June 14 - 21, 2024

June 14 - 21, 2024

Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Announces Nan Whaley as New CEO

CINCINNATI —

Planned Parenthood

Southwest Ohio Region announced today that Nan Whaley will become its next CEO.

The former long-serving mayor of Dayton and 2022 Democratic Nominee for Ohio governor will be taking her years of expertise as a public servant and leader in Ohio to advance the work of reproductive health care in Ohio. In her more than two decades of service to her community, Whaley has served the City of Dayton as City Commissioner (2006-2013) and Mayor (20142022), Democratic Nominee for Ohio Governor (2022) and, most recently, Director of Membership for the US Conference of Mayors.

Whaley’s strong leadership, relationships and organizational skills have helped drive growth in her community, the state of Ohio and the country as a

Nan Whaley

whole. During her tenure with the City of Dayton, she worked to advance economic development, improve education and job opportunities, address issues of racial inequity and poverty, and to reduce gun violence – all of which helped to promote a healthy environment for her constituents.

Now, she’s stepping up to dive deeper into the health care landscape: –working to advance and expand access to reproductive health care and

relationship and sexuality education in the state of Ohio– both causes she has a history of prioritizing. As a gubernatorial candidate, Whaley centered her campaign around the issue of protecting reproductive rights and health care access.

“I am honored to be chosen as the next President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region. This is a critical time in reproductive health care and we bear no small responsibility to make sure our community of southwest Ohio and all who come to us in need of service, get the care they need. As a haven to surrounding states like Kentucky, Tennessee and across the southeast, following the passage of Issue 1, sustainability and expanding our capacity is a top priority alongside advocacy and education. Patients deserve choices and we are proud to offer them high quality, comprehensive care at

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African-American Community Fund Hosts 2024 Breakfast Meeting and Fundraiser

On Thursday, June 20, in honor of Juneteenth (which is nationally recognized on June 19), the African-American Community Fund (AACF) will hold its 2024 Breakfast Meeting and Fundraiser from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., in the Great Hall (Building 12) at Sinclair Community College. The event will consist of breakfast and a short program, with presentations about the fund’s 2023 highlights by AACF President Eric Walker Mabry and testimonials from AACF’s 2023 scholarship

and grant recipients. The breakfast is free to attend, however registration is required. To reserve a seat or be added to the sponsor list, please email aacf@daytonfoundation.

org. Registration for the breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m., and the meeting will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. All proceeds from contributions will assist the African-American Community Fund in providing scholarships to local African-American students and grants to nonprofit organizations.

2024 Juneteenth Events in Dayton

Ohio Conference NAACP Votes to Reinstate Longtime Vice President

During the Executive Committee meeting of the Ohio Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held on June 8, 2024, members voted to reinstate NAACP Image Award winning Dr. Derrick L. Foward as Vice President of the organization. Due to Foward seeking the office of State Representative for the 38th House District of Ohio during the Ohio Primary, he had to relinquish his state position. As a result, Andre Washington, 2nd Vice President and Annette McCoy, 3rd Vice President, automatically ascended to Vice President and 2nd Vice President respectively.

Pursuant to the ruling of the Associate General Counsel of the national NAACP, Washington and McCoy returned to their prior positions as a result of this action.

“I appreciate my colleagues all across the Buckeye State of Ohio for believing in my leadership and I’m ready to get back to work on behalf of all Ohioans from an advocacy standpoint,” said

Foward. “The November 5, 2024 General Election will be a pivotal turning point in our democracy and we must stand ready to defend it! I ask every Ohioan to stand up and move forward by registering an alarming and unprecedented number of people to vote throughout our 88 counties and ensure they have rides to the polls on election day! I’m fired up and ready to go! Are you,?” said Foward. Founded in 1930, the

Ohio Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the state’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members across the great Buckeye State of Ohio are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. Their core goal is to “Build the Conference One Unit at a Time” to empower the Citizenry as they pursue justice and equality for all Americans

What is Juneteenth?

It is an unofficial (but quickly becoming official state by state) American holiday celebrated annually on the 19th of June in the United States to commemorate Union army General Gordon Granger’s reading of federal orders in the city of Galveston, Texas, on 19 June 1865, proclaiming that all enslaved persons in the U.S. state of Texas were now free!

Where can you go in the Miami Valley to celebrate?

Juneteenth 2024 SPEAKER JAM

Join us for the Juneteenth Speaker Jam Featuring community leaders, discussions, and light hors d’oeuvres. Kick off Juneteenth celebration!

Date and time: Friday, June 14th · 6:30 – 8:30pm

Location: Dayton Metro Library – Northwest Branch

For questions, more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact AACF’s breakfast coordinator, Eric Walker, at (937) 212-6568.

About the AfricanAmerican Community Fund:

Established in 1992 as a component fund of The Dayton Foundation, AACF’s mission is to increase organized philanthropy in the African- American community and empower others through giving.

Juneteenth Celebration

Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Campus: Dayton Location: Sinclair Conference Center FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC –BUT YOU MUST REGISTER!

Join Sinclair’s Chief Diversity Officer, Michael Carter, for a free lunch and program celebrating Juneteenth, the Continued on Page 2

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

With more than 6 million men in America suffering from mental health issues, they are still less likely to seek help or treatment for depression than women.

The month of June is dedicated to men’s mental health awareness, and June 10-16 is International Men’s Health Week. It’s meant to, not only raise awareness of men’s mental health issues, but to also encourage men to seek help.

There is often a stigma placed around men’s mental health. That’s why 40% of men don’t seek treatment when dealing with things like depression. Experts suggest the more we talk about these things, the more likely men will acknowledge their feelings.

Karen Petersen, the director of development for Wellstone Emergency Services, says everyone is affected by mental illness and addiction. It takes the community to help those who feel like they’re alone.

“Men stereotypically, culturally, have not talked about mental health,” said Petersen. “The more we

can get everyone to talk about mental health… the more we can eliminate stigma and get more people to seek the help and recognize that maybe they do need help in improving their state of mind.”

Peterson says there are signs you can look out for to recognize if someone is dealing with a mental health episode.

If the person is isolating themselves, reach out to them and ask them how they’re really feeling.

If you notice they’re talking about going away or having suicidal thoughts — that can be a sign that they are dealing with mental health issues. Rapid or dramatic shifts

Happy Father’s Day

in emotions like depression or irritability can also point to mental illness.

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help, you can call 9-8-8 to talk to a trained counselor for assistance.

Dr. Derrick L. Foward

Miami Valley Weather

Around DAYTON 5day Forecast

DML, Welcome Dayton Partner on Refugee Celebration, Art Exhibit

Dayton Metro Library partners with Welcome Dayton to host a World Refugee Day Celebration on Saturday, June 22, 11 am-2 pm, in the Main Library’s Eichelberger Forum.

Patrons can honor and learn about Dayton’s refugee population (those who have fled war and atrocities in their home countries) with a panel and cultural displays. Music, dancing, and refreshments will also be provided.

Registration is not required. All ages are welcome. The Main Library is located at 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, 45402. Ample free parking is provided in the parking garage adjacent to the Library, accessible off St. Clair, as well as on the street. For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665. Additionally, in support of the Dayton area’s New Americans, Welcome Dayton’s Community, Culture and Arts subcommittee will host an art exhibit that will feature works from Dayton’s New American Community. The exhibit will be

DML Launches New Opportunity Space

Dayton Metro Library has a new space dedicated to patrons seeking assistance with business, nonprofit, community wellness, and workforce development: the Opportunity Center at Main (formally knowns as the Opportunity @ Patterson). The Opportunity Center is open Monday-Thursday, 10 am-4 pm, with other times by appointment. It offers a space for entrepreneurs who need a place to work, to make phone calls, or to meet with

clients. DML will also host a variety of classes in this space, such as workshops on funding, incorporating, writing proposals, and other nonprofit and business topics. DML’s Community Development team consists of: Ann Riegle Crichton, Community Development Manager (offers career support as well) Camille Hall, Business Services Specialist Jessica Hunter, Nonprofit Services Specialist Kristina Hill, Community Wellness Specialist DML’s English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for New Americans, in addition to resource fairs and Pantry Partner food distribution, also take place in the Opportunity Center. Additionally, DML's Community Wellness Specialist hosts weekly resource fairs in the Opportunity Center every

Tuesday from 1-3 pm, with the exception of the second Tuesday of the month, which is dedicated to DML’s Pantry Partner food distribution.

The resource fairs welcome a variety of community partners to help patrons get connected to needed resources such as housing support, mental health support, and addiction services. Partners who have visited thus far include Ohio Connectivity, Miami Valley Housing Opportunity, Miami Valley Works, and Armanda Recovery. Visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org/CommunityResources for more information on community resources, book recommendations, and to stay up-to-date on wellnessrelated events at DML and within the community.

Patrons who would like to meet with a Community Development specialist can make appoints online

by visiting DaytonMetroLibrary.org/Opportunity.

DML also offers free subscription to the Opportunity Focus, an enewsletter sent out every other month that highlights key Opportunity news. Patrons can sign up here and have it sent directly to their email.

DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. If you would like to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/or language translation please contact us through the method that best meets your needs. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

You can submit an Accommodations Request on our website or call our Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

on display at the Main Library, Friday, November 1-Tuesday, December 31. Artists from immigrant/refugee communities in Dayton who would like to have their works considered for the exhibit can apply via a submission form found at daytonohio. gov/1195/New-Americans-Art-Exhibit beginning Monday, July 1. Additional information about the exhibit and application process can also be found there.

DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. If you would like to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/or language translation please contact us through the method that best meets your needs. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

You can submit an Accommodations Request on our website or call our Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

2024 Juneteenth Events in Dayton... Continued from Page 1 and other local performers, fantastic raffle prizes, a Phat & Rich food truck, a cash bar, and live painting!

day known as the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

This year’s celebration will feature Timothy Askew, Ph.D., Author of Cultural Hegemony and African American Patriotism: An Analysis of the Song “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, a song of Diversity and Inclusion.

Juneteenth Celebration & Fundraiser for DCDC

Time & Location

Jun 19, 2024, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

The Brightside , 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402, USA

About the event

Join us for this beautiful, fun celebration and fundraiser for our Dayton Contemporary Dance Company! Local art inspired by the dancers and their work will be auctioned off – you don’t want to miss this. Enjoy a variety of entertainment and activities, including performances by DCDC

Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Announces Nan Whaley as New CEO...

Continued from Page 1

Planned Parenthood. I look forward to working with this amazing team to continue that legacy of care no matter what and increase access for everyone who needs it,” said Whaley.

“We are overjoyed to announce that Nan Whaley will be stepping in to take on the role of the next President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.

Nan has already had an indelible impact on the community of Southwest Ohio in her over 20 years working as a public servant for the state; and we know she will only further advance the prosperity of our community as a champion for reproductive health care advancement in the region,” added Beth Mandel and Laura Mercer, Board of Directors co-chairs, Planned

Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region. Following the passage of the Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment in November, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region is focusing on expansion in its newfound role as a haven state and the first point of access for patients in need of abortion coming from the South following Florida’s six-week ban.

Whaley’s extensive experience working with local business leaders and building relationships with like-minded organizations will help advance Planned Parenthood’s outreach work and grant funding opportunities which will allow for better, more holistic care and opportunities for our patients.

Nan’s tenure will begin July 1st.

Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2023 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Featured Program 5:00 – 6:15 PM FREE ADMISSION – Open to the Public! Gates open at 4:00 PM

Presented by the Kettering Board of Community Relations and City of Kettering Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts

Join us for Kettering’s Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration! This free, family event features live music from Luv Locz Experiment, food trucks, local vendors, crafts for children and an inspiring, informative keynote address by historian and TEDx Talk presenter Faheem Curtis-Khidr.

Luv Locz Experiment 4:00-5:00 PM, 6:157:00 PM

This Dayton-based, reggae-infused, funk’n soul band brings a unique sound and the perfect energy to the celebration. From original music to their own twist on favorite tunes, you’ll be transported to the islands to dance your troubles away! Luv Locz Experiment website

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National

Black Real Estate Entrepreneur

Who Went From Broke to Millions is Now Helping Others Do So Too

Nationwide -- Mike Ealy is not just a real estate magnate in his own right; he's a visionary who has transformed his passion for real estate into a multimillion-dollar portfolio. And he’s committed to helping others do so too. “I didn't come from a wealthy family, but wealthy families will come from me,” quips Ealy, president of Cincinnati-based Nassau Investments, a commercial real estate investment firm. “I'm the first one in my family to do this, so that’s why I’m so passionate about giving back and teaching,” says “It all starts with knowledge and believing in yourself. You. Can. Do. This!” From humble beginnings dreaming of a career in STEM to the helm of a thriving real estate empire, Ealy's journey is a remarkable one of inspiration and resilience. Born and raised in Cincinnati, his career trajectory took an unexpected turn during his time as a student at Tuskegee University, an historically Black university in Alabama. His love of math initially drew him to electrical engineering, but he read a book that lit a fire in him to give real estate a try. "I ended up being a real estate guy," says Ealy with a smile, reflecting on that pivotal shift that changed the course of his life."

He first embarked on his real estate journey in his 20s with $3,000 he’d saved from working multiple jobs. He started small, acquiring his first property using creative financing strategies he’d picked up from reading more books on real estate investing and business. He eventually acquired multiple properties and enjoyed a validating season of financial rewards. However, he soon learned the hard way that he did not have the right foundation and structure and unexpectedly lost it all during the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy and when race riots erupted in Cincinnati.

Defeated, Ealy initially wallowed in what he perceived as “the valley of failure,” but then he stepped out on

faith, opting to change his perspective. “I cannot lie, at first I was feeling defeated, like a failure, like I let myself and my family down,” he remembers. “But then I brushed myself off and used my ‘get back up muscles’ and eased myself back into the game. It was an unfortunate experience, but it taught me some important life lessons that I needed to learn early on, about the power of perseverance and adaptability. For that, I am eternally grateful.”

Ealy stayed the course and eventually bounced back, leveraging what became known as the “the Great Recession” as a stepping stone to rebuild his wealth while others were losing big. Today his real estate portfolio boasts more than 1,500 units and five hotels, valued at over $300 million. His latest venture, the Lion Capital Fund, he says, represents the culmination of his experience and vision. "The Lion Capital Fund is an opportunity to acquire real estate as a REIT, Real Estate Investment Trust, offering consistent returns to investors," he explains. More than just a fund, Ealy says the Lion Capital Fund aims to increase access to wealth-building opportunities. "We want to help people build wealth and be more in control of it," he says. The passive investment fund caters to a wide range of investors, providing access to cashflowing properties such as apartments and hotels with limited risk. One of its key objectives is being nimble and able to identify and act on real estate market opportunities quickly. Most recently that has resulted in him launching a funding campaign to purchase a mix of hotels and apartment complexes via Vesterr, a platform touted as the nation’s first Blackowned and led crowdfunding platform for real estate investing. "There's never been a time like this in history," Ealy states, referring to the impending foreclosure wave predicted as interest rates remain high and commercial real estate investors begin offloading properties. "Now's the time to seize the opportunity to be a part of this, to get your financial piece of the pie."

Ealy says Lion Capital Fund offers investors a chance to invest in existing, cash-flowing prop-

Something to Consider: Making Changes To Follow God’s Purpose

By: Brenda Cochran Contributing Writer

There is often one major question concerning what and how we are able to discover and know exactly what God’s Purpose is for our lives. Sometimes we have found His purpose, but then we are unsure of how we can actually live in His purpose.

erties with limited risk. With properties already renovated and generating revenue, investors can expect steady returns and tax benefits. "We encourage people to get educated," stresses Ealy, highlighting that he believes real estate is a safer investment than the volatile stock market.

“There’s just so much opportunity out there to build wealth with real estate,” he says. “Every investment comes with risk, but I want people to know that real estate investing is a vehicle and it’s accessible and very lucrative.”

Beyond his business ventures, Ealy is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience in the real estate industry with others who want to learn. Through his website, www.bigdealmike. com, he offers courses, webinars and mentorship opportunities to aspiring investors. “My goal is to show people that they can impact the lives of their family and transform their financial status,” he asserts.

Reflecting on his journey, Ealy says he uses what he refers to as “the hurdles of unbelief, fear and failure” that he’s faced throughout his own career as opportunities to grow. "People laughed at me, but that just made me stronger, more determined," he says. His message to aspiring investors: "There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to obtain wealth. You are always just one big deal away from financial success!

Ealy is available to share his story of hope and financial empowerment across all media platforms. For more information about Ealy and the Lion Capital Fund, visit the official web site at NassauInvests.com

To arrange an interview, please contact Jia You at (513) 288-4606 or email assistant@nassauinvests. com

About Nassau Investments is a Cincinnati-based commercial real estate investment firm with a portfolio boasting $250 million in apartments and hotels. Its mission is to educate and increase the wealth of investors by offering opportunities to participate and invest in exclusive commercial real estate investments, such as apartments and hotels.

Once we have discovered exactly what God’s purpose for our lives is, we sometimes find that we are not able to follow His purpose, because eventually we find that we can and should follow His purpose, but we may have to make some necessary changes in order to fulfill this purpose.

If we look in the Book of Romans 8:28, we find this verse that reads: All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

The problem is even though we’ve known what His purpose is, there may be some of the things we’ve got to change in order to follow this purpose.

If we look at the Book of Ephesians 4:20-24, we were taught that in order for us to keep our old ways, we have to sometimes, put off our old self which might have been corrupted and in order for us to become new, and put on the new self, we want to be created and changed to be like God.

All of us know that in today’s world everything is changing and there is an old saying that says that change is the only

Brenda Cochran

constant we have in life.

From huge life changes like perhaps changing your career or maybe becoming a parent, or even sporting a brand-new hair style, change can really make us afraid. Most could agree that in 2024, we have experienced and are now living with unbelievable changes. Trying to keep a positive attitude, has not been easy at all because many of them are so difficult to accept.

Often times, many are afraid because sometimes these changes can be out of our control or we are unsure of what is in store for our future.

We know one constant source of encouragement is the Bible. We can turn to scripture for Bible verses about change in order to find some comfort and peace during these times of transition.

If we look at the Book of Jeramiah 29:11, we will find this scripture:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord “Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

We are facing changes in our lives daily, but it is always comforting when we read a Bible verse, that speaks of not just change, but many other subjects and issues. Usually, in these times of change, many of us are becoming fearful or anxious because we are not sure of what will happen or unfold, but we can rest in the truth that God does have a plan and a purpose for all of us and He will lead us toward the right path when we are able to place our trust in Him.

There is one thing that we can be thankful for is and this is knowing that change is temporary and we can find this in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18- which reads “Though outwardly we are wasting away, and inwardly, we are being renewed day by day.” For our life and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. The following is a quote concerning changes in order to follow God’s Purpose for us: “This life can be hard, but through trials, the Lord makes us stronger. During times of tribulation, our faith is able to grow and multiply.”

Opinion Biden Underestimates How Much Black Americans Care About This Issue

Black voters will not only be a driving force in the 2024 elections; they will most likely be the driving force. Recent polls showed that roughly 20 percent of Black voters said they would probably vote for Donald Trump if the election were held today — the highest level of Black support for any Republican presidential candidate since the civil rights era. An additional 8

percent said they wouldn’t vote at all. Democratic campaign officials are rightly worried, but there’s still time for President Biden to make up the ground he has lost. One way he could do it is by talking to Black America, especially young Black voters, about a sleeper issue: the climate crisis.

As an environment and climate researcher, I have

found that despite the growing threat posed by climate change, politicians often seem to downplay the crisis when courting Black communities. Democratic strategists seem to see climate change as a key political issue only for white liberal elites and assume that other groups, like Black voters, are either unaware

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Arts & Entertainment

The Next Tiny Stacks Concert

Dayton Metro Library welcomes Mark Joshua to the Miamisburg Branch on Thursday, June 20, at 6 pm, as part of its Tiny Stacks Music Series.

Mark Joshua is a Filipino-American musician and songwriter hailing from Cincinnati. His musical influences range from Country and Folk to Pop and R&B. Mark has been writing songs and performing live for over 14 years. He has released three EPs, with the latest one titled Sedated.

Tiny Stacks is held a partnership with WYSO of Yellow Springs and the International College of Broadcasting. This initiative is sponsored by Friends of the Dayton Metro Library and aims to connect local musicians, books,

and patrons in one spot.

The music sessions, held at various DML Branches, invite community members to engage in the rich and diverse musical talents of the Dayton area and partake in the vast number of resources the Library offers.

Additional Tiny Stacks concerts include The Nautical Theme at the Brookville Branch on Thursday, August 8; Electrified Melons at the Wilmington-Stroop Branch on Thursday, September 12; and Melina Marie at the Huber Heights Branch on Thursday, October 24.

Registration is not required, and Tiny Stacks is free and open to all ages. The Miamisburg Branch is located at 545 E. Linden Avenue, Miamisburg, 45342. Additional information about the Tiny

Stacks Music Series can be found DaytonMetroLibrary.org/TinyStacks. Additional questions may also be directed to the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. If you would like to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/or language translation please contact us through the method that best meets your needs. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

You can submit an Accommodations Request on our website or call our Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Kids Take to the Reading Stage with DML Program

Dayton Metro Library’s Trotwood Branch will be hosting a unique literacy program titled Stories on Stage: Reader’s Theater Camp. This literacy experience will give kids in grades 1-4 the chance to practice repeated readings of a story that will culminate with a performance. During the performance, kids will read directly from their scripts. Costumes and sets are not typically used in such a performance; but rather, a performance relies on the kids’ expressiveness through reading and the audience’s imagination.

The Reader’s Theater

Camp runs Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28, from 12-2 pm. Registration is required. The kids will practice through the week, and a final performance will be held on Friday, June 28, for families and friends. A Reader’s Theater Camp impacts a child’s fluency, reading comprehension, and enjoyment of reading. Participants can expect fun, games, and snacks. It is important that they attend as many sessions as possible during the week because roles will be assigned and practiced during each session.

For more information and to register, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or

call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665. DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. If you would like to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/or language translation please contact us through the method that best meets your needs. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs. You can submit an Accommodations Request on our website or call our Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

2024 Juneteenth Events in Dayton...

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Luv Locz Experiment Linktree

Faheem Curtis-Khidr

5:30-6:15 PM

A hit at Kettering’s first Juneteenth celebration in 2022, Faheem Curtis-Khidr delivered a personal, compelling presentation that brought history home to our community. Faheem is a tenured faculty member and Equity Fellow at Sinclair Community College. His local research project on West Dayton’s Hog Bottom neighborhood has been recognized and showcased at the REACH Conference, The National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center, and by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Faheem has provided equity trainings and presentations, including a TEDxDayton Talk on the need for equity in the university experience.

PLUS:

Local Minority-Owned Businesses, Arts & Crafts, and more:

Chicken Heads Ghost Kitchen

The Cookieologist

Pooter Mae

Seven Spa

Vegan It Iz Eats

Evolv U Fit Academy

Dayton Fit Lab

MacBrand Clothing

Welcome Home Dayton

The Art of Yetunde Rodriguez

African American Visual Artists Guild (AAVAG)

Dayton Metro Library

Bookmobile

Food Trucks:

iQuisines – freshly made-to-order stuffed chicken & waffles and dessert waffles

De’Lish – Dayton’s Best Creole, Cajun and Soul Food

Diamond Daiquiris –delicious sno-balls and daiquiris with homemade syrups

Scooby’s BBQ

JUNETEENTH CONCERT W/ E.U. FEATURING SUGAR BEAR

Date: Saturday, June 15th

Location: Levitt Pavilion

This event begins at 5:30PM with Home of Urban Creative Arts Community curated ceremonies, commemoration, and concert. Experience poetry, African dance, musicians, drumming, performances, commemoration, food trucks, live choir, creative sculptures, and Grammy Nominated E.U. featuring Sugar Bear!

Juneteenth FatherFest

Join us in June for the annual Juneteenth and FatherFest celebration.

The George & Sarah Gammon 5K Run/Walk/ Discover on Saturday, June 8th;

Juneteenth FatherFest Prayer Breakfast, Friday, June 14th at 9 am;

Juneteenth FatherFest Celebration on Saturday, June 15th from 11 am to 7 pm.

Juneteenth: Music Festival

Date: Sunday, June 16th 4p-9p

Location: Eichelberger Amphitheater

The City of Huber Heights’ Culture and Diversity Citizen Action Commission (HHCDCAC) is excited to host the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Music Festival at the Eichelberger Amphitheater on Sunday, June 16, from 4-9 p.m. Parking and admission into the festival is free. Local musical acts and many black-own food truck proprietors and retail vendors will be on hand.

Community members will have a unique opportunity to hear some of the Dayton area’s best musical acts, with Gemstone as the headliner. Additional talent will include Ric Sexton and Friends, Luther

Suede, Rhonda Sumlin, and DJ Oscar. Food trucks will be present during the entire festival and include the ever-popular Norman’s Bakery, First Bite Catering, Diamond Daiquiris, and Courtlands BBQ. For those who wish to support local businesses and shop while listening to music and enjoying delicious food, the follow retail vendors will be present: Cakez by Da Pound, My Chocolate Company, Razor Sharp Salon & Barbershop, Chozen, Razor Sharp Moving and Service, Nae’s Treats, Bout That Light LLC, KC Jewels, ABWA Polaris Huber Heights, Adeaze’ Custom Designs, Homework Café, Kandles by Ki, and the City of Huber Heights Parks and Recreation department. Kettering Health’s Juneteenth “A Freedom Celebration” Regal Rhythms Poetry presents: Kettering Health’s Juneteenth “A Freedom Celebration” on Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 3:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.

Regal Rhythms Poetry presents: Kettering Health’s Juneteenth “A Freedom Celebration” on Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 3:30 p.m.5:30 p.m. at Sinclair Community College, 444 W Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402. This is a FREE, familyfriendly event hosted by MoPoetry Phillips featuring performances by the Jazz Renaissance Band, SoL; Bi-Okoto African Dancers, songstress Shree Phillips; and spoken word performances by A Slate, Gifted, Zeda Stew, and Victoria Pepperoni; and special guest, Michael Carter. Parking available in Lot C. Enter through Building 12 from the north or south side and take the elevator up to the 1st floor. Refreshments included

Educational Nonprofit Selects New Home in Downtown Dayton

A nonprofit organization working with potential first-generation college students has identified its first local office.

Bottom Line has established its new office in Talbott Tower, located at 118 W First St. in downtown Dayton. This location, Bottom Line's first in Ohio, occupies approximately 3,200 square feet on the building’s eighth floor.

The nonprofit partners with first-generation students from underresourced communities to help them enter and graduate from college.

Bottom Line Ohio will serve its first cohort of 180 students in Fall 2024, enrolling local high school seniors in

is

(Brown & Bills Architects) their College Access Program.

Through a series of oneon-one meetings, Bottom Line's full-time college advisors help each student navigate the complex and

often intimidating college application process.

Advising includes building balanced college lists, brainstorming, writing and revising college essays, applying for financial aid,

identifying scholarships, and more.

For more on the project, visit the Dayton Business Journal.

Pact Will Provide Athletic Training Services for Dayton Public Schools

Dayton Public Schools has approved an agreement with Premier Health that will provide athletic training services for the school district’s high school athletic programs.

The agreement, which takes effect on June 15, runs for three three-year terms, or a total of nine years. Premier Health now provides athletic training and/or physician services to 40 local high schools, as well as three universities, making the health system the largest sports medicine provider in the region.

“We are very excited to partner with Premier Health to benefit our high school athletes,” said Dr. David Lawrence, Superintendent of Dayton Public Schools. “Student safety is our top priority, and having skilled athletic trainers at our practices and athletic events will ensure athletes are always in a safe environment and receive the support they need. This athletic partnership is part of our continued efforts

to work closely with local corporations and businesses to provide support for our children."

“Premier Health and Miami Valley Hospital are delighted to support athletic programs at Dayton Public Schools through this agreement,” said Michael C. Riordan, president and CEO of Premier Health. “These athletic training services further strengthen the bond between our two organizations and exemplify our mission: To Care. To Teach. To Innovate. To Serve.”

The agreement is the latest example of ongoing collaboration between the school district and Premier Health:

• The Premier Health Learning Institute engages in career conversations at DPS Schools and works with Meadowdale and Ponitz CTC directors on work-based learning. These work-based learning pathways help students with college and career readiness upon graduation. Pathways include phlebotomy, dental, EKG technician, culinary, and nursing aide, to name

a few.

• Premier Health representatives serve on the Dayton Public Schools Business Advisory Committee and Allied Health Advisory Board

• Premier Health employs Dayton Public Schools students in roles such as environmental, nutrition, and linen services, as well as clinical roles such as patient care technicians.

• DPS students as young as 14 volunteer at Premier Health hospitals to gain exposure to various health care careers.

About Dayton Public Schools: Dayton Public Schools is an urban district with more than 12,000 students in preschool through high school. The district offers five-star preschools, one-to-one technology, career- tech programs, College Credit Plus, and career exploration experiences to all students. To learn more, please visit www.daytonpublic.com.

About Premier Health: Based in Dayton, Ohio, Premier Health (www. premierhealth.com) is committed to support the community through

its mission: To Care. To Teach. To Innovate. To Serve. Home to the region’s only adult Level I trauma center and the largest locally based clinical laboratory, Premier Health continues to build upon a more than 130-year legacy of providing clinical excellence and compassionate care to friends and neighbors across Southwest Ohio. The health system offers award-winning care at five hospital sites: Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton with additional inpatient sites at Miami Valley Hospital South in Centerville and Miami Valley Hospital North in Englewood; Atrium Medical Center in Middletown; and Upper Valley Medical Center in Miami County. In addition, Premier Health provides a comprehensive range of care choices at its seven emergency departments, eight Urgent Care locations, and more than 130 outpatient locations and affiliated primary care and specialty physician offices, as well as home health, mental health, and substance abuse services.

Opinion Biden Underestimates How Much Black Americans Care About This Issue... Continued from Page 3

of or apathetic about it. In reality, Black Americans are growing increasingly concerned about climate change.

An April poll from CBS News showed that 88 percent of Black adults said it was “somewhat” or “very important.” That makes sense: The most severe harms from climate change, from heat waves to extreme flooding, are already falling disproportionately on their communities. And it’s starting to be reflected in their political priorities. A poll conducted by the Brookings Institution last September showed that climate change is now a greater political concern for Black Americans than abortion or the state of democracy.

If Democrats are seri-

ous about making inroads with some of the people they have lost in these communities, they should begin by talking to voters about what the climate crisis looks like for them. In major Democratic strongholds such as Cleveland, Milwaukee and Philadelphia, heat waves and flooding are driving up electricity bills and destroying homes. If Mr. Biden were to routinely speak about these challenges and commit to creating forums for Black Americans to discuss climate concerns with government officials, his administration could earn back some of the faith it has squandered.

A changing climate, a changing world Card 1 of 4

Climate change around the world: In “Postcards From a World on Fire,” 193 stories from individu-

al countries show how climate change is reshaping reality everywhere, from dying coral reefs in Fiji to disappearing oases in Morocco and far, far beyond.

The role of our leaders: Writing at the end of 2020, Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States, found reasons for optimism in the Biden presidency, a feeling perhaps borne out by the passing of major climate legislation. That doesn’t mean there haven’t been criticisms. For example, Charles Harvey and Kurt House argue that subsidies for climate capture technology will ultimately be a waste.

The worst climate risks, mapped: In this feature, select a country, and we'll break down the climate hazards it faces. In the case of America, our maps, developed with ex-

perts, show where extreme heat is causing the most deaths.

What people can do: Justin Gillis and Hal Harvey describe the types of local activism that might be needed, while Saul Griffith points to how Australia shows the way on rooftop solar. Meanwhile, small changes at the office might be one good way to cut significant emissions, writes Carlos Gamarra.

As a start, Mr. Biden could focus more intently on young Black people, a group passionate about climate change. Until May 19, when he gave the commencement address at Morehouse College, the president had largely refrained from direct engagement with young Black audiences on the campaign trail. When he speaks to Black voters, climate often is a foot-

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note, or it’s mentioned in a policy buffet along with the economy, abortion and voting rights. During his speech at Morehouse, he mentioned the climate crisis explicitly only in a stray line about “heeding your generation’s call to a community free of gun violence and a planet free of climate crisis and showing your power to change the world.”

There’s a better way to talk about the issue, one that might galvanize Black voters to turn out in November. It’s not with airy calls for solving a global climate crisis but with a sharp message designed specifically for young Black Americans that focuses on how the Biden administration is investing in clean energy hubs, green work force development, tax credits for home improvement measures and community grants.

Mr. Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act earmarked roughly $2 billion for community-level climate justice initiatives, such as grants for green technology and reducing the health risks from heat and pollution that have ravaged Black communities, and there’s more money waiting to be doled out.

Mr. Biden has talked about this to some extent. At a recent campaign event in Detroit he told the audience, “We’re making the most significant investment ever in climate, including the most significant action on environmental justice ever. Every child in America deserves to breathe clean air.” And at an event with donors in Chicago he said, “We made the most significant investment in climate ever — ever, ever, ever.”

But somehow it isn’t breaking through to the rank and file. In a recent national poll, 56 percent of Black voters said they

had heard “not much” or “nothing at all” about what Mr. Biden has accomplished on climate change. That needs to change.

Historically, the Democratic Party has courted Black voters by pledging to lower their health care costs, support their small businesses, bolster child tax credits and protect voting rights. When it has come time for major, strategic, long-term investments — in job creation, infrastructure, housing and schools — Democrats have been mostly derelict. What’s needed now is sustained interest and support to win back this important group. This election could come down to several thousand votes in a few key states. If a renewed focus on climate change could help turn Black voters out in, say, Detroit or Philadelphia, it’s worth trying.

Black Americans’ longstanding commitment to the Democratic Party was born out of a desire to be a partner in the future of the country rather than to be an occasional beneficiary. But the polls suggest their patience with the Democratic Party’s electionyear-only overtures has finally worn thin. Mr. Biden must make good on the investment that has been made in him by supporting Black America’s future. Given what’s at stake for young Black America as the climate crisis accelerates in the next few years, 2024 is perhaps the best, and last, opportunity for Democrats to take the lead in climate justice instead of playing catch-up, again, for another generation of Black Americans.

Talbott Tower

introducing its latest tenant in an educational nonprofit agency.

Worship At The Church Of Your Choice

Certified Peer Support Specialist BE STILL AND YOUR SOUL WILL SPEAK

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30

Eternal Lord God and Faithful Friend, this week I reached out to an acquaintance, someone I had not spoken to in a year despite my weekly cards. I noticed the absence of a birthday card, a deviation from our usual exchange. Our conversation was brief, and I sensed his disengagement. At that moment, I felt a familiar pang of disconnection, a feeling I'm sure many of you can relate to. Over the past thirty years, I’ve noticed “friends” losing interest in talking to me. Or, maybe I’m losing interest as I draw closer to the Lord. This is particularly true since I penned “HEALING MY SOUL ON PURPOSE: A Veteran Guide to Suicide Intervention. Nothing is more important to me than the salvation of humanity. Today, however, I was having difficulty getting my VA-issued iPad to work. I took it to the VA for help, and what a surprise from God. First, the telephone help desk person was a young man named Caleb. After he got my iPad working, I took the chance to ask him if he knew about Caleb in the Bible. This biblical Caleb, as mentioned in Numbers 13:30, was a confident, brave man of God. I suggested he had been named after a robust and biblical person. He said he would read about his namesake and thanked me.

The person I was with was going through a challenging faith journey. I shared my bookmark with her, a symbol of hope and encouragement. She expressed her interest in my book, a testament to her desire to grow in Christ. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of connection and understanding, and I hope it brings you comfort to know that you're not alone in your struggles.

She talked for another hour, and I listened while praying for her. Since the first call mentioned above, I have longed to converse with someone who loves to talk about GOOD NEWS. Today, I am deeply grateful that God blessed me with two occasions to discuss things related to Jesus Christ. These conversations have inspired and encouraged me. I hope they have been the same for those I've spoken with and for you, the reader.

LOVE YE ONE ANOTHER!

Rev. Merritt Worthen, PhD

How to Protect Yourself fFrom Heat Stroke Ahead of Scorching Summer Temperatures

With summer temperatures approaching the triple digits, emergency response crews want to remind everyone to pay attention to the warning signs of heat stroke.

“We know we got a big heat wave coming, and that hasn’t happened yet this year, so usually kinda catches people off guard,” Henrico Fire Battalion Chief Doug Reynolds said.

Reynolds said there are three heat emergencies that people run into, and they all build upon each other.

“The first is heat cramps,” Reynolds said.

“It really affects a lot of

people who are outside working, a lot of young kids playing- and that’s gonna be where you start to overexert yourself, you start to sweat, you may start to get dizzy, but you really start to notice you’re getting some cramps in your hands, your arms and down in your legs.”

That should be your first signal to take a break in the shade or go inside where it is cooler. Proper hydration is also critical.

If you don’t heed your body’s warning, the next stage is heat exhaustion, followed by heat stroke.

“Heat stroke is truly a medical emergency,” Reynolds said. “Your body

has lost that ability to cool itself. So now you tend to see people get cherry red, they get dizzy, the nausea is there, they could lapse into unconsciousness. The only way you’re gonna be able to fix that is a trip to the hospital, and you’re gonna have to get an IV.”

Dr. Letticia Flores with VCU Health says some people are more vulnerable to the heat than others.

“People with congestive heart failure or kidney disease or cirrhosis, people that take medications like diuretics because their balance for water is much more tenuous,” Flores said.

Physical Fitness Linked to Better Mental Health in Young People

A new study bolsters existing research suggesting that exercise can protect against anxiety, depression and attention challenges

Physical fitness among children and adolescents may protect against developing depressive symptoms, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to

a study published on Monday in JAMA Pediatrics.

The study also found that better performance in cardiovascular activities, strength and muscular endur-

is more fit may be accordingly less likely to experience the onset of a mental health disorder.

ance were each associated with greater protection against such mental health conditions. The researchers deemed this linkage “dose-dependent,” suggesting that a child or adolescent who

These findings come amid a surge of mental health diagnoses among children and adolescents, in the United States and abroad, that have prompted efforts to understand and curb the problem.

Children run in a field outside a small schoolhouse.

The Study

The new study, conducted by researchers in Taiwan, compared data from two large data sets: the Taiwan National Student Fitness Tests, which measures student fitness performance in schools, and the National Insurance Research Databases, which records medical claims, diagnoses prescriptions and other medical information. The researchers did not have access to the students’ names but were able to use the anonymized data to compare the students’ physical fitness and mental health results.

The risk of mental health disorder was weighted against three metrics for physical fitness: cardio fitness, as measured by a student’s time in an 800-meter run; muscle endurance, indicated by the number of situps performed; and muscle power, measured by

the standing broad jump. Improved performance in each activity was linked with a lower risk of mental health disorder. For instance, a 30-second decrease in 800-meter time was associated, in girls, with a lower risk of anxiety, depression and A.D.H.D. In boys, it was associated with lower anxiety and risk of the disorder.

An increase of five situps per minute was associated with lower anxiety and risk of the disorder in boys, and with decreased risk of depression and anxiety in girls.

“These findings suggest the potential of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness as protective factors in mitigating the onset of mental health disorders among children and adolescents,” the researchers wrote in the journal article.

Physical and mental health were already assumed to be linked, they added, but previous research had relied largely on questionnaires and selfreports, whereas the new study drew from independent assessments and objective standards.

The Big Picture

The surgeon general, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, has called mental health “the defining public health crisis of our time,” and he has made adolescent

mental health central to his mission. In 2021 he issued a rare public advisory on the topic. Statistics at the time revealed alarming trends: From 2001 to 2019, the suicide rate for Americans ages 10 to 19 rose 40 percent, and emergency visits related to self-harm rose 88 percent.

Some policymakers and researchers have blamed the sharp increase on the heavy use of social media, but research has been limited and the findings sometimes contradictory. Other experts theorize that heavy screen use has affected adolescent mental health by displacing sleep, exercise and in-person activity, all of which are considered vital to healthy development. The new study appeared to support the link between physical fitness and mental health.

“The finding underscores the need for further research into targeted physical fitness programs,” its authors concluded. Such programs, they added, “hold significant potential as primary preventative interventions against mental disorders in children and adolescents.”

Health

Even Temporary Loneliness Can Harm Physical Health

You don't consider yourself a lonely person generally, but sometimes have days where feelings of loneliness set in.

If you're one of those people, even that transient loss of connection with others could be impacting your physical health, a new study finds.

“A lot of research is focused on loneliness being a binary trait -either you’re lonely or you’re not. But based on our own anecdotal lives, we know that’s not the case. Some days are worse than others -- even some hours,” explained study lead author Dakota Witzel.

“If we can understand variations in daily loneliness, we can begin to understand how it affects our daily and long-term health," said Witzel, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State University.

As Witzel's group noted, long term loneliness is a known health risk factor -- so much so that in 2023 U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy labeled loneliness a public health crisis. He noted raised

rates of depression and other mental health troubles tied to loneliness, as well as a 29% higher risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia in older adults.

But what about more temporary moments or days of loneliness?

In the study, Witzel's group looked at data on middle-aged Americans from the 1,538 participants in the National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE). That effort is led by senior STUDY author David Almeida, a professor of human development and family studies at Penn State. The NSDE conducted phone interviews with participants, tracking their emotional ups and downs each day over an eightday period. The team also tracked any physical health issues participants might be having.

The result: The less

lonely a person felt on a given day, the less likely they were to have everyday physical symptoms like fatigue or headache, Witzel's group found.

If such symptoms did appear, they were less severe on a "low loneliness" day than on a day the person was feeling more lonely.

The study was published recently in the journal Health Psychology.

“These findings suggest that day-to-day dynamics of loneliness may be crucial in understanding and addressing the health effects of loneliness,” Almeida said in a Penn State news release. “Increasing feelings of social connection even for one day could result in fewer health symptoms on that day. Such a daily focus offers a manageable and hopeful micro-intervention for individuals living with loneliness.”

Teen

Dayton Metro Library has partnered with the Ohio State University to bring Self-Care Summer: OSU Nutrition Program to the West Branch.

Teens will learn basic health and wellness concepts throughout the series, which will discuss such topics as nutrition, food safety, and budgeting. This program is through OSU’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.

The program will be held every Monday from June 17-July 19, 3:304:30 pm. Advanced registration is required. The West Branch is located at 300 Abbey Avenue, Dayton, 45417.

For more information and to register, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. If you would like to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/or language translation please contact us through the method that best meets your needs. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some