as a self-employed workers also [getting] a dollar raise…to trainer. She died before launching her new $16-an-hour as influencing OSU’s decision to raise one thousand workers to $16-an-hour. career.

(Columbus Free Press, p. 9). The article s I learned to eat dessert first, also. When your concludes that the willingness of Amazon to work environment stresses you out, dessert pay a “living wage” has influenced the Ohio becomes a symbol of something else. You State University’s decision to increase some may use candy, cookies or chocolate as a of its workers pay to a “living wage.” reward. Stressed and burned out? I used The Effect of Unemployment upon to grin when I met another employee at African-American and non-African the vending machine, buying my chocolate American Ohioans snack. I usually said, “It’s a minute on your lips but six months on your hips.”

The current employment statistics for Ohio’s African-Americans are as follows: What should my mentor’s experience have • 1,661,333 people – 14.2 percent of Ohio’s taught us about eating dessert first? Did her total population untimely demise teach us something about • 21 percent increase in population since 2000 remaining in stressful, low paying, i.e., toxic • 74,000 were born outside the U.S. work places? Yes, diabetes, obesity and • Median age of 33.8 years compared to 39.3 13

years for all Ohioans • 281,000 enrolled in elementary and secondary schools • Median household income: $32,163 • 81,000+African-American-owned businesses with 9.1 billion in receipts The 2010 Census of Population and Housing and the Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, “defines the unemployment rate for Ohio’s African-American Community as 10.2 percent. Ohio African-Americans between the ages of “…20 and 24 have an unemployment rate of 14.3 percent.” Such figures show a disparity between the current unemployment of 3.2 per cent for nonAfrican-American Ohioans and the 10.2 percent for African-American Ohioans, reflecting a not-so rosy unemployment picture for African-Americans Ohioans.

Exploitation of Undocumented/Foreign Workers Policy makers must not fall prey to the current political trend of scapegoating foreign workers, e.g. undocumented Hispanics, Africans and others, for the nation’s unemployment rate. The current unemployment rates allegedly are the lowest ever. If that is correct, then why scapegoat undocumented workers.

Historically, policy makers in the US have waived certain immigration and naturalization requirements when special interest groups’ desire to import foreign workers based upon alleged scarcity of American Workers... (See, the Bracero Program, Wikipedia). The above 2010 Census report indicates that more than “…74,000 foreign-born African Americans [are] living in Ohio, i.e., 14 percent of all foreign-born residents…” in Ohio. The report also cites “Most…migrated from Africa. “…Over one-third emigrate… from Eastern Africa, mainly Somalia and “…a similar figure from western Africa.” “…Sixty-eight percent report speaking only English or English “very well.”’

III. SUMMARY Survival of our economy requires employers to provide employees, whether citizen or non-citizen toxic-free work environments, pay them a living wage and do not scapegoat the undocumented workers, especially during highly politicized election years. The upcoming 2020 election challenges all voters to educate themselves about the economic issues affecting all workers. Democrat Candidates run the gamut from advocates of tuition-free college education, Medicare for all and a guaranteed minimum yearly income.

The incumbent Republican Party argues that the President has lowered the unemployment rate to the lowest ever. Vote!

Tessie Nellie Belue is a retired former educational trainer/facilitator. For thirteen years she worked in Columbus, Ohio for The Mentoring Center of Central Ohio She also taught for the Columbus School District as a substitute in Spanish, French and English as a Second Language. She earned her Juris Doctorate (JD) from the University of California at Davis and her Masters of Divinity from the American Seminary of the West.

Columbus & Dayton African American 2019 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal• •November February 2015

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The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

POLITICS

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE These are just some of the questions you Dayton School Board (Select three) should look at before casting your absentee, early voting or November 5th election ballot Joe Lacey, Gabriela Pickett House Bill 6 – Corporate for those who are asking for your vote.

Dion Sampson Sr., Will Smith Utility Bailout Update: In Franklin and Montgomery Counties, you Ohio Legislative Black Caucus: Members House Bill 6, Ohio’s new can contact the Board of Elections to get Priorities - We will keep you informed on $1 billion nuclear bailout all of the 2019 candidates. The following the progress of the bills sponsored and passed law, will take effect Tuesday because the individuals are asking for your vote in the by the members of OLBC over the next two opponents who were hoping to hold a City of Columbus. years of the 133rd General Assembly that referendum on it failed to turn in their petition specifically speak to the needs, opportunities signatures by Monday’s deadline. The City of Columbus: and challenges facing Ohio’s African opponents will have to wait on the decision American and communities of color. by a federal judge to agree that they should Mayor (Select one) be given 38 more days to collect signatures Andy Ginther, Jeff Leopard There are currently eighteen (18) members (see June, July and Sept. 2019 editions of the including one Asian American member Cols. /Dayton African American).

City Council (Select four) participating in OLBC. For additional

information on the Ohio Legislative The pro-bailout group, Ohioans for Energy Liliana Rivera Baiman, Elizabeth Brown Black Caucus, contact Chris Scott, Security paid for third-party petition Rob Dorans, Shayla D. Favor, Executive Director OLBC at cscott@ blockers and signature gatherers (at $9.00/ Joe Motil, Emmanuel Remy ohiolegislativeblackcaucus.org per signature) to urge the Ohio General Scott Singratsomboune, Tiffany M. White Assembly to pass a law to “stop foreign If you are interested in testifying on any ownership of the electrical grid”. A false Columbus School Board (Select four) of the bills introduced in either the House claim to keep the nuclear and coal-fired or Senate, please contact the chair of the plants’ $1 billion bailout. As of this date, the Jennifer Adair, Carol Beckerle committee who can be found at www. judge has not ruled on the additional days to Eric S. Brown, Kimberley Mason ohiosenate.gov or www.ohr.gov. collect signatures.

Tina Pierce, Stephany R. Small Additional Contacts 2019 General Election – Politics to Inform Unexpired Term (Select one) UPDATE: The Ohio General Assembly Policy sessions and the House and Senate Finance James Ragland Committees are televised live on WOSU/ The November 5, 2019 General Election WPBO and replays can be viewed at www. will provide an opportunity for the voters Municipal Court – Environmental ohiochannel.org (specific House and Senate of Franklin, Montgomery and the other 86 Division (Select One) sessions and committee hearings can be counties in Ohio to select School Board, searched in the video archives).

Municipal (City), and Township elected Stephanie Mingo, William A. Sperlazza officials to represent them. This is your If you would like to receive updated opportunity to review their record in office General Division (Select two) information on the Ohio General Assembly for those who are incumbents and in the and policy initiatives introduced, call or community for those never before appointed Trent A. Dougherty, Jodi Thomas email your state Representative or Senator. or elected. The individuals all have a record Jessica D’Varga, Amy Salerno The committee schedules, full membership in how they have spent their time, talent and rosters and contact information for the money.

General Division (Select one) Ohio House and Senate can be found at www.ohiohouse.gov and www.ohiosenate.

Who has or is standing up and taking action James E. Green gov respectively. Former Senator Charleta on the issues that are important to you, your B. Tavares will continue to send out the family and community?

City of Dayton: Tavares Times News monthly newsletter and provide information on educational forums.

Who has just occupied the seat – going along Montgomery County Municipal Court To receive information or events, email to get along, talking and not listening to the 01.01.2020 (Select one) tavarescrossfire2015@gmail.com community?

William Cox Former Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, Who has taken on the tough issues affecting D-Columbus, is the 1st Democrat and the African American community – police Montgomery County Municipal Court African American woman to serve in the brutality, criminal justice reform, business 01.02.2020 (Select one) Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio development and equity for African American Senate from Franklin County. She is also businesses, lack of affordable housing, James D. Piergies, Tamela Womack the first African American woman to serve in health care justice and racial disparities? leadership in the history of Ohio and the 1st City Commission (Select two) Democrat woman to serve in leadership in Who has demonstrated their commitment both the Ohio House of Representatives and through contracting and employing African David Esrati, Matt Joseph Americans (in their elected office, business Christopher L. Shaw, Shenise Turner-Sloss the Ohio Senate (House Minority Whip and Senate Assistant Minority Leader). and campaigns)?

By Senator Charleta B. Tavares (Ret.)

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

HEALTH YOUR WELL-BEING MATTERS

Resources for helping address emotional well-being will be provided. Attendees can expect full group presentations and small group sessions. Please make the choice to Life happens as the saying goes. attend for yourself, your loved ones or your We constantly seek to balance friends. We are better when we take a holistic many responsibilities involving work, approach to our overall health. family commitments, civic engagement and unexpected circumstances. Unfortunately, For additional information about the self-preservation may take a back seat when event, visit the church’s website at www. we are feeling under pressure. We sometimes secondbaptistcolumbus.com. You may also find ourselves at a crossroad in establishing contact Troy Glover via phone at 614-253priorities and setting boundaries. Sadly, we 4313 email, Troyg1906@wowway.com. often sacrifice our mental and emotional well-being in the process. In so doing, we may end up with feelings of despondency.

Being proactive with our mental health and overall emotional well-being must take center stage in our lives. The Men’s and Women’s Ministry of Second Baptist Church invite you to join them from 9 AM-1PM in “A Dialogue about Mental and Emotional Health” on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Second Baptist Church on 186 N. 17th St., Columbus, OH, Dr. Howard T. Washington, Pastor.

By Troy Glover, MA

The goal of the dialogue is to educate and promote mental and emotional self-care in our community. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from a panel of mental health professionals and to interact with them on a variety of mental health topics to include anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and suicide. Panelists are Dr. Sara McIntosh, MD, a Psychiatrist and addiction specialist, Dr. Eric Currence, a Psychologist, and Carlos Bing, a licensed clinical counselor.

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • November 2019 American News Journal • February 2015

Carlos Bing

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Dr. Sara McIntosh

Dr. Eric Currence

HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE POLICIES: INCREASING ACCESS, SERVICES AND FUNDING

By Charleta B. Tavares On April 23, 2018, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued their Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Action Plan. There was a provision included in Section 13002 of the 21st Century Cures Act

by Congress, which required HHS to create an Action Plan detailing recent and planned actions from the Departments of HHS, Labor, and Treasury related to the ongoing implementation of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The MHPAEA was passed in October 2008 to end discriminatory health care practices against individuals with mental illness and/or addiction. This statute stipulates that insurance plans cannot employ financial requirements or limit treatment for mental health or substance use disorders that are more restrictive than those offered in medical/surgical benefits.

The Action Plan lays out strategies and tools for reaching parity for those with Mental Health and Substance Use disorders. Parity applies to quantitative treatment limitations (QTLs), for example restrictions on the number of days, episodes, or treatments that are covered and financial requirements, such as copays and coinsurance. Unfortunately, health insurance companies and their plans are finding ways around parity and providing the treatment needed and recommended by patients’ physicians. They are limiting the number of days for inpatient treatment, the type of medications, and/or requiring step-therapy, fail first or higher levels of acuity (danger to self or others) before approving the physician’s orders.

These are just some of the tactics that are being employed to keep patients from recovering and living productive and meaningful lives.

Why does the 21st Century Cures Act and Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act matter? Because one in five Americans experience a diagnosable mental illness and approximately one in four of these individuals have a serious mental illness that interferes with performing their usual and customary activities of living. We have also seen the steady increase in the number of people in America with substance use disorders (alcohol and other drugs). In addition, it is estimated that eight million or more adults have both a diagnosable mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD). These statistics bare out the fact that most of us have a loved one or close friend that has a MH and/or SUD. The opiate epidemic has focused new light on the serious need to address mental health and addiction services in our communities. The federal, state, county and local governments are providing additional funding for treatment, medications and support services. They are also developing policies to reduce stigma, supporting treatment instead of incarceration,

expanding inpatient/outpatient treatment programs and providing life-saving drugs like naloxone or Narcan to save those who overdose.

We are increasing funding, expanding services and developing partnerships in Columbus/Franklin County to address the mental health and drug addiction services to tackle the needs of individuals and families.

The Board of Directors of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Franklin County have recently approved funding for PrimaryOne Health and Southeast Health Services, Inc., two sister Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Columbus, to open a new health center at 720 E. Broad Street. The health center will serve the former patients of Columbus Area Integrated Health Services that recently shut its doors and the residents of the Near East Side community. This is one of more than 30 other MH and SUD service providers in Franklin County funded by ADAMH to provide vital services for our community.

At the local level Columbus Public Health and its community partners are working together to implement the Columbus and Franklin County Addiction Plan. A multidisciplinary team from throughout Columbus and Franklin County developed the Plan to address the opiate crisis and other addiction disorders. One of the strategies to address immediate access to treatment and other services was to establish a Week of WalkIn’s. Approximately, nine sites were identified throughout Columbus for those with addictions to “drop in” to connect with service providers and receive immediate access to treatment and other support services. PrimaryOne Health hosted two of the sites at 3781 S. High Street and 1905 Parsons Avenue. The residents who dropped in for services were appreciative and chose the services that best met their immediate needs. This is a pilot that CPH and its lead, Andrea Boxill is looking at utilizing again in the future.

At the state level, the Ohio Department Mental Health and Addiction Services along with the Ohio General Assembly are providing additional funding and programs to address the needs of Ohioans with mental illness and addiction disorders. As shared in the September edition of the Columbus/ Dayton African American, there are several pieces of legislation that can dramatically course correct how we address mental health and substance use disorder inequities among African Americans and people of color. However, we must insure that our legislators speak directly to our needs so that we are not an afterthought. The policy recommendations must specifically address MH and SUD treatment access, outcomes and the elimination of disparities among African American and other people of color. The data must be collected by race,

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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ethnicity, age, gender, primary language and nationality. This information will allow us to see the outcomes (mortality and morbidity) among Africans, Latinx/Hispanics, Native Americans and Asians to identify strategies and target treatment/services to meet the needs of the populations.

In Columbus, Ohio, PrimaryOne Health (P1H) and her sister Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are working to serve marginalized and under-served populations including African American residents. We are all a part of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC), which advocates on behalf of our health centers and patients for policy and funding ideas to address the needs of our communities and their health care requirements. P1H provides preventative and comprehensive primary and behavioral healthcare (mental health and addiction services including MedicationAssisted Treatment), dental, vision, OB/ GYN, pediatrics and specialty care (physical therapy, pharmacy, nutrition, cardiology etc.).

In Dayton, Five Rivers Health Center also provides preventative and comprehensive primary and behavioral health care services.

Community members, patients and health care staff must be advocates and do their part to create the will, demand the services and programs desired and hold their elected and appointed officials accountable to address their healthcare needs. This will not happen simply by reading and talking about it. It takes action – consistent, prolonged and focused to win for our communities’ people.

PrimaryOne Health Hosts Quarterly Community Healthcare Forum on Environmental Justice The next Community Health Forum will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 from 9:30 – 11:30am at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Karl Road Branch, 5590 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229.

The focus of the forum is on environmental toxins and their impact on the health and wellbeing of community residents. “Our goal is to inform, educate and empower our residents to advocate for the healthcare needs of our community,” stated Charleta B. Tavares, CEO, PrimaryOne Health.

Please contact Chris Stein at christine. stein@primaryonehealth.org for additional information or to confirm participation.

Visit www.primaryonehealth.org , Facebook @primaryonehealth or Twitter @primary1health to learn more about our services and career opportunities.

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

The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

HEALTH

VAPING RELATED ILLNESS ALARMS THE NATION AND HITS CLOSE TO HOME Buckeye Health Plan Spotlights the Need for More Awareness and Education The vaping epidemic has quickly become a public health crisis with the national outbreak of vaping-related severe lung illness reported by more than 1,000 people across the country.

This includes 15 Ohio cases all of which are young people ages 16 to 26.2 Health officials anticipate the number to continue to rise.

Ohio is responding with Governor Mike DeWine looking into placing a ban on all flavored e-cigarette products in the State. Also, the Ohio Department of Health committed to spend $4.1 million and the State plans to spend $3.3 million to increase education about e-cigarettes and provide community resources to curb use.4 Another $800,000 will go to public education campaigns on vaping and the statewide Tobacco 21 law took effect on October 17.1 “While research is preliminary and it’s too early to pin down a single product or substance that is linked to this illness, we’re encouraging all Ohioans to stop using e-cigarettes and seek help quitting,” said Dr. Ron Suprenant, Buckeye Health Plan Medical Director and Addiction Specialist. “We applaud Governor DeWine, the Ohio Department of Health and the State for taking swift action to provide the education and resources our communities, and especially our youth, desperately need.”

Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in Ohio, with cigarettes causing over 20,000 deaths per year. 2 And, with a startling 48 percent increase in vaping among middle schoolers and a 78 percent increase in vaping among high schoolers last year alone, now is a critical time for action.3 Many experts point to the shape of e-cigarettes, specifically those shaped like USB flash drives, pens or other everyday items, as the main reason for the increase. They are easy to conceal, often used in bathrooms and even classrooms.

Plus, some e-cigarette brands market flavors that appeal to youth including mint, menthol, bubblegum, candy, fruit, alcohol and other flavors. This has led President Trump to work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on a ban of all e-cigarette flavors, aside from tobacco flavoring, in all retail channels.4 “More students are vaping because many believe it’s safer than traditional tobacco products. Plus, they are easier to disguise,” said Dr. Suprenant. “You can disguise the odor, you don’t need a lighter, you can easily hide them and the flavors can be appealing. The biggest problem is that many students don’t realize the serious health side effects.”

In addition to the link to severe lung illness, many health risks have been identified: • E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the developing brain, impacting learning, memory and attention in youth.5 • E-cigarette emissions can contain harmful

chemicals, including nicotine and volatile organic compounds, placing children exposed to first and secondhand smoke at higher risk because of their developing lungs.3 • The vast majority of smokers start before age 18 in middle and high school. 4 Using nicotine in adolescence may increase risk for future addiction to other drugs, including serving as a gateway to traditional cigarettes.4 Tobacco education and prevention are critical to curbing this epidemic. There are steps parents and caregivers can take too, including: • Talk to your children about the health dangers of e-cigarettes, including addiction.

• Establish a no-smoking zone in your home and car.

• Be a role model by living tobacco-free.

• Ask your pediatrician to talk with your children about the dangers.

• Reinforce school anti-tobacco programs at home.

“Being a positive role model by living tobacco-free has a strong influence in curbing children’s tobacco use. But, it can be hard for those who are currently using tobacco,” says Dr. Suprenant. “Buckeye is committed to helping our members quit tobacco use by making treatment available through counseling and tobacco cessation medications and aids. I recommend anyone looking to quit tobacco to start by talking with their physician.”

Footnotes: 1 The Columbus Dispatch. Ohio Health Department to Spend $4.1 Million to Curb Vaping, Especially Among Youth. September 10, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www. dispatch.com/news/20190910/ohio-healthdepartment-to-spend-41-million-to-curbvaping-especially-among-youth 2 The Ohio Department of Health. Tobacco

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • November 2019 American News Journal • February 2015

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Data and Statistics. August 22, 2018.

Retrieved from: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/ portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/tobaccouse-prevention-and-cessation/data/data 3 U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 2018 NYTS Data: A Startling Rise in Youth E-cigarette Use. Retrieved September 11, 2019 from: https://www.fda.gov/tobaccoproducts/youth-and-tobacco/2018-nyts-datastartling-rise-youth-e-cigarette-use 4 Reuters. Trump Administration Seeks Ban on Flavored E-cigarettes to Combat Youth Addiction. September 11, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.reuters.com/article/ushealth-vaping-trump/trump-administrationseeks-ban-on-flavored-e-cigarettes-tocombat-youth-addiction-idUSKCN1VW2AJ 5 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. E-cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General. July 2018. Retrieved from: https:// www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/ecigarettes/pdfs/2016_sgr_entire_report_508. pdf About Buckeye Health Plan (www. buckeyehealthplan.com) Buckeye Health Plan offers managed healthcare for Ohioans on Medicaid, Medicare, integrated Medicaid-Medicare (called MyCare Ohio) and the Health Insurance Exchange. Since 2004, Buckeye has been dedicated to improving the health of Ohioans, many with low incomes, by providing coordinated healthcare and other essential supports that individuals and families need to grow and thrive. Follow Buckeye on Twitter @Buckeye_Health and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ BuckeyeHealthPlan. Buckeye is a whollyowned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise offering core Medicaid, Medicare and specialty services.

HEALTH

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE and can HARM BRAIN DEVELOPMENT, which continues until age 25

PEOPLE WHO VAPE ARE

FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY TO START SMOKING CIGARETTES

3

4

IN 2018 TOBACCO PRODUCTS, ESPECIALLY E-CIGARETTES, ARE ON THE RISE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 2

1 IN 4

high school students reported using a tobacco product 3

Use of any tobacco product

Use of e-cigarettes by youth rose by

1.5 MILLION

INCREASED 38.3% among high school students3

3

MORE TEENS VAPE BECAUSE OF:

Easy to conceal shapes like USB drives, pens and everyday items

Many teens use e-cigarettes because they believe they are less harmful than other tobacco products 2

Advertising and marketing efforts appealing to youth

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in Ohio and the majority of smokers start before age 18

YOU CAN HELP!

3

Talk to your children about the risks

Keep a tobacco-free home and car

Be a positive role model

Tobacco Data and Statistics, The Ohio Department of Health, retrieved February 2019 E-Cigarettes and Young People: A Public Health Concern, CDC, retrieved February 2019 3 Tobacco Use by Teens is Rising, Centers for Disease Control, February 2019 4 Association of Electronic Cigarette Use With Subsequent Initiation of Tobacco Cigarettes in US Youths.

Berry KM, Fetterman JL, Benjamin EJ, et al., February 2019 1

2

BuckeyeHealthPlan.com • 1-866-549-8289

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Columbus & Dayton African American 2019 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal• •November February 2015

COVER STORY

ELIJAH CUMMINGS FUNERAL DRAWS PRESIDENTS AND THOUSANDS OF MOURNERS

Photo from New York Times

By Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs and Richard Fausset

“You can’t run a free society if you hate everybody you disagree with,” Mr. Clinton told mourners.

Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton spoke at Mr. Obama continued that theme. the service for the longtime Maryland “There’s nothing weak about kindness and congressman. compassion,” Mr. Obama said. “There’s BALTIMORE — Two former United States nothing weak about looking out for others. presidents and a throng of powerful American There’s nothing weak about being honorable. leaders joined thousands of everyday people You’re not a sucker to have integrity and to in Baltimore on Friday to bid farewell to treat others with respect.”

Representative Elijah E. Cummings, a towering African-American presence in In many ways, the service was reminiscent Washington who was praised for his integrity, of the funeral last year for Senator John his character and, in his final months, his McCain, a Republican who was held up as a unwavering challenges to President Trump. counterweight to Mr. Trump.

In one of the stirring eulogies that prompted mourners to rise with applause, Barack Obama called Mr. Cummings “a man of noble and good heart.” Bill Clinton, gesturing toward the flag-draped coffin, professed his love for Mr. Cummings and his deep, booming voice.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton compared Mr. Cummings to his namesake Elijah, the biblical figure. “Like that Old Testament prophet, he stood against the corrupt leadership of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel,” she said, to a roar of applause from the congregation.

Indeed, Mr. Cummings, who died on October 17, at age 68, “pushed back against the abuse of power,” she said, appearing to allude to the last great fight of Mr. Cummings’s life as chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, where, in recent months, he became But for all of the emotional remembrances a leading figure in the impeachment inquiry. of Mr. Cummings as a champion of working people and civil rights, the funeral, which “He was unwavering in his defense of our cam e a m i d i m pending impeachm ent democracy,” she said. “He had little tolerance proceedings against Mr. Trump, also was for those who put party ahead of country or an implicit rebuke of a president who had partisanship above truth.” called the congressman a “racist” and had criticized his representation of Baltimore, Mr. The service attracted a bipartisan coterie of Mr. Cummings’s admirers, who have long Cummings’s hometown. praised him as a committed Democrat who “We should hear him now in the quiet times at night and in the morning when we need courage, when we get discouraged and we don’t know if we can believe anymore,” Mr. Clinton said.

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nonetheless hewed to an old-fashioned generosity of spirit toward his political opponents. Among the Republicans in attendance on Friday were Representatives Jim Jordan of Ohio and Mark Meadows of North Carolina, both staunch Trump loyalists.

On Thursday, Mr. Meadows had delivered a moving eulogy to Mr. Cummings as he lay in state in the Capitol, the first black member of Congress ever to be so honored.

“I was privileged enough to be able to call him a dear friend,” Mr. Meadows said.

With the firepower of a full choir, a performance by the gospel star BeBe Winans and stirring, faith-themed speeches from former presidents, Friday’s service served as a reminder of the centrality of the AfricanAmerican experience to the soul of the contemporary Democratic Party. It included references to Mr. Cummings’s beginnings as a son of sharecroppers and his defense, as a member of Congress, of civil rights, the poor and the powerless, and the rule of law.

And with its focus on Mr. Cummings’s faith — he was a regular 7:15 a.m. Sunday attendee at New Psalmist Baptist Church, which hosted the packed Friday home-going — the funeral also injected a strong dose of religiosity into a party whose presidential front-runners have been busy announcing policy prescriptions but sounding few of the overtly pious notes once regularly played by former Presidents Carter, Obama and Clinton.

With his reassuring baritone and hard-won moral stature — Mr. Clinton noted that the congressman bore a lifelong scar from Continued on Page 21

COVER STORY

a bottle he was hit with while trying to integrate a Baltimore swimming pool — Mr. Cummings was known for mentoring and dispensing wisdom to congressional staffers, neighbors on his block and freshman lawmakers alike. As the impeachment inquiry has gathered steam, he was said to still be joining strategy discussions with colleagues from his hospital bed.

invoked him clearly, saying her husband’s work had become “infinitely more difficult” in the last few months of his life when he “sustained personal attacks and attacks on his beloved city.”

“It hurt him,” Ms. Cummings said.

After Mr. Cummings’s death, Mr. Trump changed his tune, offering his condolences He was also known for his fierce loyalty to and praising his “strength, passion and Baltimore and its residents, and he stood up wisdom.” for them when, in July, Mr. Trump derided Mr. Cummings’s majority-black Baltimore Mr. Cummings’s body lay in an open coffin at district as “a disgusting, rat and rodent the front of the church on Friday, his left hand infested mess” where “no human being” resting on his right as mourners passed and as the church choir sang. Some buried their would want to live. faces in their hands as they moved swiftly The slight remained on the minds of many of across the purple carpet. Others lingered a the thousands of Baltimoreans who formed few feet from the casket for one final look at long, looping lines outside the massive their representative. An usher was stationed contemporary church building at dawn on nearby with a box of tissues in each hand.

Friday morning. “See? We’re not all trash and rats,” one congregant said as she found Elonna Jones, 21, skipped her classes at the University of Maryland to attend with her her seat. mother, Waneta Ross, who nearly teared up Baltimore residents said they took so much as she contemplated Baltimore’s loss. pride in Mr. Cummings in part because he left no doubt that he was motivated by his “He believed in the beauty of everything, constituents, whether standing in the halls especially our city,” Ms. Ross said. “It’s of Congress or on the stairs outside his brick important we’re here to honor a civil rights activist who was still around in my rowhouse in West Baltimore. generation.”

“He never forgot who we were,” said Bernadette McDonald, who lives nearby.

“He was a son of Baltimore and a man of the people.”

Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Mr. Cummings’s wife and the chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party, did not mention Mr. Trump by name, but in a fiery speech, she

Over more than two decades in Congress, Mr. Cummings championed working people, environmental reform and civil rights. He served for two years as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and frequently spoke of his neighborhood while pushing legislation to lower drug prices, promoting labor unions and seeking more funding for affordable housing.

The service was studded with glimpses from a life full of good humor, camaraderie, purpose and hope. Jennifer Cummings, one of Mr. Cummings’s two daughters, recalled early-morning calls from her father on her birthdays and the ice cream they shared in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Reading from a letter to her father, Ms. Cummings said he had taught her “to understand and appreciate my blackness” and had insisted on buying her dolls with brown skin.

Mr. Obama said that when Mr. Cummings was a child, his father would make him dress up and take him to the airport, telling him, “I may not fly, but you will fly one day. We can’t afford it right now, but you will fly.”

In recent days, Mr. Cummings had told relatives that he was ready to go, they said.

Two days before he died, the staff at Johns Hopkins Hospital wheeled his bed to the roof so he could see the sun — and look over the city he served, his wife recounted.

“Boy,” he said, “have I come a long way.”

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs reports on national news. He is from upstate New York and previously reported in Baltimore, Albany, and Isla Vista, Calif.

Richard Fausset is a correspondent based in Atlanta. He mainly writes about the American South, focusing on politics, culture, race, poverty and criminal justice. He previously worked at the Los Angeles Times, including as a foreign correspondent in Mexico City.

Article from www.NYTimes.com

Photo from New York Times

Maya Rockymore Cummings, Mr. Cummings wife celebrated her husband’s life.

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The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT Property program, along with Receivership program, have both addressed blight through enforcement, demolition and rehabilitation.

These initiatives have effectively helped to decrease our vacant and abandoned property count and to put once-blighted properties back into the housing market.

Shayla D. Favor Columbus City Councilmember

In addition to serving on Council, Favor serves on the Executive Board of the John Mercer Langston Bar Association, whose purpose is to be a facilitator of excellence within the legal profession while encouraging community service for those in need. Favor also serves on the Executive Board for the annual design conference, Creative Control Fest. Creative Control Fest aims to provide a platform for creatives of color in the industries of art, music, design, activism, tech, scholarship and entrepreneurship.

Favor lives on the Near-East side of Councilmember Shayla D. Favor joined Columbus with her husband Corey Favor and Columbus City Council in January of 2019. their six-year old puppy Hudson.

Prior to joining Council, Favor served as an Assistant City Attorney in Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein’s office. As a Zone Attorney, Favor had the opportunity to litigate high-profile environmental lawsuits, advise administrative and local governmental agencies, and draft several pieces of legislation. Favor worked alongside the leaders of our city and community to provide essential city services to improve Columbus’ neighborhoods and facilitate conversations to address criminal activity, vacancies, abandonment, and blight.

Affordable housing is one of the greatest challenges we face as a growing city. As chair of City Council’s Housing committee, I am fully committed to addressing this problem from every single angle. We must ensure there is a supply of affordable homes that residents have access to and ensure that residents are able to stay in their current homes. As rents are going up in our community, wages are staying stagnant.

That means more households are becoming unstable and having difficulty remaining in their homes.

Every year, Franklin County files nearly 18,000 evictions. This is the highest number of evictions filed throughout the State of Ohio. And when we look closer at these numbers, we see that women, particularly African American women, are more likely to be impacted by evictions in our community.

Evictions have long term, negative impacts on families. Evictions cannot be removed from an individual’s record, and many times can lead to further instability, including homelessness.

1) What would you consider your most significant accomplishment in the public office you currently hold?

The Eviction Prevention Program is a The creation of the Eviction Prevention $300,000 fund that will provide emergency financial and legal support for residents.

Program.

It consists of two distinct components.

2 ) H o w h a s t h a t a c c o m p l i s h m e n t IMPACT Community Action will provide specifically benefitted those of whom, as a emergency rental and mortgage assistance, racial group, could be defined as a people while The Legal Aid Society of Columbus who disproportionately live in poverty, will provide access to a Tenant Advocacy perform at the lowest level educationally, Project (TAP) attorney to advocate on behalf have the highest rate of unemployment, of residents. This work truly can make all suffer the greatest healthcare disparities, of the difference for an individual or family While serving as a Zone Attorney, Favor affordable housing needs, and wealth in our community, and we must do all that implemented two initiatives to address our disparities, just to cite a few basic we can to improve the lives of residents in Columbus.

City’s blight; the Vacant and Abandoned indicators?

Professionally, Jen has expertise in government policy, law, and human resources. She currently serves the State of Ohio as a Diversity & Inclusion professional, as the Equal Employment Opportunity Program Manager at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services. In this capacity, she oversees the Diversity & Inclusion efforts for the State of Ohio, including Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Planning, Equal Employment Opportunity Enforcement, Affirmative Action Compliance, and Education Initiatives.

Jennifer Anne Adair Columbus Board of Education Jennifer Anne Adair is honored to be a member of the Columbus Board of Education and to serve as a Commissioner for the City of Columbus, Recreation and Parks Department. She is a proud graduate of Columbus City Centennial High School (1998), Northwestern University (B.A., 2002), and Capital University Law School (J.D., 2005). Jen resides in the Columbus neighborhood of North Linden with her daughter Mila, a CCS Student. Recently, Jen served as Chair of the North Linden Area Commission.

Jen’s background demonstrates her commitment to CCS. She is a CCS Mom, a Community Leader, a Public-Servant, and an Advocate for Public Education.

1) What would you consider your most significant accomplishment in the public office you currently hold?

Being appointed in January of 2019, I have worked hard to be a collaborative voice on the Board and in the community. My most significant accomplishments are ahead of me and focus on equity across our district, including helping to interrupt the school to prison pipeline and addressing systematic and systemic racial bias.

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • November 2019 American News Journal • February 2015

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2) How has that accomplishment specifically benefitted those of whom, as a racial group, could be defined as a people who disproportionately live in poverty, perform at the lowest level educationally, have the highest rate of unemployment, suffer the greatest healthcare disparities, affordable housing needs, and wealth disparities, just to cite a few basic indicators?

Equity among the district schools was a central reason I sought a seat on this Board.

No student should have better advantage because of their zip code. Every student deserves to have both the “things” (including facilities) they need to be successful, as well as the opportunities and experiences to succeed. Much of this comes back to operations and policy—we have to get past “this is just how we do things”. We need to examine all policy and practice, both formal and informal, to ensure we have considered equity as a lens of scrutiny. As a D&I professional who works on equity in practice, I believe I can lend support, guidance, and move our district so that we stop leaving some of our own students behind.

HONDA BUSINESS RESOURCE GROUP SEEKING TO BETTER COMMUNITY Honda of America Mfg., Inc. (HAM), based in Marysville, recently served as a sponsor of The National African American Male Wellness Walk/Run in Columbus, Ohio, with 20 Honda associates and their family and friends walking to raise awareness of men’s health. The associates were part of the company’s African American i4 Business Resource Group (BRG), which stands for Include, Inform, Inspire and Increase.

BRGs are associate-led groups that promote inclusion and diversity within Honda, and provide a space for associates aligned by ethnicity, gender, military service, sexual orientation and other characteristics to network and seek mentoring and professional development opportunities. Many BRGs also play a role in serving the community.

The National African American Male Wellness initiative presented i4 with the Health Hero Award for advocating for diverse programming and activities. The walk, held in August, was just one of many activities the group has used to engage with the community and amplify the voices of African American associates at Honda.

“Within the BRG, there are so many diverse perspectives. People come from all different places and have different experiences,” said Wes Oliver, chair of the i4 group and a HAM engineer. “We’ve been really purposeful with the quality of our events, so that people can actually talk and have honest dialogue.”

The i4 BRG, founded in 2016 with five members, has now grown to more than 180 members. With a focus on community and culture, it has grown by word of mouth, Oliver said.

“We continue to increase awareness of i4 as a resource among our central Ohio locations and beyond, so that associates of color, especially new associates, feel connected and engaged,” said Oliver.

During the visit, the associates shared with their guests the exciting careers that exist in manufacturing, with the desire to stimulate interest in a career in manufacturing, especially among young people of color.

This past September, Kurtis Payton, a member of i4, was one of six Honda associates who participated in the Young Men of Color event held at COSI in Columbus. He says being a role model for future engineers of color is a mission he doesn’t take lightly.

“Growing up, I never thought of being an automotive test engineer because I had never met one. Hopefully, my example can show that there are endless possibilities for young students,” said Payton.

This commitment to shining a light on manufacturing and related fields was another Outside of Honda, the group seeks to inspire reason why the BRG recently held an event young people of color to consider careers in through the National Society for Black manufacturing.

Engineers, where students in grades second through eighth received the opportunity to be While the National African American Male an “engineer for a day.”

Wellness Walk was the biggest community event the group has participated in so far, The i4 group is one of 21 BRGs at Honda in 2018 i4 hosted high school students from companies throughout Ohio, and one of 44 the Barack Recreation Center in Columbus. throughout the U.S. serving Honda associates.

Front row: Wesley Oliver, Lynette Adams, Tanya Chandler, Drake Hall, Aurelia Payton, Kurtis Payton, Claudia Payton, Ralph Clinton Back row: Emmanuel Ganidekam, Keith Tarpley, Anthony Higgens, Charles Bacon, Lonnie Allen, Patrick Tribble, Herb Henderson, Patrick Chris Wilson, John Duffy

Tanya Chandler, Kurtis Payton, Scott Brown, John Duffy, John Gregory, Drake Hall, Wesley Oliver, Chad Anderson

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Columbus & Dayton African American 2019 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal• •November February 2015

EDUCATION

INFANTS RECOGNIZE COUNTING LONG BEFORE THEY CAN SAY ‘1, 2, 3’

By Sarah D. Sparks It generally takes until preschool age for children to understand that a word like “four” represents a set, but new research from Johns Hopkins University suggests infants understand the concept of counting years earlier.

In a new study in the journal Developmental Science, psychology and brain science researchers Jinjing “Jenny” Wang and Lisa Feigenson showed 14- to 18-month-old children a series of common objects before hiding them. Then the researchers pulled out a few of the objects, and tracked whether and how long the children searched for additional hidden items.

In prior experiments, Feigenson had found toddlers could not remember and distinguish more than three hidden objects at a time; after the researcher pulled out a couple of objects from a larger group, the children no longer tried to find more even if several more were hidden. But in the current study, if the experimenter simply counted the objects before hiding them—pointing to each while listing the number words in order—the toddlers remembered larger numbers of items.

The experiments suggest early-childhood educators and caregivers should consider how even very young children are introduced to math in the world around them, Feigenson said.

“Children from very early on often know more about the world than we might assume. ... We come into the world disposed to think about objects and quantities,” she said. “Very early on babies are listening to what we’re saying to them. And even with something like the counting routine, babies may not get read a counting book every day, but when they hear it, but they’re already starting to make sense of it. Hearing people count with them is already changing the way that babies see the world.”

mentally alter how they look at a series of objects. Normally, a toddler tries to hold each individual item in her limited working memory. But watching an adult count the items seems to trigger the baby to view them as a set, and she switches to using the approximate number sense—one of the earliest math skills to develop, which allows someone to roughly compare groups of items and understand, for example, that eight items is more than five items. In the study, toddlers were able to distinguish four objects from six and continue to look for more hidden ones, but they did not differentiate three hidden objects from four, suggesting that they were relying more on estimates of the numbers rather that specifics.

“For other words like ‘dog’ or ‘sweet,’ you can directly see the dog, you can taste sweetness. But there’s no ‘fiveness’ in this world that you can directly perceive. It’s something that’s really abstract,” Wang said.

“That’s why all the findings about babies’ approximate number sense were already really surprising, because that alone requires babies to be able to abstract numerical information from the world. And then using counting to understand number words requires them to take another step to associate Changing Perspective this numerical dimension of the world that they abstracted, with the even more abstract As Wang explained, something about the number word that they’re hearing. So it’s an process of counting helps young children incredibly challenging task.”

Feigenson agreed. “When [Wang] actually came to me with the study idea, my reaction was that she was kind of crazy—there was no way that a 14-month-old had any understanding of what was going on when a parent said, ‘one, two, three, four balls,’ “ she said, “but I was wrong. These data suggest that by 14 months of age, babies don’t know what exactly ‘three’ means and ‘four’ means. But that counting routine that we do ... already has some meaning to babies.

And in particular, what [Wang] showed is that counting directs a baby’s attention to the numerical dimension of the world.”

In fact, ongoing follow-up experiments suggest the counting routine may mean more to babies that the number words themselves; English-speaking babies show signs of recognizing counting even when the numbers are spoken in another language. The researchers are digging into whether cultural or language differences affect toddlers’ understanding of counting, and whether a toddler’s skill at switching from thinking of individual items to sets of items might predict later math skills in school.

Sarah D. Sparks is a reporter and data journalist for Education Week who has covered education research and the science of learning for more than 15 years.

Article from www.edweek.org

To Advertise in The Columbus - Dayton African American contact us at: editor@columbusafricanamerican.com Ray Miller, 503 S. High StreetPublisher - Suite 102 750 East Long Columbus, OH 43215 Street, Suite 3000 614-571-9340 Columbus, Ohio 43203 The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

BROWN, PORTMAN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION HONORING THE LIFE, WORK AND LEGACY OF TONI MORRISON

Morrison, a Lorain, Ohio Native, Passed “Toni Morrison was a literary giant and a daughter of Lorain, Ohio, but as the away in August first African-American woman to win the WASHINGTON, DC — On October 28, Nobel Prize in Literature, she was also a 2019 U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D- trailblazer who left an indelible mark on OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced a American history. I’m proud to lead this resolution to honor the life, work, and legacy bipartisan resolution with Senator Brown of Toni Morrison, one of America’s most honoring her contributions to America’s formidable scholars, educators, and authors. rich literary tradition,” Portman said.

For more than five decades, Morrison, a Lorain, OH native, captivated audiences, “We are humbled that the Senate has sharing stories through the African American taken this tribute to honor our mother, lens with her command of language and grandmother and aunt. While we miss her terribly, we are awed and grateful for this intellectual prowess. truly extraordinary appreciation for her As an African American author, Morrison life and work,” said Ford Morrison, son of blazed the trail for many, authoring 11 Toni Morrison. novels as well several children’s books and collections of essays. In 1988, she was “As the American author society whose awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Beloved mission has been to support the study and the 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature, and appreciation of Toni Morrison’s life which recognizes her as an author “who and works for the last 26 years and as in novels characterized by visionary force one of the institutional stewards of her and poetic import, gives life to an essential aspect of American reality.” Morrison remarkable literary legacy for future was also honored with the 1996 National generations of scholars and readers, the Book Foundation’s Medal of Distinguished Toni Morrison Society wholeheartedly Contribution to American Letters, and in endorses this Resolution. This recognition 2012, President Barack Obama presented acknowledges the profound contribution her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. that Toni Morrison, the 1993 Nobel Laureate in Literature, has made to the “Toni Morrison’s body of work changed state of Ohio, to American Letters, and to America. She illustrated palpable arts and culture throughout the world,” narrations of the depth and meaning of the said Carolyn Denard, PhD, Founder and lived experiences of the oppressed,” Brown Board Chair of The Toni Morrison Society said. “Morrison stood firm in the power of language, and her work continues to “On behalf of the Howard University be a source of empowerment to this day. family, I thank the Ohio delegation for As eloquently stated by Morrison herself, recognizing the life of our mother, sister, ‘We die. That may be the meaning of life. friend in belles-lettres, and distinguished But we do language. That may be the alumna, Toni Morrison, with this fitting measure of our own lives.’” tribute. Morrison discovered her life’s The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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mission early as an English major at Howard. The words she penned masterfully and creatively seek the truth, explore the African American journey, challenge our consciousness and shatter the barriers of institutional racism. It is fitting that Morrison was the first African American woman to earn the Nobel Prize in literature and later became the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom— the country’s highest honor. Morrison’s literary works are her gifts to society today, tomorrow and for generations to come, as her words will live on to inspire us all. She is our beloved,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, President of Howard University “Toni Morrison’s brilliant vision, inspired creativity, and unique voice reshaped American culture and the world’s literary tradition. Her mark on our University and the nation is impossible to measure, and Princeton would like to thank the Senate for honoring the memory of this incredible American. Though she is no longer with us, we are confident that her magnificent works will continue to light a path forward for generations of readers and authors. To us she was not only a groundbreaking writer, but a teacher, mentor, scholar, colleague, and neighbor, and we miss her dearly,” said Christopher L. Eisgruber, President of Princeton University For more information about the bill, contact Matt Keyes/Rachel Hartford with Sen. Brown’s office at 202-224-3978 or Emily Benavides with Sen. Portman’s office at 202224-5190.

The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

WORD FROM THE WISE THE ABC’S OF EFFECTIVE PARENTING “A Word from the Wise” will be a monthly column written by Dr. C. Dexter Wise III published in the African American News Journal. The first series will be excerpts from his book, “The ABC’s of Effective Parenting.” Below are articles for the first 12 months.

A is for accept your child as a person.

None of our children (or their parents) are perfect. But, their lack of perfection is no excuse for refusing to accept them as a person. Accepting your child as a person does not mean that you approve of their misbehavior, agree with their unwise decisions, appreciate their spirited reactions to your corrections, or even settle for their low achievement. Rather, it means that you say to them in no uncertain terms: ”I love you because you are you!”

We can only accept our children where they are and lift them to where they belong. We must accept their dreams for their lives and help them make the dreams real. We are called upon to accept our children as a part of us, while all the time remembering that they are not the same as us.

Let us learn to accept the love our children want to give and then return it to them in double doses. We must even be secure enough to accept and respect their criticism. For, just because we are older doesn’t mean we are always right.

When children are accepted and feel accepted they learn to accept themselves and say: ”I may not be developed yet, but I am worth developing. I may not be successful yet, but I deserve to succeed. I may not be educated yet, but I am able to learn. I may not ever be a Halle Berry or a Denzel Washington, but I am beautiful.”

A is for accept your child as a person.

“Being a parent isn’t easy, but it can be as simple as ABC.” Dr. C. Dexter Wise III is the founding pastor of Faith Ministries Church in Columbus, OH, the President of Wise Works, Inc. and an International Best Selling author on Amazon. His books, ABC’s of Effective Parenting, 21 Words to Get Your Child 21, Preaching to Empty Seats and many other publications can be found at www.wiseworksonline.com. (614-898-1997)

POLICY MATTERS NAMES JASMINE AYERS POLICY LIAISON Jasmine Ayres has joined Policy Matters Ohio as the organization’s new policy liaison.

In her role, Ayres will work to connect the group’s research and analysis with state policymakers, allies and the general public.

She will especially focus her efforts on reforming Ohio’s upside-down tax code which favors the wealthy and powerful while failing to generate enough revenue to properly fund public schools, infrastructure and important community needs.

North Carolina and a master’s degree from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.

Since returning to Columbus she has coached football at Northland High School, helped register over 20,000 people to vote, and run for Columbus City Council. She most recently worked as a youth outreach specialist for the Huckleberry House. She also served as the community development officer for the Community of Caring Development “As a product of Columbus city schools, I’ve Foundation, the development arm of New experienced first-hand the consequences of Salem Baptist Church, where she has corporate tax cuts that siphon resources from attended since she was 4 years old. our schools and communities,” Ayres said.

“I’ve known teachers who made personal “Jasmine brings a breadth of experience, sacrifices to pay for books and supplies for fantastic energy and a keen intellect to Policy their students. That’s unacceptable. Every Matters,” said Executive Director Amy school and every community should have the Hanauer. “She is one of Ohio’s dynamic resources they need, which is I why I’m eager young leaders. We are looking forward to to advance a revenue strategy that prioritizes seeing what she will help us accomplish.” everyday Ohioans and values people over Policy Matters Ohio is a non-profit policy profit.” research institute. We create a more vibrant, Ayres was born and raised on Columbus’s equitable, sustainable and inclusive Ohio north side. She graduated from Northland through research, strategic communications, High School where she played varsity coalition building and policy advocacy. football. She received a bachelor’s degree in history from Wake Forest University in www.policymattersohio.org

The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

By Ray Miller Divided By Faith - Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America

By Michael D. Emerson

The Origin of Others

By Toni Morrison America’s foremost novelist reflects on the themes that preoccupy her work and increasingly dominate national and world politics: race, fear, borders, the mass movement of peoples, the desire for belonging.

What is race and why does it matter?

What motivates the human tendency to construct Others? Why does the presence of Others make us so afraid?

Drawing on her Norton Lectures, Toni Morrison takes up these and other vital questions bearing on identity in The Origin of Others. Readers of Morrison’s fiction will welcome her discussions of some of her most celebrated books―Beloved, Paradise, and A Mercy.

Through a nationwide telephone survey of 2,000 people and an additional 200 face-to-face interviews, Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith probed the grassroots of white evangelical America. They found that despite recent efforts by the movement’s leaders to address the problem of racial discrimination, evangelicals themselves seem to be preserving America’s racial chasm. In fact, most white evangelicals see no systematic discrimination against blacks. But the authors contend that it is not active racism that prevents evangelicals from recognizing ongoing problems in American society. Instead, it is the evangelical movement’s emphasis on individualism, free will, and personal relationships that makes invisible the pervasive injustice that perpetuates racial inequality.

A Colony In A Nation

By Chris Hayes America likes to tell itself that it inhabits a postracial world, yet nearly every empirical measure―wealth, unemployment, incarceration, school segregation―reveals that racial inequality has barely improved since 1968, when Richard Nixon became our first “law and order” president. With the clarity and originality that distinguished his prescient bestseller, Twilight of the Elites, Chris Hayes upends our national conversation on policing and democracy in a book of wide-ranging historical, social, and political analysis. A Colony in a Nation explains how a country founded on justice now looks like something uncomfortably close to a police state. How and why did Americans build a system where conditions in Ferguson and West Baltimore mirror those that sparked the American Revolution?

Stamped From The Beginning - The Definative History of Racist Ideas in America

By Ibram X. Kendi W I N N E R O F T H E N AT I O N A L BOOK AWARD IN NONFICTION Americans like to insist that we are living in a postracial, color-blind society. In fact, racist thought is alive and well; it has simply become more sophisticated and more insidious.

And as award-winning historian Ibram X. Kendi argues in Stamped from the Beginning, racist ideas in this country have a long and lingering history, one in which nearly every great American thinker is complicit. In this deeply researched and fast-moving narrative, Kendi chronicles the entire story of antiBlack racist ideas and their staggering power over the course of American history.

Race & Place - How Urban Geography Shapes the Journey to Reconcilliation

By David P. Leong Geography matters. We long for diverse, thriving neighborhoods and churches, yet racial injustices persist. Why? Because geographic structures and systems create barriers to reconciliation and prevent the flourishing of our communities. Race and Place reveals the profound ways in which these geographic forces and structures sustain the divisions among us. Urban missiologist David Leong, who resides in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country, unpacks the systemic challenges that are rarely addressed in the conversation about racial justice. The evening news may deliver story after story that causes us to despair.

But Leong envisions a future of belonging and hope in our streets, towns, cities, and churches. A discussion about race needs to go hand in hand with a discussion about place. This book is a welcome addition to a conversation that needs to include both.

The Inner Work of Racial Justice - Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities

By Rhonda V. Magee In a society where unconscious bias, microaggressions, institutionalized racism, and systemic injustices are so deeply ingrained, healing is an ongoing process. When conflict and division are everyday realities, our instincts tell us to close ranks, to find the safety of our own tribe, and to blame others. This book profoundly shows that in order to have the difficult conversations required for working toward racial justice, inner work is essential.

Through the practice of embodied mindfulness--paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations in an open, nonjudgmental way--we increase our emotional resilience, recognize our own biases, and become less reactive when triggered.

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Columbus & Dayton African American 2019 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal• •November February 2015

You are cordially invited to join PrimaryOne Health & Southeast Healthcare for a ribbon cutting and open house tours at our NEW Near East Side partnership location.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 720 E. Broad St. Suite 100 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served.

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For more information, please contact Yolanda Owens at yolanda.owens@primaryonehealth.org or Myken Pullins at pullinsm@southeastinc.com

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • November 2019 American News Journal • February 2015

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A JOHN 400 YEAR HISTORY OFWHO COURAGE, BRAVERY, CONYERS, JR., REPRESENTED MICHIGAN FOR 5 DECADES, DIES AT 90 LEADERSHIP AND SACRIFICE - OUR MILITARY SERVICE

By Tim Anderson I am the son of a career military parent. My father served in the United States Airforce for thirty years achieving the highest rank for a noncommissioned officer, Chief Master Sargent. His father, my grandfather, James D. Anderson Sr. (1915-2010) from Ruleville, Mississippi attended Jackson State and later attended the Tuskegee Army Pilot Training Center, where he became a pilot as a Tuskegee Airman during WWII. After the war he would resettle in the Los Angeles area and fly eleven years for the California Civil Air Patrol. My brothers have served in the military as well; one serving fifteen years in the United States Air Force and the other serving in the Ohio Air National Guard.

Finally, my oldest son John, served four years in the United States Army, where he was stationed in South Korea in the missile defense deployment unit. Four generations of black men from my family have served during war and peace time with honor and distinction.

In our four-hundred-year history military service was not initially a part of our experience. Although prior to August 1619, Africans were among earlier expeditions to North and South America, primarily as laborers on board European vessels. These expeditions were by and large, military expansions of colonial

By Laurel Wamsley European monarch nations.

Those nations included Spain, John Conyers Jr., who England, France, Portugal and represented Michigan in the Dutch empires Congress for morewhich than were five all heavily involved decades, has died at the in agethe of slave trade and the colonization of North 90. His death was confirmed Sunday by and the South the Caribbean.

The first WayneAmerica County and Medical Examiner’s Office Africans in Detroit.not of an expedition, who came to colonized north American were from Angola.

Conyers the alongest-serving African They werewas aboard Portuguese slave ship American lawmaker in slave congressional which was pirated by other traders history, of the Congressional and solda toco-founder the British.

Eventually these Black Caucus and a fierce champion for civil enslaved Africans would find themselves rights.

But he would leave office atofthe age in Jamestown, Virginia in August 1619. of 88 amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Jamestown would become the epicenter for slavery, migrating the slave along the Conyers was first elected to thetrade House in 1964. eastern seaboard colonies from Georgia to Among his signature efforts in Congress Massachusetts. was his battle for reparations for African Americans. Beginning in 1989, Conyers The slave traders,a the Monarchs would introduce billEuropean at the beginning of each with session Congress that slavery called into for along theirofmilitary brought a “congressional of slavery and its what is commonlystudy referred as the Middle lingering effects as well recommendations Passage.

In 1770, theasdescendant of an for ‘appropriate remedies.’ “ enslaved African and a former slave, Crispus Attucks would die at the hands of a British Conyersatalso helped Massacre lead the charge for soldier the Boston Rebellion the creation of a federal holiday in honor in death of Boston Martin Massachusetts.

Luther King Jr. His Four dayswould after be recognized as the first for King was assassinated in blood 1968, shed Conyers America’s independence from England. introduced a bill to establish the holiday. It would take another 15 years of trying until Both colonial states the British military the legislation was and eventually signed into offered slaves their freedom if they chose law by President Ronald Reagan.

to serve in their respective military. Slave owners would allow their slaves to enlist in the military during the Revolutionary War. With the promise that at the end of their enlistment, they would earn their freedom.

However, this was a promised not kept. Many of these black militiamen were killed in battle Famed civil rights activist Rosa Parks worked in his Detroit office from 1965 until she retired in 1988.

and those who survived were often placed back into slavery. Not until the American Civil War and at the urging of Fredrick Douglas would black serve in the military.

Douglas, pressured and persuaded President Lincoln to allow the formation of an allthem into law.”

Conyers was born in Detroit in 1929 and attended Detroit public schools before attending Wayne State University and Law School. He served in the Michigan National Guard and then the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1954. He then worked in the office of Congressman John Dingell and then as general counsel to labor unions before running for office himself.

His time in office earned Conyers the title “dean of the House of Representatives,” but in 2017, he resigned from office amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Several women accused the Democrat of verbal abuse, inappropriate touching and groping over decades. One former staff member received a confidential settlement of $27,000 from Conyers’ office after alleging she Conyers is survived by his wife, a brother was fired for refusing the congressman’s and two sons. advances. Conyers denied any wrongdoing.

“Congressman Conyers was a devoted During his time in office, Conyers was wildly father and husband and his world revolved successful in his district, regularly winning around securing justice against racial and reelection with 80% of the vote or more. economic discrimination,” his family said in a statement.

Detroit mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement on Sunday that Conyers had His wife, Monica Conyers, remembered her “fought for a better Detroit for more than husband as “a fighter” for his community. half a century. From co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus to leading the “When your back was up against a wall,” she fight in Congress to enshrine Martin Luther said, “he was right there with you. Not just King’s birthday as a national holiday, John for me, but for everyone.”

Conyers’ impact on our city and nation will never be forgotten.”

Bobby Allyn contributed to this report.

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., remembered Conyers as a friend and mentor. “He truly cared about other people, loving other people, and he wanted justice,” Cohen told NPR. “And it wasn’t just talk at some coffee house, he wanted to take these ideas and put

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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Laurel Wamsley is a reporter for NPR’s Newsdesk. She reports breaking news for NPR’s digital coverage, newscasts, and news magazines, as well as occasional features.

Article from www.npr.org

The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

PILLARS OF WISDOM

By Ako Kambon I just want to say THANK YOU to all who wrote kind notes about our last posting.

I am encouraged by your support and anxiously looking forward to hearing your thoughts about this month’s post.

Pillars of Wisdom (2nd Posting) Pillars of Wisdom #4: • Face Time (A New App) Almost all parents have heard of FaceTime.

FaceTime is an App developed by Apple Inc. that allows two or more people to see and talk with each other using their cell phones (if you have an android phone – like me – you must use Google Hangouts or Google Duo.) But today, I wish to introduce you to a new App called Face-Time. This app does not need to be downloaded, just applied. And guess what, this App is free!!

I’m talking about YOU as the parent, giving your child “face-time.” That’s right, you sitting down in front of your child – and just talking!

Did you know that fathers spend about 20 minutes ‘talking with’ their child?

Mothers, don’t laugh or get too excited.

Mother’s spend about 30 minutes ‘talking with’ their child. Let me quickly explain: There is a major difference between giving instructions to your child (i.e. wash the dishes, clean your room, do your homework, etc.) and having a meaningful conversation with your child. A meaningful conversation that asks how was their day and you telling them how your day went. A conversation that finds out who their friends are; a conversation that asks everyone to identity social and/or school activities for that month so that everyone can plan their calendar for the month. Just meaning conversation. The conversation does not have to be very long (15 minutes minimum), just meaningful! Think about this; if your child spends less than an hour having meaningful conversations with you; who are they having meaning conversations with? Answer: other, young people! Who probably know less than your child! Perhaps this is what old people meant when they would say: THE BLIND IS LEADING THE BLIND. Pillars of Wisdom #5: • Faith is not Optional When you were a child, your parent/ guardian probably REQUIRED you to attend church. Or at least there was some mention of the Power of God in your house.

But far too many of our young people today do not attend a place of worship nor have they heard about a God who can help them through any and all circumstances.

I understand that many parents today do not attend church themselves (often saying – my parents made me go, so I will NEVER MAKE my children do that). But what if you did not require your child to eat vegetables, just because your parents made

you eat them. Or, what if you did not require your children to go to school, just because your parents made you go! Would you require them to eat the vegetables or go to school anyway? I think the answer is YES. And the reason you would require them to do so, is because you know that “somewhere down the line” the vegetable and school are going to pay off for your child.

I must admit that it’s a little hard for me to separate my personal commitment to Christ as I write this piece. But I do know that “somewhere down the line” faith in God is going to pay off for your child. But it is not the pastor’s, priest’s, rabbis, Imam’s, or bishop’s responsible to introduce your child to their spiritual awareness. It’s YOURS. And if your faith has been shakened or dampened over the past few years, there’s no better time than now to start all over again.

But this time, with your child by your side.

Pillars of Wisdom #6: • The family that eats together grows together!

Long, long, long time ago, families would sit at a dinner table and share food and conversation. The food was prepared with ‘love’ in mind, rather than convenience.

There was no TV, Radio or, Cassette players (lol) at the table. Grace was always given and everyone had to say a Bible verse.

Now of course, that behavior is considered unnecessary. Convenience is more important.

No need to give thanks to the creator for the food because I don’t know anything about Him anyway. And, if you or your child would be required to “disconnect” from the world of social media for 15-20 minutes, the surely death is emanate. Wow!!

What we may have forgotten is that Children learned ‘manners’ at the dinner table. They learned the words – PLEASE and THANK YOU! They learned to appreciate the efforts of those who provided and prepared the food; and they even learned that the vegetables that are good for you sometimes taste horrible!

But, can YOU see the life lessons in all of the points I just made about food? Can YOU see that one of the reasons children are so

The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

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disrespectful now, is that they did not get training at a dinner table; or they did not see the tremendous effort that went into purchasing or preparing the meal; or how about this: sometimes things in life don’t go (or taste) the way you want, but it’s not the end of the world!

Get over it, and face what’s in front of you.

You see, the family that eats together ultimately grows together because they begin to see things from a different perspective. The family begins to see that all of the things that they/we have are in some way, provided by the help of someone else. So, they/we must never disrespect that or take it for granted.

I know that I said I would only give 3 pillars each week, but AS MY PASTOR SAYS: “THIS ONE IS FOR FREE” Pillars of Wisdom #7: • It’s OK to have fun with your children When is the last time you had FUN with your children? That’s right – FUN. Can you play Scrabble, Uno, Spades, Monopoly; go to a movie or bowling? How about going to a park for a picnic; or put on some music and line dance (Please, don’t NaeNae - PLEASE!).

ANYTHING THAT’S FUN!! Laugh with them. Let them see you SMILE or fail while playing a game. LAUGHTER IS GOOD FOR THE S-O-U-L. Remember, Parenting is a daily journey, not a quick trip… I’m honored to be your tour guide.

See you next week… Once again, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Ako Kambon Tour Guide Ako Kambon is the president of Visionary Leaders Institute and he is sharing his Wisdom information as part of his company’s commitment to community education. All views expressed and information provided are the sole ownership of Mr. Kambon. Should you desire additional information or desire to reprint the information, please contact him at 614-332-5715 or ako@vli123.com.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

BUSINESS COMPARING MUTUAL FUNDS TO MANAGED MONEY

By Darren Lundy, MBA When making investment decisions consumers have many different choices. They can choose between individual securities, mutual funds, exchange traded funds (ETF), or managed money.

Consumers are often given the responsibility of selecting which investment vehicle to use based on their investment objective. Most investors are familiar with mutual funds because many employer sponsored retirement plans have mutual funds such as the 401(k) or the 403(b) plans as an option. Mutual funds are the most widely promoted investment vehicle in the world, but that does not mean people completely understand what they are and how they operate. In the past, Managed money was only available to institutional investors and very affluent retail investors.

Managed money is now available to a broader Ownership market. Therefore, I feel it is beneficial to discuss some of the differences between The primary difference between mutual mutual funds and managed money. funds and managed accounts is the way that ownership is represented. When you What is a Mutual Fund? buy a mutual fund, you are buying shares of the fund itself. Each share represents So that we are on the same page, let’s start a percentage ownership of the collective with the definition. A Mutual Fund is an investments of the entire fund. Whereas, open-end investment company that invests with a managed account you have your own money of its shareholders in a usually private investment account. When you give diversified group of securities of other money to the account manager, securities are corporations. Mutual funds pool or combine purchased on your behalf and deposited into many investors’ money into a community your account. You actually own shares in portfolio to buy and manage assets of various each individual security rather than owning a types, in the hope of securing financial gain percentage of a collective investment, as with achieved through appreciation in the value a mutual fund. of the underlying assets and/or dividend or interest income. Each investor in a mutual Expenses fund owns a small piece of the portfolio.

Originally, mutual funds were a way for Expenses are associated with both managed smaller investors to gain the benefits of accounts and mutual funds, but they are professional money management and structured very differently. Commissions diversification, a universally recognized way are paid depending upon which type of of reducing risk. sales load structure the advisor chooses with a mutual fund. Sales load is another What is Managed Money? name for commissions. The advisor can invest your money into three different share Managed money is a means of investment classes identified as A, B, or C. A SHARES where investors rely on the decisions of represent a front-end load and commissions professional investment managers rather are taken from the initial investment amount. than their own. Clients receive ongoing B SHARES represent a back-end load and consultation with a professional financial commissions are paid every year in smaller advisor in exchange for a predictable fee. increments until the total percentage is paid, The advisor is responsible for managing your unless the investor leaves the fund early and financial plan, which includes examining then they are hit with any unpaid portion your overall financial situation, determining when exiting the fund. The average sales y o u r r i s k t o l e r a n c e , a s s i s t i n g w i t h load for A and B share classes is about 5%. investment selection, helping you set goals, Finally, C SHARES represent a level-load recommending an asset allocation appropriate and commissions are paid ongoing as long as for your goals, and monitoring your portfolio the funds are held, usually 1%. In addition and progress toward your goals. to sales loads paid, operating expenses are On the surface, managed money and mutual charged to the collective pool of money funds seem pretty similar. Both involve contributed by Investors. The costs of the private money managers investing your funds are reflected in the mutual fund share money in a variety of securities. However, price. With a managed account, you will managed money and mutual funds differ in typically be charged an advisory fee. This fee terms of how they operate. Which one is more is usually based on a percentage of the assets appropriate for you as an investor depends invested and 1/12th of the fee is paid on a on a variety of factors including security monthly basis. It’s what I like to call, the ownership, expenses and tax implications? pay as you go option. The investor does not 33

have to overcome hefty commission charges before realizing a return on their investments.

Operating expenses, as well as compensation for the money manager, is also included in the advisory fee. The average advisory fee is between 1.5-3% based on the money manager and generally includes all trading cost.

Tax Implications Mutual funds are required by law to pay out income and capital gains to shareholders.

Over the course of a year, the fund manager is buying and selling stocks; some for gains and some at losses. The fund itself does not pay taxes. Instead, it distributes the gains to you, the fund holder, and you pay the tax.

Annually fund holders receive a tax statement report for their share of the net gains the manager realized during the year. These gains are something you have no control over and could be quite sizeable.

This sets up an unusual situation: You can buy a fund and see the value of the fund drop, but due to the trading activity of the money manager still get hit with a tax bill at the end of the year. The real kicker: Mutual funds only distribute the gains for you to pay tax on. Should the fund take a net loss they cannot distribute that to you as a fund holder, but keep it for the following year.

Isn’t it time to take a closer look at your portfolio to determine what’s right for you?

Give us a call for a complimentary consultation.

Darren is a Columbus, Ohio native who has earned degrees in Business, Accounting, and an MBA. He has over twenty-five (25) years’ experience in financial services. The Ohio Company, First Union Securities, and Merrill Lynch were instrumental in his career prior to starting his own Wealth Management Firm, Money Consciousness LLC, (614) 776-4311. He holds his Series 65 and Life and Health licenses. Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Advisors, LLC an SEC registered investment advisor.

Columbus & Dayton African American 2019 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal• •November February 2015

BUSINESS

CLOUD TECHNOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS AND PROFESSIONALS

By Cecil Jones, MBA We hear the term ‘Cloud’ and ‘Cloud Computing’ regularly.

What is it? What can you do with it? Let’s look at the Cloud from a beginners view and then discuss what Cloud professionals do with the Cloud.

Beginners View What is the cloud? The cloud shape was used by technology network engineers and architects to indicate/represent computer equipment that was not near to the user. (www.guru99.com/cloud-computing-forbeginners.html). Also, the software is not on the user’s (your or my) desk computer.

Also, this ‘not near’ computer equipment is not maintained by the user. Consider that ‘not near’ equipment like a cloud; it exists, is not close and like clouds, one does not need to do anything for clouds to float and move through the sky. So, the user (you) really did not need to think a lot about those remote computer devices. That is why one may hear “You don’t need to worry about that. It is in the ‘cloud’ ”.

Where should the data be placed? We call it the cloud, implying that although we know Advantages of the Cloud the vendor and how to access our data and/ or applications, we often don’t know which Some of the advantages of using cloud computer servers or the actual physical services include: location of the data. Is it OK with you that you do not know what city that your data Data Storage. If you are working on a project and application are in? What if the cloud at home, for a volunteer organization or for vendor keeps your important client data in work, there can be many documents involved. Dayton Ohio and the keeps that information Do you want to store dozens or even backed up in Columbus Ohio? We had a hundreds of videos or documents on your tornado filled evening where tornadoes ran local computer? If others need access to those from Dayton to Columbus this summer. If files, you definitely don’t want to keep them the tornadoes destroyed the cloud vendor data just on your machine. Cloud vendors like centers in Dayton and Columbus, you would Vimeo and others can store videos on their be out of business (or at least for a while). computer servers a lot more inexpensively Know where your data and backups will be than you and I can. These vendors have the stored. security, storage capacity, backups and all of the services that you would expect from a Are cloud vendors secure? Can I trust company that works in the cloud. them? Yes, occasionally cloud vendors have been hacked (https://www.reuters.

Services and applications. What do you need? com/investigates/special-report/china-cyberTo keep your accounts payable, accounts cloudhopper/). As you have seen in the media, receivable in a nice format and be too able large and small companies have been hacked. to run reports, submit invoices, accept A reason that many companies use cloud payments, etc., many cloud vendors including vendors is the cloud vendor has expertise, Intuit QuickBooks and other companies who more than you and I or our companies have. provide those services and applications. The They can provide the service less expensively services and applications available are as than you or I (or a company that buys cloud small or as large as you would like. There are services) can provide it for ourselves. large manufacturing firms that run their day to day operations using cloud based software Will cloud vendors control the way that I and hardware that is not physically on the work? For some situations, the answer may be manufacturing company’s premises. yes. For example, today you may be able to change your basic customer information for Considerations of the Cloud a customer in 5 minutes and that information is available to all in your company, on your Legally, what data can be placed in the internal company computers. For a particular cloud? Most data can be placed in the cloud. cloud vendor, their service will do that, However, with critical information (medical however, those updates/changes may occur records, etc.) there are special agreements may each night at 2am. You then need to and contracts that must be used (https://www. think about how important it is (or is not) to hipaajournal.com/cloud-computing-hipaa- be able to make that specific change at any compliance/). time.

The Columbus & Dayton African American • November 2019

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Cloud Professionals What a great career path! For those who have written web based applications, been data base professionals or supported networks as network engineers, here is a new major wrinkle and a new career path.

System architects now must include (not optional) cloud solutions in their list of recommendations for new systems. Senior IT executives must “drive what we do to the cloud and toward automation” (https:// searchcio.techtarget.com/feature/NationwideCIO-readies-IT-workforce-for-inevitablefuture).

Cloud professionals should expect to take an examination and obtain a cloud certification.

Many of the universities, community colleges and professional training organizations offer preparatory courses to get you ready for the examination. Some of the companies that offer the certifications include (but are not limited to) Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and others.

The cloud is here and doing more and more for you each week.

Our work is most often done in the Cloud!

Are you looking for a technology networking group to help you get smarter? What new technology or process have you learned this month? Need advice on how to look for that technology position? Are you considering technology education (courses, certificates or degrees) and need information? Do you have a business, process, project management, personnel or technology question? Please let me know. admin@accelerationservices.net Cecil Jones MBA, ABD, PMP, CCP, SCPM, FLMI, Lean Professional, 614-726-1925.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

HISTORY

HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS: CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATE AND MARYLAND CONGRESSMAN

By Rodney Blount, Jr., MA The study of American and African Diaspora politics and history have always been my passion. From investigating the unique early history of the United States of America to exploring the effects of the time period during the nadir of American race relations (a term created by historian Rayford W. Logan about the period in the history of the United States from the end of Reconstruction in 1877 through the early 20th century), it is important for us to study and understand how the history and politics of yesterday continue to affect Americans today. Baltimore has played a pivotal role in the history and politics of America as a key port and cosmopolitan city.

African Americans have resided in Baltimore since the 17th century and it was the home of the largest free African American population for 50 years before the Civil War. African Americans in Baltimore have served in political positions since at least 1890 when Harry Sythe Cummings was elected to the city council. Baltimore has produced several other politicians and arguably the most preeminent among them was the Honorable Elijah E. Cummings.

Elijah Eugene Cummings was born into a family of Southern sharecroppers and Baptist preachers on January 18, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the son of Ruth (Cochran) and Robert Cummings and had six other siblings. He was a product of Baltimore city schools. Cummings passion for civil rights manifested at an early age as he was instrumental in desegregating the Baltimore city pools in 1962 at the age of eleven while being attacked by bottles and rocks. Cummings graduated from Baltimore City College High School in 1969.

Cummings attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he served in student government as sophomore class president, student government treasurer and student government president. He was elected into membership and inducted in Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He attended and graduated with a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1976. Cummings is also the recipient of at least 12 honorary doctorates.

Cummings was admitted to the Maryland State Bar Association in 1977 and practiced law for nearly 20 years. He was inspired to become a lawyer after watching the Perry Mason TV series which chronicled the life and work of a defense lawyer. In addition, he served as a chief judge on the Maryland Moot Court Board and served with distinction as a member of the Maryland state house of delegates, 1983-1996, serving as their first African American speaker pro tempore from 1995-1996 and as the youngest chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus.

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings was honored by being elected to represent

Photo by Rex/Shutterstock

Maryland’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, taking over the seat after Kweisi Mfume vacated the seat upon Mfume becoming president of the NAACP. Congressman Cummings served as the Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. The Oversight and Reform committee, the principal investigative committee in the House of Representatives, has jurisdiction to investigate any federal program and any matter with federal policy implications. Committee Chairman Cummings advocated for honesty and transparency in the Presidential administration because he believed in excellence and efficiency in the comportment of the government of the United States. He promoted plans to prevent waste, fraud and abuse. He wanted to guarantee government programs met the needs of the American people. Congressman Cummings was also a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, serving on both the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Congressman Cummings served on numerous boards and commissions. He spearheaded an effort to strengthen the Maritime Transportation Technologies Program at New Era Academy (NEA) in Baltimore as Chairman of the NEA Maritime Advisory Board. He also served on the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors, the Morgan State University Board of Regents, the University of Maryland Law School Board of Advisors, and the SEED School of Maryland Board of Directors. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the AFRO Charities, Inc. He was an honorary Board member of KIPP 35

Baltimore Schools and the Baltimore School for the Arts. He was also the holder of the Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy Lecture Series at Howard University from 2014 – 2016. He was also a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Pi Phi, the Prince Hall Masons and New Psalmist Baptist Church.

Congressman Cummings passed away on October 17, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Maya Rockeymore Cummings, Chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party and three children. He will be remembered as a staunch champion for Baltimore and civil rights. He will also be remembered for not backing down against those who he believed to be agents of injustice and inequality. I would like to end this article with quotes from Hon. Elijah E. Cummings. “You must have confidence in your competence.” “I’m going to try and make people realize that in order to live the life they are living, they need to have democracy, and it’s being threatened.”

“Tweets are not enough. We need real action and meaningful reform.” “From my own life experience, I can attest that we have come a long way toward universal justice in this country, but we are not there yet.”

Works Cited https://www.congress.gov/ https://cummings.house.gov/ www.washingtonpost.com/ A Rodney 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. Rodney is a native of Columbus, Ohio and is a member of several organizations.

Columbus & Dayton African American 2019 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal• •November February 2015

HISTORY

CELEBRATING THE SERVANT LEADERSHIP OF STEVEN MINTER

By Marian Wright Edelman, JD My friend Steven Minter, who passed away in September, was one of the groundbreaking Black public servants who broke many barriers and opened doors for others and one of the too unheralded but extraordinarily effective leaders people need to know about. Steve was a founding undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Education and longtime leader of the Cleveland Foundation, where he made an enormous difference for Ohio’s children and families. The Children’s Defense Fund was especially grateful for his strong support of CDF-Ohio’s work creating a level playing field for all of Ohio’s children and supporting local high school students beating the odds. Many people do not realize what a strong role foundations play in supporting and strengthening their communities. As a foundation head, university instructor and administrator, and member of dozens of panels, commissions, and corporate and nonprofit boards over his long professional life, Steve was a quiet, effective force for good.

Steve grew up in Ohio, the oldest of eight children in a family that emphasized service and education. He worked three jobs to put himself through Baldwin Wallace College.

One of them was washing dishes in the dining hall, where he met his beloved wife Dolly, who was working as a waitress. As his family remembers: “Theirs was a true love story. Although interracial marriage was still illegal in 22 states, they were married in 1961, the spring of Dolly’s senior year.

Over the 56 years of their marriage, Steve and Dolly formed what they described as a ‘partner mentality,’ sharing values of family, community, and the belief that ‘unto whom much is given, much is required.’”

Steve’s first job after college was as a case worker for the Cuyahoga County Welfare Department. His family said he took that position after he had a hard time finding a teaching job, but what may have initially felt like a detour “proved to be a fateful and fortuitous decision:” it was the foundation of all he went on to do and “his empathy for those living in poverty, confidence in their ability to improve their condition, commitment to structural change, and capacity to mentor and convene others were all called upon in his work.”

He earned a master’s degree in social work from Case Western University and within a few years became the department’s first Black and youngest-ever director. That new position began giving him national opportunities, including serving on the commission that created Head Start. He was then recruited to

become the Commissioner of Public Welfare of Massachusetts, where he served for four years before returning home and taking a position at the Cleveland Foundation.

Just two years later he took a leave of absence from the Foundation when President Jimmy Carter asked him to serve as undersecretary in the newly created U.S. Department of Education. A beautiful photo shows him after his swearing-in ceremony at the White House with President Carter and Steve’s handsome large family, including his parents and several of his brothers who served in Vietnam in uniform. As Steve helped organize the newly founded department he put key frameworks into place for our nation’s children, including Title I, intended to provide special funding to low income schools.

At the end of the Carter administration Steve returned to the Cleveland Foundation.

He served first as a program officer, then as associate director, and in 1984 became the Foundation’s executive director and president. As the first Black leader of a community foundation his family says Steve “quietly but firmly insisted on minority access to and participation in the city’s institutional life” as the Foundation focused on key needs in public education, housing, health care, and jobs. Under his leadership the Foundation supported neighborhood revitalization, public school improvement, and the redevelopment of Cleveland’s famous Playhouse Square and were early funders of AIDS public health initiatives. After retiring

The Columbus African & Dayton African American - November 2019 American News Journal • February 2015

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from the Foundation Steve spent 15 years as executive-in-residence and fellow at the Center for Nonprofit Policy and Practice at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University and continued serving on many commissions and boards, receiving honors, awards, and recognitions all along the way.

I am especially grateful for my family’s longtime friendship with Steve, Dolly, and their daughters Michele Minter, Caroline Minter Hoxby, and Robyn Minter Smyers.

Steve stayed at our home in Washington when he worked for the Department of Education. My husband Peter and I shared an especially memorable vacation hiking in the Swiss Alps with Steve and Dolly and I am so glad our children are now carrying on the connections to the next generation.

Today Michele serves as Vice Provost of Institutional Equity and Diversity at Princeton University, Caroline is a professor of economics at Stanford University, and Robyn is a Partner and Executive Committee member at Thompson Hine LLP as all three carry on their wonderful parents’ rich legacy of excellence and service. They are a final reflection of Steven Minter’s well-lived life.

Marian Wright Edelman is Founder and President Emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy 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 communities.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Columbus, Ohio November 5, 2019 Election Day Election Day in Columbus, Ohio. Candidates for local municipal races, including Mayor, City Council, Judges and more. Check with the Franklin County Board of Elections for your polling location. Every vote counts, so cast yours!

November 22, 2019 Xtreme Gospel Comedy Night Are you looking for a night of laughs and good clean fun? Then look no further than the Xtreme Gospel Comedy Night. Enjoy comedy from some of the best comedians in Columbus and abroad.

For tickets or more information visit the link below.

Location: Varies Address: Varies Time: 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM Admission: Free Contact: www.Vote.FranklinCountyOhio.gov

Location: Rhema Christian Center Address: 2100 Agler Rd., 43224 Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Admission: Free Contact: www.EventBrite.com

November 7, 2019 Birthing While Black Forum The historical exploitation of Black woman through forced sterilization, rape, medical experimentation, African enslavement and other systemic barriers directly impact maternal health outcomes today. Join the Columbus African Council and other community partners for a critical conversation on redefining maternal health.

November 23-24, 2019 NOBO Soulful Holiday Shopping Experience NoBo Arts and Gifts is one of the most highly anticipated Arts event of the year. Their mission is to help shape the narrative of Columbus, Ohio’s Near East side, by contributing a unique and varied holiday shopping experience, while supporting the careers of many local and national artist.

Location: Columbus Main Library Address: 96 S Grant Ave, 43215 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Admission: Free Contact: www.EventBrite.com

Location: King Arts Complex Address: 867 Mt. Vernon Ave, 43203 Time: 10:00 AM (Sat.), Noon (Sun.) Admission: Free Contact: www.NOBOGifts.com

November 16, 2019 PrimaryOne Community Health Forum The focus of the forum is on environmental toxins and their impact on the health and wellbeing of community residents.

“Our goal is to inform, educate and empower our residents to advocate for the healthcare needs of our community,” stated Charleta B. Tavares, CEO, PrimaryOne Health.

December 7, 2019 Jazz on The Avenue: Holiday Celebration The holiday Jazz celebration is back! This is the season to enjoy the holiday spirit! Jazz greats and vocalists will bring a vibrant, festive collection of holiday songs infused with cool syncopation, funky riffs, and smooth, stylish tones, ranging from dynamic to nostalgic. We will light up the night in Mayme Moore Park as we begin the holiday season.

Location: Karl Road Library Address: 5590 Karl Road, 43229 Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Admission: Free Contact: www.PrimaryOneHealth.org

Location: King Arts Complex Address: 867 Mt. Vernon Ave, 43203 Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Admission: $32.00 Contact: www.KingArtsComplex.com

November 21, 2019 Backstage Review In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Lincoln Theatre’s grand reopening, Backstage at the Lincoln will showcase a selection of the talented, local artists that have graced the Lincoln’s stage through this series and other artist incubation programs offered at the Lincoln.

December 10, 2019 10th Annual Mistletoe Holiday Party 10th annual Mistletoe event, hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. We are celebrating 10 years of the best holiday party in the city. Whether you are buying tickets online or in-person this year’s Mistletoe is not to be missed! Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel. Great food and dancing awaits you and your friends. Music

by DJ Remedy and Krate Digga.

Location: Lincoln Theatre Address: 769 E Long St., 43203 Time: 7:00 PM Admission: $16.50 Contact: www.LincolnTheatreColumbus.com

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

Location: Renaissance Columbus Downtown Address: 50 N 3rd Street, 43215 Time: 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM Admission: $50-$70 Contact: www.EventBrite.com

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The Columbus & Dayton African American - November 2019

COMMUNITY EVENTS Dayton, Ohio November 2, 2019 Life After Loss Workshop Stay Focused: Life After Loss – Getting Through Grief with Grace. The holidays can be difficult in managing loss of loved ones; or experiencing change in the career, home, finance, and so on. Join us to hear from Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Audrey Smith to receive coping techniques that will guide you through this season and beyond.

Location: The Mt. Pisgah Church Address: 1 Diamond Avenue 45403 Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 PM Admission: Free Contact: https://www.eventbrite.com November 5, 2019 Election Day Election Day in Dayton, Ohio. Candidates for local municipal races, including Mayor, City Council, Judges and more. Check with the Montgomery County Board of Elections for your polling location. Every vote counts, so cast yours!

Location: Varies Address: Varies Time: 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM Admission: Free Contact: www.MCBOE.org November 7 - 10, 2019 Black Excellence Weekend Dayton Young Black Professionals (DYBP) is excited to announce Black Excellence Weekend November 7-10, 2019! We invite you to come and fellowship with us during this event-filled, four-day networking events bringing together young professionals for community enrichment and awareness, professional growth, and the recognition of service and philanthropy.

Location: Locations vary; contact organizer Address: Varies Time: Contact organizer for times Admission: $0- $100 Contact: www.eventbrite.com November 15, 2019 The Economic Impact of the Opioid Crisis in Ohio.

This event is open to chamber organizations, business owners, human resources directors, employee assistance programs, substance use & treatment providers, community coalitions, and interested community members. The conversation will address key points like: What is the economic toll for people with substance use issues and their families? This event is sponsored by The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Clark, Greene & Madison Counties; Greene County Drug-Free Coalition; Ohio University; and, Ohio Humanities.

Location: Kumar Center Address: 3535 Pentagon Blvd. Beavercreek, 45431 Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Admission: Free Contact: www.eventbrite.com

November 15, 2019 Their Vision For Freedom.

Join us for an uplifting evening with Freeset Global leaders Anthony Watt (Ants) and Chirag Jain (CJ) who are making a special trip to the United States in November to talk about the important work Freeset is engaged in worldwide. They will also share what the future looks like for this incredible organization and what it is like living and working in Kolkata, India, alongside the brave and amazing Freeset women and their families. This is a rare opportunity to meet these leaders and become a part of the Freeset family. As a special added benefit, attendees will have the opportunity to visit The Invisible: Slavery Today exhibit which is the world’s first museum-quality exhibition on the subject of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Attendees can visit the exhibit from 5:006:00 p.m. before our program begins.

Location: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Address: 50 East Freedom Way Cincinnati, 45202 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Admission: Free Contact: www.eventbrite.com November 16, 2019 Push-Out – Juvenile Justice Community Conversation This event is sponsored by Dayton Alumnae and Epsilon Rho Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and specifically addressed the criminalization of Black girls in schools and the racial disparities in school discipline.

Location: Wright State University Address: 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, 45435 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Admission: Free Contact: www.eventbrite.com November 20, 2019 Ninth Annual Montgomery County Food Summit Please join us at Sinclair Community College Conference Center for the 9th Annual Montgomery County Food Summit: Bringing Solutions to the Table. Join Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge, Public Health Commissioner Jeff Cooper, U.S. Ambassador Tony Hall, and City of Dayton Commissioners Christopher Shaw and Matt Joseph for the introduction of the Montgomery County Food Equity Coalition. Presentations will explore the connections between vibrant farms, thriving local economies, sustainable ecosystems, healthy people, strong communities, and, food insecurity.

A breakfast buffet will be catered by Sinclair Community College from 8:00-9:00 a.m.

There is no participation registration fee, but advanced registration is required by Wednesday, November 6, 2019.

Location: Sinclair Community College – Building 12 Address: 444 West Third Street, 45402 Time: 8:00 AM - Noon Admission: Free Contact: www.eventbrite.com

Please note: Information for this section is gathered from multiple commnuity sources. The Columbus & Dayton 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 email us at editor@columbusafricanamerican.com. Submissions are due the last Friday of each month.

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • November 2019 American News Journal • February 2015

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