The Columbus & Dayton African American September 2018

Columbus & Dayton

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What A Day

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Do You Really Want Young Adults In Your Church?

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By Bill Dodson, MBA

By Daryl L. Williams, D.Min

Jesus Is Still, Real!

By Alethea E. Gaddis, MBA

September 2018

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PUBLISHER’S PAGE Founder & Publisher Ray Miller

Layout & Design Ray Miller, III

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Lead Photographer Steve Harrison

Contributing Editors Lisa Benton, MD, MPH Rodney Q. Blount, Jr., MA Iris Cooper, DBA Bill Dodson, MBA Alethea E. Gaddis, MBA Troy A. Glover Eric Johnson, PhD Robin A. Jones, PhD Cecil Jones, MBA Benin Lee Jaqueline Lewis-Lyons, PsyD Darren Lundy, MBA William McCoy, MPA Senator Charleta B. Tavares Evelyn Thomas Daryl L. Williams, D.Min

The Columbus African American news journal

Welcome to the 90th monthly edition of The Columbus African American news journal and the 13 th monthly edition of The Columbus & Dayton African American. What a joy it has been to direct this enterprise, navigate the obstacles, and produce a quality publication that radiates love and respect for our community. The best is yet to come, and yes, I am in a hurry to see us fully operational, across all media platforms, hitting on all cylinders! The bottom line is this, if you like what we’re doing now, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Bigger things are right around the corner.

If you are a consistent reader of our publications, you are well aware that each edition of the news journal has an editorial focus. This month, we will explore FAITH and what is happening in our churches relative to membership, services, demographics, economics, and other relevant issues of concern. This month, the laypersons will speak. Next month, selected Pastors will pen their thoughts. And finally, we will convene a forum for an in-depth discussion of this critical issue.

I, for one, am sick and tired of hearing people almost apologize for believing in God. There are “leaders” and major institutions who fervently believe that they must gingerly dance around, with extreme caution, any subject which touches upon religion. The sad thing is that their tepid felicity for the church manifests itself in ways that are injurious to our community, and even to our families. Allow me to briefly plead my case.

I was born in Hampton, Virginia. All of our family members attended Ebenezer Baptist Church--typically, from birth. My father was in the Air Force, so we moved around often.

In every city which we resided, my mother found Ebenezer Baptist Church. From our home church in Hampton; to San Antonio and Wichita Falls, Texas; to Lockbourne Air Force Base-here in Columbus, my mother would venture out into the community and find Ebenezer. In fact, I was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church on South Ohio Avenue, in Columbus, by the esteemed Reverend L.C. Brown when I was 12 years old. I began attending Second Baptist Church when I was 13 years old and my wife, Marty and I, were later Baptized together, at Second, in a beautiful service to consummate our marriage in December of 1971.

The scripture says, “If the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare themselves for the call.” Let me be clear, I am concerned for the vitality, and even continued existence of many of our churches. For more than 37 years I have been blessed with the opportunity to speak in hundreds of churches in Columbus and throughout the State of Ohio. There are many vibrant and growing churches within our community, but that is not the norm. Unfortunately, countless numbers of our churches have declining memberships, in large measure, because of an aging membership and young adults who do not return to the church following their graduation from college or when they reach the age of adulthood.

There are 57 churches in the 43203 Zip Code in Columbus, Ohio. The vast majority of those churches have fewer than 50 members. Churches that were once pillars in the community are barely hanging on. Here is what we must do. Each member has the responsibility to actively engage themselves in bringing people to the body of the church. The Pastor cannot, and should not, do it all alone.

Those churches that are dynamic and growing provide essential services for their parishioners, such as: Child Care, Credit Unions, Community Development Corporations, Gymnasiums, Schools, Colleges, Athletic Programs, Fitness Programs, Major Food Pantries, After-School Programming, Prison Ministries, Health Centers, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counseling and Services, Affordable Housing, Senior Housing, Transportation Services, Missionary work in Foreign Countries, Book Clubs, Computer Training, Feeding The Homeless, and dynamic Music, Dance, and Puppet Ministries for old and young alike. Those churches that are declining in membership have almost none of the above listed services.

Are you doing your part to save our churches? We all need to honestly examine ourselves with respect to this essential question. As busy as you might be--most of us could do more. I know that I can and I will. Will you make that important commitment. Rebuilding a community is more than bricks and mortar. It is a sense of place and a place of refuge. Church is where we developed our values, sense of morality, respect for justice and equality, and our understanding of a Supreme Being who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent--all knowing, all powerful, and everywhere. Yes, there is someone greater than you and He is no mere mortal!

With Appreciation and Respect,

was founded by Ray Miller on January 10, 2011

The Columbus & Dayton African American 503 S. High Street - Suite 102 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Ray Miller Founder & Publisher

Office: 614.826.2254 editor@columbusafricanamerican.com www.CAANJ.com

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The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

In This Issue

21

Faith and Psychology

23

Legislative Update

24 Why the Auditor’s Race Matters 25

State Issue 1 Would

Reform Drug Policy

25

Ayanna Pressley Wins

Massachusetts House

Race 26

What Is Faith?

27

Christian Men: Building a

Community of Believers

29

Book Bags & E-Readers

31

Social Media - What Can a

Small Business Do With It?

32

Ohio Meets 15

Percent Minority Business

State Purchasing Goal for

Fourth Year

Faith & Psychology

32

Local Trade Skill Program

By: Jaqueline Lewis-Lyons, PsyD

Receives $5,000 Donation

33

Black History on 18th

Cover Story – Page 19

11 21 33 5

We Can...We Must...Do Better By: Erika Clark Jones

Black History on 18th & Oak: The Birth of Glory Foods By: Iris Cooper, DBA

What A Day

15

6

Faith and the Black Experience

7

Do You Really Want Young

Adults In Your Church?

8 Faith

Their Point of Need

16

Do The Work to Fix Your Life

- A Few Moments

with Iyanla Vanzant

The Tyranny of Ignorance: 17

Complexities of Faith

In The Face of

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Meeting Opioid Addicts At

Is Your Child’s Healthcare on

Glory Foods 34

Will Your Retirement

Income Take A Hit?

35

Reginald M. Oliver -

Marshall University, Coach

and Community Leader

36

African American Governors

37

Community Events

the Back-To-School List?

18

Community Health

Social Justice

Centers: Providing Quality

10

Jesus Is Still, Real!

Healthcare

11

We Can...We Must...Do Better 19

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

& Oak: The Birth of

COVER STORY

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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.

FAITH

WHAT A DAY

By Bill Dodson, MBA My Hope I was rushing to our former home in Minerva Park after work in hopes of convincing my wife to gout for dinner. Busy people and such a change was attractive after a full days work! I raced up Cleveland Avenue and made that turn onto Jordan Road, which was a long straight street before turning towards our cul-de-sac. (Suddenly you come upon a number of custom built brick homes that appear to come out of nowhere in contrast to the simpler homes on Jordan.)

Pulling into the driveway, I find my wife Judy is not home yet. I did notice my son Daymon’s van on the side of the driveway.

He had stopped by the office earlier in the day and we talked about him completing school at Columbus State. As he left the office I said, ‘I love you son!’ and he replied ‘I love you too Dad!’ That seemed to put my mind to rest about his progress.

Entering the house I did not hear him. Going upstairs I entered our former guest room which he now occupied after our basement flooded due to a storm sewer back up, as did the other homes on the street. At first I did not see him as I called his name. Moving toward the window, I saw him facedown on the floor in front of the television. He was not moving and did not appear to be breathing.

I yelled out to my wife who had just come into the house to call 911. The Minerva Park police chief was the first to arrive. The medical technician arrived but no signs of life were to be found. My wife shrieked in horror downstairs after I told her he was gone. That night as I held her in bed was the darkest day of my entire life. ‘Oh God’ was my most coherent utterance, over and over again, as I felt the pain and anguish of grief beyond any I had known. This was a dark time of solace and unanswered questions as I lay more awake than sleep.

Times of Testing

Death had also struck previously when my wife’s son Kermit ‘Chip” Allen passed in Los Angeles. We were on our way out to visit him and attend a conference in the area. He had been on dialysis at home for a year or so and was actively managing a small courier business of his own. He had a heart attack while he was in the hospital while talking to his sister Tracie. This was a shock to the system but we were proud of his self-reliance through the renal failure. I did the funeral message and was assisted by our friend Andrae Crouch who came and ministered in the service. My message was ‘For us the living’ touching on personal responsibility in your lives.

Six years later, we had taken my father into our home due to his Alzheimer’s condition. We discovered a challenge in his household that required legal redress through civil action. It took eight years to get his property back after proving that someone had exercised ‘undue influence’ over him and sought to steal his property. That was a principle that I had learned in a real estate law class and my attorney prevailed. My father had passed during that time but we had peace that justice was served. Making this matter right was comforting assurance to me then.

Surely, we have been tested on our journey, only to face death one more time. The Bible says that ‘the last enemy to fall is death’, a note of both inevitability and finality. My wife received a call that her daughter Tracie Allen Russell was in the hospital and it did not look like she was going to make it. She and her sister Bonnie flew out to Los Angeles immediately and just got to the hospital as she was failing to thrive. Like before we stared at death and found peace with God was elastic enough to carry us through once again.

Our pastor Dr. La Fayette Scales was with us and performed the graveside message. She is buried along with her brother Chip and we visit whenever we are in the Los Angeles area.

Hope against Hope With all of these losses you may ask how do you withstand the pressure and continue to move forward? Why aren’t you bitter and mad at God are the unspoken questions I see in people’s eyes and in their silence as well. It is grace that sustains us and not our flesh alone. We have an unspoken bond between us to keep going forward and the wide network of support through our family, church and many friends and acquaintances allows us to enjoy a rich life. Certainly, we miss them and the ‘what might have beens’ but we don’t dwell on that. Our hope is Jesus who is our rock! On that rock we stand or fall. We go on in the full assurance of what the Apostle Paul called “ The hope of His glory” as promised. We are not cast down as those who have no hope. Our hope is eternal and fully sustains us in our human frailty.

Certainly my faith had sustained me years earlier at the loss of my mother. I felt I had to be there for my two sisters and my aunt who came from North Carolina to be at her bedside. I remember awakening to an awareness that her spirit was leaving her body. We drew strength from one another as peace came upon us that her travail had come to an end. I was given encouragement inwardly through the whole experience to make all of the arrangements knowing what she had laid aside and how she had handled her other sister’s arrangements a few years earlier. (I gained a very helpful insight when she stopped some individuals who started to go through my aunt’s things after the funeral.

My mother cut them off and told them her husband would decide what to do with her belongings and they should ask him. They It’s God’s grace that sustains us as we disappeared like roaches when you turn on continue our journey. Of course, we miss them all dearly and are reminded of them the light!) quite often in our everyday lives in the church where we also work and in the community 5

where our children’s friends are nearby. It is a pleasure to be with them and rekindle those memories. Though absent in the flesh, they are very much alive in our hearts. David the psalmist wrote: I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land the living My wife is the strongest person I know.

Her drive is incredible as she continues an extended career of serving seniors at our church and Corban Commons Senior Apartments which I helped develop in our area. After retiring from working with seniors at the Columbus Recreation and Parks, she ‘hit the ground running’ working first with other churches in the area in serving seniors. Then, when the new building opened, she began serving both the residents and other seniors int he community coordinating travel and shopping trips. These things come effortlessly to her and she has a wide web of friends across the city who love to travel with her.

I have found comfort in community service after over 17 years with the State of Ohio and the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority serving at our church full time as a Church Administrator and Executive Director of Dayspring Christian Community Development Corporation (DCCDC) for the past 26 years. Both coordinating multiple church building projects and assisting in the development of over 1400 housing units in our community. While focusing on Northeast Columbus we have partnered with other churches and CDCs to foster community development in both Columbus and Clinton and Mifflin Townships.

Service is my passion! I think it no small thing to make my little contribution if it helps others. As my mother used to sing around the house: ‘If I can help somebody along the way…then my living shall not be in vain!’

No, it will be a glorious day for us all!

In closing, our original wedding bands had the following inscription: ‘All things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). Some may question how any good come after such great loss? As Paul stated: “I count all as loss save for the cause of Christ. For to live is Christ and to die is gain” My life does not consist of just this mortal travail.

My expectation is of Him and His promise to me. A grand reunion awaits us but many lives have been blessed by all that he has accomplished through my efforts by His grace. How much more will the celebration when I am called home to meet my Master and hear Him say ‘Well done’ for all that he has required of me to perform. It will be a glorious reunion of loved ones and others who I may have blessed on their journey as well. That’s all I want to hear him say! And Oh what a grand reunion on that day!

William Dodson has over 35 years of experience in community organization and community development. Currently, he is the Executive Director of Dayspring Christian CDC

Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

FAITH

FAITH AND THE BLACK EXPERIENCE

By William McCoy, MPA and Evelyn Thomas What is faith? The Holy Bible (Hebrews 11:1) says “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Merriam-Webster Dictionary (online, 2018) defines faith as “the belief and trust in and loyalty to God;” “firm belief in something for which there is no proof.”

Faith is what allows a person to drive across town, state, or country at night. A car’s headlights allow a driver to see only 100 feet or so ahead. However, a belief- or faith- that the road is true enables that person to reach their destination.

That being said, the African-American journey has always been propelled by faith.

The first Black slave to set foot in America was sustained by the belief that a better day was coming. On March 5, 1770, an AfricanAmerican and former slave named Crispus Attucks, became the first person to die in the Revolutionary War. He lost his life at a time when faith, not circumstance, fanned the flame of hope that he and other AfricanAmericans would be full, free citizens in a country not yet born. For Crispus Attucks and many like him, Puddin’ Head Wilson may have summed it up best when he said, “Faith is believing what you know ain’t so” (Twain, 1894).

For hundreds of years, enslaved AfricanAmericans could only hope that America would one day live up to the lofty ideals espoused in its Constitution and Bill of Rights. Faith, hope, and perseverance fueled the African-American march through the Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the quest for civil rights, and the election of the nation’s first Black President.

For many Black Americans, Barack Obama’s ascension to the nation’s highest elected office represented the culmination of a long, arduous journey that spanned hundreds of years, many generations, and millions of shattered, unfulfilled, and deferred dreams.

Former President Obama was “covered in the blood of Jesus and protected by God,” according to one Christian supporter. Black America put its faith in- and collective prayers behind- Barack Obama. The nation’s only Black President successfully navigated a myriad of political, legal, economic, and other pitfalls, land mines, and obstacles during two terms in office.

Faith is often associated with “a belief in God” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, online 2018). A 2009 study by The Barna Group confirmed the connection between spirituality

and contemporary African-Americans.

According to this study, more than four in five African-Americans consider “religious faith (to be) very important in (their) lives” and hold the “single most important purpose of their life is to love God with all (their) heart, mind, spirit, and soul.” Eighty-three percent (83%) of Black respondents to another survey said religion was “very important in their lives,” compared to smaller proportions of White (49%) and Latino (59%) respondents (Masci, 2018).

Could anyone who lived before Obama’s election have imagined Americans would one day elect a Black President? When Jesus’ disciples could not heal a young man suffering from seizures, Jesus rebuked the demon that afflicted the young man and he was healed. The disciples asked why they failed to heal the boy. Jesus pointed to their lack of faith. He said, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed. . . Nothing will be impossible for you” (Holy Bible, Matthew 14-20).

Now that former President Barack Obama has moved on, African-Americans can celebrate his legacy. Nevertheless, the struggle continues. We must continue to exercise faith, hope, and perseverance in our individual lives and as a collective. You may be facing physical, health, financial, interpersonal, and other problems. You may be struggling to get a job or promotion, education, or otherwise achieve a better life for yourself or family. Do not forget, there can be no testimony without a test. As you deal with your personal reality, remember the words of that old Gospel song: “Have faith

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

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from day to day; have faith each time you pray. And when misfortune comes your way, have faith in God alone.” ____________________________________ William McCoy is the founder of and principal consultant for The McCoy Company, a personal services consulting firm specializing in planning, training, and development. Mr. McCoy has worked with all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, foundations, companies, and others. He is expert in working with community-based and faith-based groups in developing their organizations, projects, and financial resources. Mr. McCoy has directed men’s ministry, Bible study, and related programming. He is living proof of what God can do for those who have faith. Mr. McCoy is an award-winner and sought-after speaker, who has been profiled in Who’s Who in the World and elsewhere. William McCoy can be reached at (614) 785-8497 or via e-mail at wmccoy2@themccoycompany.com.

Evelyn Thomas is a lifelong Christian.

Ms. Thomas’ personal story is a powerful testament to the power of prayer and faith. She has been and continues to be a blessing to her family, friends, church, and others. All her children and grandchildren have graduate degrees, successful careers, good families, and Christ in their lives. Ms. Thomas’ strength, perseverance, devotion to God and family, and zest for life are both an inspiration and excellent example of faith in action. Evelyn Thomas can be reached via email at 2wmccoy@gmail.com.

FAITH

DO YOU REALLY WANT YOUNG ADULTS IN YOUR CHURCH?

By Daryl L. Williams, D.Min A common conundrum facing many churches is, where are the young people. We look back and fondly remember the full Sunday School classes and the wonderful summers of Vacation Bible School where there were children of all ages running around, learning about the Lord and the Bible. Fast forward a few years and all of those promising young people seem to have gone missing in action.

The truth of the matter is, young adults are not abandoning the church or faith in general. Young adults may be abandoning your church, but studies show that young adults still go to church at a relatively high rate. In every city and small town around the nation there are new church starts that are attracting and retaining young adults. Many of them who used to go to your church.

The question that really has to be asked is a much more difficult an uncomfortable question. The real question is not why have young adults abandoned the church, the real question is why have young adults abandoned your church. To that end, here are four questions that you should consider if your church has few if any young adults.

Question 1: Is there room for young adults in your church? In many churches there simply isn’t any room for young adults.

Sure there is room in the pews but only in certain pews. There is no room to let young adults into leadership circles where the crucial decisions are made. There is no room on the committees that have been together for generations who decide the who, what and when of church life. Young adults are not going to be in a church where they are relegated to being seen but not heard and where they can’t make significant contributions to the direction of the church going forward.

Question 2: Do your ministries address the needs of young adults? All churches have ministries. From the choir, to the ushers, to the women’s ministry to the men’s fellowship there is always something to do, but do you have ministries that address the needs of young adults. Young adults today are struggling to find their identities in a rapidly changing world. They are struggling to find jobs in an economy that sent them to college but didn’t provide jobs after graduation. They are struggling to figure out how to raise children, be married or successfully single, or in something that is a complicated mix of married and single but that they still need to be happy in. In short, if a young adult showed up in your church tomorrow what would you have to offer them to meet their needs.

Question 3: Does your worship experience engage this time and place? In the great hymn of the church, A Charge to Keep I Have, Charles Wesley writes the following, “A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, My calling to

fulfill: Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage To do my Master’s will!” These beautiful words encompass both the mission and a challenge to the church. A church that wants to reach young adults must “serve the present age.”

Many churches have become too comfortable in a bygone era. We sing the songs of the past, and we have worship services that feel familiar to the past. We often do this because these things are familiar to us and bring us comfort. The problem is, they are not familiar, but foreign, to young adults. If you are still singing the songs that came out in the 70s and 80s in you church, you are singing songs that were modern to you then, but were written before the young adults that you are thinking of were born. There’s nothing wrong with the songs, but for all the traditional hymns, Mississippi Mass Choir and Walter Hawkins sung in you church, you must also find some Tasha Cobb, Jason Nelson, and Travis Green to sing as well. It is not because the old songs are bad, it is because young adults and older adults like different music therefore attracting young adults means blending in their music as well.

Question 4: Why do you really want young adults in your church? At the end of it all, you have to ask why you really want young adults in your church. If you are just looking for people who are still working to pay tithes and give offerings to keep the church going, you are not only not going to get young adults you don’t deserve them either. Young adults are not going to come to save your church, but they might come to be a part of their church. They might come because they have found community to share their lives with.

They might come because they have found a place where they can ask the hard question of faith and have people who will help them wrestle with the answers. They might come because they have found a place that makes its mission to spread the gospel and improve the lives of others. In other words, they won’t come for you, they will come for them.

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If you want to see young adults back in the church, the church will have to be willing to become a new version of itself. A version that appreciates and cherishes its past, but is willing to build new future. A church that is willing to share power and decision making, willing to meet the needs of people other than themselves, willing to engage their community, willing to be culturally relevant and at its core wants to have young adults is a church that doesn’t wonder where the young adults are. It is a church that is full of young adults.

Rev. Dr. Daryl L. Williams is the senior pastor of the St. Paul United Methodist Church of Oxon Hill Maryland, one of the fastest growing United Methodist Churches in its region.

Under his leadership St. Paul has grown by leaps and bounds numerically, spiritually and greatly expanded its reach into the Oxon Hill community. Prior to coming to St. Paul Dr. Williams was the senior pastor of the multi-site New Hope Fellowship Cooperative Parish with campuses in Upper Marlboro and Aquasco MD. Under his leadership the Upper Marlboro campus completed construction of a 30,000 square foot family life center.

In his secular pursuits Dr. Williams is a formerly served as an investment banker with PaineWebber Inc., Assistant to the Economic Development Administrator of the City of New Haven Connecticut, a corporate relations officer for the University of Missouri, as the Executive Director of the Baltimore Washington Conference United Methodist Foundation. Dr. Williams was the first African American to become executive director of a United Methodist Foundation.

Dr. Williams is a graduate of Morehouse College and Yale Divinity School. In addition he holds an earned doctorate from the Wesley Theological Seminary of Washington DC. in Church Leadership Excellence. Dr. Williams is happily married to the former Erin N. McCoy, and they are the proud parents of one son, Ryan. You can follow Dr. Williams on Twitter or Instagram at @RevDaryl.

Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

FAITH

FAITH

By Robin A. Jones, PhD When Fear Meets Faith.

Starting my day with prayer and meditation, sometimes a devotion, has kept me grounded. It is a time for me to reflect and understand that the day does not belong to me, but to God. There are days I have the fear of the unknown, and there are days when I should have the fear of the unknown. In both situations, I know I cannot make it alone. I look toward the heavens and I pray. I realize that it is going to take my faith to believe in my prayers. By setting an expectation that my God will deliver on my prayers I am allowing my faith to be bigger than my fears.

How Big Is Your Faith?

My faith started as a very personal journey.

In 1993, my mother passed suddenly. I will never forget the day or the hour. When my brother called me and gave me the word, it was hard for me to conceive. I didn’t believe it, I didn’t accept it, and more importantly, I found his words to be “unfounded”. I felt as though I lost my life as well. So much to the point, I could hardly breathe. There is a saying when you leave home, you cut the umbilical cord. Well, when my mother passed, my umbilical cord was severed.

Now, let me say, I was raised by my father, and he was my world. But there is a special bond between mother and daughter that is forever connected. It was all I could do to pray and meditate on the Word of God. But I kept coming up short - I would ask what happened, and why? I was heart struck!

When My Eyes Stopped Crying - Faith Touched Me. My mother was gone. She left me. But in my mind, she was still with me. Once she was prepped and ready to be funeralized, I called and visited the funeral home. I would sit for a period of time and talk to her as though she was physically here. I prayed, I cried, I slobbered, and it was at that time, I

asked God for mom’s Gift of Faith. It was as though I heard a voice that said, “Take my faith.” You see, mom had a gift of faith that was unprecedented. If she believed it, so be it. She always referred to it as “Blind Faith.”

My mother was not always a strong woman of God. She started her life in the streets and it was not until the age of 45 that she gave her life to Christ. When she found the Lord and committed to live as a Christian, she was a dedicated soldier. She never looked back.

As I sat with her pending the final day for her funeral, it was a very tearful time. It was during that time, I received a scripture on faith from a friend to help me on my way through this very real test of life.

2 Kings 4:1-9 The Widow’s Olive Oil 4.1 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”

4.2 Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” She said, “Your servant has nothing there at all, except a small jar of olive oil.”

4.3 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.

4.4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”

4.5 She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.

4.6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.

4.7 She went and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts.

You and your sons can live on what is left.”

The moral of the passage or the interpretation – do not set limits or boundaries on your faith. You see the woman servant limited her faith according to the number of jars she collected. As a result she ran out of jars and still had more oil.

The Columbus African & Dayton American African American News Journal • September • February 2018 2015

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The Gift of Faith.

For me, exhibiting the Gift of Faith allows for a strong and unshakeable confidence in God. It is daily that I ask for His help with my work, and when I engage with people.

The Gift of Faith is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit. Throughout the Bible there are many examples of the servants and their obedience of faith. Abraham is the Father of Faith. When God tested him, Abraham offered Isaac, his only son as a sacrifice. The woman with the issue of blood was healed according to her faith by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment. According to The Book of Hebrews, chapter eleven (11) versus 1-40, there are many passages of scriptures about Faith and the servants.

Extraordinary Confidence of Faith in God’s Promises.

When it comes to the absolute divine intervention of power and presence faith can take heroic stands. I live my life today according to faith and my love for Christ Jesus who died for me. There are times in my life where I depend on faith to take me through any situation. Every one of us have circumstances abound so as we reflect on our life and the lives of others we should just believe and know it will soon pass. Mom told me, anything you want from God, just believe and have faith. Belief is the lock and faith is the key.

Dr. Jones has a commitment to a strong work ethic, education and a passion for entrepreneurship. In her 40+ years of employment, Robin spent 30 of those years gainfully employed with fortune 50 companies such as GE, IBM, Ashland Oil, and the U.S. Department of Energy, and Department of Defense. Robin started her career path as a database developer building her first database for the F14 Aircraft Fighter planes and from there she catapulted her way to the position of Interim CIO. In her most recent employment capacity, Robin is a retired Senior Manager PMO Director of the Computer Center at University of California, Berkeley - Haas School of Business.

FAITH

THE TYRANNY OF IGNORANCE: COMPLEXITIES OF FAITH IN THE FACE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

By Eric Johnson, PhD What is the relevance of faith in a world where it seems that people who strive to do what they believe is right are often punished by people in power who seek only to further their own selfish interest? That question is no more relevant today than it has been in any other day over the last 400 years. The concept of ignorance by and large is noted by a lack of knowledge or information and faith is a spiritual concept rooted in believing in something without evidence and/or reason. Faith and ignorance have a peculiar connection neither one requires information, critical analysis, cultural awareness or even good intentions to exist.

All three major western religions have sought to identify the meaning of faith within their own ranks, but the intrareligious conflicts suggest deep ceded disagreements about what faith is and should be. The Sunni and Shia conflicts have their roots in the very origins of Islam with violent disagreements about what Allah expects from a faithful Muslim. The difference between Judaism orthodoxy and reform are significant and in some cases irreconcilable.

The range of Christian dominations make it difficult to determine who among them operates with Divine authenticity, although it is reasonable to assume that each one believes they have a Divine mandate otherwise why would they exist.

Ultimately faith is bound by what we can expect from God and sometimes more importantly what God expects from us.

The notion of faith in many ways provides the energy for nearly all human activity whether any one of us has it or not. We have faith that when we drive the drivers on the other side of the yellow line will not cross unexpectedly. We have faith when we eat at a restaurant that our food has not been poisoned. We have faith that when we go to sleep at night we will awake in the morning.

Moreover, we have faith that when send our children to school and church they are in the hands of people who will work in their interests. While every one of these notions and beliefs have been violated repeatedly we still have faith that they hold true more than they don’t. Is that because we are willfully ignorant about the actual realities in which we live or because we believe we can rely on Divine intervention on our behalf? Should we just pray about our food or advocate for policy and law that insures the ethical behavior of restaurants and food

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

inspectors? Should we just pray when we drive our cars, or should we insure that each driver is qualified to operate a motor vehicle?

Should we simply pray when we send our kids to school and church or should also be selective about who we allow to participate in our children’s lives. These kinds questions about faith, ignorance and inequality require more spiritual analysis.

When we are confronted with long held social inequalities that seem to target specific groups with little or no resolution over hundreds of years, what should be our expectation of God? Even more relevant what is God’s expectation of us? There is no doubt that these are heavy, critical and relevant questions that require our attention and have required our attention for a while now, a long while. We should not trivialize serious questions like these with flippant answers or theological rhetoric. We must dig deep within ourselves to pose the uncomfortable questions about how much of our reality is our responsibility? More importantly; what should our faith encourage us to do?

The tyranny of ignorance is not just about what we know or don’t know, it requires us to account for what we want to know. Will prayer and faith put an end to police violence in communities of color that has now been happening for the better part of 200 years? It may even be a worthy question to ask do the police who kill unarmed American citizens who have happen to be Black males even pray to the same God as the people they kill? And if so does the same God answer both prayers?

Should we have faith that our prayers will end the senseless violence in many communities

of color across the country, should we be acting in accordance with what we believe are solutions?

How should our faith help us respond to systemic social injustice where the perpetrators claim to believe in the same God you do? How can both prayers be answered by the same God? These are not answers we can arrive at quickly nor are they answers that any of us can claim to have, so spiritually how should our faith be informing our action? The complexities of the faith in the face of inequality are serious and relevant. Too often we expect things to get better simply because time passes but to the contrary things only get better when people do something to make them better. Certainly, change often takes time but it only happens when something different happens. The tyranny of ignorance reigns so long as we are not willing to ask critical questions about what we believe and why we believe it. The moment we spiritually envision a better day and allow our faith to serve as a guide to inform our walk we empower ourselves to realize our prayers.

None among us has ownership of the grace and mercy from which we all benefit. Being clear, it is not justice to replace one inequality with another nor is it justice to use one wrong to affirm another. It is justice when the faith we have in our Divine source is evidenced in the relationships we have with the people with whom we agree and the people with whom we don’t.

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

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 • September 2018

FAITH

JESUS IS STILL, REAL!

By Alethea E. Gaddis, MBA Most can talk about faith with ease and sing about hope with intense conviction. And for many, memorized Bible verses about faith and hope can roll off the tongue with a sweet and mesmerizing cadence.

I began learning bible verses and songs of faith from the time I was able to speak.

My Kindergarten Sunday School teacher, Evelyn Poole, who I affectionately call “Teach,” taught me many valuable biblical principles. I remember a fun song titled, “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man.” The lyrical message, from a parable taught

by Jesus, during His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24 - 27), is about two men. One man built his house upon a rock, and another chose poorly and erected his home instead, on the sand. Of course, the message was that the house built on the firm foundation of stone, was able to weather the storm; but the house built on sand collapsed during the storm. The instruction about decisions and wisdom from that parable and simple children’s song resonates in my mind and heart even to this day.

The words to that song are among many, that created a culture conducive for me to form a personal awareness of an active presence of God, both in the world and in my heart.

I am eternally grateful for the foundation of faith taught and modeled before me. There was a time though when I was annoyed with the deep immersion of church and Christianity as a lifestyle. Attending Sunday School, two worship services (morning and evening), youth fellowship, midweek prayer meeting and bible study was the norm rather than an exception.

There were week-long, sometimes twoweek revivals and all-night prayer meetings and children were there right alongside their parents. In July, my siblings and I attended Camp Middlesex, a Christian youth camp nestled in the beautiful hills of Western Pennsylvania on the grounds of the National Association of the Church of God. We would return in August for the big camp meeting, then looked forward to our national youth convention in December. It was our lifestyle inspired by our faith.

During spirit-filled testimony service at First Church of God (Columbus), members would encourage one another by speaking psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing from their heart to the Lord. They spoke of their faith journey, both triumph and tragedy. And, even the children, being under the sound of their voices, were sensitized to how the Spirit of God moves in our everyday lives. We witnessed that a relationship with the Lord Jesus is both attainable and real. The melody, hand clapping and tapping of the shoes against the wooden floor to a song titled, Jesus Is Real To Me (Brown, Beatrice, © 1963, Brown’s Music House) echoes in my mind.

Real, real, Jesus is real to me Oh, yes, he gives me victory

So many, many people doubt him I cannot live without him That is why I love him so He’s so real to me.

Today, I feel these words at the deepest core of my soul; not just in theory. I know the victory that’s mine and the boundless resources I can access having experienced God to be Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent. There are times I sense His Hand on my shoulder; He will send someone to help me find my way. In my ear, I hear Him prodding me to press on. Sometimes it’s through a sermon, a song I recall, a verse from the Bible; sometimes the vessel is a person of His choosing. I am keenly aware of Him holding me when my world is blistery cold when I fall into a black abyss, and when the hurricane winds rip over the landscape of my life. During these times He draws me to Himself, and my unquiet heart finds rest in Him. My Mother would sing a song titled; My heart is Fixed on Jesus.

Verse My heart is fixed on Jesus since I to Him belong, For ev’ry day He gives me hope, for ev’ry night a song; Thro trial and deep water His promises are sweet, And, sheltered ’neath His wings of love I find a safe retreat.

Chorus My heart is fixed on Jesus.

No other hope have I; I could not live without Him, And without Him dare not die.

When I was younger, it was just her testimony.

Now, I own it too. It’s my lifestyle inspired by my faith.

These days, the demands of our contemporary life dictate a different church lifestyle for individuals and families. The ministry model has in most instances, been wisely adapted to accommodate the “on the go” standard of the day. Most churches have no evening

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • September 2018 American News Journal • February 2015

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service. Some still have Sunday School. Most have youth services with a designated youth pastor on a scale grander than what my Junior Church teacher, Mary Hoagg Wade could have ever imagined. Many congregations seldom experience Holy Ghost inspired worship where miracles occur, and dancing in the spirit is the norm rather than the exception. When was the last time you witnessed a broken and remorseful person seek deliverance during the Call to Discipleship?

The church now shares Sunday with youth sports schedules, a multitude of other choices and in some instances, pure distractions. The church must be more vigilant in ministry; strategic and intentional, now more than ever.

I know beyond a doubt that I have flourished and survived some intense experiences because of my faith-foundation. I am not a theologian, or even an ordained minister. Neither can I boast expertise in the fundamentals of church growth. But I am unashamedly a Christian.

And like the song I referenced, Jesus is real, and everybody should have the privilege of being introduced to Him. The church, like Jesus, must adapt to the reality of where people are. He met people at their point of need and provided a firm foundation to build their lives.

We must to do the same.

Ramsay, Wm. J. (Composer). (1912) My Heart Is Fixed on Jesus, Published in Make Christ King (Copyright 1912, by W. E. Biederwolf) Alethea is passionate about creating opportunities to help others thrive. She has 30+ years’ experience in the non-profit sector. As former Executive Director of New Beginnings Christian Revitalization Corporation for First Church of God, she developed youth leadership development and educational programs for youth and created clean, safe, affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families.

She and her brother Randal are co-founders of the Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation for KIDS, offering the Jump Start U4 College Tour and scholarships. She has also directed youth drug and alcohol prevention programs and is currently a Franklin County CASA/GAL volunteer advocating for abused and neglected children. As a licensed, independent insurance broker, she works with individuals, families, and churches to protect their assets.

HEALTH

WE CAN...WE MUST...DO BETTER

By Erika Clark Jones As executive director of CelebrateOne, I know through faith, steadfast commitment, system realignments, thoughtful parent engagement, many community partners and collaboration, that Central Ohio will reduce infant mortality in our community.

Our mission at CelebrateOne is to eliminate all preventable sleep-related deaths, prevent preterm births and connect the disconnected members in our community. CelebrateOne works to address sleep-related deaths by distributing cribs and educating EVERYONE about how best to safely sleep infants under the age of one – every nap, every night, every time.

As with other public health issues, such as smoking, seat belt safety and bike helmets, it takes the entire community to change old habits in order to protect our youngest and most vulnerable family members.

As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better, and when you know better, do better.” In central Ohio – WE MUST DO BETTER when it comes to reducing infant sleep-related deaths in our community.

According to Columbus Public Health, since January 2018, over 90 percent of all infant sleep-related deaths have been to African American families... that sink in…over 90 percent!

Here’s what we know. The ways of our forefathers and foremothers do not fit today’s

lifestyle and when it comes to saving our babies, there are steps we can take to help address the issue. We know that many sleeprelated deaths are ruled “preventable.”

There are helpful steps to prevent sleeprelated infant deaths that every family can follow: Step 1: Create a Safe Environment EVERY crib or pack and play should be free of blankets, bumper pads, pillows and toys.

Use this sleep environment for every nap and every night time sleep session.

Tip: If you want to keep a watchful eye on the baby, CelebrateOne encourages parents to share the room, but not the bed. This step keeps your baby close with you but in a separate, safe space. Need a crib? Please call 311 (614-645-3111) to submit a request.

Step 2: Develop a Safe Sleep Plan EVERYONE who cares for the baby needs to know the ABCs of safe sleep and agree to follow these guidelines: A baby should always sleep Alone, on his or her Back and in an empty Crib or pack and play.

Tip: Each month, Safe Sleep Ambassador trainings are held throughout Columbus to teach safe sleep practices and provide a clear understanding of the ABCs of safe sleep. We encourage anyone caring for a baby under the age of one, to attend one of the trainings, if even for short periods of time. Please visit CelebrateOne.info to register, today.

Step 3: Follow your Safe Sleep Plan EVERY Nap, EVERY Night, EVERY Time. Whether you are traveling or in between residences, always follow your plan – no exceptions. Do not use adult surfaces,

like couches or beds, or air mattresses for your baby. None of these options have been approved for sleeping babies safely.

Tip: Always find room for the pack and play when traveling or staying with others.

It is convenient and when not in use it can easily be stored or set aside in a corner of the room or in a closet. These baby-only sleep environments will help you maintain consistency, which will also help your baby sleep easier as he or she develops.

Step 4: Take Care of Yourself (and the New Parents in Your Life) This step is for parents – be sure to get as much sleep as you can so that you are able to provide your baby with the loving, safe environment he or she needs to grow and thrive.

Tip: Be sure to move your baby to his or her crib or pack and play if the baby falls asleep in your arms. This will allow you to catch up on your sleep or get some items on your to-do list completed while keeping your baby in a safe sleeping space.

Please join CelebrateOne in supporting and encouraging parents and those who care for infants to follow these steps and the ABCs of safe sleep. We can “do better” and make Columbus the city where EVERY baby celebrates his or her first birthday.

Remember, if you need a crib, please call 311 (614-645-3111) to submit a request. For full details on ways you and your family can help reduce infant deaths in our community, please visit celebrateone.info.

Erika Clark Jones is executive director of CelebrateOne, and is a Columbus native.

Share the Room, Not the Bed. Every nap, every night, every time.

ANDREW J. GINTHER, MAYOR

Funding support generously provided by: Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services, LBrands Foundation and Nationwide® Foundation Photograph provided by Cradle Cincinnati

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Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

ADAMH

Board of Franklin County

& our partners We loved it when we could fix her problems.

Then came addiction.

Every day, we risk losing people we love to heroin, crack, marijuana or alcohol. It’s always hard to accept the reality that some things we just can’t fix alone.

TOGETHER

Families Heal

There is hope.

Get the facts from experts, link to helpful resources and join a virtual connection to other families who understand.

Go to ADAMHFranklin.org/TogetherFamiliesHeal

Africentric Personal Development Shop • Alvis, Inc. • Amethyst, Inc. • Buckeye Ranch • Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging • CHOICES, Eliminating Domestic Violence • Columbus Area, Inc. • Columbus Public Health • Columbus Urban League • Community for New Direction • Community Housing Network • CompDrug/Youth to Youth • Concord Counseling Services • COVA • Directions for Youth & Families • Syntero at Dublin Counseling Center • HandsOn Central Ohio • House of Hope for Alcoholics • Huckleberry House • Maryhaven • Mental Health America of Franklin County, Inc. • NAMI Franklin County • National Church Residences • Nationwide Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Services • Neighborhood House • Netcare Access • North Central Mental Health Services • North Community Counseling Centers • Syntero at Northwest Counseling Services • The P.E.E.R. Center • Schottenstein Chabad House – Friendship Circle • Southeast, Inc., Recovery and Mental Health Care Services • St. Vincent Family Centers • TBI Network • Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare (TVBH) • Urban Minority Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Outreach Program • Village Network

SAVE THE DATE

4th Annual

HEALTHCARE JUSTICE AWARDS Wednesday, October 31, 2018 11:30 am- 1 pm Hilton Easton 3900 Chagrin Dr. Columbus, OH 43219 Join us recognizing central Ohio’s healthcare advocates as we celebrate 20+ years of continuously serving the community’s healthcare needs!

®

For more info visit, www.primaryonehealth.org/healthcarejusticeawards or call Yolanda Owens, at 614.859.1938

The Columbus African & Dayton American African American News Journal • September • February 2018 2015

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FUN

SCHOOL WORK

CONNECT TO

EVERYTHING THAT MATTERS.

CMAX is your connection to jobs, healthcare, education and fun along Cleveland Avenue. While on board, stay connected with real-time bus tracking screens, free Wi-Fi and USB charging stations.

LET’S GO | COTA.COM/CMAX

You Are Not Alone SUICIDE PREVENTION

If you or a loved one need help, please call or text* the Suicide Prevention Hotline: 614-221-5445 Make sure the person is not left alone unless they pose a threat to the safety of others Listen carefully to what the person has to say Speak directly to the person; do not argue or agree to keep their feelings a secret In cases of emergency, call 911 for assistance Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional *Text Line available Monday - Friday noon to 10 pm

ADAMHFRANKLIN.ORG/SUICIDE-PREVENTION

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Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

THE OPIATE CRISIS IS IMPACTING OUR COMMUNITY! Learn more about how the Opiate Community Connector program can help combat addiction and the opioid epidemic in minority neighborhoods.

Community Connectors provide: Education and Training Outreach and Referrals Transportation Learn more by contacting Opiate Community Connectors: Barbara Clark at (614) 318-3929 or bckappa@gmail.com, Bryan Curry (614) 318-3920 or Leonard King (614) 822-1398

Made Possible By:

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

MEETING OPIOID ADDICTS AT THEIR POINT OF NEED A COORDINATED PLAN OF ACTION

By Ray Miller The opioid epidemic is no respecter of persons. Black, White, Asian, African, Hispanic, male, female, old, young,rich, poor, suburban, rural, inner city, Appalachian, homosexual or heterosexual--virtually anyone can be affected by this powerful drug addiction that is the scourge of our nation. The news media is saturated with stories of death, murder, lives ruined, children abandoned, and laws enacted as a result of the epidemic.

The question is: What can be done to effectively reduce the use of these potent drugs and the resultant addiction that is ruining so many lives and destroying thousands of families?

The Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) has made a substantial investment of time and financial resources to aggressively attack the opioid epidemic in a coordinated fashion. One of its major efforts is termed the Community Connector program. The initiative is designed to recruit community health workers from minority neighborhoods to connect their neighbors with appropriate opiate-specific treatment and resources. To accomplish this goal, ADAMH has partnered with The Kappa Columbus Foundation and the Community for New Direction (CND) to organize, implement, and manage the project.

CND will act as the Agency Service Organization for this initiative and The Kappa Columbus Foundation is designated as the service provider. The goal of the Community Connector Initiative is to combat the opioid

epidemic with a multi-pronged approach: outreach, education, and referral in selected inner-city neighborhoods. The initiative will utilize Community Health Workers and/ or Certified Peer Recovery Supporters to connect those with substance use disorders to Alcohol and Drug Addiction treatment providers.

Immediate access to treatment is a critical step in a person’s recovery journey. To address this issue, the community connectors will provide transportation for individuals who need immediate AOD treatment or other support. Further details of the initiative are as follows: The service boundaries for the project will be: North of Main St. and South of 5th Ave. East of Cleveland Avenue and West of Nelson Rd. The Kappa Columbus Foundation will serve two roles: First, they will provide education and training to local community churches, community organizations and individuals attending community events. Secondly, they will provide outreach and referral, as well as transportation for individuals who are in need of AOD treatment or support.

The services will be based at the Kappa Columbus Foundation located at 1461 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.

Three part-time AOD Community Connectors will be hired by the Kappa Columbus Foundation at 30 hours per week and one full-time Supervisor. The Community Connectors will be trained as part of the OSU East Hospital initiative and/or ADAMH’s 40 hour Peer Recovery Supporter training.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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In addition to the Community Connector program, the ADAMH Board has partnered with a number of business, civic and community organizations to form the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance which unveiled a multimillion dollar media campaign designed to engage parents and caregivers in preventing the use of opioids among our communities youth.

Ohio continues to have one of the highest overdose death rates in the nation, largely driven by opioids. In 2017, Franklin County had 520 overdoses--a 47 percent increase from 2016.

Following conversations with ADAMH about how it could participate in activation of the Opiate Action Plan, the Nationwide Foundation established a fund at The Columbus Foundation with a $2 million donation to kick-start the work.

The media campaign is based on research that indicates most people are aware of the opioid crisis, but significantly underestimate the risk opioids can pose to their own children and families.

With so much activity taking place relative to the opioid epidemic, the public would be wise to follow all of the legislative activity addressing this issue, funding the initiatives, the effect upon children in public custody, and Issue 1 on the November 6th ballot, which is a constitutional amendment that would convert low-level drug use and possession felonies to first degree misdemeanors that would divert offenders from prison to addiction treatment.

Passage of the Constitutional Amendment could also lead to the release of those now imprisoned in state penal facilities for minor drug offenses.

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

HEALTH DO THE WORK TO FIX YOUR LIFE - A FEW MOMENTS WITH IYANLA VANZANT taking time outs during the day for deep breathing and calming yourself down are for relieving stress and for keeping your life in balance. After hearing about mindfulness for years, it’s finally becoming a more mainstream practice that has scientific data to support that it helps you stay healthy.

By Lisa Benton, MD, MPH Stop marrying the cockroaches.

That’s how Iyanla Vanzant, world-renown author, counselor, teacher described being distracted from your vision and purpose. She shared this guidance for those of us who get distracted by well-meaning opportunities because of the gifts, talents and resources that others see in us without knowing what our calling is.

The health benefits of the activities around mindfulness can be seen in better blood pressure, a lower heart rate, better and deeper sleep, improved flow of oxygen to your brain, blood cells and even smoother skin showing fewer wrinkles.

They intend us no harm by recruiting us for miscellaneous extra tasks and projects. But if we’re not careful we’ve moved further away from what our goals and purposes are if we’re not fully and firmly aware of them. We may have helped solve someone else’s problem or met a need, but without balance in saying “yes” or “no”, it’s at our own expense. If we don’t have boundaries or clearly see our African Americans, we’re often dealing vision, our results quickly change to fatigue, with our mental and physical health and wellness at the point of critical levels and frustration and disappointment. crises that show up as breakdowns- mental She shared this wisdom as part of a health breakdowns- with anxiety, depression, panel discussion at last month’s National bipolar, substance abuse; and physical Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) breakdowns such as strokes, heart attacks and Convention in Detroit. It was the same even cancer. dates as this year’s National Urban League Conference here in Columbus and probably Dealing with these looming emergencies and crises before they are critical by being filled with just as much sage advice. proactive can often prevent them and give Many of NABJ’s sessions for emerging and you better outcomes and more peace. Social, accomplished writers, authors, journalists neighborhood, economic and environmental and people working in the media and factors place us more at risk but managing entertainment industry focused on how to your stress is an important factor that you bring and express your “authentic self” for have the power to control. your listening, reading or viewing audiences as well as how to negotiation what types of This practice and philosophy lines up nicely with quite a few African proverbs that say to stories you will write, produce and share. bring and have your whole-self present to do I highly recommend checking out the master your work. Remember, You are beautiful, but classes and sessions offered by Tyler Perry, learn to work, for you cannot eat your beauty.

Spike Lee and Roland Martin which can be If there is character, ugliness becomes beauty; found and viewed through a quick YouTube if there is none, beauty becomes ugliness. search.

Iyanla’s message hasn’t changed much, just If you’re a regular viewer of Iyanla Fix My evolved.

Life on OWN, you’re familiar with how much she stresses that you must do your I remember going with my sister Lita to see work to heal and break the disruptive and her as a new author talking about her books destructive cycles in your life, families and Acts of Faith and Faith in the Valley: Lessons circumstances. If you’ve never seen the show, for Women on a Journey to Peace, back in you’ll be quickly drawn in by the real and San Francisco almost 20 years ago. The room down to earth straightforward approaches she wasn’t filled and you had a chance for 1 on uses to get the people she’s helping open up 1 interaction with her. Even then, before she and peel back the layers of mental, physical met Oprah and blew up, I had a feeling that and spiritual damage that suppress their she was destined for a lot more. So of course back then, I bought her books. revealing and healing.

A major revelation in any of Iyanla sessions on her show is the powerful spiritual healing that comes once you understand, know and accept that just bringing your presence to any situation you deal with is enough. It liberates you to do your work to heal and restore what was broken, abused, beat down and taken.

Statistics continue to remind us that as

So now, about 17 books and a television show or two later, you can still appreciate the simple, uncomplicated wisdom in her message. Research and science have caught up to confirm that when you reduce your stress you will live a better longer life.

There are studies that show that when the practices of mindfulness are adapted to make them culturally friendlier (having accountability partners, learning how to easily add it into our current exercise routines, see it promoted by prominent African Americans, show it is not in conflict with our current religious and spiritual practices, know it is practically low cost or free) we as African Americans will be more motivated to participate in mindfulness activities and recommend them to our circles and networks.

So, take less than 3 minutes to view Iyanla’s messages that I’ve posted @DctrLisa that have some simple wisdom, wit and to do items for all us to get back to working on becoming our better and best selves and either get some roach spray or leave the cockroaches alone.

Learn a Little More Links to media interviews of Iyanla Vanzant at 2018 NABJ Convention: https://youtu.be/9ag4H_NLdpw https://youtu.be/q7fXdzceRZg African American Women’s Perceptions of Mindfulness Meditation Training and Gendered Race-Related Stress by Watson, NN, Black, AR and Hunter, CD; Retrieved from Mindfulness; October 2016, Volume 7, Issue 5, pp 1034–1043 Thorson’s Principles of Breathwork by Swami Ambikananda Saraswati, available at Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon. com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=searchalias%3Daps&field-keywords=Thorson%2 7s+principles+of+breathwork Five Ways to Connect with God in 2018

by Claire Musters, Retrieved from Premier Christianity, https://www.premierchristianity. com/Past-Issues/2018/January-2018/5-waysto-connect-with-God-in-2018 Afritorial The best: 72+ African wise proverbs and inspiring quotes. Retrieved from http://afritorial.com/the-best-72african-wise-proverbs/

Lisa D. Benton, MD, MPH (The Doctor is Today everyone is talking about how In) breastsurgeonlb@gmail.com, Twitter:@ wonderful mindfulness exercises such as DctrLisa (415) 746-0627

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • September 2018 American News Journal • February 2015

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HEALTH

IS YOUR CHILD’S HEALTHCARE ON YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL LIST? Buckeye Health Plan: committed to educating Ohioans on healthcare needs that are critical to children’s success Back-to-school displays are popping up in stores, serving as an obvious reminder to parents to buy backpacks and school supplies. But what about the less obvious back-to-school items, like vaccines, wellchild physicals and eye exams? In addition to school supplies, it’s also time to plan for the vaccines children need to enter school and important health checks that are critical to children’s success.

Make time now to plan for a safe and healthy start to the new school year by ensuring children’s immunizations are up to date along with completed annual well-child physicals and eye exams. ● For those associated with a larger atrisk population, a third dose is now being Immunizations to Protect and Prevent recommended. This additional dose has been shown to lower the risk of contracting mumps “You can’t turn back time. Getting your child by 78 percent. the right vaccinations proactively protects your family, friends and community,” ● The CDC recommends adolescents receive said Dr. Brad Lucas, Medical Director for their first dose of the HPV vaccine between ages 11 and 12, followed by a second dose Buckeye Health Plan.

6-12 months later.

The state of Ohio requires kindergarteners to receive the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis ● To combat the deadly spread of meningitis, (Whooping Cough), Polio, MMR (Measles, the CDC recommends routine meningococcal Mumps and Rubella), Hepatitis B and conjugate vaccination for preteens ages 11 to Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccines. For older 12, with a booster at age 16. In recent years, students, a Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis several college campuses have seen a rise in booster and Meningococcal vaccines are cases of Meningococcal B disease (MenB).

For those at increased risk, the serogroup B required for school. meningococcal vaccine is recommended.

And, while vaccines are often thought of as important for babies and young children, ● Updated children’s immunization schedules preteens and teens also need them to for 2018 can be found here: https://www.cdc. stay healthy throughout the school year, gov/vaccines/parents/downloads/parent-verprotecting against serious and potentially sch-0-6yrs.pdf life-threatening diseases like meningitis and Well-Child Physicals for Education and cancers caused by HPV. Early Detection Your family doctor or pediatrician can give you the list of immunizations required at A well-child physical may be the only visit every stage of your child’s development. a child has with a doctor each year. It’s Immunizations help limit the spread of a critical opportunity to detect a possible diseases that needlessly kill children illness, developmental delay or disability every year. Even if your child has missed and to ask questions about sleep patterns, immunizations early on, they can be caught nutrition and other concerns. And, if your child plays a sport in school, he or she must up. have a completed physical exam prior to “We all need to be part of the vaccination tryouts. push in Ohio,” Dr. Lucas said. “Ohio ranks “It’s important to remember that school-aged 48th out of 50 states, just two spots from the children need a well-child physical too. Your bottom, when it comes to the percentage of pediatrician is there to partner with you and to children ages 19 to 35 months who received help track your child’s physical, behavioral, all recommended vaccines. This absolutely developmental and emotional status as they needs to change.” grow,” Dr. Lucas said.

R e c e n t U p d a t e s t o I m m u n i z a t i o n Eye Health Critical for Early Detection Recommendations for 2018: and Correction ● Since 2015, the U.S. has seen a rise in the rate of mumps. For the general population, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that children get two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) — the first dose between 12 and 15 months and the second between ages 4 to 6 years.

Making sure your children have good vision will also help them perform at their best in the new school year. “Good vision doesn’t just happen,” Dr. Lucas said. “A child’s brain learns how to use eyes to see, just like it learns how to use legs to walk or a mouth to form words.”

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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Children with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers in life—academically, socially and on the athletic field. The longer a vision problem goes undiagnosed and untreated, the more a child’s brain learns to accommodate the vision problem.

“That’s why a comprehensive eye examination is so important for children,” said Dr. Lucas. “Early detection and treatment provide the very best opportunity to correct vision problems, so your child can learn to see clearly.”

Health Tips for a Good School Year Starting the new school year can be a time of excitement and anxiety for many kids.

“Switching from a summer schedule to a school schedule can be stressful for some children,” Dr. Lucas said.

He recommends practicing the new school routine a few days in advance, including everything from setting the alarm clock, going through the morning rituals and planning healthy meals and snacks.

“Routines are essential to helping kids adapt to the new school year,” Dr. Lucas said. “We can all play a part in making this new year the best ever.”

About Buckeye Health Plan (www. buckeyehealthplan.com) Buckeye Health Plan is a leading multi-line health plan offering managed healthcare for Ohioans on Medicaid, Medicare, MyCare, and the Health Insurance Exchange. Since 2004, Buckeye has been dedicated to improving the health of Ohioans, many with low incomes, and transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. Buckeye is a partner that provides coordinated health care and other essential supports that individuals and families need to grow and thrive, to find or keep a job, to battle addiction, or to receive care at home instead of in an institution. Follow Buckeye on Twitter @Buckeye_Health and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BuckeyeHealthPlan.

Buckeye is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-line health care enterprise offering both core Medicaid and specialty services.

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

HEALTH

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS: PROVIDING QUALITY HEALTHCARE received quality awards in six out of nine categories and placed third in the state among the forty-seven (47) centers receiving quality award funding ($185,866). The other Community Health Centers in Franklin County receiving quality award funding are listed at bottom of article.*

By Charleta B. Tavares During the month of August each year we celebrate National Health Center Week in the United States. The week is marked with highlighting the contributions of the health center staff and practitioners in improving health, ensuring access and expanding services in un/underserved communities. Community Health Centers (CHCs) or Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) were created in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty”. There were a number of determined community health and civil rights activists who fought more than 50 years ago to improve the lives of Americans living in deep poverty and in desperate need of health care.

Among those determined to change these conditions was H. Jack Geiger, then a young doctor and civil rights activist who, while studying in South Africa, witnessed how a unique community-based health care model had brought about astonishing health improvements for the poorest citizens of that country.

Five Rivers Health Center in Dayton, Ohio also received quality award funding in six out of the nine categories ($111,683).

Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton, Ohio received quality award funding in three out of nine categories ($64,000).

they deliver every day in their communities around the country.”

HRSA also released new data compiled from health centers through its Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting, providing an update on health centers’ provision of primary healthcare services. In 2017, more than 27 million people (approximately 1 in 12 U.S. Dr. Geiger and other health care pioneers residents) relied on a HRSA-supported health submitted proposals to the federal Office of center for affordable, accessible primary Economic Opportunity to establish health healthcare. centers in medically underserved inner city and rural areas of the country based on the Ohio received $4,076,291 which was same health care model Geiger had studied awarded to 47 community health centers. in South Africa. Funding for the first two Virtually all (47 out of 51) CHCs received “Neighborhood Health Centers” (as they were funding for one or more quality measures met then called) – one in Boston, Massachusetts, out of nine. The nine quality measures are: and the other in Mound Bayou, Mississippi – was approved in 1965, and the Community • Electronic Health Record (EHR) Reporters Health Centers Program was launched.

Awards: 32 awards totaling $160,000 • Clinical Quality Improver Awards: 38 Today, there are more than 1,400 community awards totaling $867,671 health centers across America serving more • Health Center Quality Leader Awards: 11 than 28 million residents. These Community awards totaling $484,666 Health Centers have more than 11,000 sites • National Quality Leader Awards: 2 awards across the country providing primary care, totaling $144,454 dental, vision and other health and social • Enhancing Access to Care Awards: 20 services to meet the needs of their community. awards totaling $235,000 These health centers are providing high- • Delivering High Value Health Care Awards: quality care and are recognized by their 3 awards totaling $85,000 designating agency the Health Resources and • Addressing Health Disparities Awards: 11 Services Administration (HRSA) each year awards totaling $128,500 for quality improvements achieved over the • Advancing Health Information Technology last year.

(HIT) for Quality Awards: 47 awards totaling $226,000 HRSA released their Quality Awards which • Achieving PCMH Recognition Awards: 37 included more than $125 million in funding awards totaling $1,745,000 to more than 1,352 health centers. “Quality, value-based care is a priority of the U.S. PrimaryOne Health and our sister FQHCs/ Department of Health and Human Services CHCs in Columbus and Dayton did very and HRSA-funded health centers serve as well over the last year. PrimaryOne Health leaders in quality healthcare in the U.S.,” said HRSA Administrator George Sigounas, * MS, Ph.D. “Nearly all HRSA-funded health centers demonstrated improvement in one or more clinical quality measures from the year prior, and these funds will support health centers’ work to improve the quality of care The Columbus African & Dayton African American • September 2018 American News Journal • February 2015

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Although we are doing well in showcasing our quality measures and achievements, we are not yet where we want to be. PrimaryOne Health as well as other CHCs are working with our state and national organizations to improve our quality metrics and value to the American public. As a comprehensive and integrated healthcare provider, PrimaryOne Health is working with our patients, board, practitioners and staff to ensure that we can deliver high-quality, integrated behavioral health, dental, vision and specialty services to each of our patients.

We are focused on improving health outcomes for African Americans and other marginalized populations as demonstrated in our quality measure to address health disparities who are bearing the burden of premature and preventable death in Central Ohio. We recognize that in order to eliminate unnecessary disease and death among our community members, we have to work with our health and human services institutions to holistically diagnose and treat our patients’ needs.

Footnotes: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) website www.nachc.org 1

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HHS Press Release, August 15, 2018

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 11 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.

COVER STORY THE THINGS THAT DIVIDE US: CONFESSION OF A MISSIONARY

By Brandi Slaughter, JD “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 10 I was baptized at 6 years old on a stormy summer day in the coal fields of West Virgina. As a small child, weekly I’d go house to house reading the Bible and praying for the elderly. I have always served God’s people in one way or another. Never in a million years, did I think as an adult that I would travel to the continent of Africa to preach the gospel. Despite every barrier and obstacle, that’s exactly what I did. Late last year, I spent almost a week in Kenya where I ministered at three services a day, fed hungry children and provided feminine products to hours for a plane to be repaired perhaps we women in prison. should get a new plane. I prayed although I am not Catholic, I rubbed a Rosary for hours While I went to be a blessings to others that entire leg of the trip. I think I may have and God blessed me by increasing my faith rubbed Jesus right off the cross. But through and restoring confidence in His calling and this I was reminded not to question God’s my purpose in the kingdom. My travel was delays. I arrived to Nairobi in the middle of completely underwritten by donations and the night. I travelled to Africa alone, so I support of the vision that God had birthed prayed for protection. Many people thought in my spirit some years ago. Having just I was insane to travel internationally alone. survived a hurricane in Puerto Rico months My response was that I was responding to earlier, I was unsure of what to expect in God’s mandate on my life and that all would Africa. I thought that once I arrived in Africa be provided for. It’s easy to have faith in for my first time, I would feel drumming Columbus, but it got real when I learned in my heart. I didn’t feel a thump, instead upon arrival to my hotel in Nairobi that hours I could not have been more relieved just to earlier opposition leader Raila Odinga had have made it safely. I sat on a plane for three returned from a flight from US. Several were hours in London as they were trying to repair shot and murdered in the airport. I thank God the plane. I thought that if it takes three he spared my life.

Walking the streets of Nairobi, I never felt more set apart. I was definitely different, a unicorn, completely gawked at; I learned later in my trip once I made it to the village in Kitale to feed children it was because people thought I was white. I have light skin but I have never considered myself white. American has a way of telling you where you fit in its cultural construct. I am fist raised sista. Hmph White? This was paradoxical. I was there to preach the gospel, so rather than some deep education on the transatlantic slave trade, I simply smiled as I was introduced at their “white” sister. This experience however, led to one of my greatest takeaways. As I ministered, they didn’t care whether I was white or black, man or woman.

They didn’t care what I was wearing, whether I wore earrings or lipstick. They didn’t ask me my denomination. All they saw and heard was Jesus. They were receptive to the gospel and receptive to my gifts. When I shared with people on the streets, that I was in Kenya as a missionary, people showed me the utmost respect and demanded that others care for me and keep me safe. I wonder where the US church would be if we began to respect our clergy again, and not be so critical of every action and response. In a developing country, I didn’t pay for one meal while in Kitale. As a matter of fact, all anyone wanted to do was feed me. The ministers in Kitale and the surrounding area all wanted time with me to fellowship and gain knowledge, we did that over a lot of meals where foot washing and handwashing was a part of every dining experience. It made the last supper come to life.

Continued on Page 20

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Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

COVER STORY

I have never felt freer in worship in my whole life than I did in Kenya. The miracles that followed blew my mind. And God used little ole me as a vessel to speak life, cast out devils, and bring encouragement to his people.

When I returned home I became confused.

I struggle with the church and all its schisms and isms, reformations, denominations, and denunciations…Why? Nothing is more personal that a person’s beliefs, their faith and their politics, but why do we place barriers and why do we allow the most simple things to divide us. The miraculous happens when we are on one accord and in agreement with each other. Kenya changed me and freed me from religion. I now walk in spirit and in truth. Don’t get me wrong, I love the church, I love God’s people, but I will not let rhetoric and church speak keep me from all God has promised me. God gets all the glory.

Even though she has Pastored twice, preached internationally, taught Sunday School and served in just about every position in the church, Brandi prefers the title of “Servant” in the Lord’s Church. Brandi Slaughter is the founder of Rudisha, a project aimed at building institutions and providing material support throughout the African Diaspora.

The & Dayton African American • September 2018 The Columbus Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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FAITH AND PSYCHOLOGY

By Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons, Psy.D

In recent years, I have attended seminars on Religion & Psychology, Faith-based Counseling and read articles which now This image is consider religion to be an effective component an example of of the healing process. I find it encouraging Kintsukuroi – which is a Japanese that the scientific part of my field is seeing term meaning “to repair with the benefits of faith in a client’s growth and gold.” This art of repairing pottery improvement. Dr. Tyler VanderWeeke, a with gold or silver lacquer is felt to Harvard professor stated in an article for USA increase its beauty and value. The Today that “regular religious participation is understanding is that the piece is good for us.” The key here is “participation” now more beautiful for having been broken. not simply attending church/synagogue/ In my work, people come to me broken in temple services. various ways, feeling that they have no hope, no value, and sometimes no reason to go on. Participation can take many forms, from They are often surprised when I give them being part of a small group, volunteering feedback over time as to how I see them. in the nursery, or serving in the bookstore.

The scars of life may be present, but in our The act of being in community with others work together I see the scars being repaired who share your beliefs helps to give you a or covered over with gold which makes them foundation where you know that you are not stronger in the broken places, brighter with going through daily life alone. Studies have greater wisdom, and more valuable in their shown that our quest for individual freedom, life experiences. I could not do this without which is often a reason for some people to my faith. As I tell my clients, I come to this reject a life of faith, does not maximize the work with years of schooling, decades of experience of happiness. Too much freedom work experience, and my own life lessons. actually increases the levels of anxiety and But most importantly, I believe I was called dissatisfaction with life. We need to be in to this role – I believe that God made me to connection with something bigger than come alongside people providing support, ourselves. We need something to worship encouragement, education, and challenges to other than ourselves. Christianity offers us help them become healthier and happier. a moral and relational framework to build a network where we walk together with others, I realize that other psychologists, even if they where we can be supported as well as be held live faith-based lives, may not work in the accountable. Sadly, this is another facet that same way. For me, it would not make sense some people use to reject religion. “I am to do anything without acknowledging where not going to let those hypocrites judge me.” my strength and abilities come from. I feel For numerous reasons, the idea of being in it is important for my clients to understand true relationship with others as well as our certain things about me because they have the Heavenly Father is too uncomfortable for choice to work with me or another therapist. some people. They miss the fact that strong, I have found that my openness especially positive relationships help us to be healthier around faith, helps to build the therapeutic and happier. relationship.

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Serving others is another benefit of a faithbased life. While we are each gifted in different areas, we are to work together for the good of others. Service to others and practicing generosity have been shown to have a positive impact on our mental health.

I often suggest that clients who are dealing with symptoms of depression to find a simple way to volunteer with a group in need. Here in Columbus, listings come out during the holidays with opportunities for volunteers at the food pantries, visiting nursing homes, or buying and donating toys. These types of activities help to take our focus off ourselves and provide a different point of view. Despite our circumstances, with a little effort, we can find fulfillment in doing something very simple for another person.

I stated earlier that I felt my work was a calling. I believe that as humans we want to lead meaningful lives that have an impact.

This is truly thriving. I love this parable about three bricklayers who were asked what they were doing. The first responded “I am laying bricks.” The second said “I am building a church.” The third replied “I am building the house of God.” The first one had a job. The second one had a career. The third one has a calling. Whatever you do can be part of your calling. And, that calling is key to your health and happiness.

Dr. Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons’s office is located in north Columbus. Her practice centers on helping clients with depression and anxiety related disorders. In recent years, after discovering a love of running, she expanded her practice to include servces related to Sports Psychology for athletes of all ages and levels. To reach her, call 614-443-7040 or email her at Jacqui@DrLewisLyons.com

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Jerome Schottenstein Center | 555 Borror Drive

Experience free health care and fun activities at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on Sept. 16 at Healthy Community Day. Get health expertise from more than 50 organizations and free health screenings and consultations by experts from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, which could include: • • • • • •

Height, weight and body mass index Blood pressure Food and nutrition Foot care Functional movement General health

FREE

• • • • • •

Hearing Medication review Vision Smoking cessation Sports physicals Stroke awareness

Parking | Food and Cooking Demonstrations | Fitness Demonstrations Family Entertainment | Giveaways and Raffles

Food Trucks with Healthy Food Offerings available for purchase The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is committed to improving health in central Ohio.

That’s why Ohio State doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals from across the university are uniting for Healthy Community Day, to deliver free health screenings and services to you!

REGISTRATION OCCURS ON SITE. SCREENINGS REGISTRATION ENDS AT 2 P.M.

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • September 2018 American News Journal • February 2015

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POLITICS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

OHIO LEGISLATURE’S UNFINISHED BUSINESS

By Senator Charleta B. Tavares The Ohio General Assembly will resume its scheduled Sessions as early as September 19, 2018. The Ohio House finally tackled the Pay Day Lending Bill, House Bill 123 which concurred with the Senate amendments on July 24, 2018. The bill will become effective October 29, 2018. However; the members of the Ohio Legislature have left some meaty and important legislation on the table – Gun Safety Reform, Education Funding Reform, Prescription Drug Costs and etc.

One of the bills signed into law by the Governor over the summer was Senate Bill 66. The bill sponsored by Senators Charleta B. Tavares (Cols-D) and John Eklund (Munson Twp.-R) was signed by the Governor on July 2, 2018. Senate Bill 66 will allow offenders to have a fair shot at rehabilitation without being subjected to unfair penalties. The legislation gives judges more discretion, bolsters Intervention in Lieu of Conviction programs, makes changes to the presumptive return to prison for technical parole violations and expands the eligibility for conviction record sealing. “This legislation continues our efforts to focus on rehabilitation, alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders, reducing recidivism and treatment in lieu of incarceration, stated Senator Tavares. We have a morale and financial obligation to the citizens of Ohio to be fair, just and equitable in our

sentencing and criminal justice system. We can appropriately levy the right punishment, at the right place and for the right amount of time to maintain safety, successfully reintegrate offenders and save money for our taxpayers.”

Although there are many bills which have yet to receive a hearing, there is still time for many of the bills which have passed one Chamber or the other to receive additional hearings and passage. If you are interested in making sure a bill is heard in committee, please contact the chair of the committee it has been referred or the House or Senate Clerk (see information below). You can asked to be added to their e/mail distribution list for committee notices. In addition, you can contact the sponsor of the bill or your state Representative or Senator to request the

contact information of the committee chair.

The Speaker of the House and President of the Senate have announced the planned schedule for the rest of the year and the end of the 132nd General Assembly. The last several months of the 132nd General Assembly will be particularly busy especially after the November 6 General Election during the Lame Duck Session. See the schedule below (Bottom of Page) If you are interested in testifying on any of the bills introduced in either the House or Senate, please contact the chair of the committee who can be found at www. ohiosenate.gov or www.ohr.gov.

Additional Contacts UPDATE: The Ohio General Assembly sessions and the House and Senate Finance Committees are televised live on WOSU/ WPBO and replays can be viewed at www. ohiochannel.org (specific House and Senate sessions and committee hearings can be searched in the video archives).

If you would like to receive updated information on the Ohio General Assembly and policy initiatives introduced, call or email my office at 614.466.5131 or tavares@ ohiosenate.com to receive the Tavares Times News monthly legislative newsletter.

The committee schedules, full membership rosters and contact information for the Ohio House and Senate can be found at: www. ohiohouse.gov and www.ohiosenate.gov respectively.

Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, D-Columbus, is proud to serve and represent the 15th District, including the historic neighborhoods of Columbus and the cities of Bexley and Grandview Heights in the Ohio Senate. She serves as the Ohio Senate Assistant Minority Leader and the vice-chair of the Finance – Health and Medicaid Subcommittee; Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Human Services and Medicaid Committee and a member of the powerful Controlling Board.

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Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

POLITICS

WHY THE AUDITOR’S RACE MATTERS Congressman Zack Space Democratic nominee for Auditor of State Last August, I announced my candidacy for Auditor of State to shine a light on the corrupting influence of money in politics and extreme partisan gerrymandering. The Auditor is the state’s chief watchdog of taxpayer dollars, and by extension, the state’s chief anti-corruption officer.

Ohio politics has been dominated in recent years by the self-interest and greed of incumbent politicians. Nothing is sacred when it comes to pay-to-play politics -- not public education, not the interests of the poor, and not healthcare.

Access to a high-quality public school education is a fundamental right that must be afforded to all of our children. Our government’s failure to keep that promise to all kids -- and especially to children of color -- should weigh heavily on our conscience.

While Ohio is home to some of the best universities in the world, and some of the best high schools in America, one recent report ranked Ohio’s public school system 41st out of 50 states in higher education and 36th in pre-K through 12, when factoring in cost, access, and graduation rates. Those rankings are alarming.

There are many reasons for these dismal rankings, and truth be told, educational outcomes often reflect the health of an entire community. But the detrimental effects of for-profit charter schools on our public schools cannot be understated.

The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, a.k.a. ECOT, an online, for-profit school, took over $1 billion from Ohio public schools between its founding in 2000 and closing in January 2018. ECOT shut down after it was unable to prove to investigators that

it enrolled as many students as it claimed; in fact, ECOT still owes Ohio nearly $80 million that it overbilled.

Why was this allowed to happen? ECOT’s founder Bill Lager was a smooth political operator, and he contributed over $1 million to the campaigns of Republican politicians to keep the scam alive. My opponent in the race for Auditor, Republican State Rep. Keith Faber, was one of the chief architects of this corrupt system and did everything he could to shield ECOT from accountability.

Faber took over $36,500 in campaign checks from Lager, and killed legislation that would have held ECOT accountable. He has proven that his loyalties lie with those who fund his campaign, and not with the working people who rely on public schools for opportunities in life.

And while other Republican lawmakers sat on their hands -- only scrambling to solve the problem when it became politically toxic -- tens of thousands of public school students were left out in the cold, forced to transfer from ECOT after it closed in the middle of the last school year, back to traditional school districts that were already pinched by tight budgets.

Ohioans should not take this scam lightly.

It affected nearly every taxpayer and nearly every school district. But make no mistake, the schools and students affected most were in lower-income areas, and in districts that predominantly educate children of color.

Lower-income communities in Ohio already have disadvantages when it comes to public education, and when their schools lose critical funding, the problem is exacerbated. Charter schools thrived by enrolling students of color under the guise of a better educational option than their home public school.

But by transferring the money that public schools would have received from the State

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

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for educating those students, charter schools only made the structural problems these penny-pinched districts face even worse.

On a systematic level, African Americans and Latinos are twice as likely to be born into poverty than their white counterparts.

And due to the structural advantages faced by people of color, quality education and resulting opportunities are even more critical.

This makes the scam pulled off by ECOT executives not just an egregious example of greed, but an undeniable perpetuation of racial injustice.

In June, I announced a plan to finally end this charade and deliver justice for Ohio taxpayers, through the creation of a Special Audit unit in the Auditor’s office. The Stop Charter Abuse and Malfeasance (S.C.A.M) unit will investigate three simple things: First, it will determine how much Ohio taxpayers were overbilled by for-profit charter schools, by examining attendance data provided by these schools.

Next, it will examine how the for-profit management companies that “managed” these schools spent our taxpayer dollars.

And finally, the unit will investigate whether the Auditor of State’s office did everything it could to prevent this fraud.

If the Auditor’s office was complicit, reforms must be introduced. Taxpayers deserve to know how much of their money was stolen, and they deserve back what was taken.

All of us matter. And all of us deserve a government that caters to our interests, and not the interests of wealthy special interests and big campaign donors.

As your next Auditor of State, I will do everything in my power to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent correctly, and -- most importantly -- to finally restore the faith that has been lost in our democracy.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

POLITICS

STATE ISSUE 1 WOULD REFORM DRUG POLICY Unlike President Bill Clinton, I did inhale.

High-school students were surprised to hear my true story when they asked what Columbus could do to reduce drug-related arrests, especially for marijuana. The students asked tough questions that day and it is time we gave better answers. While it happened years ago, and I do not endorse youth smoking, it is time to be honest. In fact, it’s time we are all honest and reform drug policies locally and nationally.

Marijuana arrests disproportionately harm people of color, especially young black men. As the state of Ohio rolls out plans for medical dispensaries, including five in Columbus, we have an obligation to address our state’s drug policy. Columbus must be on the right side of history. That is why I am pleased to support proposed Ohio constitutional amendment Issue 1, also known as the Neighborhood Safety, Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Amendment on the ballot this fall.

In 2013 the ACLU found that, nationwide, African Americans were nearly four times more likely to be arrested on drug charges than their white counterparts, despite similar rates of usage. According to the Drug Policy Alliance’s estimates, African Americans represent 14 percent of regular drug users but 37 percent of people arrested for drug offenses.

Issue 1 will allow Ohio to reform a broken system, saving taxpayer dollars and funding substance-abuse treatment and victim services. When Issue 1 passes, it

will answer those students’ questions about criminal-justice reform and demonstrate how community leaders are fighting for them and their families. Although Issue 1 is an initiated constitutional amendment by social-justice leaders, these measures should have been enacted by our representatives in the General Assembly a long time ago. As a result, this amendment will present challenges to municipalities as we implement a shift in former practice.

In coming months, I will also work with my City Council colleagues, the city attorney and Mayor Andrew J. Ginther to research steps to update Columbus’ marijuana laws to be fair, honest and in line with reality. I propose two key areas for investigation: changes in misdemeanor classification for possession

and paraphernalia and city misdemeanor ordinances making it clear that violations would not constitute a criminal record.

I am not advocating for young people, or anyone, to use drugs, but I do understand that many people will. Though I am unable to recount stories from the 1960s or ’70s, there are a lot of folks in corporate, nonprofit and government-leadership positions who remember experimenting and could have been arrested. While laws are changing across the nation, it is my belief that we must invest in people, not prisons. It is time we are pragmatic. It is time our policies reflect the period we live in. I encourage voters to vote yes on Issue 1 on Nov. 6.

Shannon G. Hardin, president, Columbus City Council

AYANNA PRESSLEY UPSETS CAPUANO IN MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE RACE

By Katharine Q. Seelye BOSTON — Ayanna Pressley upended the Massachusetts political order on Tuesday, scoring a stunning upset of 10term Representative Michael Capuano and positioning herself to become the first African-American woman to represent the state in Congress.

Ms. Pressley’s triumph was in sync with a restless political climate that has fueled victories for underdogs, women and minorities elsewhere this election season, and it delivered another stark message to the Democratic establishment that newcomers on the insurgent left were unwilling to wait their turn. Ms. Pressley propelled her candidacy with urgency, arguing that in the age of Trump, “change can’t wait.”

Her victory carried echoes of the surprise win in June by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who trounced a longtime House incumbent, Joseph Crowley, in New York. Ms. Pressley is also among several African-American progressives who beat expectations, and in some cases performed far better than polling

projections; they include Stacey Abrams of Georgia, Andrew Gillum of Florida and Ben Jealous of Maryland, who each won the Democratic Party’s nominations for governor.

There is no Republican on the November

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ballot in this storied Boston-based district, which was once represented by John F. Kennedy and is one of the most left leaning in the country.

Article from www.NYTimes.com

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

FAITH

WHAT IS FAITH? to someone that doesn’t have the trust that someone else has your best interest at heart. that I love and God six you’re well and when challenged when going through trials the lack of trust reveals is self-limiting the lack of faith Limits the benefits and the actions of faith.

By Benin Lee “Faith is taking the first step when you can’t see the whole staircase” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Faith tends to be built by trial. It’s only when someone’s faith is tested that their faith is revealed, without the test or trial it is easy for anyone to say that they would react in a predictable way. The true test of faith is when you don’t have a safety net and you must depend on the Almighty God to provide answers. It takes those events in life that build faith, a humility to recognize God’s providence when others will dismissively call it luck. Christians choose to depend on God for safety and protection while trusting that whatever God provides is what is best.

Not long after facing a setback at work I sat at my desk looking for answers, I thought my actions were appropriate but I was still shaken by the actions of a supervisor. That day an email came through, it was a leadership module called building resiliency. This short course taught that every leader needs a plan for when they get stuck. And the surprising answer to having the ability to handle the workplace pressures was to develop a circle of trust.

This circle of trust was a familiar theme but not practiced among the few coworkers currently feeling the pinch. Few employees had workplace mentors or other forms of support and despite prior attempts to form bonds over shared concerns there was little interest because most were unaffected by the recent changes in the workplace “until they were affected themselves”.

Within 5 weeks of my victory over the setback, there were 4 coworkers that sought my help to overcome meet and address the workplace issues they were facing. There were others that surrendered to the pressure not knowing where to go or who to talk to.

These employees needed a circle of trust and a “shield of faith”. This revealed to me my purpose for the setback to provide support for those with the same issues.

A clear problem is that many employees do not trust anyone, especially at work. WIIFM What’s in it for me? Too often this phrase determines peoples’ involvement in helping others. Their mistrust keeps them looking out only for themselves, playing it safe, refusing to trust others. In turn they are susceptible to the elements and vulnerable to “shark” attacks as they “swim” alone. The course advocated identifying persons you can trust at work, seeking ways to develop their confidence in you, serving as encouragement for them as a resource, sounding board and defender. This is not done as a tit for tat arrangement but a selfless action of providing for others even if they cannot provide the same for you.

The psychologist Eric Ericsson theorized that the psychological growth of individuals begins with the stage in which trust or mistrust is developed in individuals. He felt that this stage was so important that the experience of the child at this stage would have long lasting effects on their future ability to trust others.

“The first and most important person to teach an infant about trust is usually the parents” Parents are expected to take good care of their children and attend to their needs, allowing

feeling comfortable and secure. This is the development of trust, first for those you are Mark 11:22 states to have faith in GOD closest to, then it reaches out to others.

The fruits of faith- faith though it is powerful To be clear while some use trust and faith enough to move mountains is only a singular interchangeably I offer a distinction, virtue you need more reserving the term trust with man but refer to faith only in a religious setting associated James 2:17 states faith without works is dead. with God and the church. This connection of And unto these(Faith) are added trust is important as a primary building block of faith. It is essential to be able to trust those 2 Peter 1:5-7 you can see It takes much more to depend on the unseen. The apostle Paul describes 5 But also for this very reason, giving all faith as the evidence of things not seen.... diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue Hebrews 11:6 states “he that cometh to God knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control [a]perseverance, to perseverance must believe that He is…” godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, A circle of trust are the people you surround and to brotherly kindness love. yourself with based on the fact you trust them they trust you , you listen to and encourage The question is asked where does this faith each other. Maybe you share lunch and seek come from? one another out for conversations.

Faith comes from doing!

The reason this circle of trust promoted as a business and leadership theory was familiar is The Bible in Exodus first tells the story of because it is something I have had throughout the Red Sea Parting for the Israelites to avoid life. This was called by the terms Christian the Egyptian army with them walking on dry Fellowship or a community of faith. This is ground. That helped their faith to know what where my faith was enhanced by my brothers God can do. and sisters, encouraged by the love, gifts, support, hugs, concern and prayers directed Later the next leader Joshua was told God would part the Jordan river for the people to toward me. cross. This time instead of the fear they had A community of faith is usually a collection previously being pursued they were asked of believers that out of a love for God to step out in their faith. This time while that seek one another out, serve together, crossing the Jordan river the priests were to encourage one another in the word, testify walk in the river fully clothed in their robes. their faith, share potlucks and look out for They had to demonstrate their faith and by the wellbeing of others families. I experience doing so the waters parted and the Israelites were again on the move now crossing the this within several church congregations and Jordan river with other Christians. This trust aspect causes many to join groups and others to leave if The reward of faith trust is compromised.

2 Timothy 4:7, 8 I have fought the good To the Christian trust in God an infallible fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the being that is not visible to man is what we faith. Now there is in store for me a crown call faith. This would not make sense to of righteousness an unbeliever. The faith we as Christians have placed in God we see the results of. My prayer for you is to develop the faith of We share the miracles, blessings and divine a mustard seed. I want to move mountains interventions seen that are unexplainable what about you?

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN MEN: BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS

By Troy A. Glover Columbus, Ohio, are ready to have honest and open dialogue in a positive and constructive way? If so, you are invited to be part of a dynamic men’s conference scheduled for October 12 - 14, 2018. Every year, the Men’s Ministry of Second Baptist Church hosts a conference to address topics relevant to Christian men. The Church is located at 186 N 17th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203.

The 2018 Men’s Conference theme is Christian Men: Building a Community of Believers. The theme is based on the scripture Acts 2:42-47. This scripture is characterized by four types of activities for which believers were devoted. First, the believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching. The instruction was for new converts who may have heard Jesus teaching. Second, they devoted themselves to fellowship. Fellowship is relational and when it authentically occurs reflects true Christian behavior and demonstrates what it would be like in heaven. Third, they devoted themselves to the “breaking of bread” for which Luke is describing the community as celebrating some form of communion.

Finally, they devoted themselves to prayer which is hearing from and talking to God. Community was once a place of fellowship marked by the sharing of common attitudes, beliefs, interests, and goals. Community, for purposes of the Conference, is not restricted to a physical location but involves more fellowship among people. Christian men helped fortify the foundations on which the community was built. Christian men

Dr. Howard Washington

Dr. Scottie L. Aaron

demonstrated the value of hard work and the importance of taking care of family. They were providers, led their families to church, and were active participants in the safety of communities. Men were respected and served as role models for young boys and the community. Times have changed and the shared values that once made communities strong have eroded. The Conference will be the first step in helping to rebuild a community of believers.

The Conference will feature gifted, anointed, and knowledgeable preachers, teachers, and leaders addressing all aspects of the theme.

The Conference will begin on Friday, October 12 with a panel addressing the topic “What does it mean to be a Christian Man” and close with a sermon from Dr. Scottie L. Aaron, Senior Pastor, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio. Saturday, October 13 will include 3 workshops addressing the

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topics – How do we define community? How do identify the needs of a community? How can men help build a community?

In commenting on the men’s conference Pastor Howard T. Washington, DMin, stated “In a day of great chaos and confusion, it is a great opportunity to be a witness to the principle of community. The early Church demonstrated the benefits and blessings of a vibrant community of believers. Our conference is designed for engagement, empowerment and encouragement for all men who actively pursue a community of believers. “ For additional information, and the c onfer e n c e ’ s s c h e d u le a n d u p d a te s , visit the church’s website at www. secondbaptistcolumbus.com or you may contact Troy Glover at 614-253-4313 or email at Troyg1906@wowway.com.

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

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Join Columbus Metropolitan Library for its Design Services Inclusion Event Tuesday, Sept. 11 | 8-9:30 a.m.

Learn about CML’s plans to rebuild four additional branches, including: • CML’s diversity and inclusion goals for professional services • How your team can connect with CML’s pre-qualified architectural firms • How to register with CML as a diverse supplier 8:00 a.m. – Registration and continental breakfast 8:30 a.m. – Presentation 9:00 a.m. – Networking

Parsons Branch | 1113 Parsons Ave. RSVP to rsvp@columbuslibrary.org.

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

By Ray Miller Evicted - Poverty and Profit in The American City

By Matthew Desmond

The Reason for God - Belief in an Age of Skepticism

By Timothy Keller

In Evicted, Princeton sociologist Matthew Desmond follows eight families in Milwaukee as they struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Hailed as “wrenching and revelatory”, Evicted transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of 21st-century America’s most devistating problems. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible.

In this New York Time bestseller, the founder pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, Timothy Keller, addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics, and even ardent believers, have about religion.

Using literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and potent reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand their ground and to skeptics, atheists, and agnostics, he provides a challenging argument for pursuing the reason for God.

Woman, Act Now!: Learn, Launch and Live Your Dream

By Anna McCoy

Led By Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide

By Immaculee Ilibagiza

For three months in the Spring of 1994, the African nation of Rwanda descended into one of the most vicious and bloody genocides the world has ever seen. Immaculee Ilibagiza, a young university student, miraculously survived the savage killing spree that left most of her family and friends, and more than a million of her fellow citizens, dead. As hundreds of killers hunted for her, Immaculee formed a profound and transforming relationship with God that transcended the bloodshed and butchery – a relationship that enabled her to emerge from the slaughter with a spirit purged of hatred and a heart brimming with forgiveness. With the same courage and faith in God led her through the darkness of genocide, Immaculee discovers a new life that surpasses anything she could have imagined. It is in the United States, her adopted country, where she can finally look back and understand why God spared her . . . so that she would be left to tell her story to the world.

Experience personal and business success greater than you ever imagined possible. Anna McCoy, a seasoned executive, nationally recognized inspirational speaker, business/life coach and entrepreneur, is powerfully anointed to help you find and walk out your divine destiny. She will inspire and encourage you, as she has thousands of others, with her contagious enthusiasm, boundless energy, and warm sense of humor. Her insightful message will compel you to fulfill your personal vision; break free from financial hindrances; identify and develop your hidden gifts; overcome negative criticism; and, defeat self-doubt and fear. Yes, you can reach your full potential and power as a woman of God.

It’s Not About Me - Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy

By Max Lucado

The Substance of Things Hoped For - A Memoir of African American Faith

By Samuel DeWitt Proctor

They told us that life was “all about me.”

But believing that has created chaos: noisy homes, stress-filled businesses, cutthroat relationships. If you want to shift into high gear with purpose, this is it: life makes sense when we accept our place!

Our pleasures, our problems, our gifts and talents . . . when they’re all for the One who created us, we suddenly gain what we’ve been missing and find out what we’ve been seeking. Lucado shows us how to make the shift of a lifetime -- how to bump your life off self-center – how to be changed and experience the meaningchanged life you were meant to have.

Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor, a noted Theologian and educator, who served a president of several colleges. He was a mentor to Rev. Jesse Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Proctor was a devout Christian and an oldfashioned liberal -- intergationist and meliorists.

In his book, he reflects on the role of faith in his own life and in the lives of African Americans. He chronicles his family history from the time during which his grandmother was a slave. Proctor’s description of the complex culture of black America in the age of Jim Crow is illuminating, and he artfully weaves the personal narrative of his childhood and youth into the greater story of black progress.

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Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

quality,

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The Columbus African & Dayton African American • September 2018 American News Journal • February 2015

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CPO Management & CPO Impact: 910 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43205 Phone: 614.253.0984 www.cpoms.org | www.cpoimpact.org

BUSINESS

SOCIAL MEDIA - WHAT CAN A SMALL BUSINESS DO WITH IT? that tracks and reports website traffic

By Cecil Jones, MBA

When asked about continual things that small business should consider, Will volunteered some other thoughts.

Most of us have cell phones, tablets and/or computers. Small businesses have an opportunity to reach us (potential customers and current customers) using Social Media aimed at those devices.

Other Thoughts on Small Business Usage of Social Media

Among the people that you know, which of them would you place on your ‘MVP’ squad to get things done? In my career, I am fortunate enough to have a select few people that are just plain ‘sharp’ in the technology and marketing space. I call them ‘MVP’s. I have a great colleague and friend that I place on my ‘MVP’ squad (Most Valued AND Productive squad). We have worked for some of the same Fortune 100 companies, we When discussing common social media that have worked requests for business proposals, is available, Will shared the below. marketing, technology, communications, etc.

First, let’s take a look at the most popular He is William Alston, wmcalston@gmail. platforms com. As I thought about the business needs of small businesses, I particularly thought about According to the latest report by Pew their usage of social media. Some of the small Research Center, 73% of adults in the businesses that I encounter are afraid of social United States use YouTube, while 68% also media for various reasons (security, budget, use Facebook. Instagram came in third at 35%, while the remaining Pinterest (29%), little knowledge of that space, etc.)

Snapchat (27%), LinkedIn (25%), Twitter Will (as we call him) Alston is often at the (24%) and WhatsApp (22%) were held to less perfect center of technology, marketing and than 30% usage. social media. I asked Will for some of his thoughts about how small businesses (with Sprout Social offers up some pretty succinct little or no technology budgets) should views of data on the population who approach social media. Some of what Will uses these platforms. If you visit https:// sproutsocial.com/insights/new-socialshared follows. media-demographics/, you will find that only Will shared a scenario that he encounters 75% of adults in the higher earning blocks (above $75K) use Facebook vs. 84% of the regularly (typical conversation): population who earn less than $30K. “So, do YOU do websites? I need to sell my T-shirts using more contact with customers, When asked about the major steps into social other than just my store, face-to-face. After media for a business that is fairly new to talking to a few people I guess I need some social media but understands that it is very presence on social media as well. For the valuable when used right, Will shared the cheap, though. But not too cheap. I need for it steps below. to look ‘goooood!’. And not like Snapchat, ya know, but more professional, like Facebook Major First Steps and Instagram.”

- Determine what social media audience is I answer these kinds of questions regularly. right for your business.

Social media may be right for you, but I always challenge clients to ask yourself - Create an account in that social media “Who is my audience?”, “Who am I talking platform with?” and “What is the message that I - Be sure to focus on Photography and want to convey?”

Hashtags After more thought and discussion, Will - Look at the major platforms for selling continued with the below. online As with a lot of early small activities, we can start by assuming your small business’ - Lay out a basic plan and follow it budget is low to fair, staff is minimal, and you have no major formal experience with social - Understand the numbers (number of lead media. You probably want the best bang for generations, web referrals, and conversion your buck and are not sure how much time rates) you have to commit to it. Finally, you’re probably looking for a few tools to help along - There are several software tools, like Google Analytics (a free version is available), the way.

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Good Luck!

This will get you started you on the path as you start to build your base and maintain your platforms. But remember, this is only the beginning. Do your best to pay attention to detail and be deliberate about your posts.

Have a cohesive flow and be consistent over time. Social trends move too fast for anyone to try to continually chase the dayto-day latest trends, so stay focused on your mission and stay relevant within your subject.

Continue to research and find small ways to improve your engagement and interactions with your customer base. The major focus is to emotionally, mentally, and virtually link your fan base to your business.

Get started! We will share PART 2 with more specific details and instruction of getting started in social media, in our next publication. Will shares additional information: specific website, free websites, low cost software tools, additional planning tips and how you can view and control customer traffic to your social media. We wanted to get you motivated, thinking, researching, planning and then being ready for action, here. More detail will come… Be sure to read our issue next month.

What new technology, processes and devices are you using?

Help Us to Help You The purpose of this column is to provide useful information and knowledge that you can use, today. If you have a technology question (how to get something done, what business, process or software solution might be available for your situation, how to secure that technology position, etc.), please email the question or comment to the email address Admin@Accelerationservices.net for a quick response.

People, Process and Technology 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 & Dayton African American • September 2018

BUSINESS

OHIO MEETS 15 PERCENT MINORITY BUSINESS STATE PURCHASING GOAL FOR FOURTH YEAR COLUMBUS – For the fourth consecutive year, the State of Ohio has exceeded the goal of its Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program. During Fiscal Year 2018, the state purchased 21.63 percent of eligible goods and services through certified minority-owned businesses, while spending more than $268 million.

Ohio’s MBE program, established in 1980, mandates that state agencies set aside 15 percent of annual purchases for goods and services from certified minority-owned businesses. Governor John Kasich has made achieving the 15 percent mandate a priority during his administration. Since 2011, the state has made steady progress in identifying set-aside opportunities, certifying minorityowned businesses and matching them with state contract opportunities, reaching the 15

percent set-aside goal for the first time in the Minority Business Development Division 2015. at the Ohio Development Services Agency.

“We are pleased to report that Ohio has met its 15 percent set-aside goal for the fourth consecutive year. Governor Kasich challenged us to make reaching this goal the norm and we have succeeded in doing so,” said Pamela Osborne, state equal employment opportunity coordinator and interim deputy director of the Equal Opportunity Division of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, which certifies businesses into the MBE program.

“Continuing to provide the resources to minority business owners allows them to grow their businesses, create jobs and participate in a strong and vibrant Ohio economy,” said Jeffrey L. Johnson, chief of

Out of the eligible expenditures for goods and services purchased during Fiscal Year 2018, 18.86 percent was set aside for MBEcertified businesses. Another 2.78 percent of eligible goods and services were purchased from MBE-certified businesses through openmarket contracts.

Ohio’s Equal Opportunity Division oversees the MBE program and helps to ensure equal opportunity access to and fair treatment in government contracting. It strives to maximize contracting opportunities through certification of minority-owned, womenowned, veteran-owned and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.

LOCAL TRADE SKILL PROGRAM AWARDED $5,000 DONATION

Mr. P.R. and Mrs. Leah West donated $5,000.00 for a scholarship fund in the name of their late son Kelvin M. West for five lucky students to attend The National Skilled Trades Network (NSTN) construction trades training program.

We want to thank Mr. and Mrs. West for their generosity. Both are educators and they see the importance of our young people having other choices for viable futures. Their son Kelvin, before his untimely death, had trained and was employed for a period of time under the direction of Howard Williams at Willco Services.

If you want to make a small donation to the Kelvin M. West construction trades training scholarship fund to support individuals who are training for a positive career and future, and to get more information about NSTN and our construction trades training program you can visit our website https://www.nstnetwork. org/ .

companies. Also by purchasing property or accepting property donations to be rehabbed according to Accessible –Water Conservation - Air Quality - Resource Conscious - Energy Efficient Green Standards as established

by Franklin County of Ohio and the City of Columbus. Each rehab is considered a “active training” experience designed to provide them with on the job training. These The NSTN is located in Columbus and the help to prepare the entrants with a skilled company creates job opportunities in the craft or trade of their choice. community through NCCER accredited construction training. In addition, they If you are interested in joining their program partner with established community visit their website at www.nstnetwork.org or organizations, small and large construction send an email to nstnetwork@nstnetwork.org.

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

BUSINESS

BLACK HISTORY ON 18TH & OAK: THE BIRTH OF GLORY FOODS

By Iris Cooper, DBA Every holiday, friends tell me their family meals are better and easier with Glory Foods.

Twenty five years ago, the Kroger Company partnered with Glory Foods to launch the first line of African-American grocery products in the nation. If that wasn’t a miracle, the way it all came to be certainly is.

Bill Williams and I worked together at Lazarus Department Stores in the late 70’s.

Bill was the food service director and I was the restaurant marketing manager. I had no food experience, but had an MBA degree in Marketing from Indiana University where the one and only Charles Lazarus was a visiting professor. I was young, eager, and ready to set the world on fire when Mr. Charles hired me to join his firm in Columbus, Ohio. Bill and I worked closely together on food and marketing promotions and became good friends. A few years later, we both left Lazarus to pursue other aspirations.

urban neighborhoods. As Bill sat quietly, I introduced the Glory “baby”: the market research, branding, product line, and our desire to launch the first African-American grocery product line in America with Kroger.

Rod Gordon, one of the executives and the In 1989, Bill and I met at the bank where I only Black person in the group, smiled worked, to discuss a business idea. Although warmly at me as I spoke. When I finished, I we often disagreed at Lazarus, there was a asked for any questions. mutual respect for each other’s expertise.

Bill wanted to start an African-American Rod said “Great idea. Just what we are food company, offering generic soul food looking for. products. He needed my creativity to develop a marketable brand.

We’ll be sending you our first order very soon.”

I strongly rejected the generic products. I was a busy working mom with a limited amount We were dumbfounded! We didn’t expect a of “me” time. I didn’t cook well and hated sale yet; we hadn’t even created the product! housework. I insisted that our best chance No other vegetable firm had ever proposed to for success was appealing to Black working change the processing method for vegetables; women, who didn’t have the time or skills to this was a true market disruption for the cook like “Big Mama”, and needed some help times. We knew we had to deliver now. in the kitchen. “Give me some soul food that is pre-seasoned and ready to heat-and-eat.

During the next year, we leaped over Add a meat and I have a complete meal in one hurdle after the other, learning as we less than 30 minutes. I KNOW this will be a forged ahead. Finally, our delivery date success!” was announced for the Kroger store in the neighborhood near the Glory offices. Kroger I was all-in and wrote the business plan waited for us, and we didn’t let them down. on maternity leave with my 2nd child. I We both celebrated a true Black History named the company Glory, symbolic of moment at Parsons and Livingston that Black spirituality as well as the popular Saturday morning! movie about Black civil war heroes, Glory. I wanted the Glory brand to suggest prosperity, Kroger has remained a strong advocate for hope, and favor, like the dawning of a new diversity and inclusion and still features day. A sunrise would embellish the labels, Glory’s line of fresh and canned products and the radio jingle would remind listeners on its shelves nationally. Glory is now of Sam Cook or Lou Rawls. “When you’re a subsidiary of the 5th largest vegetable in the mood for some home-cooked food producer in the nation, thanks to Kroger and …Get Glory Foods, Just About the Best!”

Rod Gordon. I am grateful that they believed The first product line would include greens, in our “baby” and kept their promise to peas, beans, sweet potatoes, corn bread, and help us birth Glory Foods, the first Africancondiments.

American grocery product line in America.

service, communication, government, entrepreneurship, and education.

She is the owner of “JustAskIris!” an entrepreneurial coaching firm, specializing in food enterprises and products. Iris founded Glory Foods, Inc., a multi-million dollar food marketing company and has launched over five enterprises during her career.

She is recognized nationally as a business strategy and branding expert, having coached many startups to sustainability. Iris is the former Director of the Ohio Division of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, where Iris led the state from 29th worst place for small businesses in 2007 to the ninth best in the nation, and 1st in the Midwest in four years. She currently works with nonprofits and for- profit organizations desiring market research, strategy development, and workforce development training. Iris recently received the Amos Lynch Legacy Award from Champions of Diversity and the Sharon Burkes Soar Award from Franklin County Children’s Services for her advocacy work in Central Ohio.

Iris is a published author, featured writer, and keynote speaker on a variety of topics, and an adjunct marketing professor at Franklin University and Columbus State Community College. Her contributions to entrepreneurship is now included in the national History Makers Collection at the Smithsonian Institute. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Coalition of 100 Black WomenCentral Ohio Chapter, CDC Headstart Inc., and the Indiana University Alumni Association. Iris holds a BA in Journalism and an MBA in Marketing from Indiana University. Her DBA is from Walden University, in Entrepreneurship. Her We had some contacts at Kroger and Bill Dr. Iris Ann Cooper’s career includes doctoral study focused on small business and I paid them a visit in 1990. We knew leadership positions in financial services, mortality entitled “The First Four Years: A that if anyone would listen to our idea, it e c o n o m i c d e v e l o p m e n t , c o m m u n i t y Small Business Sustainability Study.” would be Kroger due to its commitment to

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Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

BUSINESS

WILL YOUR RETIREMENT INCOME TAKE A HIT?

By Darren Lundy, MBA Retirement can be an exciting time. You finally have the time to begin doing some of the things you have only dreamed about. For instance, traveling around the world, volunteering at your favorite charity, or spending time pursuing a hobby. It is a time when you can discard the alarm clock and say good bye to rush hour traffic. Retirement, also referred to as the “GOLDEN YEARS”, can be the most amazing time of your life if you prepare for it. However, for some retirees it can be the worst time of their lives when they come to the realization their money is running out; that could be devastating! At that point, it might be virtually impossible to recover.

We often hear horror stories of retirees unable to purchase required medications or necessities. Some must resort to re-entering the workforce. How stressful and depressing is that? After working thirty plus years and looking forward to retirement only to discover that you cannot maintain your current lifestyle. It is imperative that you know exactly how much money you will need to live comfortably throughout retirement.

This number is often referred to as your “nest egg”. As an advisor, I have encountered many people that have no idea how much money they need to save for retirement.

Furthermore, many people retire with limited knowledge about the risks that can adversely affect their nest egg. There is nothing more troubling than sitting down with someone in retirement who realize they are running out of income. Anyone planning for retirement or considering starting retirement may want to pay close attention. The three major risks to your retirement income are HEALTHCARE COST, INFLATION, and TAXES. Rising HEALTHCARE COST is often overlooked when determining how much income you will need for retirement. Due to uncertainty surrounding future health conditions, it is financially prudent for anyone preparing for retirement to establish a realistic healthcare strategy. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, national healthcare spending for 2017 was 3.3 trillion dollars. Projected annual growth in healthcare spending through 2025 is 5.6%.

When preparing for retirement many overlook how their health may deteriorate over time.

Most people become familiar with Medicare at age 65, yet many do not understand its’ limitations. Medicare is designed to cover short-term healthcare cost. The patient shares in the cost through deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payments. For example, under Medicare Part A, Skilled Nursing Facility Care is covered 100% for the first 20 days.

Thereafter, the patient is responsible to pay co-insurance of $164.50 per day from day 21-100; approximately $13,000.00. If your health does not improve, you can be forced

to liquidate your entire life savings. Once these resources are gone, Medicaid will step in to cover your healthcare cost. This can create an entirely different set of issues. As you see, if you fail to do proper healthcare planning, your retirement income could take an unexpected HIT. It is equally important to get an understanding of how INFLATION can impact your retirement income. Most people have heard of inflation, but some do not completely understand how it affects retirement income.

Inflation is the increase in the price of goods and services over time. When I present a retirement seminar, I use the following example to drive my point home. . . “Do you remember the price of a gallon of gas when you first started driving?” The increase in the price of gas today compared to the price when you first began driving is inflation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the inflation rate which is measured by the Consumer Price Index averaged 3% from 2001-2011.

What that means is if you were not earning a minimum of 3% on your investments, you lost purchasing power. For instance, you were not able to buy as many groceries as you did before with the same amount of money.

This can be overwhelming for a retiree on a fixed income. More importantly, those trying to play it safe in bank CD’s are in essence committing financial suicide. Inflation silently erodes your purchasing power and is another way your retirement income can take a HIT. Next, let’s look at the impact TAXES can have on your retirement income. Many people are saving for retirement through a 401(k), a 403(b), or an IRA. These are qualified accounts because they qualify for income tax deferral. The money goes into these accounts pre-tax. Uncle Sam is allowing citizens to delay paying income

The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

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tax on these funds until they are withdrawn.

Considering the uncertainty of future income tax rates, retirees have no idea how much tax they will pay on their retirement income. Every dollar that is withdrawn is subject to federal, state, and local income tax and can drastically reduce the amount of income available to cover living expenses.

Therefore, it is important to account for tax implication on your retirement income when trying to determine how much money you will need in retirement. It’s said the only two things that are certain is death and taxes. Plan accordingly so that your retirement income will not take an unexpected HIT. In closing, retirement should be a fun and exciting time. You finally get the time to set your own agenda. Hopefully, you have completed the financial planning necessary to truly enjoy your GOLDEN YEARS. Many of you have focused on accumulating a sizable nest egg to draw from through retirement.

However, some of you are unaware of the risks to your retirement income. As an advisor, it is my responsibility to make sure my clients have taken the necessary steps to account for the impact HEALTHCARE COST, INFLATION, and TAXES can have on their quality of life in retirement. There are a few strategies available to counter these common risks and avoid taking a HIT to your retirement income. Give us a call to schedule a free financial 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) 7764311. He holds his Series 65 and Life and Health licenses. Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Advisors, LLC an SEC registered investment advisor

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

HISTORY REGINALD M. OLIVER - MARSHALL UNIVERSITY, COACH & COMMUNITY LEADER

By Rodney Blount, Jr., MA I enjoy writing about the outstanding leaders of our past and present who have contributed to our society and communities in a positive way. I consider most to be unsung heroes/heroines because we often know very little about these individuals. The overwhelming majority of the history makers I write about I have not had the pleasure to meet. However, the subject of this month’s article, Reginald M. Oliver, was a dynamic giant that I had a chance to know well and I lived only a few houses away from him for a period of time. Additionally, the theme for this month’s issue of the Columbus African American News Journal is faith and the last time I saw Reginald M. Oliver was when I made a surprise visit to see him at his church, Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, before he moved back to Alabama. We had a great conversation about our friendship, memberships, family, and our family roots in the Tuscaloosa/Moundville area. He encouraged me to continue to keep up the good work and be a beacon of light to the community. His advice and encouragement were consistent qualities I gladly welcomed over the years. He gleaned his wisdom from a productive life as an athlete, coach, and community leader.

Reginald M. “Wolf” “Reggie” Oliver was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on October 20, 1951 to Mrs. Mattie Underwood and the late Mr. Arthur Underwood. He had three sisters.

He fondly remembered his time growing up in Alabama despite his family not having a lot of financial resources. He related to the Clarence Carter 1970 hit song “Patches,” about a boy raised in poverty. He was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church when Rev. O.S. Harvey served as the pastor. He attended Castle Hill Elementary School and was a 1970 graduate of Druid High School.

There was only one high school blacks could attend in Tuscaloosa during the 1960s, Druid High, for grades eight through twelve. The school was a tight knit community where everyone knew each other and everything, according to some, was under the watchful eye of coaches like Lue “Lou” Mims.1 At Druid High School, “Reggie” Oliver was a football star. “I didn’t go out for football. I was drafted out for football,” Oliver said. “I went to my mom, told her I had some talent that might take me someplace. Coach Mims, he was a great coach, not a good coach.” The 1968 Druid High School football team led

by Oliver, which wasn’t supposed to be one of Mims’ best, outscored opponents 265-52 including five shutouts, for its first undefeated season since 1937.

Oliver decided to go to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, to continue his football career. He remembered that he and high school teammates Joe Hood, Robert Vanhorn and Freddie Wilson piled into a 1962 Ford Falcon and drove from Tuscaloosa to Huntington, despite friends who advised against it. “People said not to

Ryan Fischer/The Herald-Dispatch

go to Marshall,” Oliver said. “They said, ‘They’ll make a wide receiver out of you.’

I said if it’s good enough for Joe, Robert, Freddie and (high school teammate) Larry Sanders, it’s good enough for me.” Oliver said people thought Marshall would move him to wide receiver because he was black.

Few black quarterbacks existed outside of historically black colleges at that time, and Oliver had the speed and athleticism to play wide receiver. Oliver, though, also featured a strong arm and intelligence that led Herd coaches to keep him at quarterback.

At Marshall University, Oliver was a part of the freshman team his first year. On Nov. 14, 1970, Southern Airways Flight 932 that was carrying the Marshall football team from a game against the East Carolina Pirates in Greenville, North Carolina, clipped a tree and crashed into a hill near the Tri-State Airport in Ceredo, West Virginia, killing 75 people on board. The Southern Airways chartered return flight encountered rain, fog and instrument failure. Oliver, who had been waiting nearby for his friends to arrive, was one of several freshman players tasked with identifying bodies. “They asked, ‘Do you think you’re ready for it,’ ” Oliver said. “You think ‘Yeah.’

Then they open the door and you walk inside, and the reality staring you in the face is a little different.” “I had to grow up quick.”

“With a roster of younger, inexperienced players for the next season, Oliver was a key leader as quarterback of the 1971 team, leading them to a 2-8 season. Oliver and the team were portrayed in the 2006 film “We Are Marshall,” starring Matthew McConaughey as Marshall coach Jack Lengyel. Actor Arlen Escarpeta played Oliver in the movie.” At Marshall University, Reginald Oliver was a charter member of Nu Beta chapter of Omega Psi Phi and was initiated on March 14, 1971.

Oliver was Marshall’s starting quarterback the rest of his college career and went on to play in the World Football League. Oliver also completed graduate studies at the Ohio State University.

Upon graduation, Oliver served as an assistant coach at Marshall University for 5 years, Central State University and Bowling Green State University. In 1994, Oliver was named as the head football coach at Alabama A&M 35

University. In the educational arena, Oliver taught health and physical education. He was inducted into the Marshall University Hall of Fame in 1984. He was a fisherman, deer hunter and an accomplished photographer who captured the lives and stories of countless grateful people and groups. He also was a Past Master of King David Lodge #116, PCIC/GIG of L.D. Easton Consistory #21 and a Past Potentate of Alla Baba Temple No. 53.

He was an active member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus and Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville. Oliver believed in community service and helping others. On April 28, 2018, Oliver, was the keynote speaker for the Marshall Athletics Spring Fountain Celebration outside the Memorial Student Center. The ceremony celebrates the rebirth of Marshall’s football program after the Nov. 14, 1970, plane crash. He relayed memories, some fond, some painful, to the crowd of about 300. It was his last major contribution to the school he loved so much.

Reginald “Reggie” M. Oliver passed away on August 14, 2018. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Mattie Underwood, two sisters (Katrina Ware and Dorthea Underwood), longtime companion Carla Hargrave (educator) and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Reginald Oliver touched so many lives. Marshall University athletics said, “He was one of Marshall’s true legends and will sorely be missed by the entire Thundering Herd family.” “I’m very saddened by this,” Marshall athletic director Mike Hamrick said. “It just doesn’t seem fair.” Reggie Oliver was a living legend. I am grateful to have known him and count him as a friend. He was a proud alumnus of Marshall University and the Thundering Herd; however, he was humble about his participation in helping rebuild Marshall’s team as well as humble about his other accomplishments. I encourage each of you to talk to the people in your lives and learn more about them because you might find a living legend in your midst.

Works Cited http://www.herald-dispatch.com/ Reginald M. Oliver obituary h t t p : / / w w w. t u s c a l o o s a n e w s . c o m / n e w s / 2 0 0 6 1 2 1 7 / f o u r - p l a y e r s - f ro m tuscaloosa-died-when-marshall-footballteams-flight-crashed-in-1970 https://www.wvgazettemail.com/sports/ marshall_university/marshall-great-reggieoliver-dies-at/article_eebae4ff-dafd-551aad83-e1b7d2077dc8.html 1 The author of this article, Roderick Q. Blount, Jr., is a proud relative of Coach Lue “Lou” Cullars Mims, Jr. related through his maternal grandmother, Alfredia (Logan) Hill.

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 • September 2018 TheThe Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

HISTORY

AFRICAN AMERICAN GOVERNORS

L. Douglass Wilder - Governor of Virginia 1990 -1994

Article from The History Makers - Online Newsletter This primary season we’ve seen exciting news around the Democratic Party gubernatorial nominations of Stacey Abrams of Georgia, Ben Jealous of Maryland and Andrew Gillum of Florida. Currently, the United States does not have a single black governor in office. Furthermore, Georgia, Maryland and Florida have never had a black governor, nor has Florida had a black candidate nominated for the position in either the Democratic or Republican Party. All of this seems poised to change in the upcoming November elections. 2 However, throughout U.S. history, the pursuit of high profile statewide office appears somewhat elusive for African American candidates. Only four times in our nation’s history has an African American held gubernatorial office, and only twice have those been elected positions. The first came in 1872 when P.B.S. Pinchback served as governor of Louisiana for a total of 36 days from December of 1872 to January of 1873. Pinchback assumed the governor’s office after Governor Henry Clay Warmoth was impeached for misconduct during an election. 3 While the number of African American government officials has steadily increased since Reconstruction at the local level, statewide successes have been minimal.

After Pinchback, it would take 118 years for the U.S. to seat its second black governor.

In 1990, The Honorable L. Douglas Wilder became the first African American elected governor and the first since Reconstruction. When making his decision to run for governor, Wilder contemplated the trajectory of his political career, “ But I decided I’d been there long enough in the Senate. I either should move up or out.

Benjamin Jealous 2018 Candidate for Governor of Maryland.

Deval L. Patrick - Governor of Massachusetts 2007 - 2015

And so I said, ‘I’m gonna move up or out.

If I move into the position of lieutenant governor, wouldn’t it be natural to assume that I should go to be governor?’” [ The Honorable L. Douglas Wilder, THMDA, 1.7.2 ]. 4 There is no template for success when it comes to campaigning, financing and experience, especially for African American political candidates. Historically, African American candidates are overlooked and underrepresented in the media, and their resumes are dissected and scrutinized, often deemed “underqualified” and “unprepared.”

5 In his interview, Wilder also stressed the importance of establishing one’s proficiency, in other words serving the appropriate apprenticeship in order to garner major party support.

In 2006, when The Honorable Deval L. Patrick was elected governor of Massachusetts, he broke the mold in terms of political proficiency before entering office. A Chicago native and Harvard Law School educated civil rights attorney, Patrick worked with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., and as a corporate counsel for Coca-Cola and Texaco. Patrick had done everything--except run for political office. Shortly after his inauguration, Wilder noted that he was “tremendously impressed” with Patrick’s campaign. 6 Eddie Jenkins, Jr. who campaigned for Deval recalled, “ I campaigned for him, led him through parades, just door knocked for him. If you lived in Massachusetts, you owed it to yourself to do the best you could--to put a man who has his type of qualities in office. ” [ Eddie Jenkins, Jr., THMDA, 1.6.9 ]. 7 When The Honorable David A. Paterson assumed governorship in New York in 2008, he became the first black governor in the State

Stacey Abrams 2018 Candidate for Governor of Georgia

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • September 2018 American News Journal • February 2015

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David S. Patterson - Governor of New York 2008 - 2010

of New York. He was sworn in on March 17th amidst a complicated scandal that ousted former Governor Eliot Spitzer from office. He also reflected on the media’s representation of his tenure as governor citing, “ I feel that it was racial in the sense that a black man became governor of New York, but he didn’t become governor by being elected.

He became governor because, as Malcolm Wilson did in 1974 [sic. 1973], which was the last time it happened. But when a black man did it, they called it the accidental governor .” [ The Honorable David Paterson, THMDA, Tape 12 ]. 8 Paterson handled the tumultuous situation with great reserve, and served the remainder of Spitzer’s term until 2010 choosing not to seek reelection.

In this historic forthcoming election season, we aim to close the gap between African American politicians and statewide office. Although there has been minimal representation at the state level, there are considerable breakthroughs to celebrate. In her interview, Gwen Ifill reminded us that in spite of the challenges black politicians’ face, there are those who have prevailed, “ They said, people told them it wasn’t time, that they weren’t ready, including other black politicians, black civil rights leaders who weren’t ready to hand over the torch.

People told them they weren’t black enough, that they didn’t fit some sort of notion of what blackness ought to be. Everybody said that.

Deval Patrick said it, Barack Obama said it, everybody said. Ed Brooke said it. And the more I started putting together this story, I realized it was an amazing similarity of what it took to be audacious enough to think that you could be mayor, be county executive, be whatever, in spite of. And I just thought that was a very fascinating story.” [ Gwen Ifill, THMDA, 2.7.1 ]. 9

Andrew Gillum 2018 Candidate for Governor of Florida

COMMUNITYEVENTS Columbus, Ohio September 14-16, 2018 Columbus Caribbean Festival Enjoy the sounds and culture of the islands right here in Central Ohio at the 2nd Annual Caribbean Festival. A family friendly event, the weekend festivities will be filled with music, food and dance. For more information visit the website below.

Location: Scioto Mile Address: 233 South Civic Center Drive, 43215 Time: (Fri) 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM, (Sat) 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.ColumbusCaribbeanFestival.com September 16, 2018 Healthy Community Day The OSU Wexner Medical Center is committed to improving health in Central Ohio. That’s why Ohio State doctors, nurses and specialists are uniting for Healthy Community Day to deliver free health screenings and services to you. Also enjoy free parkings, food and cooking demonstrations, giveaways and family entertainments. This event is free and open to the public.

Location: Jerome Schottenstein Center Address: 555 Borror Dr., 43210 Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.WexnerMedical.osu.edu/health-and-wellness September 21, 2018 Best selling author and journalist Wil Haygood will speak on the Columbus State Community College campus about his new book, Tigerland 1968-1969: A City Divided, A Nation Torn Apart, and a Magical Season of Healing. Haygood, a Columbus native, refers to his latest work as, “an emotional, inspiring story of two teams from a poor, black, segregated high school in Ohio, who, in the midst of the racial turbulence of 1968-1969, win the Ohio state baseball and basketball championships in the same year.”

September 27, 2018 Columbus Commission on Black Girls - Listening Session Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla Tyson sponsored Resolution 0208-2018 to create the Commission on Black Girls.

The Commission will study and assess factors that impact the quality of life for black girls ages 11-22, who live in Columbus.

This special “Listening Session” is designed to hear from young black girls in the community. To participate or for more information call 614-645-2932.

Location: Columbus Public Health - Auditorium Address: 240 Parsons Ave Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.Eventbrite.com/columbus-commission-on-black-girls September 27 - 28, 2018 From Punishment to Public Health: Ending the Overdose Crisis will explore the impact of criminal justice laws and policies in compounding drug use harms, including overdose deaths, and offer an alternative framework for addressing problematic drug use and drug-related fatalities that is rooted in evidence, compassion and the principles of harm reduction. Conference organizers include: Drug Policy Alliance, Drug Enforcement & Policy Center at The Ohio State University, Harm Reduction Ohio, College of Public Health at The Ohio State University and ACLU-Ohio.

Location: Saxby Auditorium, Moritz College of Law Address: 55 West 12th Ave., 43210 Time: 11:30 a.m. September 27 – 5:30 p.m. September 28 Admission: Free Contact: hrdinova.1@osu.edu September 29, 2018 UNCF Walk Join the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) for their annual walkfor-education. All money raised will help a student attend college on a UNCF scholarship. For more information or to register, call 614-221-5309. Bring a friend or two and walk for a great cause!

Location: Columbus State Community College, Nestor Hall Address: 488 Mt. Vernon Ave. 43215 Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Admission: Free Web: www.cscc.edu/about/news/2018/wilhaygood2018.shtml

Location: Wolf Address: 555 Borror Dr., 43210 Time: 9:00 AM - Noon Admission: Donations Web: www.UNCF.org/walk-for-education

September 26, 2018 Distinguished historian and civil rights thought leaders, Dr. Carol Anderson, will lead a discussion on the topic of her latest book, One Person, No vote – How Voter Suppression is Destroying Our Democracy. While our country was founded on the ideal that “all men are created equal,” we have suffered a long history of disenfranchisement of people of color, women, low-income people and people with disabilities. Professor Anderson will discuss how historical oppression continues to manifest itself into present-day voter suppression. This event is sponsored by: American Constitution Society, CAIR-Columbus, COHHIO-Columbus, ACLU-Ohio, Ohio Voice, Common Cause Ohio.

September 29, 2018 8th Annual Central Ohio HBCU College Fair The 8th Annual Central Ohio HBCU College Fair will host more than 30 historical Black colleges and universities who will provide information about academic opportunities, lifestyle and culture at these institutions. In addition, students and parents will have an opportunity to learn about financial aid, completing college applications, academic requirements and more. Performances by local Black Greek organizations, door prizes and a live DJ will be on hand to entertain.

Location: Lou’s Café, Moritz College of Law Address: 55 West 12th Ave. 43210 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Admission: Free Contact: Sanadiki.1@osu.edu

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

Location: Barnett Recreation Center Address: 1184 Barnett Rd., 43227 Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Admission: Free Contact: www.OhioHBCUCollegeFair.com

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The Columbus & Dayton African American • September 2018

COMMUNITYEVENTS Dayton, Ohio September 11, 2018 Pints & Preneurs: Rock the Side Hustle, sponsored by the Dayton Tech Guide, is for individuals who love the idea of taking on projects they believe in and working the hours they choose but are not ready to make the leap to full-time entrepreneur. A panel of young professional entrepreneurs will discuss the challenges and opportunities of a side hustle.

Location: @444 Address: 444 E. 2nd Ave. 45402 Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Admission: Free Web: www.eventbrite.com/e/pints-preneurs-rock-the-sidehustle-sept-2018-tickets-49137800484 September 14, 2018 One in five children in America live at or below the poverty line. These numbers should disturb us, yet statistics can have a numbing effect. The Cost of Poverty Experience offers an opportunity to gain a glimpse into the lives of families in our communities who face poverty every day. There is a growing awareness within the health sector that social factors associated with poverty such as income, education, and location are strong determinants of health. This experiential training helps communities more deeply understand the complexities of poverty and pave the way to address the issues.

Location: Miami Valley Hospital, Berry Women’s Pavilion, Conf. Rm. 5 Address: One Wyoming Street, 45409 Time: 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission: Free Web: www.eventbrite.com/e/cope-participant-registrationhealthcare-edition-pilot-tickets-49750033690?aff=ebdssbdests earch September 16, 2018 2018 Five Rivers Peacebuilder Experience, presented by 21st Century Peace Literacy Foundation and International Cities of Peace, this event will be jam-packed with opportunities to learn the art of peaceful living from experienced peacebuilders.

Dayton will show its solidarity with 215 peace cities from around the world with a Circle of Support. Presenters include the City of Dayton Human Relations Council, Paul Chappell, International Speaker and Author, the Dayton Heartfulness Institute and others.

Location: Day ton Metro Library Downton Address: 215 E. Third St. 45402 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission: Free Web: www.PbExperience.org September 27, 2018 The Job Center of Ohio has partnered with Flourish Now Job Fairs to connect job seekers face-to-face with local employers.

Flourish Now Job Fairs is a national non-profit charity that focuses on getting people back to work. This event is free and registration is encouraged in order for participants to receive an advance list of employers.

Location: The shepherd’s Table Address: 3520 Third St. 45403 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Admission: Free Web: www.flourish-now.org/events/2018-09-27-job-fair/

September 27, 2018 Join in the fun and celebrate Dayton’s great community at this year’s Gem City Market Community Block Party hosted by the Gem City Market Campaign Team. Activities include health screenings, free burgers, hot dogs and grilled veggies, community potluck, bounce house and more.

Location: GCMC Address: 300/400 Salem Ave 45406 Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Admission: Free Web: www.Eventbrite.com/e/gem-city-market-communityblock-party-tickets-49662383526 September 28, 2018 Kasserian Ingera: “How Are the Children?” is the theme of the 2nd Annual Infant Mortality Conference hosted by the Community Overdose Action Team – Prescription Opioid Branch. The conference objective is to provide the community with information about infant mortality as well as increase and affirm collective action to implement policies to address factors that increase the prevalence of infant mortality at the systems, community/environment and grassroots level.

Location: Sinclair Community College Conference Center, Bldg. 12 Address: 444 West Third Street 45402 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Admission: Free (Registration is required by September 21) Contact: Kara Thomas kthomas@phdmc.org 937-496-7188 September 29, 2018 The Faith Deliverance Church Wellness Team is hosting a workshop and training focused on youth mental health. Today, one in five teenagers and young adult is living with a mental health condition. This workshop/training will educate parents, caregivers and adults who work with youth about the signs od depression, anxiety, substance abuse, disruptive behaviors and eating disorders and what can be done until professional health begins. This course will be taught by certified Mental Health First Aid USA. Lunch will be provided.

Location: Faith Deliverance Church of God in Christ Address: 450 Turner Road 45415 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission: Free Contact: 937-278-4535 October 4-6, 2018 The 2018 Regional Neighborhood Network Conference hosted by the City of Dayton is where volunteers, corporations, governments and community leaders from five states and more than 20 midwestern cities gather to learn from each other and share ideas to transform their own communities.

Location: Dayton Convention Center Address: 22 E. 5th Ave. 45402 Time: 3:00 p.m. Oct. 4 – Noon Oct. 6 Admission: $25-$125 Web: www.Eventbrite.com/e/2018-regional-neighborhoodnetwork-conference-registration-41507473972

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 call 614-826-2254 or email us at editor@columbusafricanamerican.com. Submissions are due the last Friday of each month.

The Columbus African & Dayton African American • September 2018 American News Journal • February 2015

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Board of Commissioners

hr-boc.franklincountyohio.gov/job-openings/

Franklin County employees help Central Ohio thrive Local government employees contribute to the community while being a part of a dynamic, fair and flexible environment.

Visit our website today to see how you can make a difference!

KEVIN L. BOYCE

MARILYN BROWN

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JOHN O’GRADY

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

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Prostate cancer is a complex disease driven by molecules and genes that behave differently in every person. At The James, we bring together experts from a variety of disciplines to detect, diagnose and analyze your prostate cancer at the genetic level. These multidisciplinary teams are delivering the most advanced targeted treatments and minimally invasive surgeries for your prostate cancer, leading to better outcomes, faster responses, fewer side effects and more hope.

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The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015