New HEAP Assistance Available

National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center Black Power in Comics Roundtable, Thurs., Feb. 4, 7 p.m.

Storytellers have always been at the forefront of political and social change. It’s no different for Black comic creators, who have historically used their work to shine a light on how everyday people can overcome injustice and become heroes. Join us for a lively discussion with Willie Cordy Jr., professor at Norfolk State University and Regent University, writer and illustrator for City Earth comics, and Vonnell Young, writer for the Delta Dogs comic series.

This webinar is inspired by an exhibit currently on display at the NAAMCC: “Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics”.

Before Her Time: The life of Virginia Hamilton, Thurs., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.

Virginia Hamilton was born and raised in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Discover how this young African American writer became one of the most celebrated authors of children’s literature. The webinar is presented by Ohio Humanities and Julie K. Rubini. Rubini is a children’s book author and founder of Claire’s Day, Ohio’s largest children’s book festival.

Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics, Mon., Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

Storytellers have always been at the forefront of political and social change. It’s no different for Black comic creators, who have historically used their work to shine a light on how everyday people can overcome injustice and become heroes. Join us for a lively discussion and overview of our Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics exhibit, currently on display at the National AfroAmerican Museum and Cultural Center. The exhibit uncovers the influence of several generations of comic artists and illustrates how comics have changed as America has changed. NAAMCC curatorial assistant Derek Pridemore will explore how these comic artists are forging new stories while honoring the struggles of those who came before.

This event is co-sponsored by the superhero librarians at the Wright Memorial Public Library in Dayton, Ohio.

Art of Soul! Awards Ceremony and Exhibit closing event, Sat., Feb. 27, Noon

This event will feature an artist panel discussion, a virtual Art of Soul tour, and an awards ceremony.

Queens of the Heartland, online exhibit tour One of Ohio’s greatest legacies is a story rarely told. Since the 1800s, Ohio was at the heart of social change led by African American women. Not only was it was the first free state established from the Northwest Territory, but it was also home to some of the earliest universities for African Americans and women. Ohio drew Black women from across the country who found there wasn’t space for them in their chosen professions, in education, or society at large, and so they built them here.

Queens of the Heartland features 30 of these pioneering women in a new exhibit curated by the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center. Go online to tour this powerful exhibit.

About the Ohio History Connection The Ohio History Connection is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, and local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio. Support for Ohio History Connection programs comes from the Greater Columbus Arts Council. For more information, visit ohiohistory.org.

The Ohio Development Services Agency and IMPACT Community Action want to remind Ohioans that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills. And Ohioans who are threatened with disconnection, or have been disconnected from their utility service, may also be eligible for the HEAP Winter Crisis Program, which started on November 1, 2020.

“These resources will help prevent energy disruptions and restore disconnections for our neighbors, who are already scrambling to make tough decisions during these unprecedented times. IMPACT appreciates being a partner for the HEAP program to make sure we can keep people safe at home, ” stated Latisha Chastang, IMPACT Emergency Services Director. To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with IMPACT Community Action. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 614-246-0019. For additional information please email Kevin Jones at KLJones@impactca.org or call 614-4531734 Ohioans can visit https://development.ohio. gov/is/is_energyassist.htm to download a copy of the application. Individuals will need to have copies of the following documents to include with their application:

Most recent utility bills A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers) Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types) Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members Proof of disability (if applicable)

HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after January 1st. If you need immediate assistance with your energy bills, please contact IMPACT Community Action at 614-252-2799.

Applications for the HEAP Winter Crisis program must be received by March 31, 2021. The last day to apply for the regular HEAP benefit is May 31, 2021. For more information on the programs, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or call your local Energy Assistance Provider.