July 2016 Edition by Columbus African American News Journal

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CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

July 2016

African American Health: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome

AARP Ohio To Host Summit On Social Security and African Americans

By Charleta B. Tavares

Issue One Moves To Ballot To Change City Council By Jonathan Beard

Ray Miller

“Speak The Truth”

There are no routine heart or vascular diseases. And this is no routine heart hospital. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is home to central Ohio’s only heart hospital ranked “Best” by U.S.News & World Report. At the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, our dedicated team of cardiologists, heart specialists and surgeons works side-by-side with researchers who are leading more than 200 studies to treat and prevent heart and vascular disease. Each year, our physician and research teams lead national studies on new lifesaving devices, medications and procedures that are improving lives, extending time with loved ones and offering hope against heart disease. Stopping the number one killer of Americans is no easy task. That’s why care at the Ross Heart Hospital is anything but routine. Learn more at wexnermedical.osu.edu/osuheart.

Publisher’s Page Founder & Publisher Ray Miller

Layout & Design Ray Miller, III

Assistant Editor Ray Miller, III

Staff

Ashley Burkes Harmoni Stallings

Ohio University Intern Joseph W. Cooke

Photographer

Ira Graham, III Steve Harrison Naton Shoemake Contributing Editors Tim Ahrens, D. Min Jonathan Beard Roderick Q. Blount, Jr. M.A. Alexis Calvert Joseph W. Cooke Jeanine P. Donaldson Marian Wright Edelman Oluwaseun Isaiah Cecil Jones, MBA Elizabeth Joy, MBA William McCoy, MPA Clarice Palmer Casey Quinlan Senator Charleta B. Tavares

The Columbus African American news journal was founded by Ray Miller on January 10, 2011 The Columbus African American News Journal 750 East Long Street Columbus, Ohio 43203

Welcome to the 64th monthly edition of The Columbus African American news journal. Last month, on June 17, 2016, we celebrated our Five Year Anniversary at The Boat House at Confluence Park in grand style. Please review the photographic layout on pages 28-29 to get a glimpse of the event and the rich audience that was in attendance. I enjoyed having the opportunity to publicly thank our many excellent contributing writers and to acknowledge our Inaugural Class of “Grace Award” recipients. Next year, this premiere event will be even bigger and better. It is totally unprecedented for a newspaper to have this kind of event to express their appreciation to everyone involved in making their publication a success.To all of those who found the time to celebrate with us we are deeply appreciative of your support. Now, a word about the cover of this month’s news journal. Who is that handsome man! More seriously, I contemplated long and hard over whether I should consent to allowing my image to grace the cover of my own news journal. After considerable thought and polling half of Columbus, I consented to telling my story--at least, some of it. It is important for the public to know the seriousness we attach to developing a quality news journal which informs, inspires, and encourages our readers to be better informed citizens, more committed to improving the quality of life for all Columbus residents. This Anniversary edition seemed highly appropriate for sharing this story. The Mahatma, Mohandas K. Gandhi said, “Without a journal or a newspaper of some kind, one cannot unite a community.” The Columbus African American is audacious enough to believe, without equivocation, that we have the capacity to unite our community around issues of common concern based upon our knowledge and the integrity of the process we employ to bring you the news. There are numerous issues which we must address in an urgent manner-Cops shamelessly killing Black men in the streets all over America, the Columbus Public Schools proposing exorbitant increases in our property taxes for an upcoming school levy, the disappearance of the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC), gentrification gone wild on the East Side of Columbus, the Columbus City Council giving away the farm to rich developers and getting nothing in return for our community, and giant lies being told about the substance of Issue One, which will be on the August 2, 2016 election ballot. This initiative would bring some semblance of accountability and Democracy to a City Government that is defined by unanimity of thought. It’s as though there is one small brain controlling the thoughts of all seven members of the City Council and the Mayor’s Office. To make matters even worse that small brain resides outside of City Hall. Let’s talk about Issue One. Columbus currently has an at-large system of electing members to the City Council. Since 1914 we have had this same unrepresentative structure of government in operation within our City. Virtually every major City in America has gone away from this method of electing their City leaders. The people need elected District Council members who they can work with, inform, and hold accountable at all times. Issue One would allow three members of City Council to be elected at-large and ten members would be elected from Council Districts. Again, this proposed system, which will be on the August 2nd ballot, would replace the current system of electing all seven members of Council Citywide or what is termed At- Large. This is far more than an academic discussion. If you are enamored with the current functioning of Columbus City Council, I would invite you to tour E. Long Street, Mt. Vernon Avenue, Cleveland Avenue in Linden, or E. Main Street, east of downtown. Please call and tell me how much you appreciate the boarded up buildings, dirty convenience stores, and vacant properties with weeds as high as corn stalks. A District Council Member could not hide from addressing these issues without fear of retribution for his or her neglect. We desperately need a Black Political Organization. Let’s work together to pass Issue One and move immediately to organizing such a body of citizen led activists. With Appreciation and Respect,

Office: 614.340.4891 editor@columbusafricanamerican.com

Ray Miller Founder & Publisher 3

The Columbus African American • July 2016

In This Issue

Inside and Outside of Congress

COVER STORY

Grace Award Recipients, Atty. John Waddy, Senator Charleta Tavares, Greg Jefferson, Nancy Tidwell, Jonathan Beard, Angela Dawson at The Columbus African American Five Year Anniversary event.

Cover Story – Page 20

America’s Female Prison Population Has Grown By 800% And No One Is Talking About It

Killing In Our Communities: The Realities Of Gun Control

New Data Shows The

School-To-Prison

Pipeline May Start

As Early As Preschool

COTA Offers Special

Passes To The Zoo

Commissioners Announce Living Wage

Am I My Brother’s Keeper? By Cecil Jones, MBA

News Journal Five Year Anniversary Celebration

Killing In Our Communities: The Realities of Gun Control

Book Bags & E-Readers

Dr. David Hamlar: The Dentist Who Helped Desegregate Columbus Public Schools

NAACP Reports

Urban League Reports

Cleveland Cavaliers

Championship: Impact

By Joseph W. Cooke

Dr. David Hamlar: The Dentist Who Helped Desegregate Columbus Public Schools By Roderick Q. Blount, MA

Three Issues And Opportunities For The Next Mayor And City Council Of Columbus

Kunta Kinte: More Than Your Roots - Part 2

African American Health: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome

Summer Interns At The News Journal

AARP Ohio To Host African American Summit on Social Security

The Columbus African American • July 2016

Men’s Ministry At Second Baptist Invites Men To Get Restored

Can Anyone Help Our Youth Get Summer Jobs?

On The Black Community

Community Events

Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Distribution List

Black Lives Matter: The Fierce Urgency of Now

Legislative Update

Issue One Moves To Ballot To Change Columbus City Council

Time For “Good Trouble” 4

All contents of this news journal are copyrighted © 2015; all rights reserved. Title registration with the U.S. Patent Office pending. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and illustrations will not be returned unless accompanied by a properly addresses envelope bearing sufficient postage. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.

THREE ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS Author’s Favorite Story - Printed in the November 2015 Edition of The Columbus African American By William McCoy, MPA

During November 2015, Columbus, Ohio voters will elect a new mayor and several city council members, along with other public office holders. These elected officials will be asked to address many issues- including economic development, unemployment, and police violence and policecommunity relations. This article offers some insights and ideas for dealing with these issues. Issue #1: economic development, including small and minority business development. The City of Columbus invests millions of dollars in economic development. A recent study ranked the City of Columbus next to last in small business development, among 30 similar-size cities (BREAD, 2012). Another study ranked Columbus 43rd in “small business environment” (Kierman, 2015) among 100 large and mediumsized cities. The effectiveness and impact of the City of Columbus’ economic development activities and investments should be evaluated. City officials should demand their investments in companies and nonprofit organizations result in more jobs and economic benefits than they currently do. Those publicly, taxpayer-funded economic development offices and organizations that fail to generate jobs, do business with qualified Black businesses, or make a positive difference in the community should be re-vamped or eliminated. Black-owned enterprises and entrepreneurs really need a boost. For many African-Americans, the most practical solution to joblessness may be self-employment. In fact, minority enterprises are the third leading employer of Black people in Central Ohio (McCoy, 2013). In 2014, the City of Columbus purchased just over three percent (3.4%) of its goods and services from minority enterprise. It also provided few with access to capital or meaningful technical assistance. This pathetic situation can be reversed only if the City of Columbus becomes more intentional about doing business with and helping small and minority-owned enterprises and entrepreneurs. Issue #2: reduce unemployment and underemployment. Unemployment within the African-American community remains too high, particularly among young people. In “Jobs for the Jobless: The Pursuit of a Full Employment” (McCoy, 2014) a strategy was proposed for “providing jobs for the jobless,” which involves the preparation of a jobless reduction strategy,

along with special efforts aimed at helping the structurally, long-term unemployed- particularly teens and young adults- through more effective job development and placement activities and increased investment in private sector initiatives, like the former National Alliance of Business Summer Youth Employment Program. These efforts should supplement those described in the economic development discussion, as well as more aggressive job creation through commercial, industrial, and retail development activity.

they need to recognize, resist, and interrupt or change violent or abusive attitudes and behaviors. VIE focuses on the root causes of why people think and act as they do, as well as building relationships with others. VIE training- combined with greater accountability, punishment, and instruction for offending officers- can reduce police violence and improve police-community relations.

In conclusion, the next mayor and city council will inherit a myriad of local issues that need to be addressed. Economic development, Issue #3: interrupt police violence and improve unemployment, and police violence and police-community relations. Jim Fisher’s True community relations are among them. Crime Blog (December 25, 2013) lists Columbus Hopefully, those who are elected as Columbus, as America’s eighth “deadliest city,” in terms Ohio mayor and city councilpersons will focus of police-involved killings. Columbus ranks second among the nation’s major cities in police on these issues and work with the community shootings per capita, according to The Free Press in addressing them. After all, it is their job to deliver results that represent the interests of the (2014). This is unacceptable. citizens that place them in a position of authority So, what should our elected and appointed with their voice, their vote. officials do to interrupt and reduce policeinvolved shootings and killings of Black people and others? First, the City of Columbus should William McCoy is founder of and principal establish a Civilian Police Review Board to consultant with The McCoy Company- a hold police more accountable. The Free Press world-class, personal services consulting firm believes, “the lack of a Police Review Board specializing in strategic planning, community keeps (Columbus) at the top of the death list” economic development, and training that (2014). An agreement was once negotiated helps its clients articulate and achieve their by the NAACP and Fraternal Order of Police visions, solve problems, and capitalize on their to create a Civilian Review Board, but Mayor opportunities. He has also worked with the Michael Coleman vetoed it (The Free Press, Washington, DC-based Joint Center for Political 2014). Perhaps, now is the time to resurrect this and Economic Studies and other national think idea. tanks, managed political campaigns, served as a Second, Columbus police should be given better deputy city manager and development director, training on interacting with the general public and held two White House appointments. You and using deadly force. Violence Interruption can reach Mr. McCoy at (614) 785-8497 or via Experience (VIE) training gives people the tools e-mail at wmccoy2@themccoycompany.com.

The Columbus African Journal • February 2015 The American ColumbusNews African American • July 2016

HEALTH KUNTA KINTE...MORE THAN YOUR ROOTS: PART 2

By Elizabeth Joy, MBA, LSW, LCDC III In last month’s edition of the Columbus African American News Journal, I shared the theory of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS) as well Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a diagnosis affecting approximately 8 million adults in a given year. Self-destructive outlooks and low self-esteem reflected in internalized racism as well as anger and violent behaviors were cited as symptoms of PTSS. Experiencing flashbacks of the traumatic event, feeling emotionally numb, feeling tense or “on edge,” and having anger outbursts were cited as symptoms of PTSD. I left you with a promise to follow up with solutions to address these symptoms. Prior to addressing potential solutions for PTSS and PTSD, it is important first to note that many of us are suffering from the effects of traumatic life experiences on two fronts: 1. Being an African American in the United States is in and of itself traumatic. Regardless of how far we’ve “made it” or how successful we may view ourselves to be (good job, educated, financially secure), we are exposed to some form of oppression daily. a. The experiences of terror our ancestors experienced have been passed on in the form of increased likelihood to have high cortisol levels which directly interfere with learning and memory, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, and stress management. b. We have been and continue to be psychologically oppressed through the denial of access to our history and culture, the presenting our history and culture as negative, and the elevation of the history and culture of the oppressor (thus causing internalized racism). c. We are constantly faced with limited access to quality education, health care, jobs, housing, etc. d. Many live in fear of being brutalized or killed by those whose job it is to protect and serve the community.

The Columbus African American • July 2016

2. 97% of us will experience some other form of trauma in our lifetime. a. Childhood abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect) b. Loss of a loved one (through death, incarceration, or some other form of separation) c. Witness and/or experience violence (domestic, community, police brutality, military) d. Health issues/life threatening illness THAT’S A LOT!!! Don’t you think intentional efforts toward healing and holistic health are in order? Solutions for symptoms of PTSS and PTSD include but are not limited to: 1. Educate yourself ourselves regarding your history and culture. – Our history and culture is rich with truths of a people who are smart, resilient, creative, industrious, and spiritual. Knowing our truth will assist is in preventing ourselves from falling prey to the negative images and messages which lead us to internalized racism. We will no long feel the need to attempt to gain acceptance by dressing, talking, and behaving in ways that reflect our oppressors when we know our truth and thus are able to rebuild our self-esteem and take pride in our own culture. Cancerous attitudes of division and competitiveness will be relieved. This is ultimately leds us back to a sense of community in which we create businesses and buy from one another, becoming self-sufficient and therefore released from the enslavement of relying upon others for our livelihood and success. 2. Get beyond religiosity and back to spirituality. – There is a difference! We must get beyond the limitations of religiosity. Regardless of our consistency, relying upon religious technicalities leave us wondering why nothing has improved. Spirituality is an inner experience and connection with our Source. It is accessible to anyone, anywhere. 3. Set aside the tendency towards denial. – Whether it’s related to experiences as African Americans in the United States or to experiences of abuse and hurt, we cannot heal when we do not first acknowledge that we are trauma survivors. While is it is certainly possible to experience a trauma and have the fortitude to move on effectively, for many, experiences of racism, childhood abuse, and loss have a lasting effect. We must acknowledge the pain and hurt we feel. We must be willing to face the internalized

Marcus Garvey - “The Work That Has Been Done” Menelik Hall - Sydney, Nova Scotia, November 1937

negativity which is connected to our trauma. This is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. 4. Be open to guidance from a professional when needed. – In addition to our strained history with mental health professionals, we have somehow come to place where we see professional help as ineffective thus not an option. While we certainly must be thoughtful in choosing who we allow to fill this critical role, and yes, sometimes our spiritual leader may be the best choice, for certain situations a licensed therapist is in order. 5. Take care of your body. – It goes without saying, you have one body. It is your temple. Be thoughtful about what you’re eating. Educate yourself about nutrition. Regardless of your size or age, exercise is necessary. Keep in mind that your physical and mental health are connected. Healthy minds are connected to healthy body. Be well brothers and sisters. Elizabeth Joy is founder of Survivors To Alivers, a non-profit organization focused on empowering trauma survivors to overcome challenges and achieve restoration. Her organization offers online support groups and a space for trauma survivors to connect and support one another. Elizabeth is a speaker, life coach, and author of “You Survived… Now What? A Road Map to Reclaiming Life.” For more information visit www.survivorstoalivers.org, email ejoy@ survivorstoalivers.org, or call 614-332-1592.

HEALTH

AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH: POST TRAUMATIC SLAVE SYNDROME By Charleta B. Tavares This article picks up on the reprint of the March 2015 commentary on African American health since our ancestors stepped onto the shores of Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. The Africans who made it to the shores of America withstood some of the most inhumane, degrading and sadistic torture known to civilization to support the United States’ economic system based on free labor (slavery). Although our surviving ancestors were resilient and determined to improve their condition with each passing generation there were/are some remnants of the brutality, degradation and psychological torture that unfortunately could/ cannot be wiped away. The descendants of the Africans captured, shackled and carried through the belly of “slave ships” would arrive without a sense of where they were, with broken families and ancestral ties and in a foreign land with strange people (Caucasian/white and Native American Indian), weather, food, language and culture. Over the last 397 years the changes in social, economic, cultural, psychological and physical well-being of Africa’s descendants have transformed to address the conditions, attitudes and behaviors of their captors – the dominant culture and race (Caucasian/white). Many would say that we became chameleons – adapting to and adjusting to our new condition, circumstance and behavior of the dominant race. There is another theory and syndrome that has been posed by Dr. Joy DeGruy, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (P.T.S.S.) that was published in her book “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome – America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing”. What is Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome? P.T.S.S. is a theory that explains the cause or the analysis of many of the adaptive survival behaviors in African American communities throughout the United States and the Diaspora. It is a condition that exists as a consequence of multigenerational oppression of Africans and their descendants resulting from centuries of chattel slavery. A form of slavery which was predicated on the belief that African Americans were inherently/genetically inferior to whites. This was then followed by institutionalized racism which continues to perpetuate injury. Thus, resulting in M.A.P.: M: Multigenerational trauma together with continued oppression; A: Absence of opportunity to heal or access the benefits available in the society; leads to P: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. 1

As we noted in our original article the oppression, racism, brutality and subjugation of our African ancestors did not end with slavery – the strategies changed i.e., Reconstruction, Black Codes, discrimination, criminalization, segregation, lynchings, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nation and other Neo-Nazi organizations as well as, violence and brutality by law enforcement throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s… This brings us to the present, 2016 America. We have observed some advancements in civil rights, voting rights, fair housing, desegregation of our schools, retail establishments, public transportation and etc. And, we have also witnessed the election of the first African American president of the United States however; we have also viewed the hateful, racist and bigoted speech, demonstrations and threats against the president; resurgence of hate groups such as the KKK and Aryan Nation; and threats and hateful messages left on social media, buildings and homes reminiscent of the 1950s and ‘60s. These actions and psychological as well as, physical violence have compounded the trauma carried forth from prior generations. These negative social, emotional and physical impacts or what is now known as social determinants helped to shape our adverse health outcomes and disparities in future generations to come.

ancestry brought on by the superiority complex of those who wanted to keep us from enjoying fairness, equity and justice in all realms of life. This trauma is intensified by today’s intimidation, violence and racism as well as, actions or lack thereof that show African American people that they are devalued, less than and not worthy of our We ask ourselves why are our children and adults investment of services, programs and resources angry, depressed, violent and/or feeling helpless, to change the trajectory of their physical and hopeless and using drugs/alcohol to escape? emotional health. There are marked patterns of behavior or actions associated with P.T.S.S. according to Dr. DeGruy. As we celebrate our emancipation, America’s independence from British rule (June 19th and July 4th) and the months and years to follow, we BEHAVIOR REFLECTIVE OF P.T.S.S. must become educated on the “upstream issues” or social determinants that have contributed to Vacant Esteem these deplorable health outcomes and become vocal advocates for policy, programs and Insufficient development of what Dr. DeGruy funding strategies for African American (Black) refers to as primary esteem, along with feelings population health. We have to demand that the of hopelessness, depression and a general self- services received are culturally specific and are focused on the needs of African Americans to destructive outlook. eliminate the disparities and disproportionate health burden and be addressed commensurately. Marked Propensity for Anger and Violence Extreme feelings of suspicion perceived negative We cannot allow these abysmal health outcomes motivations of others. Violence against self, to be buried in overall statistics or one-size property and others, including the members funding, programs and policies that do not address our health history and more importantly of one’s own group, i.e. friends, relatives, or our health outcomes in America. acquaintances. Sources: Racist Socialization and (internalized racism) Learned Helplessness, literacy deprivation, 1 Dr. Joy DeGruy - http://joydegruy.com/ distorted self-concept, antipathy or aversion for resources-2/post-traumatic-slave-syndrome/ the following: 2 Dr. Joy DeGruy - http://joydegruy.com/ • The members of one’s own identified cultural/ resources-2/post-traumatic-slave-syndrome/ ethnic group, • The mores and customs associated one’s own Charleta B. Tavares is the Chief Executive Officer at PrimaryOne Health, a Federally Qualified identified cultural/ethnic heritage, • The physical characteristics of one’s own Health Center (FQHC) system providing comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, identified cultural/ethnic group. 2 vision, dental, behavioral health and specialty We cannot correct the emotional well-being of care at 10 locations in Central Ohio. The mission African Americans in one to three years that is to provide access to services that improve were caused by several centuries of intimidation, the health status of families including people physical and emotional harm or death due to experiencing financial, social, or cultural barriers racism and feelings of inferiority because of our to health care. www.primaryonehealth.org.

The American ColumbusNews African American • July 2016 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

SUMMER INTERNS AT THE COLUMBUS AFRICAN AMERICAN By Alexis Calvert Oluwaseun is a wellrounded young lady who is approaching her senior year at Independence High School. She will be graduating June of 2017 with the hopes of being Valedictorian. Since Oluwaseun’s freshman year, she has maintained a 4.0 and above GPA as she is ranked number one in her graduating class. Along with this, she has recently been inducted into the National Honor Society. Ms. Isaiah takes part in many academic, mentoring and extracurricular activities. She plans on going to college in order to study Petroleum Engineering. Many would vouch that this young lady is a strong role model. She gets 1 on 1 when it comes to leading by example. For example, Oluwaseun is currently a member of the Independence Link Crew. As a Link Crew member, she helps underclassmen improve their academic performance as well as behavioral performance. She even helps with personal issues or situations when necessary. Along with her mentoring, she is an active participant in sports as well. For two years, she has been the captain for the

By Oluwaseun Isaiah Alexis Calvert is approaching her fourth and final year at Independence High School as a senior; she will be graduating June of 2017. Alexis has shown great leadership skills throughout her years at Independence. Since her freshman year, she has been the captain of her Varsity Softball Team for the Independence 76rs. She also manages to be a Captain for the I Step High step team for her school. She is now the Co-Captain of the Liberty Belle Drill Team and plays for the 76er Varsity volleyball team. With all of this at hand, she still maintains a 4.0 and above GPA as she is ranked 2nd in her junior class. She has received various academic and leadership awards on behalf of her hard work. Throughout Alexis’ years at Independence, she has been extremely involved with various activities from community service to numerous extra-curricular activities. Alexis is such an active leader when it comes to community service. Her first major contribution to the community was when she spoke to The Board of Education in

Girls Cross Country Team and the Girls Track Team at Independence High School. Oluwaseun was only a junior when she placed second in the mile and 800-meter race in the city track meet for Columbus City Schools. With hard work and dedication, she wishes to be the City Champ for both events her senior year. Oluwaseun has already received countless awards for athletic ability. Including the Archie Griffin Award for Outstanding Showmanship, Ethics, and Integrity, and she received the most valuable player award for Cross-Country and Track.

lady was her participation in the Lead the Way Learning Academy’s After School Program. The program lasted 8 weeks, 6-8 hours a week, in order to prepare students for the ACT. Along with the program came college tours, which opened her mind to the University of Akron, who is now on her short list. Due to her active participation and dedication,Oluwaseun was selected to be an advocate for Lead the Way. She spoke to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners regarding how the program helped her. She wants to give a special thanks to her advisor, Ms. Anisa Bell, for all her help. Ms. Bell went the extra It doesn’t stop there! Oluwaseun goes the extra mile to even set her an interview to intern for mile when it comes to community service Publisher of the Columbus African American as it is something she enjoys. One particular News Journal, the Ray Miller! community service Ms. Isaiah took part in was the Brice Rd. Clean Up. She diligently worked Oluwaseun enjoys working for Mr. Miller. She with other students to fill 54 bags of litter. She appreciates the opportunity to research, interview, also volunteered for Brice Rd Food Pantry at and write for the Journal. She finds him to be the Brice United Methodist Church. Here she quite enjoyable and informational as he is always packaged food for the less fortunate and carried items to their vehicles if they had one. She also telling interesting stories and sharing knowledge participates in the Christ Bible Church choir about African American History. Working for founded by Bishop James Salako. She loves Mr. Miller gives her the opportunity to develop interacting with the youth members at the church in her writing and communication skills while who she teaches. Oluwaseun has even worked learning about the Publishing Industry. She loves for the Franklin County Board of Elections where God and puts him first in everything she does. she helped set voting machines for citizens. She believes that she’ll accomplish great things Another proud achievement for this driven young if she continues to place God above all desires.

front of hundreds of people and the local news channel. There Alexis stood as a freshman in high school, giving her speech in order to keep her school from closing and off the chopand-block list. She is one of the reasons why Independence High school is still existing to this day. Throughout her years at independence, Alexis volunteered at the Brice Rd Food Pantry, Brice Rd. Community Clean Ups, Volunteer mentoring, and etc. She is currently and has been since last year, a student ambassador. One particular activity Alexis was and still is in charge of is called Link Crew. During the school year as a junior, each week she would spend at least 3-5 hours mentoring freshman who were at risk behaviorally and/or academically. She also is and has been a Reading Buddies Coordinator over at Liberty Elementary since her sophomore year. During the school year, each week this wonderful young lady would dedicate one day after school to walk over to Liberty and mentor first graders. She focused mainly on enticing the children’s reading and writing skills. She would make fun activities for the children to get them more engaged in learning. She would then reward them with gifts for their hard work. She has recently been inducted into the National Honor Society because of her fantastic leadership skills and her contribution to her community.

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

Another proud achievement for Alexis is her participation in Lead the Way Learning Academy’s Afterschool Program this year. This program prepared her for the ACT and she was able to go on college tours. Through this program, Alexis was given the opportunity to intern with former State Senator Ray Miller, the publisher for the African American News Journal. This thriving paper has stood 5 years strong! Alexis feels that here, she has been given a great opportunity to thrive in reading and writing as well as build long lasting relationships through interactive communications. She feels that she gets great 1 on 1 mentoring and is always learning something new! Alexis said, “Working for the Columbus African American is a great atmosphere and is continuing to broaden her way of thinking.” She would like to give a special thank you to Ms. Anisa Bell, who helped Alexis obtain this profound internship. Also, Alexis would like to give a huge thank you to her mother; Stacey White. She feels that her mother is her mentor and biggest influence. She appreciates all the support and hard work her mother has instilled in her. “My mom does whatever is in my best interest, she has never led me in the wrong direction and I admire her strength”. - Alexis Calvert

AARP OHIO TO HOST SOCIAL SECURITY AND AFRICAN AMERICANS SUMMIT

1 in 4 of older African Americans rely on Social Security for nearly all of their family income.

The Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts - Parking is available at the Statehouse Garage or along High and Broad Streets.

2016, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Vern Riffe Center in Columbus on Social Security and African Americans. Experts from AARP Heritage Foundation, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and former Ohio Minority Leader Tracy Maxwell Heard will discuss some of the challenges facing Social Security and offer balanced information about the options on the table in Its importance is why AARP Ohio is hosting Washington and on the campaign trail. a policy discussion THURSDAY, JULY 14, Social Security needs to be updated for the While Social Security is the bedrock of financial security for most Ohioans, it is especially important for African Americans. A recent AARP study found that over 1 in 3 older African Americans rely on Social Security for nearly ALL of their family income, and the program keeps about 30 percent of African American retirees out of poverty.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

21st century so we can keep the promise for future generations. If our nation’s leaders don’t act, future retirees could lose between $4,000 and $10,000 a year. This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, please call 1-877-926-8300. AARP staff will be available for interviews in English and Spanish before and after the event. Other speakers may be available as well.

The Columbus African American • July 2016

MEN’S MINISTRY AT SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH INVITES MEN TO GET RESTORED AND RESTORE THEIR COMMUNITIES invited to be a part of a dynamic men’s conference scheduled for October 7-9, 2016. Every year, the Men’s Ministry of Second Baptist Church hosts this dynamic conference to heal and restore men to their ordained place with God. The church is located at 186 N 17th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203.

Eric Terry and Robert Cary are the Co-Chairs for Men’s Day at Second Baptist Church

the plans I have for you.

Gifted and anointed preachers and teachers will address the theme as well as areas of brokenness that men need to address to restore wholeness in their lives. Topics include, “How to Live As A Restored Godly Man,” and “How Can Godly Men Restore the Community?” Guest soloists Troy Glover, Second Baptist Church Men’s will minister to attendees’ hearts and minds. Ministry Servant Leader, said “The weekend will be a time to empty out those areas of life Second Baptist Church Pastor, Dr. Howard that block men from enjoying the full benefit of Washington, said “This relevant and timely God’s promises and grace. It will be a time to theme will serve as the foundation on which learn, renew, and strengthen your life as we all Bible-based preaching and teaching will be come into a better understanding of self and more provided to attendees as healing medicine to importantly, a closer relationship with God.” strengthen the community of believers resulting The conference’s theme is God’s Men: in a more healthy and restored community of Restoring the Community of Believers based believers.”

Columbus, Ohio - Let’s talk man to man. Are you really OK, and can you honestly say that you have addressed and resolved areas of your life that impact your relationship with God, family, friends, and co-workers? Are you part of the problem, or do you offer solutions for the challenges confronting the community of on the scripture Jeremiah 29: 5-11. The passage believers? highlights the people in Babylon being captives If you are tired of hiding behind material things in a foreign land for seventy years and God’s and status symbols and want to receive biblical visit to restore them. Their restoration involves and sound teaching, uplifting preaching, and repentance and returning to God. It is divine songs that minister to the heart and mind, you are because even in captivity God declares, I know

For additional information, and the conference’s schedule and updates, visit the church’s website at www.secondbaptistcolumbus.com or you may contact Troy Glover at 614-253-4313 or email at Troyg1906@wowway.com.

CAN ANYONE HELP OUR YOUTH GET SUMMER JOBS? By William McCoy, MPA Far too many young people are wandering the streets of Columbus, Ohio and other cities without a job. There was a time when summer youth employment was a federal, state, and local governmental priority and a public policy imperative. Thousands of local youth could look forward to working in publicly-funded or subsidized jobs, as well as being hired by local corporations and companies. Sadly, that day is gone. On July 5th, a front-page Columbus Dispatch headline announced, “Summer Jobs- Youth work program to lose its funding.” According to the article, “the popular program is slated to lose all funding after this season as the state shifts the money- about $46 million in federal welfare dollars this year- to a new program designed to provide year-round case management and supportive and employment services for struggling young people.” That’s right, the money will be given to “case managers” to administer “employment services,” rather than pay to employ young people directly! The funds that helped place 2,000 local youth in jobs will now be used by state employees to “help them find jobs.” In addition, 14 and 15 year-olds will no longer be served at all as a result of this change. This is not about tight budgets or saving money. It’s about denying young people governmentsubsidized summer jobs. Right now, the State of Ohio has roughly $150 million in surplus welfare money, which could be used to fund summer youth employment; but, it won’t do so. Based on its Fiscal Year 2000 and 2015 budgets, U.S. Department of Labor youth funding has decreased by nearly one-third (33%) from $1.25 billion to $831 million over the past 15 years.

In 2011, Central Ohio found out the federal government would not be providing $5 million for summer jobs programming as it had the previous four years. In response, the City of Columbus, Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC), and others created a summer youth employment initiative called Summer Opportunities to Achieve and Reconnect (SOAR). A Columbus Dispatch headline read, “Central Ohio coalition seeks 2,500 summer jobs for youth” (April 22, 2011). Fast forward to Summer 2014 and we see SOAR reported it received 6,705 applications and “served” just over 10% (732) through workshops, public assistance, internships, and (less than 200) actual jobs.

In conclusion, Columbus and communities all over the United States must find ways to create summer employment and vocational exploration opportunities for young people. We must think and act more strategically- and aggressively- in pursuit of that elusive goal of full employment for youth (and adults). In short, Columbus needs a jobless reduction strategy that: (1) links economic development and the jobless; (2) strengthens employment services providers’ job development and placement functions; and (3) integrates public-private employment initiatives aimed at the structurally or long-term unemployed and youth. Reducing youth (and adult) unemployment requires a plan of action, coordination, cooperation, and commitment. The requisite investment of time, talent, and funding that is necessary will produce a positive return in the form of happier, more productive people with fewer mental health and substance abuse problems, as well as a community plagued with less crime, violence, and family problems.

Clearly, the demand for summer jobs among youth far exceeds the ability of SOAR, COWIC, and others to supply them. Ironically, 35 years ago, the local chapter of the National Alliance of Business found over 2,300 summer jobs for youth with a staff of one and an actively engaged board of directors. Now, COWIC and others cannot replicate those results despite having millions of dollars and a lot more staff. William McCoy is founder of and principal consultant with The McCoy Company- a According to a JP Morgan report, Expanding world-class, personal services consulting firm Economic Opportunity for Youth through specializing in strategic planning, community Summer Jobs (February 2016), “Early work economic development, and training that helps its experiences play a critical role in healthy youth clients articulate and achieve their visions, solve development. Through summer jobs, young problems, and capitalize on their opportunities. people explore career options, discover personal He has also worked with the Washington, DCinterests and strengths, learn about work culture, based Joint Center for Political and Economic build professional networks, develop skills and earn a paycheck. The benefits of summer jobs Studies and other national think tanks, managed are well-documented- they contribute to short- political campaigns, served as a deputy city and long-term employment success, increase manager and development director, and held the likelihood that students will graduate from two White House appointments. You can reach high school and pave the way to a successful Mr. McCoy at (614) 785-8497 or via e-mail at wmccoy2@themccoycompany.com. progression into adulthood.”

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

COMMUNITY AM I MY BROTHER’S KEEPER? By Cecil Jones, MBA A r e y o u y o u r B r o t h e r ’s (Sister’s) Keeper? If there is a problem in another state, should you be concerned? Closer to home: If your neighbor had problems getting clean water, should you help? PAINT THE PICTURE (or who are the people in Flint, Michigan?) Flint, Michigan is 245 miles from Columbus, Ohio, about 4 hours away if you are driving in a car or truck. It is a one hour drive from Detroit (northwest of Detroit). The population consists of about 100,000 people. The federal government census site (http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/ table/PST045215/2629000) says the city is 56.6% African-American. The percentage of people under 18 are 27.3% while 10% of the people are over 65 years old. The average (mean) household income is $24, 679, while the percentage that are in poverty is 41.6%. The average (mean) value of a home there is $36.700. I don’t want to do a lot of compare and contrast between cities, but the average (mean) salary in Columbus is $45,000, more than 80% higher than Flint, Michigan. Providing numbers may help a bit to describe Flint but please let me be even more direct – Flint has a high percentage of people with little financial resources – they are poor! If you have a household income of $24, 679, that says you are likely among the working poor where you pay a substantial part of your salary to just get to work and do other basic things so that you can then take care of survival needs: paying for food and shelter. THE WATER STORY

here in Columbus – without clean running water, year he has facilitated collecting 2,600 cases of the process is VERY different! water, 500 single gallon jugs, 150 care packages and 100,000 water bottles. One person can make -How do you sell a home that does not have clean a difference! running water? What does this do to property values? What does this do to the job market when WHAT CAN YOU DO? businesses close or move to other cities? If you’re interested in supporting this effort -How long would you stay in a house with no (loading water, donating funds or going with safe, clean running water? the next group to Flint to help distribute), please contact Columbus4Flint at Columbus4Flint@ SOLUTIONS gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/ Columbus4Flint. Brother Jay Yawn can be The real solution is to rebuild the water supply contacted directly at mrjyawn@gmail.com. He infrastructure. Local, state and national officials (and the people of Flint) can count on my check are not moving forward with that. In the and my time. Do something – volunteer! meanwhile, the people (young and old) of Flint need water to drink, cook and bath. Let me share some stories with you that will touch your heart. You ARE Your Brother’s (Sister’s) Keeper! Brother Jaquan (Jay) Yawn was individually motivated to raise funds, provide logistics and get water to where it is needed in Flint. He started with no real organization – he just saw people in need and is providing help. The need is often door-to-door in neighborhoods that are desperate, daily, for water. Others then saw the need and are supporting, also.

You have heard the story of the government 1) switching the water source, 2) the resulting lead and poor quality of water; 3) then the recommendation to use filters was issued (that did not purify the water the first time they recommended it). They backed off of that recommendation for a while and now again some government officials are again recommending The Columbus alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Alpha Rho that filters will work (who do you believe?). Lambda chapter was asked to donate $5,000 for water supplies and has one of its members paying Consider this: for the transportation of that water. Alpha Phi -If a person was asked to transfer from Columbus Alpha in Columbus said “Yes! We will donate (or from any other city with clean water) to Flint and support!” by her/his employer, would they likely go? Not Likely. Let me share that:

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

Having managed technology, communications and business functionality for multiple Fortune 100 companies, Cecil is a technology and management leader. He teaches technology, business and communications courses. He is a past president of many organizations including BDPA (Technology group), and Columbus Association of Black Journalists. He serves on -How do fast food chains (or other restaurants) Brother Jay’s 4th trip (next trip) is July 30th. This the Executive Committee of boards including in Flint serve food to customers without having is his 3rd trip with Columbus4Flint. So far this Chairman of IMPACT Community Action clean running water? It is not the same as it is Agency. www.AccelerationServices.net 11

The American ColumbusNews African American • July 2016 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

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The Columbus African American • July 2016

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

BLACK LIVES MATTER: THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW By Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens #blacklivesmatter… We see this everywhere today. In the aftermath of a series of Police violence against unarmed African-American boys, teens, and men, people of all ages and races are marching across the nation for Racial and Economic Justice. It is clear, that the cry of “Black Lives Matter,” “I Can’t Breathe,” “Hands Up,” and more are calling America to moral accountability. With two NYC Police Officers murdered in their cruiser by a Black man who then committed suicide, all sides are rising up and calling for a way through this violence as too many young men are dying this present moment? And, why do the words of in our streets – at the hands of police and in gun the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches warfare in street actions of violence. and sermons resonate so clearly right now? As a pastor, I am calling my Black and White 52 years ago, on August 28, 1963, in his “I Have colleagues and their congregations to organize for A Dream” speech, Dr. King started with the justice. First, we mourn openly and together the Emancipation Proclamation five score years ago continuing loss of Black lives in our Columbus before. He said: community and then we turn around four “It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long centuries of gross injustice. Second, we have night of their captivity….But one hundred years to change the way black men are arrested and later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred incarcerated in America. We have to make it safe years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly to be Black and male in America. Black men are crippled by the manacles of segregation and targeted more than any other group of citizens in the chains of discrimination. One hundred our country. Third, we need to right the age-old years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of wrongs of racism and racism’s ugly counterparts poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material - social and economic injustice. prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro Race Matters in America. As a white man, I is still languished in the corners of American often hear white people say the struggles between society and finds himself an exile in his own land. White and Black America are a thing of the past. And so we’ve come here today to dramatize a That is a lie. You and I both know that. If they shameful condition.” were a thing of the past, why are they piercing in That “shameful condition,” which Dr. King goes on describe is economic and racial. The truth is, then as now, we are more willing to spend money on weapons of war than health care for infants in our community. In Columbus alone, the infant mortality rate is higher than most third world countries and this impacts the African American community most severely. The sad loss of infant lives drags down a new generation of Black lives. This is horrid and unacceptable.

Rene Jones Schneider/Star Tribue

are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.” But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now…. It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment.

We are facing an urgent and potentially fatal moment for our society. In his clarity and prophetic honesty, Dr. King knew that. Dr. King was no dreamer. He was a prophet preacher and strategic activist for nonviolent action. He was a pastor committed to the cause of social and economic justice. He used the power of nonviolent civil disobedience to shine the light of justice upon the dreaded and evil injustices of his age. As we stand on the edge of his birthday celebration, his model for engagement should guide our path for seeking to change America today – preaching God’s prophetic word coupled with nonviolent direct action which brings economic consequences and social change to the This is an economic struggle. Dr. King continues: world in which we live. There is a fierce urgency In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to of now because Black Lives Matter. cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens is the Senior Minister of were signing a promissory note to which every First Congregational Church, United Church of American was to fall heir. This note was a promise Christ in downtown Columbus. A church known that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, for its witness to social justice since its birth as would be guaranteed the “unalienable Rights” of an abolitionist congregation in 1852. Rev. Ahrens “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It is is the fifth consecutive senior minister from Yale obvious today that America has defaulted on this Divinity School and is a lifelong member of the promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color United Church of Christ.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

The Columbus African American • July 2016

POLITICS

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: 131ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY By Senator Charleta B. Tavares As the nation prepares for this fall’s heated presidential election, an event focused on the importance of voting rights and equal access to the ballot box will be held in Cincinnati in July. For the first time in its 49-year history, the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) will hold its convention in the Queen City. The event’s theme is “The Power of the Black Vote.” The convention will be held July 15-17, 2016 at the Westin Cincinnati on East Fifth Street downtown. Among the activities are free workshops on topics including criminal justice reform, overcoming poverty, women’s empowerment, health disparities, labor and the Black community, and voting rights. “Our community is pivotal to determining the winner in this presidential election”, said Senator Charleta B. Tavares, Assistant Senate Democratic Leader. “We are the largest racial/ethnic population in the state of Ohio with a track record of standing up for civil rights and protecting voting rights. We are disproportionately baring the burden of negative health, economic, educational and criminal justice outcomes in Ohio and throughout America. When we work collectively as citizens, faith, labor, business and community leaders, along with our elected and appointed officials our community wins.” The convention workshops and luncheon on

during the evening gala. Jordan, a prominent civil rights leader and former adviser to President Bill Clinton, will speak at 7:30 p.m. on July 16 at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Tickets to the speech are $125 per person. OLBC Parliamentarian, State Rep. Christie Bryant Kuhns (D-Cinc.), is the Convention Chair and is assisting OLBC President Rep. Alicia Reece (D-Cinc.) organize the convention. The Ohio General Assembly sessions and the House and Senate Finance Committee hearings can be viewed live on WOSU/WPBO and replays can be viewed at ohiochannel.gov (specific House and Senate sessions can be searched in the video archives). If you would like to receive updated Vernon Jordan to serve as Keynote information on the Ohio General Assembly and Speaker for the OLBC Convention. policy initiatives introduced, call or email my office at 614.466.5131 or tavares@ohiosenate. com to receive the Tavares Times News monthly Saturday, July 16, 2016 are free however; legislative newsletter. seating is limited and you must register at olbcconvention2016.eventbrite.com, call 1-(800) Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, D-Columbus, is proud 344-9724 or contact olbcconvention@gmail.com to serve and represent the 15th District, including the historic neighborhoods of Columbus and by July 14th. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson the cities of Bexley and Grandview Heights in Lee will be the speaker at the Saturday, Sister the Ohio Senate. She serves as the Ohio Senate to Sister Empowerment Luncheon from 11:30 Assistant Democratic Leader and the Ranking – 1:30pm. Additionally, the convention will Member of the Senate Ways & Means and Health feature Vernon Jordan as the keynote speaker and Human Services Committees.

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

POLITICS

ISSUE ONE MOVES TO BALLOT TO CHANGE COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MAYOR AND COUNCIL SEEMINGLY POSITION TO UNDERMIND VOTE RESULTS By Jonathan Beard The Charter of the City of Columbus is the people’s document – it outlines how we wish to conduct our affairs as a city. It has been amended more than 75 times by public vote over the past 100 years, but always because council voted to put something on the ballot and not because citizens called for change. However, because 39,308 citizen petition signatures were submitted to the City Clerk on May 6, 2016 by Represent Columbus, a citizen ballot committee, there will be a Special Election on August 2nd and Columbus residents will vote on Issue 1 - the only item on the ballot. If approved by voters, Issue 1 would change the way citizens provide for the governance of the city. Issue 1 would replace the antiquated 7 member city council where all members are elected at large (in citywide elections), with a more contemporary form of city council, where 3 members will be elected in citywide elections and ten members will be elected from smaller council districts that are clusters of neighborhoods. Council Spent Years Ignoring Citizens Raising this Issue Citizens sought to work with council on this issue, dating back four years. An April 23,2012 letter to council president Ginther signed by 25 neighborhood, civic, business association, and political leaders said “while we initiate this [charter amendment] as citizens, we call for a partnership with our elected officials and we ask for your support in moving this reform forward smoothly.” When speaking of the charter process, the group wrote “council deliberation should not be made hastily, arbitrarily, or in the absence of considerable public input –yet the ballot initiative process leaves council just one week to solicit such input… thus, in our first action as representatives of the Friends of the Columbus Coalition for Responsive Government, we ask that the Columbus City Council hold a series of hearings on our citizen’s ballot initiative … “ On June 8, 2012, Ginther wrote back “ … To hold public hearings on a proposed Charter amendment before it meets the legal requirements to appear on the ballot would be premature. Our office is in receipt of the information you provided and it will receive due consideration. I am aware of your standing meeting request, and my office will contact you at a time when a meeting might be appropriate.” Two subsequent petition efforts gathered more than 60,000 signatures but failed, and the group testified before the council-appointed 2014 Charter Review Commission asking the group to recommend a council district proposal to the ballot, given the citizen interest evidenced by the 60,000 signatures. Instead the commission recommended seventeen other issues for the 2014 General Election ballot, combined in

Campaign Co-Chairs: Jonathan Beard and Whitney Smith (Center) and Represent Columbus team deliver petitions to City Hall to get Issue 1 on the August 2 ballot.

Issues 6, 7, and 8. City Council never met on the issue of council districts, or showed any further interest in any sort of self examination of the body by the people of Columbus. When Represent Columbus submitted the 39,308 petition signatures in early May this year, City Council again showed its disdain for the effort by refusing to put the required ordinance certifying the proposal to the ballot on Council’s agenda. And because it came up from the floor as a nonagenda item, no speakers were allowed to speak to the issue before Council grudgingly passed a resolution to put the council-written language on the ballot, as required by the Ohio Constitution. Then, council used new powers that it asked voters to approve in 2014’s Issue 7, to write biased and misleading ballot language seemingly designed to dissuade voters from supporting the issue. The council also declined to have arguments in favor and against the proposal prepared for polling places -- again, a new right council had asked for in the 2014 charter amendments. Now Council Is Trying to Take Over the Issue Once citizens got Issue 1 on the ballot, Ginther and new council president Zach Klein launched and funded a largely false and misleading campaign in opposition to Issue 1 which appeared to flop under strong public support for Issue 1. So Ginther and rookie council member Shannon Hardin announced on July 5th (the day before early voting on Issue 1 started) that they would be convening a new charter review committee to address council issues, including its size and composition (wards) -- in short, addressing the major issues voters will have addressed in Issue 1. Under the city council written ballot language, Issue 1 mandates all 13 council members will be elected in the 2017 elections in the new 3 at large, 10 from districts format. For this to happen, the apportionment plan must be created by January 2017. Ginther and Hardin announced the commission will hold seven hearings and report out in February 2017 – after apportionment should be completed -- which is seemingly designed to undermine the voted will of the people.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

What Happens Next? Under Issue 1, if approved by voters at the Special Election on August 2nd, the city clerk would immediately advertise for Columbus electors interested in serving on a 9 member apportionment committee to draw district boundaries. From the pool of applicants, the Mayor and Council will each choose three members of diverse political registration (majority party, minority party, third party or independent). Those six will then choose the final three again recognizing the diversity of political affiliation or non-affiliation and broadly reflecting the geographic and demographic diversity of the city. The committee will then elect a chairperson and hire a “districting master” who is qualified to create apportionment plans, and subject to public review and comment will present three such plans, one of which will be adopted by the committee. If the plan is presented before January 2017, which it easily could be if the city begins the effort to hire the districting master and passes an ordinance requiring the committee to conclude its work timely, the first district elections will happen in that year and terms will be staggered so that half the council up for election every odd (municipal election) year. If the city delays and the plan drags and is not submitted timely by 2017, initial elections will be in 2019 and all members will have four year terms. The City Council and administration have fought this election for at least five years, claiming without proof, that change would be bad for Columbus. Now that voters appear ready to pass this change into law, sadly the new Mayor and council appear all to willing to undermine the citizen ballot initiative process and results. I urge Columbus voters to vote Yes on Issue 1 and, if passed, to insist the Mayor and council honor the will of the voters and move forward with all dispatch to responsibly implement its provisions. Jonathan Beard is Co Chair and Treasurer of Represent Columbus, the citizens’ ballot initiative that has sponsored Issue 1. The Columbus African American • July 2016

POLITICS

TIME FOR “GOOD TROUBLE” INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF CONGRESS By Marian Wright Edelman Congressman John Lewis’ call to action in the U.S. House of Representatives on June 22nd was the beginning of an extraordinary event in our nation’s Capitol. Members of Congress participated in a nonviolent occupation of the floor of the House of Representatives led by a veteran civil rights organizer and participant in the sit-in movement to desegregate Jim Crow lunch counters, Freedom Rides to desegregate interstate travel, and marches to protest the denial of the right to vote to Black citizens across the South. How refreshing to see John Lewis and his Congressional colleagues protesting the egregious fact that even in the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in our nation’s history and the senseless preventable deaths by gun of tens of thousands of human beings in our nation, including children, year in and year out, Congress has refused to act to reduce the epidemic of gun violence raging across our country. “We have lost hundreds and thousands of innocent people to gun violence. Tiny, little children. Babies. Students and teachers. Mothers and fathers. Sisters and brothers. Daughters and sons. Friends and neighbors. “And what has this body done, Mr. Speaker? NOTHING. Not one thing. We have turned deaf ears to the blood of the innocent and the concerns of our nation. We are blind to a crisis. Mr. Speaker, where is the heart of this body? Where is our soul? Where is our moral leadership? Where is our courage?” Congressman John Lewis grew up in segregated Troy, Alabama where he was taught not to challenge the racist Jim Crow status quo because that was just the way things were. But as a teenager he decided he couldn’t and wouldn’t spend his life afraid of getting into “good trouble.” He wrote a letter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after hearing him on the radio during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Dr. King invited the “boy from Troy” to come meet him and helped spur young John Lewis on his lifelong path as a nonviolent warrior for justice who helped transform our nation. As a student leader and eventually chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) he helped organize and supported sitins and other student activism across the South with my generation of young activists. At age 23 he was the youngest person to speak at the 1963 March on Washington. Two years later he was brutally attacked by lawless state and local law enforcement officials and his skull was fractured on the Edmund Pettus Bridge while attempting to lead a march for voting rights in Selma, Alabama. The televised images of the savage “Bloody Sunday” beatings followed by the March from Selma to Montgomery by people coming from across the nation led President Lyndon B. Johnson to call on Congress to pass what became the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and in America’s continuing struggle to honor America’s dream. How sad that so many

Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.) and Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY.) lead a “sit-in” on the House floor to oppose the Republican’s lack of support for a comprehensive gun bill.

states, especially in the South, are attempting to undermine this sacred right of citizenship to vote — in every possible way today. In 1986 John Lewis was elected to Congress to continue fighting to push America forward. He electrified the nation as he brought the same nonviolent civil disobedience tactics he used as a young civil rights leader to the House floor and led his colleagues in the sit-in condemning Congress’ inaction to reduce mass shootings and gun violence. His address to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan displayed a moral leadership and clarity that I hope will infect enough of his Congressional colleagues and galvanize millions of voters appalled by Congress’s inability to ban gun sales to people on the “no-fly” list, expand background checks, or provide other urgently needed common sense safety solutions to protect Americans including our children from relentless gun violence. “We were elected to lead, Mr. Speaker. We must be headlights, and not taillights. We cannot continue to stick our heads in the sand and ignore the reality of mass gun violence in our nation. Deadly mass shootings are becoming more and more frequent. Mr. Speaker, this is a fact. It is not an opinion. We must remove the blinders. The time for silence and patience is long gone.” The time for silence and patience is long gone. Congressmen Lewis and his colleagues have vowed to keep going with their fight as soon as the House returns from its July 4th recess. We must stand with them as they continue to get into “good trouble.” We desperately need a critical mass of leaders like Congressman Lewis, Senator Christopher Murphy, and others who joined in the House sit-in willing to be headlights and stand up to the National Rifle Association and the gun manufacturing industry and their lobbyists and money and do the right thing to prevent gun violence that injures or kills a child every half hour in our gun saturated nation. Congressman Lewis has said that some of the martyrs of the civil rights movement were “the founding fathers of the new America, a new way of doing things, a new way of life.” On this Fourth of July holiday honoring another revolutionary moment of “good trouble,” it’s time to remember how acts of civil disobedience have shaped our

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

country and made us better throughout our history — from the Boston Tea Party, when citizens in Massachusetts illegally boarded a British ship and threw its cargo of tea into the Boston Harbor rather than pay taxes without representation, and other acts that led to the Declaration of Independence; to the Underground Railroad, with its fearless conductors like Harriet Tubman and abolitionist friends including the Quakers who helped lead to the abolition of slavery; to the women’s suffrage movement, when thousands of courageous women marched and endured arrest and jail to win the right to vote; to the civil rights movement with Charles Houston’s and Thurgood Marshall’s legal challenges to segregation and unequal public schools, bus boycotts, sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and marches which led to the right to vote — gains that are slipping backwards; to the fight for LGBT equality and acknowledgement that love is love — and many more. We must encourage and support a new group of American leaders — nonviolent servant leaders — to sit in and stand up and do whatever it takes to protect and build on the progress made, resist the backwards slide in our regressive Congress, reject people spouting hate and intolerance at any group, and support the will of the majority of Americans, including a majority of gun owners, who want Congress to do their job and pass common sense safety measures to stem the deeply destructive tide of gun violence in our nation. Gun violence should no longer be tolerated and accepted as a uniquely all-American value. As John Lewis said from the House floor: “Sometimes you have to do something out of the ordinary. Sometimes you have to make a way out of no way. We have been too quiet for too long. There comes a time when you have to say something, when you have to make a little noise. When you have to move your feet. And this is the time.” Amen! Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind mission is to ensure every child a Health Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communitites. For more information go to www. ChildrensDefense.org

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2nd Annual Healthcare Thursday, Justice Awards October 20, 2016 A night to celebrate individuals and providers in our community who are eliminating health disparities, expanding access to healthcare & wellness and breaking down cultural & social barriers. For sponsor, ad and/or ticket information contact: John Tolbert john.tolbert@primaryonehealth.org 614.526.3267

Cocktail Reception: 6:00pm Event Program: 6:30pm – 8:00pm Hilton Easton Hotel 3900 Chagrin Drive Columbus, Ohio 43219 Cost: $100/Ticket (The tax-deductible contribution per ticket is $50, Tax ID #31-1533908 )

The American ColumbusNews African American • July 2016 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

COVER STORY

RAY MILLER, PUBLISHER OF THE COLUMBUS AFRICAN AMERICAN “SPEAK THE TRUTH TO THE PEOPLE” By Joseph W. Cooke J o s e p h W. C o o k e i s a student intern working for The Columbus African American news journal this Summer. Joseph is currently a Junior, majoring in Journalism at Ohio University. He conducted this interview with Ray Miller, Publisher of The African American news journal on July 7, 2016. JC: Briefly share your background with our readers. RM: I was born in Hampton, Virginia on April 6, 1949. My father was in the Air Force, so we left Virginia--Langley Field Air Force Base when I was six years old. We then moved to San Antonio, Texas where we were stationed at Lackland AFB, then to Wichita Falls, Texas--Randolph AFB, and finally on to Columbus, Ohio where my father was discharged from Lockbourne Air Force Base. I graduated from Fair Avenue Elementary School, Champion Junior High School, Columbus East High School, and The Ohio State University where I majored in Political Science as an undergraduate and Public Administration in graduate school.

Ray Miller as a student at The Ohio State Univeristy

Ray and Marty Miller

care of her six children--even though she only had an eighth grade education. She was bright, beautiful, and unfortunately passed at the age of 59 years old from heart disease, kidney failure, and emotional exhaustion from the death of two sons who passed at an early age. I still miss her dearly.

writing. Moreover, I have a strong need to be well-informed. Our community, the African American community in Central Ohio, deserves to have a first class publication that respects their need for quality journalism.

My wife Marty and I have been married for 44 years and we have one 37 year old son, Ray I am blessed to have three beautiful sisters-Olivia, Patricia, and Cynthia, all of whom have Miller III. contributed to my development in so many JC: Who were the early influencers in your positive ways. life? JC: You are 67 years old. You retired RM: I would have to say that my father, Inus from a distinguished career in politics and Ray Miller, Sr., impacted my life in a greater government service five and a half years ago, sense than anyone else--through his positive and yet you work non-stop, in one of the most negative behavior. As I reflect on my childhood, demanding professions that anyone could I can honestly say that my love of reading, high possibly choose--the media. What does the standards of excellence, and a strong desire to word retirement mean to you? have fun in life, came from him. Though he was a terrible alcoholic, when he was sober, he RM: That is an excellent question. I have not drilled me on reading and understanding what come to terms with the balance of responding to I was reading about. Both he and my mother, the critical needs which exist in our community, Inez, wanted their children to be their best, but juxtaposed against taking my foot off of the my father’s negative behaviors taught me more accelerator and coasting a little more. The truth positive life lessons than anyone else. Because of the matter is that I don’t know how to coast. of his irresponsibility with money, drinking I love work. I know the value of work. And I and partying, I learned to do just the opposite know the sense of self-worth that emanates from of what I experienced from his vices. He was a being engaged in service to one’s community. good man who was afflicted with a debilitating I do, however, believe strongly in succession disease called Alcoholism. It caused his family planning and passing on one’s knowledge to the to suffer financially, emotionally, and ultimately next generation of leaders. my parents divorced and real struggle ensued as JC: What caused you to decide upon starting a result of his disease. a newspaper? Didn’t you get the memo that My mother was a strong woman who was newspapers are dying all over the country? decisive, tough minded, and determined to take RM: Well, first of all, like you, I enjoy excellent The July Journal 2016 • February 2015 The Columbus Columbus African African American American •News

My interest in newspapers started many years ago. From the age of 14, until the establishment closed years later, I would spend countless hours reading African American owned newspapers at Mr. Raleigh Randolph’s news stand on Mt. Vernon Avenue. I was fascinated by what African Americans were doing throughout the United States and the powerful editorials that were being written by my people, who owned the publications. My favorite was The New York Amsterdam News, followed by the Chicago Defender, Pittsburgh Courier, Indianapolis Star, Michigan Chronicle, and the Cleveland Call & Post. We have demonstrated, in five an a half short years, that a quality news journal can be produced and thrive in an environment where television and the internet are the main sources for news. The key is to incorporate those avenues for the transfer of useful information to a public that is hungry for Black perspectives on the news, arts, entertainment, sports, health, criminal justice, the environment, building wealth, jobs/careers, young adults, politics, education, housing, and aging--just to mention some areas of great interest. JC: What is your vision for a fully functioning news journal? RM: The New York Times! That’s the “Gold Standard” for me. We don’t need to be their size, but we are aspiring to offer to our readers everything that the Times offers their readers.

COVER STORY This year, you will witness the digital components of The Columbus African American grow at a rapid rate. In addition, a range of educational and celebratory events will come on line as an added benefit to our community. We have developed a ten-year plan for continuous positive growth that is exciting and will be of great benefit to us all. JC: What is the Progressive Leadership Academy and why is it so important to you? RM: Tim Anderson, a good friend of mine, and a contributing writer to The Columbus African American, stopped by the office the other day and shared these words with me. He said, “What you are doing with The Columbus African American news journal is critically important, but the Progressive Leadership Academy, which you have also developed, will provide an even greater legacy for you than almost anything you have ever done.” Those were meaningful words to me. Tim is a good thinker and he genuinely cares about our community. The Progressive Leadership Academy is a 19 week leadership immersion program designed to first, identify those young African American professionals whom we believe have the strength of character, love for people of African descent, and hunger to make a significant difference in their quality of life and those who are too often marginalized by society. The PLA is an outgrowth of The Ray Miller Institute for Change and Leadership at The Ohio State University Department of African American and African Studies Department. We very consciously and deliberately select individuals from all sectors-business, labor, education, government, the media, non-profits, and corporations-- to participate in the program. The average age of the Fellows is 32 years old, they are all college graduates, African American, African, Indian or Hispanic. Cycle IX will commence on August 9, 2016. JC: You spent most of your life engaged in Politics. What you you recommend to someone who would like to become an elected official? RM: First, I would impress upon them that you must be engaged in politics for the right

Former Columbus City Councilman Jerry Hammond, Former State Representative Les Brown and Ray Miller

reason and that is to serve the needs of others. If they are seeking attention, recognition, money or a platform to be heard and seen, they are pursuing the wrong dream. Politics is all about thinking strategically, knowing the needs of your community, being willing to fight for an equitable share of the resources for one’s community, and persisting until the very end to deliver on your promises. Preparation, study, strategic planning, courage, commitment and faith are essential to being a truly respected elected official. Incidentally, all of these issues and attributes are discussed in every Cycle of the Progressive Leadership Academy.

wisdom, practical advice, genuine concern for my best interest, tough love, and encouragement into me on countless occasions and in myriad ways. I had the good fortune of working for each of these giants in their field. Consequently, I profited, on a daily basis, from their teachings, admonishments, and the building of my self-confidence. JC: What is your greatest asset?

RM: My belief in God and the power of prayer. I know for a fact that God answers prayer and that he is all knowing, all powerful, and everywhere. I could have accomplished nothing without Him. JC: Please discuss the importance of mentors. I am blessed with a wonderfully supportive wife, Marty, and a son, Ray III. God, family, and true RM: I have been enormously blessed to have friends are my foundation. outstanding mentors in my life. In fact, I don’t I am blessed with the ability to see a problem believe anyone with my particular interests could and design a workable solution within a very have had any better mentors than I was taught short time frame. That skill has served me well and groomed by. The late State Representative over the years. C.J.McLin, Jr., Governor Richard F. Celeste, Louis E. Martin, City Councilman Jerry JC: What is your favorite quotation? Hammond, State Representative Les Brown, Ms. Archie Lewis, and Dr. Harold Nestor poured RM: “Never allow your greatest accomplishment to become your highest achievement in life.” Translation--Keep climbing, keep dreaming, and keep reaching for solutions to the many challenges that beset our people. JC: Finally, I know that you love poetry. Please leave us with some meaningful words from one of your favorite poets.

State Representative Ray Miller, Secretary of State Sherrod Brown, Jim Rodgers, State Representative C.J. McLin Jr., State Dem Party Chairman Jim Ruvolo

Bishop Timothy Clarke, Ray Miller, Dr. Charles Booth and Bishop Donald Washington

RM: Mari Evans, a brilliant poet from Toledo, Ohio wrote: “ Speak the truth to the people Talk sense to the people Free them with honesty Free the people with Love and Courage for their Being Spare them the fantasy Fantasy enslaves.....................”

First swearing in 1981 with Speaker of the House Vern Riffe

Governor Dick Celeste and Ray Miller

I have always endeavored to live by these words and simply “Speak Truth To The People.”

The Columbus African American • July 2016

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AMERICA’S FEMALE PRISON POPULATION HAS GROWN 800% AND NOBODY IS TALKING ABOUT IT Washington, D.C. — Holly Harris may wear cowboy boots to work, but the Kentucky mom and Executive Director for the US Justice Action Network (USJAN) is far from your average southerner. This past Saturday, June 25th, Harris talked about her work to a group of journalists and bloggers who traveled to Washington D.C. from different corners of the country to hear from leaders of the criminal justice reform movement. Harris was the first speaker at FreedomWorks’ #JusticeForAll event, and as the leader of USJAN, she set the tone for what turned out to be a fascinating conference. The veteran litigator opened her speech by outlining USJAN’s goals, explaining the organization believes “our [criminal] code just doesn’t make sense.” That’s why their “goal is to shrink criminal codes” and “get rid of these unfair, unnecessary duplicative and inconsistent laws.” But it was something else she told the crowd a few minutes later that got attendees worked up. “The fastest growing segment of the prison population in America,” Harris articulated, “is women … and nobody is talking about that.”

Photo By Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

carry mandatory minimums, which are sentences that must be imposed no matter what. This strips judges of the ability to consider mitigating circumstances.

with USJAN to bring justice reform bills to state and federal legislators. As the organization gets involved with local groups to scrap bad laws from the books — and as Harris sees a greater number of lawmakers joining her fight — she believes “every state in the country now is going to be looking at more aggressive criminal justice reforms.” Since “the Bureau of Prisons’ budget grew by roughly 88 percent in nominal dollars” between 2000 and 2015, consuming “a quarter of the Justice Department’s annual appropriations,” FreedomWorks reports, Harris believes the budget crisis every single state is currently struggling with will eventually push legislators to act.

Due to mandatory minimums, FAMM contends, many women are given sentences that do not fit According to the Families Against Mandatory the crime — and the result is tragic. Minimums Foundation(FAMM), the female prison population in the United States has grown Because 60 percent of women in prison are also by over 800 percent in the last 30 years, while mothers to children under the age of 18, the drug the male population grew by 416 percent during war has negatively impacted countless families; the same period. Despite this staggering growth, the number of American children whose mothers violent criminals are not being sent to prison are in jail has more than double since 1991. in droves. Instead, nearly two-thirds of female prisoners are incarcerated for nonviolent offenses. W h e n d a t a i s b r o k e n d o w n i n t o r a c i a l About 56 percent of incarcerated women are in classifications, we also learn there’s a serious According to USJAN’s website, the organization jail due to the drug war or over property crimes, racial element to incarceration in the United has successfully lobbied and worked with both FAMM reports. These types of offenses usually States. Republican and Democratic senators to develop bills like the Sentencing Reform and Corrections According to FAMM, 380 out of every 100,000 Act of 2015, which, if passed, would reform black women in America are in jail, while 147 mandatory minimums for drug offenses, give out of every 100,000 Hispanic women and 93 out judges discretion on sentencing, and expand of every 100,000 white women are incarcerated. programs that help to keep former prisoners from While whites account for 79.8 percent of the U.S. ending up back behind bars. The bill would also population and 63.8 percent of women in America apply reforms retroactively to those already in are white, only 45.5 percent of the female prison prison. population is white. “By contrast,” the FAMM report explains, “black women represent 32.6 The full Senate floor is expected to vote for this percent of female prisoners, but only 12.8% of proposed law in the near future. the general population,” making black children “nearly 7.5 times more likely than white children During her conversation with political bloggers to have a parent in prison.” in D.C. about justice reform this past weekend, Harris also talked about the “cycle of failure” her Another shocking piece of data relates to the organization wants to break by helping former number of individuals with mental health inmates rebuild their lives. But reforming the problems in jail. According to FAMM, 73 percent criminal code is not enough. Harris maintains of female state prisoners have a mental illness, a “the drug epidemic is why we’re seeing this high number compared to the 55 percent of the male prison population with the same conditions. growth” of the female prison population. Women in jail are also more likely to carry HIV/ Cleaning the criminal code is only the first step toward a much greater shift in policy. AIDS. Amid the discouraging data, however, Harris has Article written by Clarice Palmer, staff writer been able to see an upside, working relentlessly with TheAntiMedia.com. The Columbus African American •News July Journal 2016 • February 2015

KILLING IN OUR COMMUNITIES: THE REALITIES OF GUN CONTROL By: Joseph W Cooke When people think of America, they cannot ignore the gun violence that is embedded in our culture. Mass shootings bring sensational headlines that often overshadow the pervasive and troubling problems of one-on-one incidents of gun violence On June 12, 29-year old Omar Mateen shot and killed 49 civilians and injured at least 53 others at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. This has been classified as the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. When analyzing the killing on face value, President Barack Obama classified this group as a hate crime, considering Pulse is a popular gay nightclub and Mateen claimed he was motivated by the international ISIS terrorist group. Vox.com, a publication focused on policy & politics, states America has more guns than any other Western nation and the highest rate of homicides per day. According to WOSU Public Media, there were 372 American mass shootings, Jennifer Thorne, Executive Director of Ohio killing 475 and wounding 1,870 in 2015. Coalition against Gun Violence, said current Violent weapon massacres in the U.S. have gun regulations lack the strength needed to been at the forefront of media scrutiny for the prevent questionable individuals from baring last decade due to mass shootings such as a arms because lawmakers are fearful of losing terrorist attack at an office in San Bernardino, a supporters. racially motivated shooting at a church in South “There are many loopholes that allow for people Carolina, and so-called “lone wolf” shootings at who are dangerous to access deadly weapons,” Sandy Hook Elementary School, Virginia Tech Thorne said. “Lawmakers fear losing reelection University, and the Century 16 movie theater in in their district if they have folks who are gun rights supporters or lobbyists who will spend Aurora, Colorado. untold amounts of money on campaign ads and When analyzing America’s high-profile mass contributions against them if they don’t vote for shootings, a bigger issue rises to the forefront. gun laws.” Gun control. For years, it has been debated whether more Many such as U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty stringent gun control laws will decrease the (D-OH), have been outspoken about these occurrence of mass shooting catastrophes, but types of mass shootings. They have generally a question plaguing people of color is whether cited two issues: First, the use of mass-killing this would limit the one-on-one firearm violence assault weapons that are commonly used in these that occurs in neighborhoods where African massacres such as AK-47’s and AR-15’s that Americans are disproportionately shot and killed. were designed to be used solely as military guns and second, loopholes in gun owner background When looking at incidents of rampant violence such as 2016 Memorial Day weekend in Chicago, checks. Illinois, it can be argued that a higher percentage U.S. President Barack Obama classified the of gun tragedies were the result of one-on-one Orlando attack as “homegrown terrorism” firearm violence rather than genocide shootings. Sixty-three people were injured and six were allowed by legally purchased firearms. killed during the last weekend of May. About This shooting wasn’t Mateen’s first time under 80% of the victims were African American. the legal spotlight. The San Diego Tribune states violence like this in According to CNN, he was classified as a “person neighborhoods across the country appears to have of interest” twice in 2013 and 2014. He had a become ingrained in the fabric for too many inner history of domestic violence against his ex-wife, city neighborhoods, particularly among African Sitora Yusifiy, who described him as bipolar and American males. mentally ill. Despite these warning signs that he was capable of mass destruction, he still was One-on-one neighborhood gun violence plagues able to legally buy a AR-15 assault rifle and 9mm Ohio as well. The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, a national public center, gave Ohio a D semiautomatic pistol. rating, on an A-F scale in gun control. MSNBC reported, around 3 percent of murders and gun related crimes are committed by those Columbus Police Department spokespersons did not respond to our phone calls asking for who legally purchase firearms.

Photo By April Saul/Philly.com

comments on neighborhood gun violence. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the city had 99 homicides in 2015, with 90.5 or (89.6%) of these deaths caused by shootings. This means in central Ohio someone loses their lives to gun violence nearly once every four days. On June 25, a sit in was led by U.S. Representative John Lewis on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C., to push a Republicans for a vote on gun control. Rep. Lewis (D-Georgia), a 76-year old historic civil rights activist, best known for his involvement in historic protests during the peak of the 1960’s Martin Luther King, Jr.-led Civil Rights Movement. Two of the 170 Representatives present were Ohio Democrats Sherrod Brown, United States Senator and Beatty. Beatty gave remarks concerning central Ohioans who were killed by gun violence, many of whom included teenagers and even young children. Beatty said American government and citizens must take initiative to act on gun control to prevent more families from losing loved ones. “Congress needs to listen to what the vast majority of our constituents and Americans across the country are clamoring for—meaningful action to curb our country’s gun violence epidemic. This truly is a state of emergency. How many more families need to be torn apart in Ohio and the nation for us to finally listen and act?” Beatty said. Ted Strickland, a former governor of Ohio who is currently running for U.S. Senate, supports President Barack Obama’s action to expand and strengthen America’s gun control background check system. Continued on Page 24

The American ColumbusNews African American • July 2016 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

Continued from Page 23

Strickland said using common sense proposals and an enforceable ban on military style assault weapons, prevents “questionable characters” from have the tools to continue the epidemic of gun violence. Strickland spoke to whether he believes more stringent gun control laws would help curb 1-on1 street violence and not just mass shootings. “Each mass shooting is a horrific tragedy, but the daily occurrence of gun violence in so many communities is equally unacceptable,” Strickland said. “Comprehensive background checks and stopping dangerous individuals from buying weapons will help make Americans safer and will go a long way towards tackling one-on-one gun violence and reducing the occurrence of mass shootings.” Gun control will continue to be at the center of political dialogue pending U.S Congressional votes on gun violence legislation and the Republic and Democratic National Conventions taking place later this month. Beatty said she hopes Democrats will bring the same passion as seen in the sit-in to bring an end to loopholes and come to mutual agreement with Republicans who she says are against and blocking gun violence prevention legislation. Strickland’s Senatorial opponent, incumbent U.S. Senator, Rob Portman, did not respond to several calls placed by the news journal to get his views on gun control, which Strickland portrayed as “outside the mainstream of even his own political party.” “I believe House Democrats will return to Washington (after the July 4th break) as equally energized as we were during the sit-in,” Beatty said. “It is my hope that House Democrats will continue our fight, on behalf of Americans, to finally have up-or-down votes on gun violence prevention legislation like No-Fly No-Buy (barring persons on the federal “do not fly” list from obtaining guns) and other measures to close loopholes.” Paul Murray Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbus-based At Risk Enterprise, LLC, has spent nearly 20 years dealing with at-risk individuals through his community work. He said gun control has not gotten better or worse but earned more exposure due to digital media and online news cycles. “To me violence is almost about the same as it was 20 or 30 years ago,” Davis said. “Its relevance is a little bit different due to overexposure from the internet and social media.”

Photo By Evan Vucci, AP

According to Davis, many people with criminal time processing these gun control issues we don’t records, who can’t legally buy guns under current think affect us because it can happen to anybody, gun control laws, find other means to accessing at any given moment.” them. If gun control is at best legislatively stalled and In a 2015 Science Direct national survey, around at worst ineffective in significantly controlling 10% of criminals who buy firearms buy them daily crime, questions remain regarding what can from stores. The other 90% buy their weapons be done to quell one-on-one street gun violence. To promote safer and more knowledgeable uses from non-retail illegal means. of guns, The Buckeye Firearms Association hosts Jim Irvine, President of Buckeye Firearms eight hour training classes. Association, which bills themselves as a grassroots gun advocacy organization, said Irvine said citizens feel ‘rightfully’ compelled to criminals get hold of firearms because of the carry firearms due to the 2nd Amendment right to bare arms, but must know how to use them for culture surrounding “straw purchases.” protection and not for mass destructive purposes “In a straw purchase, criminals who aren’t as gun control advocates argue was the intention permitted to buy weapons ask friends or people of the framers of U.S. Constitution in the 1700’s. they know to buy guns for them in exchange for money,” Irvine said. “This is a huge reason “With all the shootings which have taken place, why shootings continue to happen in the inner- many feel as if they need weapons to protect their city because criminals, who can’t legally buy wellbeing,” he said. “The classes we have teach people how to use guns to protect themselves and weapons, still have access to them.” not for destructive purposes.” From Davis’ own experience as an at-risk youth and dealing with people who come from the Strickland said gun violence is just one of many “street culture,” he said the gun laws do little to issues Ohio’s leaders must improve in African break the deep-seated roots guns have in certain American communities to uphold the overall integrity of Ohio’s diverse communities, citing areas. other issues such as economic disparities and “I don’t think gun laws restrict access to efforts to limit voting rights. handguns or the one-on one violence we see in the city or anywhere else,” he said. “There will “I believe Ohio’s diversity is a great asset, and always be people with access to guns on the black as governor I worked to ensure that different market, and the government is not going to be cultures, races, age groups, ethnicities and able to confiscate every illegal gun, much less religions were represented in and protected by cover every inch of the black market that sells our government,” he said. “We still have more work to do to ensure that Ohio’s government handguns illegally.” truly reflects all of the people of our state.” However, Davis said it is still important to champion for more stringent gun control policies to prevent as many families as possible from having to deal with the grief of gun violence.

Davis’ group also works to eliminate systematic barriers to societal success that may help reduce barriers to achievement that could reduce criminal activities as a life choice.

Davis is skeptical that more stringent gun control “We often don’t give a lot of thought to what’s laws will stop street criminals from getting their going on, we’ll hear a tragedy in the news and hands on deadly weapons. for a day or two we’ll think on it, feel bad, and may shed a tear,” he said. “We have to spend

Joseph W. Cooke is a Junior, Journalism Major at Ohio University. He is currently serving as a summer intern with The Columbus African American.

The Columbus African American • July 2016

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

EDUCATION NEW DATA SHOWS THE SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE STARTS AS EARLY AS PRESCHOOL disabilities who are served by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act were twice as likely to receive one or more out-of-school B l a c k s t u d e n t s a r e suspensions, and 67 percent of them underwent disproportionately suspended restraint and seclusion. from class, starting as early as preschool, according to new Secretary of Education John King told reporters data from the U.S. Department that the data in general, including factors of Education collected from beyond student discipline, shows students of all public school districts during the 2013-2014 color, English language learners, and students school year. with disabilities are facing serious educational inequities. Black preschool children were 3.6 times more likely than white children to receive one or “We all lose out in multiple ways. We lose out more out-of-school suspensions, according to economically because people who are poorly the survey data. Although boys were more likely educated earn less, pay less in taxes and need than girls to be suspended in preschool, black more services. They will also more likely end up girls also had high rates of suspension. in prison,” King said. “But we lose out in other ways that are not obvious. We can’t help but think This pattern continued in K-12, where black of the art that is not created, the entrepreneurial students were 1.9 times more likely than white ideas that may never reach the drawing board, students to be expelled from school without the classrooms these Americans will never lead, educational services and 2.3 times more likely to the discoveries they’ll never make. Our failure to be disciplined through involvement of officers, educate some groups children as well as others such as a school-related arrest, according to tear at the moral fabric of the nation.” the department. Multi-racial boys and Native American boys also had higher rates of expulsion. King’s comments on this loss of talent echo the findings of a report released last week that show The growth of school resource officers in the past student suspensions cost the nation as whole. decade and sworn law enforcement officers in The University of California, Los Angeles’ Civil schools may have something to do with these Rights Project released a paper showing the cost rates, although the department did not state that of these suspensions -- $35 billion in lost taxpayer in its report. The data collection does show that revenue, for the cost of keeping people in prison 24 percent of elementary schools and 42 percent and paying for health care, since students who get of high schools have these officers — and there suspended are more likely to drop out of school, are more of them in high schools that have high earn less money, and get involved in the criminal black and Latino student enrollment. Fifty-one justice system. percent of high schools with high enrollment of black and Latino students have sworn law There are several ways schools could work to enforcement officers. lower suspension rates, according to Halley Potter, a fellow at The Century Foundation who researches issues such as preschool equity, charter schools, and school integration. Potter said teachers need more support from schools, such as occasional visits from school psychologists, and more wraparound services in general to ensure teachers don’t simply address the issue of loss of control of the classroom by suspending students. But to address racial disparities in particular, there needs to be a dialogue about racial biases and how to recognize them in the classroom. By Casey Quinlan

Race isn’t the only factor that contributes to high rates of student discipline. Students with

“If you think about a preschool student ... how a preschool student bites another student and how a teacher how reacts, and if you have a white teacher and that’s a white student, there might be a different pathway in that teacher’s brain, that says, ‘Oh I recognize that is developmentally appropriate behavior I’ve seen in my child or I’ve seen my niece do this, and so I know how to respond,” Potter said. ‘”Whereas if that’s a kid of color, there might be different assumptions. There might be a thought that ‘Oh, this is the beginning of aggressive behavior that we need to manage,’ and those types of decisions happen in split seconds.”

aware of their own biases, Potter noted. “Schools need to provide a chance for all of the adults who are interacting with kids on a daily basis to reflect on their own background and their own baggage that they bring into a situation, so they can be aware of those things and modify their own behavior in the moment,” Potter said. “So if you look at your own classroom and your own schools’ discipline data and see real disparities, think about what you need to do to drill down on the classroom level to change the ways those interactions happen in the moment.” The report wasn’t all bad news. According to the department’s data, out-of-school suspensions fell by almost 20 percent compared to the 2011-2012 survey. Potter said the decrease in suspensions may be due to the growth of restorative justice practices in recent years, as well as increased media attention on issues of student discipline. But she says there are also clear incentives for schools to keep working on cutting suspensions. “If you’re trying to figure out how to move the achievement gap in other ways, one of the strategies you have to come back to is looking at the ways school discipline affects students,” Potter said. “And if you have a persistent racial or socioeconomic achievement gap, as virtually every school does, one of the things that can really affect that is who is in the classroom on a daily basis and who is missing time because of disciplinary action. I think the incentives are aligned right for districts to be looking at it.”

Casey Quinlan is an education reporter for ThinkProgress. Previously, she was an editor for U.S. News and World Report. She has covered investing, education crime, LGBT issues, and politics for publications such as the NY Daily News, The Crime Report, The Legislative Gazette, Autostraddle, City Limits, The Atlantic It’s up to schools to ensure that teachers are and The Toast.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

The Columbus African American • July 2016

COTA OFFERS SPECIAL PASSES TO THE ZOO The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay, have teamed up to create a special route from downtown to the zoo. Ranked one of the top five things to do in Columbus, the zoo and aquarium and Zoombezi bay are the perfect summer activity, but the hassles of traffic and parking at the zoo can be a deterrent. COTA recognizes this and and wanted to make it easier for individuals and families to visit the zoo. Riders can now ride Line 98 Zoo Bus from now until September 2. For those who want to take advantage of this special route, riders are encouraged to board the bus at the Statehouse downtown or leave your car at the Griggs Dam Park & Ride. The trip is only $2 each way and riders receive half-off regular zoo admission or $4 off Zoombezi Bay admission for the day of your ride.

Children and their families celebrate the kickoff of the zoo bus. This special bus line offers a direct route from downtown to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay.

In addition to the special zoo route, COTA is also offering a summer youth pass for children ages 17 and older. This reduced price, gives children and young adults the flexibility to affordably and safely explore the city during their summer vacation. Passes are currently on sale from now until August 31. For more information about the zoo bus line or for the summer youth passes, visit their website at www.COTA.com/Riding-COTA/Pass-Programs or you can call them at 614-228-1776.

COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCE LIVING WAGE The Franklin County Commissioners voted this morning to implement a series of wage adjustments that could result in pay raises for up to about 750 county employees, including ensuring that all current and future commissioner employees will be paid a living wage. The commissioners have long been committed to seeing that all residents of Franklin County are paid a living wage for the work that they do, and a year ago commissioned a study to determine what that hourly wage is in Franklin County, and how the Board can implement a living wage for all of its employees. The resolution passed today will increase the amount of the lowest salary paid to non-bargaining commissioner employees to $13.69 per hour. It also allows the county to renegotiate union contracts so that the changes to apply to bargaining unit employees as well. The study, conducted by Clemans Nelson & Associates, a nationally respected management and labor relations consulting firm, used resources developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to determine that the living wage in Franklin County is $13.69 per hour. “Living wage” is defined as a wage that allows a family of four, including two working adults, to maintain a normal standard of living within the community in which they work. The Clemans Nelson study also addressed the problem of “wage compression” within the commissioners’ county agencies, which occurs The Columbus African American • July 2016

when the minimum rate in one pay grade is too close to the minimum of the next higher grade. As a result, not only will the lowest-paid Board of Commissioners employees be seeing an increase, but the minimum rate in every pay grade will be increasing and employees who have been in their current positions for at least 3 years will also be seeing a raise. “Franklin County is the main local provider of social services in Central Ohio,” said Board of Commissioners President, John O’Grady. “The employees providing those services shouldn’t also have to receive them in order to provide for their families. Everyone who puts in an honest day’s work deserves an honest day’s pay, and we’re going to start with that right here in the commissioners’ office.” Many of the affected employees are covered by labor agreements between their unions and the county, which will have to be amended for the new pay rates to take effect. A provision in the resolution passed by the commissioners today authorizes county Human Resources to renegotiate the labor agreements immediately so that bargaining unit employees can take advantage of the new pay scale even before the contracts would normally have been renegotiated next year. “We have the best employees anywhere,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “They work hard 26

and, like every American, deserve to be paid fairly for their labor. I’m glad that we’re able to do this for our own staff, and will continue to work to see that all hard-working residents of Franklin County are able to earn a living wage.” The plan also includes a new system of determining raises for non-bargaining employees based on merit and performance. All together, the new wage scale system is expected to cost the county about an additional $1.6 million per year. “I’m proud of all that we have been able to do to take care of our great staff here at the county commissioners’ office,” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “From our excellent benefits package to our early adoption of benefits for domestic partners, our healthy workforce initiatives, and now a living wage, we really are taking care of our people, but it’s also about attracting and retaining the best and brightest employees at every position.” Franklin County employs about 6,500 people, and the county commissioners employ about 1,300. The new wage scales and merit raises will take effect on July 1st for non-bargaining employees, and as soon after that for bargaining unit staff as the employee unions are able to ratify new contracts.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

The Columbus African American • July 2016

THE COLUMBUS AFRICAN AMERICAN - FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION The Columbus African American news journal celebrated its five year anniversary on Friday, June 17, 2016 at the Boathouse at Confluence Park in downtown Columbus. Nearly 300 people attended the event, including community members, elected officials and many of our dedicated readers. To celebrate the success of the news journal, we honored all of our contributing writers who have helped to make the news journal the largest minority publication in Central Ohio. We also launched the inaugural Grace Awards which were presented to seven outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their respective fields. We would like to thank everyone who attended our celebration and everyone who supports the news journal. See you next year! Photos By: Naton Shoemake of Flix Photography

Ernest LeVert and Don Best

Dr. Chanelle Jone and Angela Dawson

Iris Cooper

Jon Moorhead and Kim Cole

Nathaniel Jordan and Terry Anderson

Mr. & Mrs. John Waddy and Friends

Kay Wilson, Elizabeth Joy, Angela Dawson, Kaneeka Dalton Paul, Judge Terri Jamison

Elizabeth Blount McCormick, Mr.Tidwell and Kathy Espy

Rev. Dr. Howard Washington delivered the invocation.

The Columbus African American â&#x20AC;˘ July 2016

John Clarke, Burhan Ahmed,Tim Anderson, Jonathan Alexander

Cecil Jones as Master of Ceremonies for the luncheon and award ceremony.

The Columbus African American News Journal â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015

All contributing writers received a special award for their contributions to the news journal.

Elizabeth Joy introduces Grace Award recipient Angela Dawson.

Greg Jefferson - President/CEO of Community For New Directions, shares his remarks.

Lonnie Miles- President/CEO MilesMcClellan Construction introduces Grace Award recipient Nancy Tidwell.

John Waddy, Jr. - Principal of the Law Offices of John Waddy, Jr. shares his remarks.

Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens introduces Grace Award recipient Jonathan Beard.

Jonathan Beard - President of Columbus Compact Corp., shares his remarks with the audience.

Angela Dawson - Director of Ohio Commission on Minority Health, shares her remarks.

Judge Terri B. Jamison introduces Grace Award recipient Greg Jefferson.

Former State Rep. - Tracey Maxwell Heard introduces Grace Award recipient State Senator Charleta B. Tavares.

Nancy Tidwell - Owner of NRT & Associates shares her remarks.

Honorable Charleta B. Tavares - State Senator and President/CEO of PrimaryOne Health, shares her remarks.

Jonathan Alexander - General Manager for Sam’s Club introduces Grace Award recipient Attorney John Waddy, Jr.

Ray Miller and all of the contributing writers and Grace Award recipients.

The American ColumbusNews African American • July 2016 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

By Ray Miller, MPA The Psychic Hold of Slavery - Legacies in American Expressive Culture

The Race Whisperer - Barack Obama and the Political Uses of Race

By Soyica Diggs Colbert and Robert J. Patterson

By Melanye T. Price Nearly a week after George Zimmerman was found not guilty of killing Trayvon Martin, President Obama walked into the press briefing room and shocked observers by saying that “Trayvon could have been me.” He offered no sweeping policy changes or legislative agendas, he saw them as futile. Instead, he suggested that prejudice would be eliminated through collective efforts to help black males and for everyone to reflect on their own prejudices. Obama’s presidency provides a unique opportunity to engage in a discussion about race and politics. In The Race Whisperer, Melanye Price analyzes the manner in which Barack Obama uses race strategically to engage with and win the loyalty of potential supporters.

What would it mean to “get over slavery”? Is such a thing possible? Is it even desirable? Should we perceive the psychi c hold of slavery be understood as a tool, helping us get a grip on the systemic racial inequalities and restricted liberties that persist in the present day? Featuring original essays from an array of established and emerging scholars in the interdisplinary field of African American studies, The Psychic Hold of Slavery offers a nuanced dialogue upon these questions. With a painful awareness that our understanding of the past informs our understanding of the presentand vice versa- the contributors place slavery’s historical legacies in conversation with twenty-first century manifestations of antiblack violence, dehumanization, and social death. I Almost Forgot About You - A Novel

Charcoal Joe - An Easy Rawlins Mystery

By Terry McMillan

By Walter Mosley

In I Almost Forgot About You, Dr. Georgia Young’s wonderful life -- great friends, family, and successful carerr -- aren’t enough to keep her from feeling stuck and restless. When she decides to make some major changes in her life, including quitting her job as an optometrist and moving house, she finds herself on a wild journey that may or may not include a second chance at love. Georgia’s bravery reminds us that it’s nevery too late to become the person that you want to be, and that taking chances, with your life and your hear, are worthwhile. Big-hearted, genuine and universal, I Almost Forgot About You shows what can happen when you face your fears, take a chance, and open yourself up to life, love and the possibility of a new direction. Its everything you’ve always love about Terry McMillan.

Picking up where his last adventures in Rose Gold left off in L.A. in the late 1960s, Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins finds his life in transition. He’s ready-finaly-to propose to his girlfriend, Bonnie Shay, and start a life together. And he’s taken the money he got from the Rose Gold case and, together with two partners, Saul Lynx and Tinsford “Whisper” Natly, has started a new detective agency. But, inevitably, a case gets in the way: Easy’s friend Mouse introduces him to Rufus Tyler, a very old man everyone calls Charcoal Joe. Between his new company, a heart that should be broken but is not, a whole raft of new bad guys on his tail and a bad odor that surrounds Charcoal Joe, Easy has his hands full, his horizons askew, and his life in shambles around his feet.

Invisible Man Got The Whole World Watching - A Young Black Man’s Education By Mychal Denzel Smith How did you learn to be a black man in America? For young black men today, it means coming of age during the presidency of Barack Obama. It means witnessing the deaths of Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Akai Gurley, and too many more. It means celebrating powerful moments of black self-determination for LeBron James, Dave Chappelle, and Frank Ocean. In Invisible Man, Got The Whole World Watching, Mychal Denzel Smith chronicles his own personal and political education during these tumultuous years, describing his efforts to come into his own in a world that denied his humanity. Smith unapologetically upends reigning assumptions about black masculinity, rewriting the script for black manhood so that depression and anxiety aren’t considered taboo, and feminism and LGBTQ rights become a part of the fight. The questions Smith asks in this book are urgent-for him, for the martyrs and the tokens, and for the Trayvons that could have been and are still waiting. The Columbus African American •News July Journal 2016 • February 2015

Nobody - Casualties of America’s War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond By Marc Lamont Hill Unarmed citizens shot by police. Drinking water turned to poison. Mass incarcerations. We’ve heard the individual stories. Now a leading public intellectual and acclaimed journalist offers a powerful, paradigmshifting analysis of America’s current state of emergency, finding in these events a larger and more troubling truth about race, class, and what it means to be “Nobody.” Protests in Ferguson, Missouri and across the U.S. following the death of Michael Brown revealed something far deeper than a passionate display of age-old racial frustrations. They unveiled a public chasm that has been growing for years, as America has consistently and intentionally denied significant segments of its population access to full freedom and prosperity. Timely and eloquent, Nobody is a keen observation of the challenges and contradictions of American democracy, a must-read for anyone wanting to better understand the race and class issues that continue to leave their mark on our country today. 30

HISTORY

DR. DAVID HAMLAR: THE DENTIST WHO HELPED DESEGREGATE COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOLS By Rodney Q. Blount, M.A. I’ve written about the lives and accomplishments of a couple of doctors and dentists for the Columbus African American News Journal and other publications. Each doctor that I have written about was not only accomplished in their career, but also active in their communities. I think it is important to highlight outstanding individuals not only for their achievements in their occupation, because you can find that information in publications specifically dedicated to their careers, but also to focus on the full life of each individual to the best of my ability. What information do we have on their early life? Where did they go to school? Did they have a family? What organizations and community projects were they involved in? All of these questions and more are important because it inspires others to see how successful individuals who reached the highest heights in their profession got started and how they gave back to their communities. Dr. David Hamlar fits the previous description perfectly because he was not only a successful dentist, but he was also a long time member and former president of the Columbus City Schools Board of Education. David Duffield Hamlar, Sr. was born in Roanoke, Virginia in 1924 to Robert and Maud Hamlar. Robert Hamlar was a brakeman on the Norfolk and Western Railroad and Maud Hamlar was a teacher and homemaker. Education was important to his family and they encouraged Dr. Hamlar and his siblings to excel in school. At that time in Roanoke, schools were segregated and the Hamlar children attended the all black schools in the city including Harrison Elementary School and Lucy Addison High School. The schools may have lacked equal funding, but it did not lack in phenomenal teachers, students and a quality education. One of Dr. Hamlar’s sisters’, Natalie Lorraine Hamlar Mason, went on to graduate from Howard University with a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree. Mrs. Mason later married Dr. Gilbert R. Mason, Sr., a major Civil Rights leader in Mississippi, and she was considered to be one of the “Mothers” of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. After graduation from high school, Dr. David Hamlar matriculated to Hampton Institute. However, his studies were interrupted due to his service in World War II as a US Navy machinist. Upon his discharge he attended the University of Toledo where he received a B.Ed. degree. Dr. Hamlar, also affectionately known as “Duck”, was an outstanding scholar athlete and lettered in track, basketball, football, and baseball. In 1985, he was inducted into the University of Toledo’s Athletic Hall of Fame. His skill led to him receiving contract offers from the LA Rams, but with encouragement from his wife, he decided

to stay on the track of science. He culminated his educational career when he attended Howard University’s School of Dentistry and received a DDS. Dr. Hamlar moved to Columbus by 1952 and opened his dental practice on 1829 E. Long St. He would enjoy a successful practice and loyal customer base for 52 years. Fortunately for Columbus, Dr. Hamlar was able to balance a successful career in dentistry with active participation in community affairs. Dr. Hamlar served as a trustee for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Central Community House, the Jefferson Center, the Committee to Remember the Children, Columbus Academy, Central Community House, and the Downtown Area Commission. He was also proud of his memberships and involvement in the local chapters of the NAACP and the Urban League. Another highlight in his life was when he was invited to the White House to participate in their Conference on Strategic Arms Limitation during President Carter’s administration. Dr. David Hamlar served on the Columbus City Schools Board of Education for seven years (1972-1979) and was the School Board President beginning in 1975. He was the leader of the organization during a turbulent period in time in education locally and nationwide. Although the Supreme Court ruled that segregation in schools were illegal in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case, segregation and inequality still existed long after the ruling. In the late 1960s and 1970s, measures were put in place to force the integration of schools through bussing (sending black students to majority white schools and white students to majority black schools) after several lawsuits had been filed. In 1977, Judge Robert Duncan ruled in favor of integrating Columbus City Schools citing, “There is no question in my mind that the schools were unconstitutionally segregated. And there is no question in my mind that the law required a system wide remedy.” “More than half of city schools had an enrollment of more than 90 percent black or white. Four schools had only one race; East High School was 99 percent black and Whetstone High School, 96 percent white.” As School Board President for Columbus City Schools, Dr. Hamlar testified in federal court against the white board members’ schoolintegration plan, which he said would create white havens and encourage white flight. After the Judge Duncan’s ruling, Dr. Hamlar was responsible for implementing the court enforced busing ruling and guiding it to be a success. “It was to answer a call that the federal Constitution demanded that schools be created equally,” Hamlar said. “And certainly in Columbus that wasn’t so. There were just too many places you could point to and show kids didn’t have the same opportunity in every school in the city.” After serving on the School Board, Dr. Hamlar continued to be active in the community. He was an active member of the Wedge Club, the Cavaliers, Omega Psi Phi (over 60 years), and Sigma Pi Phi (Lambda Boule). He enjoyed the camaraderie in

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

those organizations and was beloved by all of his brothers. Dr. Hamlar also received several awards and citations including the Columbus Education Association’s Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award in 1998. In addition, Dr. Hamlar loved to golf and was an avid fan of OSU sports. Above all, Dr. Hamlar was a family man who led by example. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Maxine, for 56 years until she passed away. “She was a member of The Moles, Girl Friends, Carrousels, Circle-lets and an Archousai of Lambda Boule. While in Roanoke, Va., Maxine co-founded The Altruists Club which trained young women for their debut in society.” Dr. and Mrs. Hamlar had three successful children: Deidre Hamlar , a lawyer who graduated from UCLA and Howard University Law School and was named the African-American arts administrative fellow for the Columbus Museum of Art at the age of 32; Dr. David Hamlar, Jr., MD, DDS, who received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1988, after completing dental school at Howard University in 1981 and is currently a Brigadier General with the Minnesota Army National Guard and Jocelyn Hamlar, a marketing communications manager at Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association in Illinois. Dr. David Duffield Hamlar, Sr., passed away on October 25, 2012. He lived a long fruitful life and was remembered for his wisdom, guidance, promotion of education, and ability to bridge gaps among differing sides. “He understood. He was for quality education,” Robert Short said, who worked with Dr. Hamlar on a committee with the Columbus School Board of Education. “We found his help very instrumental in helping us overcome those difficulties and obstacles. He’s a great loss.” I agree! There is so much to write about Dr. Hamlar that I could easily put together another article on him. His dedication to the community was genuine and he left a lasting impact that continues to affect Columbus. I encourage each of you to find out more about Dr. Hamlar and men and women like him and you will be inspired just like I am! Works Cited Columbus Black Heritage – The Bicentennial Edition Columbus Dispatch (March 3, 1992, June 6, 1995, December 1, 1997, February 28, 2001, October 31, 2012 & November 1, 2012) http://medicine.osu.edu/alumni/ Roderick Blount is an Educator and Historian. He received two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Ball State University and a Masters of Arts degree from The Ohio State University. His work has been featured in several publications. Roderick is a native of Columbus, Ohio and is a member of several organizations. The Columbus African American • July 2016

The Columbus African American • July 2016

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

SOCIAL JUSTICE - NATIONAL NAACP REPORT NAACP ANNOUNCES 2016 CONVENTION THEME: “OUR LIVES MATTER, OUR VOTES COUNT” CINCINNATI – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) unveiled the theme for its 2016 National Convention to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 16-20. Thousands of NAACP members are expected to attend this year’s convention under the theme, “Our Lives Matter, Our Votes Count.” The NAACP’s 107th National Convention will feature workshops, discussions and speakers highlighting voter education, voter protection and voter mobilization. “When the right of every citizen to vote is under threat in states across the nation, we must join together to respond and be heard,” Roslyn M. Brock, chairman of the NAACP’s National Board of Directors. “In towns and cities across this country, we are witnessing a new era of activism as a new generation rises to stand against police brutality and for the right to be heard in our democracy. We must harness that desire to be heard and mobilize our members to protect the vote and to get out the vote.” The convention theme was announced Tuesday

National Convention, especially during such an important election year filled with impassioned political debates that strike at the core of civil rights issues in our country,” said Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley. “I look forward to being part of what promises to be a memorable convention and a thought-leading event for the country this year.” In addition to appearances by presidential candidates and other top national leaders, delegates from the organization’s more than 2,000 branches and chapters will debate resolutions for national action and discuss ways the organization Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones can continue to advocate for criminal justice and economic reforms, protecting the right to vote and seminars with top activists, as well as the and other issues. national competition of the NAACP’s Afro“The 2008 NAACP National Convention Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific marked a critical turning point in our region’s Olympics (ACT-SO) program. history,” said Dan Lincoln, president and CEO, NAACP officials also announced Tuesday that CincinnatiUSA. “By working together, we were Ohio native and retired Judge Nathaniel R. Jones able to bring important conversations to the table will be the recipient of the 101st Annual Spingarn and change our destination’s narrative. We are Medal, recognizing him for his commitment thrilled to have the opportunity to do that again equality and civil rights. Jones, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, served as general counsel for the NAACP from 1969 to 1979 and later worked with Nelson Mandela and the post-apartheid South African government as they drafted the nation’s new constitution in 1993. “Judge Jones’ commitment to civil rights and social action embodies the spirit and mission of the NAACP,” said Leon W. Russell, vice chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “His efforts to end school segregation, defend affirmative action and his continued work as a federal judge deserves the NAACP’s highest honor.”

in Cincinnati with city officials, and marks a return to the city by the NAACP in a presidential election year. The 2008 convention in Cincinnati drew thousands of visitors, as well as appearances by presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama. “We are proud to once again have the opportunity to provide the backdrop for the NAACP’s

The Spingarn Medal is named for former NAACP Joel Elias Spingarn, an early founder of the NAACP who served as chairman, treasurer and president of the organization from 1913 until his death in 1939. The medal is awarded annually to a person of African descent for outstanding this summer, especially during such a critical achievement. Past awardees have included election year.” Sidney Poitier, Colin Powell, Oprah Winfrey, The convention overlaps with the 2016 Langston Hughes and the Reverend Dr. Martin Republican National Convention scheduled July Luther King Jr. 18-21 in nearby Cleveland. More information on the NAACP’s 2016 The NAACP convention will also include National Convention can be found at www. celebrity appearances, community-based events naacpconvention.org.

The American ColumbusNews African American • July 2016 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

- NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE REPORT STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICAN CITIES Urban gun violence touches on issues central to American life: safety, equality, opportunity, and community. As thousands of city residents are killed or injured with guns each year, mayors and other community leaders face an urgent challenge: finding effective solutions and implementing them to make a difference now and into the future. This report, a collaboration between Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, and the National Urban League, is a tool for all city leaders who want to reduce gun violence. First, the report summarizes much of what is known about urban gun violence: its causes, the ways it differs from violence in other settings, and the ways it undercuts many other aspects of city life. It is not the intent of this report to explain all the variation in gun violence across cities; instead, it is a primer for cities that want to act today, in spite of uncertainty. Far from presenting novel ideas, it brings together the

knowledge of academic researchers, community activists, nonprofit leaders, and civil servants who have been addressing gun violence in cities for decades. Second, the report describes seven strategies that dozens of cities have taken to reduce gun violence in their communities, drawing on specific case studies. The identified interventions address factors known to contribute to urban gun violence, are supported by a growing body of evidence, and can each be a part of any city’s larger strategy for reducing gun violence. This is not a comprehensive account of the hard work taking place in communities across the country, the volume of which is impossible to capture, but these case studies demonstrate that cities can learn from one another, building on successes, and informed by a growing body of evidence. To view the entire report, visit the Urban League’s website at www.NUL.IAMEmpowered. com and click on the link to download.

STAND UP AGAINST THE SALE OF CONFEDERATE FLAGS AT OHIO STATE FAIRS Summer in Ohio is a time for Cedar Point, King’s Island, beaches, barbecues and county fairs. However, this summer you may want to buy your funnel cake and fried Twinkies somewhere other than your county fair. The reason is because county fairs have become a battleground; and the confederate flag is the banner. County fair boards are defending the sale of the Confederate flag at county fairs as an act of patriotism that honors America. The arguments (aka, excuses) they use is that a ban would violate the vendors’ free speech; and that it is a test of our strength as a nation when we can have differing opinions co-exist. While it is true that being tolerant of diversity of ideas and opinions is a testament to our nation’s greatness. It is also true that nothing dishonors America more than giving the confederate flag, the flag of a defeated nation equal status and protection with the American Flag. Dr. Martin Luther King famously said that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice”. As a proud Ohioan, I think of Ohio as ground zero for that arc because of the many “acts of justice” that have origins in the Buckeye State and had an impact on the entire nation. Ohio’s first “act of justice” was our zealous support of the Underground Railroad movement, from places like Ripley and Marietta on the banks of the Ohio River, up north to the shores of Lake Erie and beyond to freedom. Ohio’s native sons, Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman were the tacticians that saved this nation from forever being a slave-holding Republic. And even though African Americans did not enjoy total freedom in the 1930’s, Jesse Owens proved to other nations and reminded Americans at the Berlin Olympics of the fallacy in the superior race theory. Further proof that Ohio is ground zero for

The Columbus African American • July 2016

this nation’s moral arc is our electoral record, particularly in the 2008 and 2012 presidential election, when Ohioans helped secure the election and re-election of the industrialized world’s first Black president. So when The Ohio State Fair and Exposition Commission voted to ban the sale of confederate merchandise at the Ohio State fair this past summer, it was another “act of justice” that Ohio could point to with pride. In banning the sale of the flag, the Commission was reaffirming their respect for all Ohioans who are offended by the display of the confederate flag because of its history of promoting the racial inferiority of African-Americans. Not all Ohioans celebrated the earlier “acts of justice” that were cited and not all Ohioans have embraced the ban of the Confederate flag at the Ohio State Fair, particularly county fairs boards. On January 9 th, 2016, the Ohio Fair Board Manager’s Association which represents all county fairs unanimously passed a resolution at their state convention supporting the right of all 88 county fairs in Ohio to permit the sale of Confederate memorabilia including the flag. This public display of aggression by the Ohio Fair Board Managers Association and individual county fair boards is disturbing for many reasons. The confederate flag is a symbol of hatred, oppression, slavery and discrimination. The open and accepted sale of such items creates an atmosphere in which residents in our communities may feel at best unwelcome and at worst unsafe. While ownership and display of a confederate flag may be a matter of individual choice, Fair Boards also have a choice and have chosen to allow these sales and to gain financial benefit from associated vendor fees. This is nothing short of accepting approval of the message this symbol represents. Another disturbing element to the refusal of county fair boards to be in compliance with 34

the Ohio State Fair Board’s policy is the “stand your ground” message it sends to the thousands of youth engaged in Junior Fair Board and 4-H activities. In Lorain County, where I live, a policy in our fair board’s by-laws states that, “under no circumstances will privileges of a questionable nature be sold or in any manner tolerated on the grounds or in the buildings.” Still, they choose not to stand down. The confederate flag is the last symbol of this nation’s demeaning, disgraceful and shameful past. It’s each generation’s duty to the next to preserve the rights we currently enjoy. And unlike our ancestors, there are no dogs chasing us or powerful fire hoses turned on us to prevent us from answering the call to correct this injustice. We must ensure that we do not go back to the time when county fairs and downtown stores and shops sold black-faced lawn jockeys, mammy cookie jars, Little Black Sambo posters and images of pickaninnies eating watermelon. Could you imagine the chaos that would occur if these once common items were displayed in public venues today? And what stopped it – not laws, but African-Americans and other men and women of good conscience demanding higher community standards. On June 14, 1777 the Continental Congress adopted the American flag as this nation’s symbol. That date has since become Flag Day. It’s my hope that on June 14th 2016, we re-pledge our allegiance to the flag and to the Republic for which it stands; and that this day also marks the beginning of the movement that banned the sale of the confederate flag at our county fairs. Proving once again, that Ohio is indeed ground zero for our nation’s moral arc. Jeanine P. Donaldson, Chairperson Fairminded Coalition of Ohio 440-320-6384, former chairperson of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission; and CEO of the YWCA’s of Elyria and Lorain.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

SPORTS CLEVELAND CAVALIERS CHAMPIONSHIP: IMPACT ON THE BLACK COMMUNITY By Joseph W. Cooke The Cleveland Cavaliers have managed to uplift their city by doing something no other NBA sports team has done. On June 19, the Cavaliers became the league’s first team to win a seven-game NBA finals series after trailing 3 games to 1. The breathtaking game 7 on the reigning champion Golden State Warriors’ home floor in Oakland, California, went down to the final minute and was sealed after a critical threepointer by Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving and a free-throw by the Cavs hometown hero LeBron James. This win spoke volumes for Northeast Ohio, in more ways than a team being crowned for their superior athletic performance. On May 14th, “Believeland,” an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary about Cleveland’s 52 year professional sports title drought was aired. Nearly two months later, Cleveland alleviated themselves from the brand of being “America’s saddest sports city” with the Cavs victory, fueled largely by the leadership of James, who appears to be totally forgiven by Cavs fans now for his departure from the city in 2014 to achieve two NBA championship rings with the Miami Heat before returning to Cleveland in 2016. Paul Hicks, an east side Columbus resident born and raised in Cleveland, was one of many Cavs fans who were moved to tears by the longawaited championship. He was also overcome with emotion as he watched on television from Columbus more than 1 million people who turned out for the victory parade in the downtown Cleveland streets he once frequented when he called on his clients role as a telecommunications professional, before leaving the city nearly 10 years ago in search of other opportunities. Hicks said he thinks this victory affects blacks in a special way. “Black people are more affected because that’s their team and the majority of the players look like them,” he said. “They associate with the Cavaliers, which you could tell from the parade because every black person wanted to be a part of it.” Cynthia and Sterling Goodrum are Cleveland natives with ties to Columbus as former students at The Ohio State University who later returned to their hometown. They hope the Cavs victory has a positive effect on the morale of African Americans and Black males in particular. They also believe Blacks could benefit financially if businesses, especially those located downtown, continue to hire more people to accommodate the increased business surrounding the Cavs’ home court, the Quicken Loans Arena. Darrell A. Fields CEO, Forbes, Fields & Associates Co., a law firm in Cleveland believes

Photo by NBA.com

having a professional sports franchise has a positive impact on cities in general. “Professional sports teams add character and identity to a city and has a positive impact on the economy of the city,” Fields said. If this astonishing victory does help build a new chapter for Cleveland on and off the court, it could force those who disregarded the city due to its struggles to now see it as a blossoming business and athletic town. Cleveland, once a blue-collar city, took a major dip economically and socially with the U.S. recession that occurred in the late-2000’s. Poverty and deindustrialization have become all too common in Cleveland’s urban areas. In recent years, the city has experienced huge declines in population and employment, after the relocation of tax-based and manufacturing business. The Distressed Communities Index measures cities’ conditions based on the population that has received General Education Diplomas and is unemployed or impoverished. According to a Cleveland.com update in 2015, African Americans are 53% of the city’s population and 58% of children there are raised in poverty. Cleveland is known as one of the most segregated cities in the country. According to 24/7 Wall St, whites have poverty and unemployment rates of just 9.3% and 5.4% while blacks’ poverty and unemployment rates are 33.6% and 20.2% respectively. The average household income for blacks is around $24,000 while median income among white households is around $57,000. Optimists hope that the Cavaliers and their recent success on the court could help decrease financial and racial gaps in the city. Fields said the ‘Cleveland Curse’ became something to work against when referring to the 52-years that Cleveland sports franchises came close to, but had not won a championship since the Cleveland Browns won the NFL championship in 1964. “Each time Cleveland fans watch a professional 35

sports game either in person or on television they are doing their part to defeat the Cleveland curse,” he said. “The economic impact of the Cleveland fan base on Cleveland’s economy was enhanced by the curse.” He and others agree, though, that LeBron James’ departure from the city, his ultimate return, and the Cavs championship this year sent revenue for the Cavs and for downtown business surrounding the arena trending down, up, and up again. As of February 2016, Cleveland Cavalier tickets sales have increased over 30% during the last two seasons. According to another Cleveland.com article, James’ return to Cleveland would bring $162500 million in revenues overall. Clevelanders spend $200 million in downtown annually and $150 million during the NBA playoffs. Each game of the Finals played in Cleveland makes around $250,000 in admissions, parking and hotel taxes, totaling up to $750,000 made in June of 2015 and 2016. This doesn’t even tally the countless amounts of people who travel from other cities and pay for hotels and food to see ‘King James’ and the Cavs play. Since his return, all home games have been sold out which is a huge difference from 2014 when there were only five sellout games. Thanks to this victory, the speculation is that the economy in Cleveland will hit a stride that will be present for years to come. “Successful teams make a difference, we both believe that a financially sound downtown is great for the city,” Cynthia said. “The Cleveland Indians are doing well and hopefully the Cleveland Browns will follow suit. The Goodrums also speculated that the Cavs parade was a precursor to the infrastructure needs the city will encounter when it hosts the Republican National Convention this month. “It allowed the businesses, safety forces, and transportation to better prepare for crowds,” Continued on Page 36

The American ColumbusNews African American • July 2016 The Columbus African Journal • February 2015

SPORTS their minds to where believe they can accomplish anything.” He has also assisted third graders who struggle with academic and personal dilemmas in an attempt to lower the chances of them dropping out of high school. In a more controversial move, SB Nation reports James raised $2.5 million for the Boys & Girls Club and $3.5 for other charities during his 2010 “The Decision” TV special when he decided to leave Cavaliers to play for the Heat. LeBron may even choose to expand his Family Foundation to other Ohio cities in the future. Even though Hicks and others doubts the Cavs’ 2016 finals victory win will help boost the economy equally throughout the city, he said the real estate and shopping commercial value will increase. There may also be other isolated incidents of businesses that have prospered.

An unidentified man walks past a home for sale in East Cleveland. Home prices have been on the rise, but the recovery is slow. (Photo by Cleveland.com)

Cynthia said. Even if the win is a first step to improving economy and self-esteem, there may still be much work to do. Fields said black people and business haven’t always benefited directly from the Cavs success, despite investing heavy amounts of money at Quicken Loans Arena and downtown. “The black consumer in Cleveland does support the Cavs at the arena and sports bars,” he said. “The impact has not been what we would hope for black owned businesses which may be due to supply of black-owned businesses rather than demand.” He does believe, though, that he as a businessman is positively affected by the momentum surrounding the Cavs’ victory. “Cleveland is on the rise,” he said. “Hopefully we will see additional investment in the community. The owners of one downtown Cleveland blackowned business, Take 5 Rhythm and Jazz Tapas, declined to comment. Hicks said he is skeptical of the amount to which the victory impacts blacks due to the realities of the trickle-down effect. “The money is not trickling down to blacks, the money made from the championship is going downtown,” he said. “If anything, blacks will spend more money to watch Cavs games and merchandise being sold.” T h i s w a s t h e c a s e w i t h G i n a Ta l l e y, a Columbus resident who attended the Cavaliers championship parade. Talley said the money she invested in the team’s gear reflects her love for basketball and the Cavaliers. “I bought four t-shirts that added up to $50, for me and my family,” she said. “We are lovers

of basketball and always have a good time in Cleveland.” The Goodrums also observed African Americans selling Cavs merchandise on the streets and at gas stations during the parade, but they are also skeptical that inner-city and impoverished neighborhoods will directly experience the same type of economic uplift experienced in the downtown area. Both Fields and the Goodrums noted that whatever financial benefit the Cavs do have on the economy could extend throughout other parts of northeast Ohio as well. Along with the team bringing in money, James through his individual charity work has been significantly impactful in helping black Northeast Ohioans re-investing his money into community causes. According to a Fox News report, he is giving 1,100 Akron youth, mostly African-American, a chance to receive free education at the University of Akron, under a four year scholarship program through his “I Promise” foundation. The scholarship is worth $9,500 per year, covering tuition and the university’s general service fee. His foundation spent $41 million in order to put the four year plan into fruition.

Big Dee, Master Barber at Parker’s Barbershop, a black-owned business in Cleveland, said businesses like Parker’s have been strongly impacted by this victory due to an increase in customers and people wanting to look like players. “A lot of the businesses have been flourishing during the entire NBA playoffs,” Dee said. “It brings out all the customers, people even come to the barbershop who haven’t been here in years because they want to hear what is going on with the NBA finals.” Dee said customers of black owned business like the one he works at have impersonated players due to the buzz of the win. “They’ve been mimicking their haircuts since last year, and even more during our championship season,” he said. “There will be a buzz in the air and it only will pick up with time.” For decades, Cleveland’s sports teams gave the city despair rather than feelings of joy and hope. Fields said this victory will hopefully give residents the optimism needed to set aside their political, financial, and racial differences to unite and improve businesses and the economy for a better future. “Cleveland is on the rise and now sees itself as a comeback city,” he said. “The championship changes the way Cleveland views itself and hopefully we will see additional investment in the community.”

To qualify, students must graduate high school within Akron’s public schools, achieve standard testing requirements and complete a certain number of community service hours.

After much negative talk of Cleveland being the “mistake on the lake”, Dee said everyone, regardless of color, will view the Cavs as a “force to be reckoned with.”

“For me and a lot of kids growing up in the situation we did, we didn’t feel like college was possible,” he was quoted as saying. “We want our kids to be able to believe, think, and broaden

Joseph W. Cooke is a Junior at Ohio University where he is majoring in Journalism. He currently serves as a Summer intern with The Columbus African American.

In a press release from the University of Akron, “Don’t be surprised to see the Cavs in the James said his goal for this scholarship was NBA finals for the next couple of years,” he to allow kids who come from disadvantaged said. “Fasten your seat belts and look out for backgrounds to conceptualize the unlimited Cleveland.” possibilities available for success.

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

COMMUNITYEVENTS July 14, 2016 Social Security and African Americans Summit The Social Security and African Americans summit is a joint venture between AARP and the National Committee designed to bring awareness to the importance of safeguarding Social Security’s future by finding commonsense, non-partisan solutions that extend the solvency of the program while expanding benefits. Location: Studio 1 - The Vern Riffe Center for Gov’t and Art Address: 77 S. High St., 43215 Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.ARRPohio.com July 22-23, 2016 The Columbus Conscious Festival Bring the entire family out to enjoy great music, food and plenty of activities for the kids at the inaugural Columbus Conscious Festival. Follow the entertainment from Mayme Moore Park to the Pynthion Theatre at The King Arts Complex. For more information, visit the website below. Location: Mayme Moore Park Address: 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., 43203 Time: Sat. 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Sun. 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.ColumbusConscious.com July 22-24, 2016 Annual Rib & Jazz Festival It’s that time of the year again! Time to sample some of the finest BBQ ribs from all around the country while listening to the best in contemporary jazz music. This is one annual summer event that you do not want to miss! For a complete listing of vendors and showtimes, call 614-645-3033 or visit the website below. Location: Downtown Address: The Riverfront Time: Fri. & Sat. 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Sun. 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.HotRibsCoolJazz.org July 25-29, 2016 Hoopology Basketball Camp - Coach Jim Cleamons If you want to be the best, then you have to learn from the best. Coach Jim Cleamons is a 10-time NBA Champion with 27 years of coaching and he wants to teach you how to become the best athlete you can be. Sign up for this 4-day camp today for only $150 (before July 15). Visit the website below for more information. Location: Whitehall Yearling High School Address: 675 S. Yearling Rd., 43213 Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (daily) Admission: $150 (before July 15), $350 Regular Web: www.HoopologyCamp.org

July 14, 21, 28, 2016 18th Annual Heritage Concert Series Are you looking for something cool to do every Thursday evening? Then head down to Mayme Moore Park to listen to the cool sounds of jazz at the annual heritage concert series, sponsored by the King Arts Complex. For a complete list of performers, call 614-645-5464. Location: Mayme Moore Park Address: 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., 43203 Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.KingArtsComplex.com July 28, 2016 Downtown Live Concert Series - MoJoflo Experience the Soul/Funk sensation of Mojoflo as they headline the Downtown Live Concert Series. This free event is open to the public. Enjoy great music, food trucks and more! So bring some lawnchairs, blankets and have a great time! Location: Columbus Commons Address: 160 S. High St., 43215 Time: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.ColumbusCommons.org July 27 - August 7, 2016 The Ohio State Fair As summer comes to an end, wrap up the season by heading out to the 166th Annual Ohio State Fair. Bring your whole family out to enjoy the fun rides, great food and music. This year’s concert series welcomes R&B Legends Keith Sweat and After 7. For more information, call 614-6443247 or visit the website listed below. Location: The Ohio Stat Fairgrounds Address: 717 E. 17th Ave, 43211 Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Daily) Admission: Call for Prices Web: www.OhioStateFair.com August 2, 2016 Election Day This is a special election for Issue 1 - To change the current Columbus City Council structure from 7 At Large members to 3 At Large and 10 Wards. You may vote at your current polling location or at the Board of Elections (1700 Morse Rd). Please bring a photo ID and proof of address, i.e., an electric, water or rent bill. To find out your polling location, call 614-525-3100. Location: Varies Address: Varies Time: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM Admission: Free Web: www.Vote.FranklinCountyOhio.gov

Please note: Information for this section is gathered from multiple commnuity sources. The Columbus African American is not responsible for the accuracy and content of information. Times, dates and locations are subject to change. If you have an event that you would like to feature in this section, please call 614-3404891 or email us at editor@columbusafricanamerican.com. Submissions are due the last Friday of each month.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

The Columbus African American • July 2016

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

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CSU Ranked Among Top Universities in the Country WILBERFORCE, OH. - Central State University (CSU) has been recognized by several national college ranking polls, including U.S. News & World Report Best College Rankings, College Choice, Affordable Schools.net and GoodCall 2016 Best Schools. Central State’s excellent Manufacturing Engineering program, which has a 100 percent job placement rate, is undoubtedly one of the reasons U.S. News & World Report selected CSU for its Best Undergraduate Engineering Program category. For the top 50 best Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) category, CSU placed on both College Choice and the U.S. News & World Report polls. GoodCall 2016 Best Schools for Scholarship’s ranking of CSU (45 th ) included 4,000 other public colleges and universities nationwide, which examined scholarship and fellowship funding earned by and made available to qualified students. In Ohio, Central State is the most affordable four-year institution for in-state students. The recognition by Affordable Schools.net as one of the Top 25 HBCUs in the country acknowledges the quality and value offered to students. This Fall 2016, the out-of-state surcharge for new incoming freshmen has been reduced by 76 percent making CSU even more affordable.

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