May 31 - June 7, 2024

Black, Woman Owned Mental Health Company Coming to Downtown Dayton

Acumen Therapeutics is a beacon of hope in the realm of mental health and wellness. Nestled in the heart of Dayton, Ohio, our agency is not just a service provider, but a guiding light on the path to holistic wellbeing. Our journey began with a vision—a vision to carve out a clear route towards better mental, behavioral, and physical health. We envisioned a world where accountability, patience, integrity, and care form the bedrock of every interaction, where individuals are empowered to embark on their unique journey to wellness. Our mission is simple yet profound: to deliver top-notch services through a proactive, accessible approach, nurturing personal growth and wellness every step of the way. We believe

in the power of inclusivity, where individuals of all ages can explore their paths without fear of judgment or stigma. For us, mental wellness is not just about the mind—it's about recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. From psychotherapy to family counseling, from anger management to substance use disorder services, we offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapies aimed at catalyzing lasting positive change. But our commitment goes beyond just therapy—we offer specialized programs like our afterschool therapy initiative, youth wellness summer program, 366 Change cognitive program, and our teen & young adult pregnancy program. At Acumen Therapeutics, accessibility is not just a buzzword— it's a way of life. We be-

lieve in breaking down barriers, whether they be financial, logistical, or emotional. Everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their background or circumstances. But our mission doesn't end there. We believe in the strength of community—the power of standing together in solidarity. That's why we actively engage with and support the communities we serve, through partnerships, outreach efforts, educational initiatives, and collaboration with local organizations. Together, we can build a support network that extends far beyond the walls of our counseling rooms. Join us in our mission to pave the way to a brighter, healthier future—one where mental wellness is not just a luxury, but a fundamental human right.

Brian O. Martin, Receives Miami Valley Urban League Pillar Award

The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) Executive Director, Brian O. Martin, received two awards in recognition of his commitment and leadership in our Region.

On May 1, 2024, Mr. Martin received the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area President’s Award for Excellence in Governance at the Big Thanks event. This event was hosted by the United Way of Greater Dayton Area, where they recognize supporters and individuals who work to make Miami Valley a better place for us all. Other honorees included Cassie Barlow, SOCHE, Michelle Ri-

ley, CEO, The Foodbank, Montgomery County, and Paul Gruner, Montgomery County Engineer. Mr. Martin has served on the United Way Board of Directors for the past five years. https://dayton-unitedway.org/event/the-bigthanks/

Mr. Martin also received the Miami Valley Urban League Pillar Award. Three community leaders were recognized as Pillar Award Honorees on May 21, 2024: Tom Roberts, President, Ohio NAACP; Belinda Matthews Stenson, Vice President for Business Inclusion Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. Al Wofford, President, CDO Technologies was awarded the W/ MBE Impact Award. Mr. Martin was recognized for

Keitaro Harada Named Music and Artistic

Director

of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) announced its appointment of conductor Keitaro Harada as the next Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO). Maestro Harada will become the fifth Music Director in the orchestra’s 92-year history, preceded by founder Paul Katz (1933–1975), Charles Wendelken-Wilson (1975–1987), Isaiah Jackson (1987–1995), and Neal Gittleman (1995–present). Harada will begin his tenure during the 2024–2025 season as Music and Artistic Director Designate; he’ll assume the role of Music and Artistic Director on July 1, 2025. Harada committed to a five-year term with the option to renew.

DPAA announced the appointment during a press conference at the PNC Arts Annex on Thursday, May 30.

Regarding the announcement, DPAA President and CEO Patrick J. Nugent commented: “DPAA is privileged to be working with such a stellar conductor with international scope and passion for local communities. Maestro Harada has an impressive sense of artistic vision, community engagement, and commitment to our model of three arts in one organization. He also has a keen understanding of the business of the arts and can think in the language of finances and demographics as well

Harada will act as the Music and Artistic Director Designate in ’24-25 before taking the helm on July 1, 2025 as musical scores and artistic strategy. His technical and artistic abilities as a conductor are prodigious, and he electrifies audiences wherever he goes. He will be a major cultural force in Dayton, and we are delighted that he has agreed to lead the Philharmonic.”

Harada responded:

I am honored to join the DPAA family as Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. As the proud leader of two profound American institutions, I look forward to immersing myself in the DPAA community while I continue in my present role as Music and Artistic Director with the Savannah Philharmonic.

The DPAA stands out to me as it brings together

three art forms I absolutely love: orchestra, opera, and ballet. Dayton’s rich history and vibrant art scene will provide us with the inspiration and imagination to build collaborations that can only be achieved at DPAA. Having recently performed together, we began to discover the endless possibilities of our music-making and great community. I am deeply grateful to serve as the next Music and Artistic Director. And as I build new relationships in the Dayton community and deepen my relationships in Savannah, I believe both cities will benefit from this tandem experience. I will forever cherish the Savannah Philhar-

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Alzheimer's Association Offers Social Engagement for Those with

Early-Stage Dementia

The Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley Chapter is offering a socialization program for individuals with early-stage dementia and their care partners at the Dayton Metro Library-Northmont Branch, 700 W National Rd, Englewood, OH 45322 on Thurs., June 20 from 2-3 p.m. Registration is needed by June 17. Visit communityresourcefinder.org or contact Jessica at Jessica.

Ward@cypresspointehs. com or 937.546.2795.

Light afternoon refreshments will be provided. This program is sponsored by Cypress Pointe Health Campus.

Social engagement is associated with reduced rates of disability and mortality, and may also reduce risk for depression.

nati Chapters. “The best way to face this disease is to continue to enjoy life. Early-stage social engagement programs offer a fun, meaningful and comfortable way for people in the early stage of the disease to get connected with like individuals and care partners.”

this leadership of MVRPC and the formation of the Institute for Livable & Equitable Communities focusing on resiliency and equity efforts for the Region.

Mr. Martin noted, “The Miami Valley Urban League is focused on ending generational poverty and ensuring an equitable path to success through programs focused on financial empowerment, workforce development, entrepreneurship, leadership, and advocacy. Since the Urban League’s priorities are intertwined with MVRPC’s, it is especially an honor to be recognized by one of our partners in this critical and noble work to uplift everyone so that our Region is vibrant, safe, and desirable for

all.” For more information on the Miami Valley Urban League, please go to https://www.ulgso.org/ pillars

Established in 1964, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission promotes collaboration among communities, stakeholders, and residents to advance regional priorities. MVRPC is a forum and resource where the Board of Directors identifies priorities and develops public policy and collaborative strategies to improve the quality of life throughout the Miami Valley Region. MVRPC performs planning and research functions for our Region that ensure livable and equitable communities; clean

Continued on Page 8

Remaining socially active may support brain health and possibly delay the onset of dementia. There are many ways to stay socially active and make important connections to others.

Social engagement programs like the Englewood Memory Café provide a welcoming place for people with Alzheimer's or dementia and their care partners. Activities may include music, games and other fun activities. Connecting with people who understand what those with dementia are going through may provide the support, encouragement and inspiration necessary to move beyond a diagnosis.

“A diagnosis of Alzheimer's or a related dementia is likely not the life path one envisions,” said Dayna Ritchey, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley and Greater Cincin-

Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. A total of 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at $11.4 billion. To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free support and resources, visit alz.org/dayton or call the Miami Valley Chapter at 937.291.3332 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

Brian Martin, Executive Director of MVRPC receives the Miami Valley Urban League Pillar Award

Andrea Allen Acumen Therapeutics Founder & CEO

Dawn Martin

Around DAYTON

Miami Valley Weather

Dayton Unit NAACP Official Statement “45 GUILTY”

The jury in Manhattan have spoken…GULTY! It’s about time someone stood up with a backbone against 45. Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg are to be com-

mended for a job well. The American people have witnessed history today with their own eyes with justice prevailing at this time. The July 11, 2024 sentencing will speak for itself, but our democracy

is still in peril and the American people need to stay laser focused on VOTING in the General Election on November 5, 2024.

Dayton Metro Library Friends Hold Book Sale

The Dayton Metro Library’s Friends of the Library (FOL) will host a used Book Sale on Saturday, June 8, at the Huber Heights Branch Library. Sale hours for FOL members will be from 9:3011 am. Public hours will be from 11 am - 5 pm.

New Friends of the Library members are welcome to join in advance online or at the door.

The sale will include books for children, teens, and adults, as well as music, movies, and audiobooks. All materials will be $1.00 each. Additionally, all audio/video material will be buy one, get

three free.

Friends of the Library use the proceeds from each sale to support popular Library programming like the Summer Challenge, poetry contests, author visits, and more.

The Huber Heights Branch is located at 6243 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights, 45424. For more information about FOL and to join the organization, and for a list of upcoming book sales, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org/ Friends 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.

Second Mural to Spread Hope as Death by

Suicide Numbers Increase

said Brittini Long, Senior Program Coordinator for Montgomery County ADAMHS and Project Manager of the murals.

Culture Works provided $10,000 toward the project, which the MCPC matched. The mural is on the side of With God’s Grace Free Store, 5505 N. Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45414.

The Dayton Foundation Announces New, Quicker Grantmaking Portal and Updates to Discretionary Grants Process organizations to apply and receive funding for new projects or special efforts.

The Dayton Foundation announced today changes to its discretionary grant application process, making it easier for Greater Dayton area not-for-profit

• New Grant Application Portal: Nonprofits may now electronically apply for a discretionary grant through the Foundation’s new grant application portal available at https://daytonfoundation.my.site.com/ GrantApplication/s/. Through the portal, nonprofits can quickly and easily start and save an application before submitting it, upload supporting documents and follow the progress of the grant award.

• New ApplicationOnly Process: A Letter of Intent is no longer a prerequisite to applying for a discretionary grant, and the Foundation has added a third yearly grant application cycle that will offer an additional opportunity for nonprofits to receive funding. The next application deadline

is Monday, July 8, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.

“The Dayton Foundation is pleased to offer this less burdensome application process that enables us to be more responsive and flexible in awarding our unrestricted and lightly restricted dollars to organizations working tirelessly for our community’s collective well-being,” said Tania Arseculeratne, senior Community Engagement officer for The Dayton Foundation. “As the region’s oldest and largest community foundation, we strive to be a more effective grantmaker and a better partner to our region’s nonprofits, while upholding our fund holders’ charitable intents.”

Also available on the portal are applications for the Foundation’s quarterly Greenlight GrantsSM program, which assists nonprofits seeking quick, small grants for special projects, program expan-

The Montgomery County Prevention Coalition (MCPC) is inviting the media and the public to the dedication of the second of four grant-funded murals to increase suicide awareness. The mural was painted by MCPC volunteers and HOPE Squad students from Northmont High School with the message “Where Flowers Bloom, So Does Hope.” A QR code embedded in the mural will direct people to mental health resources.

“As suicide numbers continue to climb in our community, we knew we needed to spread positive messages throughout Montgomery County. We are grateful to Culture Works for providing grant dollars that will allow us to paint four murals to provide hope and to help guide people to the mental health support they need,”

sions, capital improvements or capacity building, and the Basic Human Needs Grants process. The next application deadline for a Greenlight Grant is Monday, June 3, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.

In the past decade, more than $9.6 million in discretionary and Greenlight Grants has been awarded to nonprofit organizations located in the Greater Dayton region. Funding for these grant opportunities is made possible thanks to individuals who have established unrestricted or lightly restricted charitable funds through the

The dedication ceremony will take place at 5:00 pm on May 29, 2024, at With God's Grace Free Store, 5505 N. Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45414. Ceremony speakers include Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman, Graphic Artist Gavin Amspaugh, Montgomery County ADAMHS Zero Suicide Coordinator Brittini Long, and MPCP Suicide Prevention co-chairs Hannah Brown and Amber Wilson. To register for this free event,

Foundation. Grants are awarded to a full-spectrum of IRS-approved, 501(c)(3) tax- exempt charitable organizations based upon worthy community efforts and the greatest community need.

More information about The Dayton Foundation and its competitive grants programs is available at daytonfoundation.org or by calling (937) 222-0410.

About The Dayton Foundation

The Dayton Foundation has been the trusted charitable giving resource for thousands of

please click here. For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact Tina Rezash Rogal at trezash@mcadamhs. org or call 937-4161458. What is the MCPC? – The MCPC is comprised of community leaders with a passion to prevent substance misuse and promote positive mental health. The mission of the coalition is to mobilize Montgomery County to prevent youth substance use and promote positive mental health through the implementation of evidencebased prevention strategies and community collaboration. The vision of the coalition is a community where every individual lives a substance-free life with optimal mental health.

individuals, families and organizations since 1921. Ranked among the oldest and largest community foundations in the nation, the Foundation helps people like you help others through personalized charitable funds, grant opportunities for nonprofits, scholarships for students and collaborations with others to solve community issues. For more information about The Dayton Foundation, visit daytonfoundation.org or follow the Foundation on Facebook, X or LinkedIn.

Arts & Entertainment

ENJOY SUMMER

Keitaro Harada Named Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra...

Continued from Page 1

MUSIC SERIES

Bring

All-Stars (R&B)

monic—the organization that provided me with my first Music Director opportunity—while wholeheartedly embracing the Dayton community as we bring the performing arts to life throughout the region.

Keitaro Harada is a recipient of the prestigious 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, and as Music and Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic in Savannah, Georgia (a position he’s held since the 2020-21 season), Harada has transformed the quality of the orchestra and energized its audiences through his imaginative programs and charismatic presence. In addition to his American posts, Harada also acts as Permanent Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and is the Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Partner of the Aichi Chamber Orchestra in Japan. Harada was Associate Conductor for four years at the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops, where he regularly assisted Music Director Louis Langrée (now Music Director Laureate) and collaborated with James Conlon and Juanjo Mena at the orchestra’s annual May Festival.

Harada’s engagements as a guest conductor include appearances with the symphony orchestras of Cincinnati, Houston, Seattle, Indianapolis, Fort Worth, NHK, Yomiuri Nippon, and Osaka, as well as with the philharmonic orchestras of Osaka, Kanagawa, Nagoya, Japan, New Japan, and Tokyo. He’s also conducted with the Nikikai Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Arizona Opera, and the North Carolina Opera.

Harada is a six-time recipient of The Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, and in 2013, he was invited to the Bruno

Pride Month Events in the Miami Valley

Friday, June 7

Karaoke for Pride – 7 p.m. to midnight, 4716 Wilmington Pike, Kettering Benefits from this night of music and fun go toward the Kettering Pride Coalition.

Middletown Charity Drag Show – 8 p.m., 916 First Ave., Middletown

This drag show will benefit Middletown’s upcoming Pride festival.

Saturday, June 8 Pride Celebration at Levitt Pavilion – 7 to 9 p.m., 134 S. Main Street, Dayton This free concert will feature Pom Pom Squad and Kyleen Downes.

DGMC Goes Country –8 p.m., 525 W. Riverview

Ave., Dayton

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus will perform their annual Pride Concert with guest artist Ty Herndon.

Sunday, June 9

Beavercreek Pride – 2 to 8 p.m., 865 Factory Road, Beavercreek

This third annual event will have lots of vendors and music.

Walter National Conductor Preview. He studied with Lorin Maazel at Castleton Festival and Fabio Luisi at the Pacific Music Festival, where, at Valery Gergiev’s invitation, he served on the festival’s faculty in 2016, 2018, and 2021.

Keitaro Harada made his Dayton debut in April of 2024 with a pair of programs entitled, “Total Eclipse: The Sun and The Planets,” featuring Carl Nielsen’s Helios Overture; W.A. Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 16 (performed by pianist Richard Dowling); and Gustav Holst’s The Planets. He was met with great acclaim from the audience and orchestra alike.

DPAA Players’ Committee Chairperson Chad Arnow said: “The musicians of the DPO are thrilled to welcome Keitaro Harada to the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance as the next Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Harada brought a great deal of enthusiasm to the podium during his recent appearance with us and his energy and musicality were infectious. We look forward to the exciting artistic potential of Maestro Harada leading performances for the DPAA.”

a wonderful and exciting musical future for the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance as we welcome Keitaro Harada, the next Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic.”

In addition to Chairperson O’Hara, members of the Search Committee included fellow DPAA Trustees Ed Tomme, Allyson Danis, and Rev. Joshua Ward; DPAA staff members Patrick J. Nugent, Michael Sieveking, Steven Hankle, Ted Nelson, and Jeaunita Ìfẹ́wándé Château Olówè; community partners Shaun Yu and William Henry Caldwell; and notably, several musician and Players’ Committee representatives, including John Kurokawa, Aurelian Oprea, Rachael Young, Jonathan Lee, and William Manley.

Wednesday, June 12

Pride Night at the Neon – 7:30 p.m., 130 E. Fifth Street, Dayton

The Neon will host a screening of “The People’s Joker.”

Friday, June 14

Kettering Pride – 4 to 8 p.m., Delco Park Drive, Kettering

The City of Kettering is hosting its first ever Pride festival with music, food, vendors and more.

HEARTSIQ Queer Art and Dance Party – 8 p.m., 700 E. Fourth Street, Dayton

The monthly queer dance party returns for an extra special Pride Month celebration.

Saturday, June 15

Columbus Pride March –10:30 a.m., Broad Street & High Street, Columbus

Take a trip up to Columbus to celebrate during Stonewall Columbus’ annual parade.

Friday, June 21

Middletown Pride Festival – 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Middletown

Celebrate love at Middletown’s sixth annual Pride Fest.

Fairborn Community Pride – 5 to 9 p.m., 103 W. Main Street, Fairborn

The City of Fairborn will host an array of events to celebrate in the month of June.

Saturday, June 22

Fairborn Walk/Run with Pride 5K – 8 a.m., 691 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn

This race will feature

Harada was the top candidate among nearly 250 applicants from around the globe, according to Arts Consulting Group (ACG), which guided the extensive international executive search. ACG remarked that they had never before received such a response for an Artistic Director position. ACG screened applicants through a rigorous process that yielded a preliminary round of 57 candidates. After conducting initial interviews, ACG presented 27 candidates to the DPAA Search Committee for consideration. The diverse applicant pool represented 40 states and 26 countries and included a substantial number of candidates who self-identified as BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+.

Barbara O'Hara, Chair of the DPAA Search Committee, said: “I feel certain that our Dayton community will heartily welcome and embrace Harada and his family, as will all the musicians, ballet dancers, opera performers, subscribers, future subscribers, donors, and young musicians. To me, a fitting description of Harada is that of a Renaissance man! His background is so varied covering classical music, opera, and ballet as well as contemporary and pops. His rapport with the musicians is outstanding—he challenges them and is respectfully demanding of them. While in Dayton, one of his great desires is to become an involved partner with other performing arts organizations. So, here's to

tie0dye t-shirts and handmade ceramic awards. Cincinnati Pride Festival – Noon to 9 p.m., 705 East Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati

Visit the Cincinnati Riverfront for a celebration of Pride in the Queen City.

Saturday, June 29

YS Pride – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 200 S Walnut Street, Yellow Springs Join Yellow Springs in celebrating Pride during their annual festival.

Harada succeeds Neal Gittleman, who announced his intent to retire in May of 2022. Regarding Harada’s appointment, Gittleman said: “I’m excited to see where Maestro Harada leads the Philharmonic in the future. After 30 wonderful years on the podium, I look forward to enjoying what comes next from a seat in the audience. I sincerely hope that Harada finds, as I have, that the DPAA is a place to make great music and build great community. And wish I him, the musicians, and the audience all the best on their adventure together.”

Learn more about Keitaro Harada at kharada.com.

Download the official press kit at daytonperformingarts.org/keitaroharada

About the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance:

Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) was formed in a groundbreaking and innovative merger between Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera, and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. DPAA is the largest performing arts organization in the greater Dayton community, with a mission to be the community’s indispensable source for traditional, diverse, and innovative experiences in ballet, opera, and orchestral music. The vision of DPAA is to transform lives through the power of music and dance. In addition, DPAA offers various performance and education programs, setting a new standard for artistic excellence. DPAA performances reach an audience of more than 90,000 people annually, and their rich arts education programming serves over 50,000 schoolchildren in 150 schools in southwest Ohio. These performances and education initiatives are made possible partly through significant support from the Ohio Arts Council, Culture Works, Montgomery County, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Learn more at daytonperformingarts. org.

Editorial & Comments

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

By now, we’ve all heard the news that Donald Trump was found guilty of all 34 felony counts of falsifying his company's business records to keep information from voters that he knew would harm his 2016 presidential campaign.

This isn’t just about “hush money” payments. It’s about breaking the law to hide the truth from the American people 11 days before a presidential election.

Trump has a clear pattern of lying to the American people and trying to undermine our elections in order to cling to power. He still faces three additional indictments and 54 criminal charges, including federal charges for inciting an insurrection to overturn the 2020 election. In spite of all of this, he’s still running for president.

Donald Trump is a convicted fraudster and criminal who still poses a massive threat to our fundamental freedoms. We can’t let him hold the highest office in our land in 2025. It’s up to all of us to hold him accountable and defeat him at the ballot box in November.

Sincerely Richard C Fisher

immortal1963rcf@gmail.com

Dayton,Ohio

Dear Editor,

Donald Trump was found guilty by a jury of everyday Americans on 34 felony counts. He is finally being held accountable for one of his many illegal schemes to gain and hold onto power. His conviction is a reminder that no one—including a former president—is above the law. And it’s another reminder that Trump still poses a major threat to our democracy.

When he was President, Trump attacked our fundamental freedoms, from our freedom to vote in 2020 when he attempted to overturn the will of the people, to appointing three extreme Supreme Court justices that overturned Roe v. Wade and abortion rights for millions of Americans.

The New York trial may be over, but Donald Trump still faces three additional indictments and 54 criminal charges for a litany of crimes, including federal charges for his efforts to incite violence and overturn the will of voters after he knew he’d lost the 2020 election. And on top of all that, he’s STILL running for president.

Our fundamental freedoms are on the line. Don’t let a convicted fraudster hold the highest office in our land. It’s up to us to stand up and defeat Trump at the ballot box this November.

Sincerely, Fonda Jackson ladylewis11542@yahoo.com 45405

What if This Is Our Last Real Election?

Demonstrators carry signs with written messages opposing President Biden’s policy regarding the IsraelHamas war.

Carlos Barria/Reuters

Some of the Americans protesting the war in Gaza have turned on President Biden. They assert that the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is killing huge numbers of civilians, which is true, and that Biden can stop it, which is more doubtful. But how do they deal with the reality that in a second term Donald Trump would be far more proNetanyahu and antiPalestinian than our current president?

The answer I’ve been hearing is that the goal is to send a message: If Gaza costs Biden the election, Democrats will understand that in the next election they will need to rethink their seemingly reflexive support for Israel’s government and

commit as a party to the protection of Palestinian rights.

There are many questions one could ask about this argument, but from a certain perspective, the most important one for American voters may well be: What next election?

There’s a very real possibility that if Trump wins in November it’ll be the last real national election America holds for a very long time. And while there’s room for disagreement here, if you consider that statement to be outrageous hyperbole, you haven’t been paying attention.

Yes, we can and should examine the candidates’ policy platforms and their potential effects, just as if this were a normal presidential election. But this isn’t a normal election; democracy itself is on the ballot. And it would be incredibly unwise not to take that into account.

Start here: Trump refused to accept the results of the 2020 presidential

Something to Consider: Keeping the Magic of Enthusiasm Working for You

By: Brenda Cochran Contributing Writer

The word enthusiasm comes from two Greek words en and theos. The first means in and the second is the Greek word for God. Actually, enthusiasm means in God – or full of God. So, if you want to know how to gain enthusiasm in your lifethe answer is to get full of God and stay that way.

According to a man by the name of Walter Chrysler, who was the founder of the Chrysler Corporation, “The real secret to success is enthusiasm.”

Most would agree that we would all love to do more and achieve more with our lives. You may be interested in traveling the world, but though you have tried and tried, there always seems to be an obstacle standing in your way. In a case like this – trying and trying, it’s easy to get discouraged and want to give up. Enthusiasm is the spark that keeps you going in the midst of obstacles or affliction.

If you find that you’re lacking enthusiasm, you find yourself losing steam. According to Winston Churchill, “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another without the loss of enthusiasm.”

When we think of all the chores or projects we have in the course of a day or longer, we find that without enthusiasm, we will lack the motivation to tackle all of those plans you may have. The important thing is that in order to achieve the goals or simple plans for the day, one must take action.

If you are wondering whether you have to achieve the goals or plans you are faced with, there are three questions that you can ask yourself in

order to get that enthusiasm going?

The first one is what is it that you care deeply about? Becoming an enthusiastic person comes down to putting your focus on what you love. God created us to care deeply about at least a few things. This is where your enthusiasm will come from. It could be working with children or being able to assist people find financial freedom or working with those who are underprivileged and need that extra push. There are so many passions that you may have, but in order to start working on any of these passions, the enthusiasm has to be a part of what your passions are.

Think of the people who have acquired success. There are many whom you know well or have just read about. Think about Rev. Martin Luther King. He wanted to see the rights of African Americans become equal; the Wright Brothers wanted to fly; Billy Graham wanted people to hear the Gospel. There are so many others – these are just a few examples, but in the end, becoming an enthusiastic person depends on the choices you make.

Motivation certainly helps us, but enthusiasm is the one important factor

that keeps you focused. Enthusiasm also helps you to push through life’s difficulties and failures. You will also find that enthusiasm can be contagious. The benefits to you and those who share your life can be infinite. It is a choice and if you choose to look for the positive, especially in our trying times, then you will attract other like-minded people.

Once you find that area that you are passionate about, pursuing this passion will be a natural way of generating enthusiasm. You will find yourself motivating yourself to follow those aspirations you’ve been thinking about and also find what is right for you. Don’t forget to get to your Center. Look inwardly and find what is really important to you? What are the things that you value? Or the things that interest you. You may not realize it -but you probably have a lot of imagination. So, don’t conform to what may be moving around in your environment. Think outside the box. Here are great quotes. The first is from Norman Vincent Peal. “Life’s blows cannot break a person whose spirit is warmed at the fire of enthusiasm.”

James A. Baldwin’s quote – “Fires can’t be made with dead embers, nor can enthusiasm be stirred by spiritless men.”

Henry Ford said, “You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to stars.”

election, making evidence-free claims of fraud in his effort to overturn it. In the past couple of years, various polls have shown that somewhere around two-thirds of the Republican Party has cosigned his election denialism. And several leading party members have refused to say that they’ll accept the election results this year. Why imagine that they’ll become any more respectful toward future elections?

You might say that American institutions would constrain the ability of Trump and whoever follows him to impose permanent one-party rule, which they did — barely — after the 2020 election. But institutions ultimately consist of people, and at this point many Republicans, up to and including Supreme Court justices, are showing about as much strength in supporting democracy and the rule of law as a wet paper towel.

So a Trump victory might well bring down

the curtain on politics as we know it — he has already floated the idea of a third term, something that’s barred, of course, by the 22nd Amendment. But in any case, among his followers, at least, he has mainstreamed the idea that any presidential election won by Democrats is illegitimate.

I began this column with the leftists who appear willing to help facilitate a Trump victory despite being aware that he would be far worse, even on the issues they claim to care about, than Biden. But don’t forget about those we might call throwback Republicans, those who haven’t completely bought into the MAGA agenda but dislike Biden and believe that Trump would do a better job. They presumably believe that a second Trump term would be like his first term, when he talked populism but mostly followed a standard G.O.P. agenda of tax cuts and attempts to slash the social safety net.

Yet why imagine that a second term would be similar? Trump advisers are talking about radical policies, including mass deportations and stripping

the Federal Reserve of independence, that would be highly disruptive even in purely economic terms.

But, you may say, the backlash against such policies would be huge, and Republicans would surely tone them down in fear that radicalism would hurt them badly in the next election.

To which I say: If Trump isn’t penalized in this election for his antics after the last election, why would he worry about a backlash in a future election? Assuming there is one in any real sense.

And then there are the Trump-supporting or Trump-leaning plutocrats, who may be fooling themselves completely.

Some of them may understand that they’re supporting a radical, antidemocratic movement, and are all in favor. Elon Musk, most famously, increasingly appears to have gone full Great Replacement MAGA, but he’s far from alone. So in that sense, they may be less deceived than many.

But their naïveté runs deeper, because they imagine that their wealth and prominence will allow them to flourish, even in a post-democracy

America — that they’ll be immune to the purges and persecutions that are such an obvious possibility in the near future. They should at least ponder the experience of the oligarchs who helped Vladimir Putin gain power and then found themselves at his mercy. To be clear: I’m not saying that people should muzzle themselves and refrain from criticizing Biden on the merits; he’s a grown-up and can handle it. Part of his job as a democratically elected leader is taking it. But ignoring the possibility that this could be our last real election for a while is shortsighted and selfindulgent.

Paul Krugman has been an Opinion columnist since 2000 and is also a distinguished professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center. He won the 2008 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on international trade and economic geography. @PaulKrugman

Brenda Cochran

DML and Partners to Offer GED Program: Plaza Comunitaria

Dayton Metro Library has partnered with local groups and the Mexican Consulate to offer a literacy/GED program in Spanish. Patrons and community members are welcome to attend the opening ceremony for the GED program, called Plaza Comunitaria (“Community Plaza” in Spanish), in the Main Library’s Eichelberger Forum, on Thursday, June 6, at 11 am.

At the ceremony, DML and the Mexican Consulate will sign a memorandum of understanding to bring Plaza Comunitaria to Dayton, which offers high school diplomas and literacy for people ages 15 and up so that they can finish their education in Spanish.

The program is designed to address the fact that less than a third of New American students with interrupted education finish high school. “DML focuses on enhancing the community’s quality of life while trying to foster equity in the community. Our mandate is to be frontline advocates for all” said Gabriela Pickett, who oversees programs for immigrants as DML’s New Americans Specialist. “New Americans are one of the most marginalized groups in

the education system, because so many of us arrived here with interrupted education, trauma, and are unable to understand the language. This program will change lives,” Pickett added.

Participants will receive a GED equivalent diploma from Mexico’s INEA (Instituto Nacional para la Educación de los Adultos) for completing their program, regardless of their nationality, and will be able to learn online and receive help at DML. The Library will proctor tests, enroll students, and guide them toward graduation. The program will officially launch in September as part of DML’s National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

“By hosting Plaza Comunitaria at the Library, we are fulfilling our mission to become the bridge that empowers people while building equity in the community,” said Pickett. “This is a life changing opportunity for many New Americans who have given up on their education.”

Speakers at the ceremony will include Letiticia Maki Teramoto Sakamoto, Consul of Mexico in Indianapolis; Jeffrey Trzeciak, DML Executive Director; Dr. Karlos Marshall, DML Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Director; and Dr. Gabriela Pickett, DML

Newest American Specialist. Virginia RodriguezColon, Program Director for el Puente, and Imelda Ayala, Parent Advocate and Community Liaison for el Puente, will also be in attendance.

“‘Free to Belong’ and ‘Better Together’ are phrases we use at DML,’’ noted Pickett. “The fact that we can now also say ‘Libres para Pertenecer’ y ‘Juntos Somos Mejores’ by providing literacy services in Spanish tells me that we are fulfilling our mandate to serve the community.”

For more information, 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.

Summer Challenge Reminder and DML “Adventure” Programs

With Summer Challenge beginning Saturday, June 1, Dayton Metro Library has dedicated programs that can help the young readers of Montgomery County earn points, because “Adventure Begins at YOUR Library.”

That’s right – the Summer Challenge isn’t just for reading! Participants can earn points for completing any number of activities. For those who need a few ideas on what programs to attend, here’s a sampling of what’s coming up the first two weeks of June:

Equip Yourself for Summer Challenge: Crafts, Saturday, June 1, 3-5 pm, Wilmington-Stroop Branch: Make crafts to prepare for the Summer Challenge: a book pouch, a notebook, and book-

Is 'A Different World' Responsible for Major Uptick in HBCU Enrollment? Experts Weigh In

While conservatives want to whitewash school's curriculum, students want to be and learn about themselves.

THE VIEW - The 35th-anniversary reunion with the cast of “A Different World,” including Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Cree Summer, Darryl Bell and Debbie Allen Photo: ABC (Getty Images)

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, A Different World, The Cosby Show spinoff series about life on a fictional Black college campus was mustsee TV in Black households all across the country. It was the first time we got to see an allBlack cast in a college setting and it made us crave an HBCU experience of our own.

This year, more than 35 years after the series premiere, the cast took their show on the road in a 10-city reunion tour of HBCUs across the country to connect with fans, inspire interest in historically Black colleges and universities and raise scholarship money for

students. They even hung out with Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard University graduate, at the White House to shine a spotlight on the current administration’s student debt relief programs. The tour comes as HBCUs across the country are seeing an uptick in applications and enrollment. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, enrollment growth at historically black colleges and universities exceeded overall undergraduate enrollment growth by more than six percent between 2021 and 2022. Howard University’s undergraduate admissions department reported a record-breaking

37,000 applicants for the class of 2028, a 12 percent increase from the previous year.

However, experts say this overwhelming interest in HBCUs is about more than ‘90s nostalgia.

Former high school principal Torry BennettDavis told The Root that Republican’s attacks on diversity initiatives and attempts to whitewash curriculum are driving students of color to look to HBCUs for the information the right doesn’t want them to have.

“There is a push against teaching African American history at the secondary and post-secondary level in Republican-run states. That, combined

with GOP backlash against programs aimed at recruiting students of color and the slashing of DEI programs generally is what’s driving students into HBCUs at higher rates,” she said.

Bennett-Davis says safety is another factor in students’ decision to opt for HBCUs over predominantly white institutions (PWIs). According to data released by the FBI in January, there were 13,346 hate crimes reported in 2022, up from 8,492 in 2018. The data revealed schools, colleges and universities were the third most common location for hate crimes between 2018 and 2022.

At the end of the day, Bennett-Davis says students are craving community as they worry about attacks on their civil rights.

Even Black students at PWIs tend to create their own HBCU experience –joining historically Black Greek letter organizations, local NAACP chapters and organizations that support their academic and professional success, like the National Society of Black Engineers and the National Association of Black Journalists.

“Students want to be and learn about themselves,” she said.

marks. (Grades 1-4)

Summer Challenge Kickoff Festival!, Monday, June 3, 12-5 pm, Huber Heights Branch: Games and activities for all ages. (All Ages)

Messy Monday: Messtival, Monday, June 3, 2-4 pm, West Carrollton Branch: Bubble fun with Lift Off Entertainment including bubble art and cotton candy treats! (Families)

Summer Challenge Kick-Off, Monday, June 3, 3-5 pm, West Branch: Celebrate the start of summer and the Challenge with Ranger Vic’s interactive show. (Families)

Nature Adventures Family Program, Wednesday, June 5 and June 12, 2:30-3:30 pm, Main Library, Children’s Creativity Space: Arts, craft projects, activities, and experiments that focus on the diversity of the natural world. (Families)

Summer Challenge Kick Off: Glow Party, Thursday, June 6, 12:30-1:30 pm, Trotwood Branch: Stories, games, crafts, and music! (Grades 1-4)

Animal Tessellations with Dayton Art Institute, presented by Junior League of Dayton, Friday, June 7, 1-2:30 pm, Northwest Branch: Make tessellations (repeating patterns) out of animal shapes to explore symmetry, patterns, and geometric shapes. (All Ages)

Library Card Day at the Boonshoft, Saturday, June 8, 9 am-5 pm, Boonshoft

Museum of Discovery: Free admission into the museum with a DML Library card – sign up for one if needed, as well as the Summer Challenge. (All Ages) Summer Writing Challenge, Thursday, June 13, 2:30-3:30 pm, Main Library, Children’s Creativity Space: Explore different ways of storytelling and write stories using prompts. (Tweens)

For more information and additional Summer Challenge programs, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org. Sign up for Summer Challenge at DaytonMetroLibrary. org/Summer. Questions about programs and Summer Challenge 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.

Youth Summit Teaches Life Skills to Local Teens

High school students from across the Miami Valley got a chance to grow their leadership skills this weekend.

The Montgomery County Youth Leadership Academy hosted a Youth Summit on Saturday, June 1. The academy hosts events like this to help kids ages 14-18 develop skills in leadership, critical thinking and communication. Throughout the event, students were able to attend sessions on career development, entrepreneurship and community service. Workshops were

help on various life skills as well.

The Summit was held at the Employment Opportunity Center, located at 4303 W. Third Street in Dayton.

The Youth Leadership Academy is part of the Montgomery County Job Center. A successful career starts in school. We help our area’s youth from ages 14-24 graduate from high school and transition into college, military service, an apprentice program, or straight into a career.

The Art o f Ins

Worship At The Church Of Your Choice

The

Stolen Remains of 19 Black People Who Died in the 1800s Are Now Being Cared For By

Nationwide — A group of young people from Philadelphia who are a part of the National Youth Foundation are stepping up to care for and beautify the grave site for the stolen remains of 19 African Americans who died in the 1800s. Their remains were previously housed at Penn Museum which is owned by the University of Pennsylvania since 1966. However, earlier this year, the remains were given a proper final resting place in a private ceremony held at Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Pennsylvania. The remains of these deceased men and women are collectively referred to as the “Black Philadelphians” and were stolen by a physician named Samuel G. Morton who in the early 19th century decided to use their remains for his horrible, pseudoscientific eugenics research. Morton and his cohorts unethically stole the remains and housed them at the Academy of Natural Sciences where he had served as President. However, now that the remains have been bur-

Philly Youth

ied with dignity, The National Youth Foundation, the “I Matter” Project, and the historic Eden Cemetery recently collaborated for a youth beautification and education initiative.

More than 50 young people planted flowers around the gravesite and even held a private ceremony to educate the local community about the history of the “Black Philadelphians”.

Today, this same historic burial ground serves as the final resting place for numerous Black trailblazers such as Marian Anderson, who is celebrated as one of the most renowned contralto singers of the 20th century, and William Still, often referred to as the “Father of the Underground Railroad,” who played a vital role in aiding those escaping slavery on their journey to freedom.

The beautification and

education initiative accomplished by the young volunteers of the National Youth Foundation and Eden Cemetary was sponsored by Rap Snacks, Youth Service America (YSA), and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

About the National Youth Foundation

The mission of the National Youth Foundation — founded and led by three Black women and a Black teenager with a vision for change — is to promote diversity, inclusion, and gender equality through innovative programs. For more information, please visit NationalYouthFoundation.org

About Eden Cemetery Eden Cemetery was founded in 1902 in response to a crisis in the Philadelphia area where Black Americans faced challenges in being buried with dignity.

“8For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened..” Mathew 7:8

Eternal Father and Faithful Friend, I have often pondered over whose name I should end my prayers in. In this 'Church Age,' with the Holy Spirit among us, should I conclude in the Name of the Holy Spirit? Almost as soon as I posed the question, God provided the answer! The answer is that the Name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is 'Jesus Christ.' Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are titles, not names. I am deeply grateful for my Heavenly Father, who welcomes my inquiries no matter how old I am. I am also thankful that He never chastises me or says, 'You should know that by now.' This unwavering love and understanding from Him brings me immense comfort.

When I hear adults say to children, or children who’ve learned from adults to say, “Are you stupid or something?” “No, he would say. I’m Forest, Forest Gump!” His other sayings, which resonate with me deeply, are: “Momma always said you've got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” “Don’t ever let anybody tell you they’re better than you.” “Now, momma said there’s only so much fortune a man really needs, and the rest is just for showing off.” “I'm not smart, but I know what love is.”

As I journey across Michigan, meeting Veterans in their local church settings, I am reminded of some things: 'Momma said' those years ago. I am certain that my generation of mothers had much in common, especially when raising our names in prayer before Jesus.

During the Memorial Day Service, a solemn occasion where we honor and remember those who have served in the Armed Forces and are no longer with us, I thought about my brothers and brothers-in-law who served and are now gone. I am sure of Mom’s repetitive prayer for their protection and mine and a safe return home was welcome by the Lord God.

No matter how often we ask, seek, or knock on God’s heart, a metaphor for persistent prayer and seeking His guidance, He will hear and answer when we obey His commands.

LOVE YE ONE ANOTHER!

Rev. Merritt Worthen, PhD

Black Teen Designs Her Prom Dress Inspired by Prince and Frog Disney Movie

Nationwide — Layla Hildreth, an African American high school senior from Irondale, Alabama, designed her own prom dress, drawing inspiration from Princess Tiana, the beloved character from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.

“It’s more than just the dress,” Layla told WDBJ7. “She was a big star in her moments; she was very inspirational.”

Layla expressed her admiration for Princess Tiana’s work ethic and how she never wavered in pursuit of her dreams.

“The way that she carried herself, the way that she never gave up, and I feel like the dress really shows how big of a person she is,” she said. With determination in her heart, Layla encouraged others not to let anyone dictate their dreams. She said, “Don’t let any-

body tell you what you can and cannot do.”

After countless hours of hard work and dedication, Layla feels like a princess wearing her own creation. She brought her vision to life, creating a dress fit for a modern-day princess.

As she prepares to embark on her next journey at Georgia State University in the fall, she plans to continue nurturing her creative spirit and pursuing her dreams.

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Nationwide — Southland College Prep Charter High School in Richton Park, Illinois is celebrating for the eleventh consecutive year that all members of the senior class have been accepted to college.

The school announced at its annual “All In” event in April that the class of 2024 at the predominantly African American school in south suburban Chicago was offered $50 million and counting in merit and need-based scholarships. According to administrators, the Class of 2024 is projected to exceed $60 million in scholarship offers.

Southland seniors were admitted to some of the top colleges and universities in the country, including class valedictorian Knyiema Martin, 18, of Matteson who was accepted to 28 schools and has been offered more than $5 million in merit and need-based scholarships. Martin, who earned a 4.89 GPA on a 4.0 scale, was named a Gates Millennium Scholar, the third student to be awarded the prestigious scholarship in the school’s history. Martin plans to attend the University of Cali-

Black student graduates of Southland College Prep Charter School fornia-Berkeley and major in psychology. Southland College Prep’s class of 2024 has been accepted to several top 50 national universities and liberal arts colleges in the U.S. including The University of Chicago, Northwestern, The University of CaliforniaBerkeley, The University of Southern California, Stanford, Northwestern, Columbia University, Vanderbilt, Howard University, University of Chicago, The University of Michigan, Barnard College, Wellesley College plus scores of other higher education institutions. The Class of 2024 had

to deal with a college admission process that was more stressful than usual because of problems with the rollout of a new FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form which delayed college financial aid offers, said Robert Lane, Southland’s director of college admissions.

Despite the FAFSA delays and challenges of navigating their high school years during a pandemic, members of the class of 2024, the school’s 11th graduating class since its founding in 2010, made remarkable achievements, according to school administrators.

“Our students faced unprecedented challenges and they addressed every one of them and more than met them,” said Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, Southland’s CEO.

Dr. Davis, who is also the superintendent of Matteson School District 162, said that when she founded the school in 2010 naysayers told her that “students from our area would not be able to access the Ivy League or top schools in the country.”

Fourteen years later, not only are students being admitted to these schools, but Davis said that it is important that students are also being given the

financial means to stay in school. Davis noted that the first graduating class of Southland, the Class of 2014, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and that many of the alumni of that first class have gone on to graduate from college, graduate school, and start careers in law, health, education and the military.

“This is what happens when what seemed impossible becomes a reality and a vision is realized,” Davis said. “This is what happens when a community’s dreams for their children are achieved.”

Collectively, the 11 graduating classes of

Southland have earned more than $400 million in merit and need-based scholarships, according to Lane.

“These college admissions and the financial aid and scholarships these students have worked hard for and earned represent hope for the future of not just these students and their families, but for our communities in the south suburbs,” Lane said.

Lane said that admissions to the top schools are important, but equally important is that every class member finds a school that is right for them. For example, Lane said, several seniors were accepted to top Historically Black Colleges and Universities including Howard, Spelman, Morehouse, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Hampton, and a record number of Southland students were admitted to one of the top universities in the country, Northwestern.

Every year since its first graduating class in 2014, Southland, whose enrollment is not selective but chosen by an annual lottery, has had a 100 percent college acceptance rate.

12-Year-Old Black Girl From Florida Makes History, Graduates High School

Nationwide — E’leese

Shelton, a 12-year-old African-American girl from Tallahassee, Florida, has made national headlines after graduating from high school at such a young age.

According to her mom, E’leese showed exceptional skills from the age of 2. She said, “I got her a LeapFrog tablet, and we didn’t know that she was self-

taught until it was telling her to do the letters, uppercase, lowercase letters, and we didn’t realize that she knew all of it. I did not teach her any of it. She just had the LeapFrog and she knew it.”

Learning to read at age 3 and solving math problems at age 4, E’leese’s academic prowess led her to now graduate high school at just 12 years old.

“It’s just kind of surre-

al,” E’leese told WDBJ7.

“I believe it’s mostly because of my support system, like my friends, my mom, my church community.”

Academic excellence runs in the family, with E’leese’s older brother graduating high school at just 16 years old. Their friendly rivalry pushed E’leese to exceed expectations.

“She told him that she

was going to outdo him,” their father Fred said. “So she stuck to her word.”

Her brother, E’ven, expressed pride in his sister’s accomplishment, saying, “The best thing that you could hope for somebody that you love is for them to do something better than you. That’s just what we hope for the next generation.”

Looking ahead, E’leese plans to attend Tallahas-

see Community College before transferring to Florida State University to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatrician. Remarkably, she aims to start medical school at 16 or 17 years old.

“I feel excited to go on and embrace that journey,” E’leese shared.

Thousands of donations uncollected in May, but patients still need care

Come to give through June 9 for an exclusive Tetris® + Red Cross Tshirt

The American Red Cross critically needs blood and platelet donors now following a concerning trend over the past month – fewer donors rolling up a sleeve to give lifesaving blood. In fact, about 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected over the past month than needed to maintain the Red Cross national blood supply.

Make an appointment to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Severe weather and historic travel in May contributed to fewer blood donations. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), five of the busiest travel days ever happened this month and more record-breaking travel is expected all season long – a busy time when many regular donors may be unable to give. Additionally, as the U.S. approaches what AAA calls the “100 deadliest days” of summer for auto accidents, it’s critical hospitals have lifesaving

Blood and Platelet Donors Needed Now

blood products on hand for all trauma and accident victims who count on transfusions when there is no time to waste. In some of the most dire situations, medical teams may need to use hundreds of blood products to save a life. Help build the blood supply

The Red Cross has teamed up with Tetris, creators of the iconic, best-selling video game, to celebrate their 40th anniversary and build the blood supply for patients in need. In commemoration, all who answer the call to help May 20-June 9, 2024, will get an exclusive Tetris® + Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator, Alexey Pajitnov. See

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air and water; robust roadway, transit, and active transportation options; and strategic community plans that chart the course for member communities and partners. MVRPC’s geographic area includes Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, and northern Warren counties in Southwest Ohio. Learn more at mvrpc.org/our-region.

RedCrossBlood.org/Tetris for details.

Pajitnov, a recent firsttime blood donor, says now is the time to help patients play on. “I think it’s very important to not just talk about people united together and helping each other, but doing it with your real action, and that’s what I tried to do this time. So, play Tetris and donate blood!”

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor

card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

Brian O. Martin, Receives Miami Valley Urban League Pillar Award...

Brian Martin, Executive Director of MVRPC receives the President's Award for Excellence in Governance at the United Way Big Thanks event.