June 2017 Edition by Columbus African American News Journal

June 2017

FREE

Dr. Chenelle Jones Ohio Dominican University

“Not Ordinary”

After Graduation, What Next!? Paying for College

The Importance of Educational Gardens in STEM Landscape

By Alethea E. Gaddis

By Yolanda Owens

Love Fest - A Family Affair Cafe & Catering By Edward Bell, MBA

OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OHIO.

To find out more about what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing in the community and how you can get involved visit aarp.org/oh.

Publisher’s Page A very powerful and historic event was held in Columbus, Ohio, at the Lincoln Theater, on May 30, 2017. The event was not organized, sponsored, or convened by the usual suspects--those whose names appear on virtually every program that safely addresses issues impacting African Americans. In fact, almost none of the sanctioned “leaders” were even in attendance, and did not know that the forum was taking place. Yet, the auditorium of the Lincoln was full to near capacity with more than 400 people hanging on every word brought forth by the participants on the program.

Founder & Publisher Ray Miller

Layout & Design Ray Miller, III

Assistant Editor Ray Miller, III

Associate Editor Edward Bell Media Consultant Rod Harris Distribution Manager Ronald Burke OSU Graduate Intern

Rebecca Kemper-Larrimer

Lead Photographer Steve Harrison

Contributing Editors Zayd Abukar, MA Tim Ahrens, D.Min Edward Bell, MBA Rodney Q. Blount, Jr. MA Melissa Crum, PhD Krisanna Deppen, MD Marian Wright Edelman Andrea Fox Alethea E. Gaddis Rebecca Kemper-Larrimer Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons, Psy.D Cecil Jones, MBA William McCoy, MPA Yolanda Owens Doug Rutledge, PhD Senator Charleta B. Tavares Ahmed Tidiane John Tyus, D.Min Chavella Wilson, PhD

The Columbus African American news journal was founded by Ray Miller on January 10, 2011

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

Well, who could pull-off such an impactful event? The answer will surprise some. A young visionary and his associates. Dr. John Tyus, founder of The I. D. Movement, had the vision for the forum, titled “A Conversation With The Fathers.” Two dynamic young Clergy, Reverend Mark Hampton, Pastor of Fresh Start Worship Center and Reverend Eric Miles, Pastor of Agape Outreach Ministries, brilliantly facilitated the program. The panel was composed of six of the most respected Senior Pastors in Columbus, Ohio--Bishop H. Eugene Bellinger, The Cathedral of The Covenant Church; Bishop Howard Tillman, New Covenant Believers Church; Apostle LaFayette Scales, Rhema Christian Center; Rev. Dr. Charles E. Booth, Mount Olivet Baptist Church; Bishop Jerome Ross, Sr., Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church; and Bishop Timothy J. Clarke, First Church of God. The program was fundamentally designed to address one of the most challenging issues facing African Americans--fatherlessness--and how to overcome the absence of a father in one’s life and still succeed. Candor, transparency, authenticity, and raw confessions were shared by every Pastor on the program. The level of pain expressed from not knowing one’s biological father, domestic violence, brutal whippings, premature death of one’s parents and close relatives, and becoming the man of the house, well before one’s time, were all discussed with no cover or exclusions. The take-away from all of this was the realization that no matter how far you may be down, and how hopeless you feel your particular circumstance might be, there are people who will lift you up--and there is a God who, if you believe in Him, will not let you fail. Thanks to the leadership exhibited by a young “Millennial”--Dr. John Tyus-- whose father died when he was just eight years old, and whose Mother is a Senior Pastor, I walked away from this forum with my Brother-in-Law, Ron Kennedy, having witnessed how God uses people, circumstances, and traumatic events in our lives to make us stronger and more equipped to make it through and be a blessing to countless others. Dr. Tyus showed real leadership. He picked himself up from his circumstance, dusted himself off, stopped wallowing in self-pity, and channeled his pain in a positive direction. His article, found on page 25 and titled Restoring Fatherhood, speaks directly to this issue. Read what Warren Bennis has to say about leadership: “Billions of dollars are spent annually by and on would-be leaders. Many major corporations offer leadership development courses. And corporate America has nevertheless lost its lead in the world market. I would argue that more leaders have been made by accident, circumstance, sheer grit, or will than have been made by all the leadership courses put together. Leadership courses can only teach skills. They can’t teach character or vision-and indeed they don’t even try. Developing character and vision is the way leaders invent themselves.” Traumatic circumstances, forged into character and vision, is what those privileged enough to be present at this historic forum, were able to witness and incorporate into our daily living. My thanks to the real “City Fathers” for all that you do to uplift our people and our community. Please read the many articles in this edition of The Columbus African American news journal which focus on the important issue of Education and other essential topics. Relatedly, you will enjoy learning more about another stellar young woman, Dr. Chenelle Jones, who is blazing a trail in the field of higher education and Criminology. Enjoy! With Appreciation and Respect,

Ray Miller Founder & Publisher

Office: 614.826.2254 editor@columbusafricanamerican.com

The Columbus African American • June 2017

In This Issue

Love Fest - Family Affair Cafe and Catering

City Announces 2017

Summer Youth

Employment Program

Not The Boss of Me

Restoring Fatherhood

Focusing on Quality of

Life for All Residents of

Columbus 28

Attend Community Health Day

30 Book Bags & E-Readers

Dr. Chenelle Jones and Mayor Andy Ginther at the “My Brother’s Keeper” event.

Cover Story – Page 20

10 15 25 5 6

Public Vs. Charter: How Black Parents and The Right are Complex Allies in Education

By: Melissa Crum, PhD

By: Charleta B. Tavares

Where Have All of Our

Leaders Gone?

Small Great Things

African Abolitionist

Central Ohio Students

By: John Tyus, D.Min

After Graduation, What Next!? Paying for College Four HBCUs Ranked Among the Top Research Universities in the Nation President Trump’s War on Children

Our Priority: A Workforce Representative of the Community We Serve

Who’s Protecting Our Health?

Healthy Living Reminders to Help Moms Remember to Take Care of Themselves

Why Dads Are Important

The Importance of Educational 17 Gardens in STEM Landscape Public Vs. Charter: How Black 18 Parents and The Right Are Complex Allies in Education Carmen Twillie Ambar Named 20 15th President of Oberlin

The Columbus African American • June 2017

Outstanding Academic

Achievement

Restoring Fatherhood

Who’s Protecting Our Health?

Continuing Education for Life

Legislative Update

Recognized for

Opiate Addiction Help for Expectant Mothers It Still Takes a Village: Experiencing Education & Mentorship COVER STORY 4

Talking Black In America -

A Screening

Academic Advisors: The

Secret Key to

College Success

John Mercer Langston:

Abolitionist, Educator,

Attorney, Diplomat and

Politician 37

Community Events

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.

EDUCATION AFTER GRADUATION, WHAT NEXT!? PAYING FOR COLLEGE By Alethea Eunice Gaddis Tis the season! We have officially entered the season where auditoriums are filled with proud parents and celebratory shouts of joy. Cameras capture the walk across the stage, acceptance of the diploma, turning of the tassel and the jubilant tossing of graduation caps into the air. Balloons decorate gatherings where family and friends gather to celebrate young people who have successfully matriculated through high school. Dreams have been fulfilled. Accomplishments have been realized and both parents and children stand on tiptoe peeking into a future filled with endless possibilities. Most young people have been primed since childhood to perform well in school with the goal of entering college. Parents, family members, guidance counselors and members of their village have might have arrived with the acceptance letter, but planted seeds bearing the message that a college sometimes it’s sent later. education is the gateway to social mobility and Last year, undergrads at public colleges and better lifelong opportunities. universities received an average of $5,000 in Hopefully our 2017 high school graduates, guided grant aid and those at private institutions received by their families, completed the due diligence to about $16,700, according to The College Board. search for and select a college or university that The biggest grant awards usually come from the will feel like “home.” Hopefully the graduates college itself. have been beneficiaries of career counseling and are positioned to chase their passion at an The grant award will vary per student. Colleges accredited institution of higher learning offering and universities take into consideration how the area of study that will lead to a degree. Sadly, much they think each family can afford to pay sometimes hopes become dashed because after towards the cost of college and may close the being admitted into the college of their dreams gap with a grant. Federal Pell Grants, on the other a financial reality sets it. The acceptance letter hand, are capped at $5,920 a year and most go didn’t mention any kind of scholarship. Now to families who earn less than $30,000 annually. Eligibility for state grants vary. what? The good news is that most students do receive some financial assistance paying for college. At the average private college, for example, tuition, room and board totaled $45,370 last year. But the average student actually paid $26,080, according to The College Board. At public colleges, the sticker price was $20,090, but the average instate student paid $14,210. There are scholarships, grants and loans available for students to take advantage of. Scholarships and grants do not require repayment. Loans, however are expected to be repaid after graduation. Let’s explore other options that can help students and families with college expenses. 1. Grants Colleges, states, and the federal government give out grants, which don’t need to be repaid. Most awards are based on financial need and determined by the income reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

These are part-time jobs on or nearby campus for eligible students, depending on their finances and the funding available at the school. You need to have submitted the FAFSA in order to qualify. Work-study jobs pay students directly, at least once a month. Undergrads earn hourly wages, but the amount you earn can’t exceed your workstudy award for the year. The amount should also be included in your financial aid award letter sent by the school. If a student doesn’t qualify for work-study, consider working a part-time job off campus or creating an entrepreneurial opportunity to earn additional money. Either way, students must be manage their time and balance work schedules with studies and extra-curricular activities. 4. Apply for private scholarships. There are thousands of private scholarships out there from companies, nonprofits and community groups, including sororities and fraternities and other fraternal organizations. High school guidance counselors and college readiness organizations can provide direction to community resources. I always tell students and parents that searching for scholarships requires a consistent commitment of time. 5. Take out loans. Take it from me, student loans should be your last resort, but they’re often inevitable if scholarships, grants and savings don’t cover the entire bill. The typical family uses loans to cover 20% of the cost of college.

2. Ask the institution to reconsider the award You’ll want to borrow money from the federal amount. government before turning to a private lender Colleges and universities are depending on because federal loans offers lower interest rates students to enroll at their institution. Feel free and more borrower protections. This is yet to contact the financial aid office and discuss the another reason to fill out the FAFSA. You won’t award. It is appropriate to request additional be able to get a federal student loan if you didn’t funds. Parents, experts suggest having the submit the form. student write a formal appeal letter and then follow up with a phone call. This demonstrates initiative and positions the student to state how he or she will be an asset to the college or university, and whether or not a larger award was offered from a comparable university.

This is also an opportunity to best describe your financial situation. Sometimes families have other expenses, like medical bills, that aren’t already taken into consideration. It’s also a good idea to mention if family financial circumstances have changed in the past year because the FAFSA is based on income from the prior year. One example could be loss of income due to the absence of a parent or their inability to work.

If grant funds are offered it should be listed on the financial aid award letter sent by the school. This 3. Work-study jobs

But you should be able to borrow regardless of your family’s income. First-year undergrads can borrow up to $5,500. Some students who demonstrate more financial need will be allowed to borrow subsidized loans, which won’t accrue interest until after they graduate. Another type of federal student loan, called a PLUS loan, allows parents to borrow to help their child pay for college. PLUS loans require a credit check and come with a higher interest rate. The school will determine how much a parent can borrow, but the amount is supposed to cover the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid you get. Continued on Page 6

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015 The Columbus African American • June 2017

EDUCATION

Continued from Page 5

Once again, the financial aid award letter from the school should tell you how much you’re allowed to borrow each year from the government. 6. Claim a $2,500 tax credit. The American Opportunity Tax Credit allows parents to reduce their taxes after paying for tuition, fees, books, and room and board -- up to $2,500 a year per child. Parents can claim the tax credit if their modified adjusted gross income is no more than $90,000, or $180,000 if filing jointly.

7. Live off campus or enroll in community Navigating from elementary school through high school to college is a journey. In Columbus, I college. Know I Can! is an excellent resource for high If commuting to school and living at home is an school students who attend Columbus City option, it can save a lot of money. The average Schools. There are other organizations, such cost for room and board is $10,440 at public as The Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation colleges and $11,890 a year a private institutions. for KIDS (Kids Inspired and Destined for That can be just as much as the cost of tuition at Success), who are committed to promoting college readiness. What is college readiness? some schools. College readiness can be defined as the level of If family finances are really stretched thin, preparation a student needs in order to enroll and it might be worth exploring enrolling in a successfully matriculate through college. Please community college before transferring to a four- contact us at agaddis@gaddis4kids.org to learn year school later. Tuition and fees at the average about upcoming fall programs and the 2018 Jump Start U4 College Tour. community college cost $3,520 last year.

FOUR HBCUS RANKED AMONG THE TOP RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES IN THE NATION Four HBCUs were ranked as top research universities in a report published by the Center for Measuring University Performance. The Morehouse School of Medicine, Howard University, Florida A&M University and Jackson State University were listed among the top 200 institutions in the center’s Top American Research Universities report. The Center for Measuring University Performance is a joint venture of Arizona State University and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and it tracks research productivity among American colleges and universities. Various factors were considered in compiling the list. According to the Center’s website, they “combined institutions that share a common administrative context and whose main campus and medical center fall within reasonable geographic proximity.”

Photo Courtesy of Florida A&M University

Ultimately, the report examined how the institutions contribute to the creation of knowledge and the impact of the colleges and universities on their respective communities.

Research Core Facility, and the Satcher Health Leadership Institute. MSM’s research stature and reputation have grown exponentially over the last decade, fueled in large part by significant investments in research infrastructure with The Center ranked research institutions in other funding from the National Institute of Health, areas, as well. Broken out reports ranked schools Health Resources and Services Administration, according to endowment assets, annual giving, the Georgia Cancer Coalition, and others. faculty, doctorates awarded and SAT scores in addition to other areas. Howard University RANK: 172 More about the HBCUs that made the list of 200 top research universities: Howard is one of the country’s top-ranked HBCUs; and is one of the leading comprehensive Morehouse School of Medicine research-oriented, private universities in the RANK: 169 nation. The main campus, located in Washington, D.C., has a legacy of extraordinary research, The Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), faculty, principal investigators, and students. The located in Atlanta, was founded in 1975 as components that support research administration the Medical Education Program at Morehouse are committed to an ongoing effort aimed at College. In 1981, MSM became an independently improving research and compliance at Howard chartered institution; and is now among the while setting an agenda for cutting-edge research nation’s leading educators of primary care that is both national and international in scope. physicians. The school was recently recognized as the top institution among U.S. medical schools Florida A&M University for its social mission. The faculty and alumni are RANK: 188 noted in their fields for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy. Founded in 1887, FAMU is the only public, landgrant HBCU in the State University System of The Morehouse School of Medicine is home Florida. Essence and Money magazines rank to world-renowned centers and institutes: the FAMU fifth among all national universities Cardiovascular Research Institute, the Center of and colleges on the 2016 “50 Best Colleges for Excellence on Health Disparities, the National African-Americans” list. Additionally, the list Center for Primary Care, the Neuroscience identifies FAMU as the top-ranked HBCU in the Institute, the Prevention Research Center, the nation. The Columbus African American • June 2017

The National Science Foundation lists FAMU as the number one HBCU in the nation for research and development expenditures. U.S. News & World Report has named FAMU among the best national universities, and Forbes lists the university as one of 2016’s “America’s Top Colleges” as well as one of its “Best in the South,” “Best Public Colleges,” and “Best Research Universities.” The Princeton Review named FAMU among its “2016 Best Colleges: Region-by-Region,” ranking FAMU as one of the “Best Southeastern” colleges and universities in the nation. Jackson State University RANK: 195 Jackson State is a diverse, technologically advanced four-year university steeped in history and committed to preparing its students to become global leaders. The university boasts a reputation for providing a caring, nurturing environment which challenges students academically and socially. Designated as a high research activity university, Jackson State seeks to enhance the state, nation, and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, and technological and educational initiatives. Jackson State is led by Interim President Dr. Rod Paige, an alumnus of the university and the first African American secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Aricle courtesy of HBCULifestyle.com

EDUCATION

CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR LIFE By Cecil Jones, MBA Can I Stop Learning Now? There is elementary, middle and high school. If I finished those, can I stop learning? If I become a tradesman or an electrician via an apprenticeship and union program, can I stop learning now? If I get a certification and a job, can I stop learning now? There is also college. If I get a degree (associate, bachelor degrees), can I stop learning, now? Some people earn graduate degrees (law, medical, master, doctor of philosophy degrees, etc.). Can I stop learning now? Let’s look at what is going on around us. In the 1990s and early 2000s, there was a focus on change. Change in processes, change in technology (the internet), change in skill sets, change in employee needs, change in organizations, change in the marketplace, change in laws and regulations – there was a big focus on change. This change even prompted me to continue working during the week but get yet another degree on the weekends; in Management, specializing in Change Management. Change occurs so often and so quickly that organizations not only look at the changes themselves but they also look at the rate of change. Think of the amount of change that occurred in 2015. Next, think of the changes that occurred in 2016. There likely was more change in 2016 than in 2015. The difference in the amount of change over the years is called the the rate of change. Guess what? The rate of change is increasing each year. I n d u s t r i e s a r e c h a n g i n g ( h t t p s : / / w w w. southuniversity.edu/whoweare/newsroom/blog/ the-importance-of-continuing-education-98201). Processes are changing: while a few years ago, you may have sent an email to invite several people to an event, today you might use a free web application, like Evite. A concept ‘The Internet of Things’ says that we should think about how the internet can help with any new process, procedure, marketing effort business or other effort that we do. The web has created a lot of change in all disciplines.

education, many certifications do require mandatory additional continued education hours each year.

partners with the Columbus Young Professionals Club for a FREE event. This continuing education is an early morning networking event featuring hot coffee, light breakfast, and leadership We All Need Continuing Education conversations in a casual, career-focused setting. Each month this series features a guest speaker Continuing education does not need to be in a or panel discussion along with other useful classroom, does not need to be formal and does information. To receive notifications for these not need to be expensive. Continuing education sessions, email leader@franklin.edu. comes in many forms: from mentors, from seminars, from governmental/political meetings, A r e y o u a b u s i n e s s o r o rg a n i z a t i o n a l from technology meetings, from reading professional? Consider the free educational books, from intentionally surfing the web, from topics presented by the Columbus chapter of investment clubs, from reading clubs, from block the International Institute of Business Analysts. watch clubs, from elders, from younger people, Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 6:00 pm is their from email groups or from any constructive next session. For those wanting to learn more source. about their monthly sessions focused on efficient, effective business processes, see their website Continuing education comes in many forms. http://www.iibacolumbus.org. Has anyone ever recommended a useful book to you? That is continuing education. Have you ever We all need continuous education! From benefited by a website that was recommended to childhood to ‘seniorcitizenhood’. you? That is continuing education. Have you ever attended a beneficial meeting or session for which The purpose of this column is to provide useful you were invited? That is continuing education. information and knowledge that you can use, today. If you have a technology question (how Continuing education can apply to our businesses, to get something done, what business, process jobs and careers but it can also apply to other or software solution might be available for parts of our lives. Do you want to know how to your situation, etc.), please email the question better interact with your children? Do you want or comment to the email address Admin@ to make better utilization of your finances each Accelerationservices.net for a quick response. month? You can benefit by continuing education. admin@accelerationservices.net Free Sources of Continuing Education www.accelerationservices.net If you desire continued education, particularly in technology or business focused areas, please Having managed technology, communications contact me at admin@accelerationservices.net and business functionality for multiple Fortune 100 companies, Cecil is a technology and for information. management leader. He teaches technology, Have you visited The Ohio State University business and communications courses. He is a Department of African American and African past president of many organizations including Studies Community Extension Center at 905 BDPA (Technology group), and Columbus Mount Vernon Avenue? Their website https:// Association of Black Journalists. He serves on aaascec.osu.edu/about-us/programs shows their the Executive Committee of boards including Chairman of IMPACT Community Action programs that are available to the community. Agency. www.AccelerationServices.net

Some careers require (it is mandatory, not optional) continuing education. Teachers, real estate agents, doctors and many people with certifications are some of those that must obtain continuing education each year. I have a lot of certifications in technology, business and project management. My Project Management Professional certification issued by the Project Management Institute requires several hours of additional project management education each year. While degrees and diplomas from colleges Once each month, Franklin University Hall and high schools do not require continuing Leadership Lessons at Franklin University, Cecil Jones MBA, ABD, PMP, CCP, SCPM, FLMI, Lean Professional 7

The Columbus African American • June 2017 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

EDUCATION

PRESIDENT TRUMP’S WAR ON CHILDREN By Marian Wright Edelman Our nation’s budget should reflect our nation’s professed values, but President Trump’s 2018 Federal Budget, “A New Foundation for America’s Greatness,” radically does the opposite. This immoral budget declares war on America’s children, our most vulnerable group, and the foundation of our nation’s current and future economic, military and leadership security. It cruelly dismantles and shreds America’s safety net laboriously woven over the past half century to help and give hope to the 14.5 million children struggling today in a sea of poverty, hunger, sickness, miseducation, homelessness and disabilities. It slashes trillions of dollars from health care, nutrition and other critical programs that give poor babies and children a decent foundation in life to assure trillions of dollars in tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires and powerful corporations who do not deserve massive doses of government support. The cruel Trump budget invests more in our military — already the most costly in the world — but denies vulnerable children and youths the income, health care, food, housing and education supports they need to become strong future soldiers to defend our country. Seventyone percent of our 17-24 year olds are now ineligible for military service because of health and education deficits. It seeks to build a wall to keep immigrants out by slashing supports for those inside who can be counted on to help staff our businesses and factories and other services. This budget creates more inequality and less opportunity for those struggling to make ends meet and is a grave injustice. President Trump invests in fighting those he sees as outside enemies through weapons and walls and turns his back on the internal enemies that threaten the basic domestic needs of our people — health care, housing, education and jobs that pay living wages. The Congress and the people of the United States must reject President Trump’s 2018 Budget and the mean spirited values it reflects. It declares war on children and working people struggling to support their families by ignoring even their most basic needs and gives trillions to those who do not need massive government support – especially at a time of record wealth and income inequality. The President’s 2018 Budget: • Slashes $610 billion over ten years from Medicaid which nearly 37 million children rely on for a healthy start in life and which pays for nearly half of all births and ensures coverage for 40 percent of our children with special health care needs. The budget also assumes passage of the more than $800 billion additional cuts in Medicaid included in the American Health Care Act for a total Medicaid massacre of more than

$1.4 trillion over ten years. • Rips $5.7 billion from CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), which covers nearly 9 million children in working families ineligible for Medicaid. The proposed cap on CHIP funding for families at 250 percent of the poverty level threatens coverage for millions of children in the 24 states and the District of Columbia that have chosen to extend coverage to children in families with slightly higher incomes. • Snatches food out of the mouths and stomachs of hungry children by slicing $193 billion over ten years from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which some still call food stamps. SNAP feeds nearly 46 million people including nearly 20 million children. This cut is an unprecedented 25 percent reduction in a core safety net program that in 2014 lifted 4.7 million people, including 2.1 million children, out of poverty. For the 4.9 million households, 1.3 million with children, with no cash income who rely only on SNAP to keep the wolves of hunger from their doors, these cuts would be a catastrophic assault. • Chops $22 billion over ten years from TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program) including $6 billion that eliminates the TANF Contingency Fund which helps support some of our neediest families. Slashes programs to assist families with housing and end homelessness by $7.4 billion, a 15 percent cut for 2018 including $2.3 billion from Housing Choice Vouchers, which would leave more than 250,000 low income households without them; $1.8 billion — nearly 29 percent — from public housing already in desperate need of repair and expansion; and $133 million — 5.6 percent — from homeless assistance grants. • Whacks $72 billion over ten years from the Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI), which more than 8 million children and adults with the most severe disabilities depend on to keep going. Despite the President’s promise not to cut Social Security, his budget cuts $48 billion from Social Security Disability Insurance which assists, among others, grandparents and other relatives raising children because their parents cannot care for them. • Cuts $40 billion over ten years from the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by barring tax-paying undocumented

The Columbus African American •News JuneJournal 2017 • February 2015

immigrant workers, many with American citizen children, from benefiting from the Child Tax Credit unless they have a Social Security number, and making it harder for them to benefit from the Earned Income Tax Credit created to reward hard work and help parents support their children. • Slashes job training programs by $1.1 billion, or 40 percent, over ten years for youths, adults and dislocated workers. It denigrates the concept of public service jobs by eliminating the Corporation for National and Community Service, and with it AmeriCorps, Vista and Senior Corps. • Cuts federal education funding $9.2 billion in 2018 alone at a time when a majority of children in all racial and economic groups cannot read or compute at grade level. It slashes $143 billion over ten years from student loans by eliminating the loan program that encourages graduates to take public service jobs and restricts other programs that subsidize college education for first generation college students and others from low income families. And it proposes to add $1 billion in new funding for the Title I program for disadvantaged students, which has historically supplemented resources for students in schools in areas of concentrated poverty, but for the wrong reason. It proposes to fund a new school choice initiative to let children draw Title I funds away from schools in the neediest areas and take them to schools in higher income areas. • Shears $54 billion in 2018 ($1.6 trillion over 10 years) in non-defense discretionary programs which include a broad range of health, early childhood, education, child welfare and juvenile justice programs as well as environmental protection, foreign assistance, medical and scientific research and other federal government programs. The Trump budget would reduce spending for these important programs 2 percent a year for the next ten years. • Zeroes out funding for the Legal Services Corporation to deny the poor their only option to defend themselves against injustice. • Eliminates core programs that offer extra assistance to low income children, families and communities including the Social Service Block Grant ($1.4 billion in 2018 alone, $16.3 billion over 10 years); the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to ward off heat in the summer and cold in winter months ($3.4 billion); the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME, Community Development Block Grant, Indian Community Development Block Grant, and Choice Neighborhood programs ($4.1 billion), and the National Housing Trust Fund which provides funds to states and local communities to develop affordable rental housing; the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs that include CSBG ($723.6 million), Community Economic Development program ($29.8 million) and Rural Community Facilities ($6.5 million). Continued on Page 9

EDUCATION Continued from Page 8

• Axes the 21st Century Community Learning Program that offers programs to curb summer learning loss and keep children safe and engaged through after school programs for 1.6 million children; the Preschool Development Grants which went to 18 states to improve and expand access to high-quality preschool for children in high-needs communities; and the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program for parents enrolled in college to assist in child care costs. At the same time, President Trump’s 2018 Budget includes an estimated $5 trillion tax package for the wealthiest individuals and corporations who neither need nor deserve massive government support and dramatically increases spending on defense and border security. The Trump budget: • Increases base defense spending $54 billion in 2018 alone (and $489 billion over ten years).

money at the military could not be an excuse for assaulting the poor and stealing from our children, saying, “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies…a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is • Spends $2.6 billion new dollars on border spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of security including $1.6 billion for a down its scientists, and the hope of its children.” payment on the President’s proposed obscene The Trump budget would not pass the test of wall at the Mexican border estimated to cost $10 any great faith or standard of fairness. It must be to $20 billion before completion and after false rejected resoundingly by the Congress and the campaign promises that the Mexican government American people. would pay. Marian Wright Edelman is President of the This draconian budget slashes over $3 trillion Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child dollars in the next decade and tramples America’s Behind® mission is to ensure every child a values and is anti-child, anti-poor, and anti-low- Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe income working people. It erodes the security of Start and a Moral Start in life and successful our nation’s future. passage to adulthood with the help of caring President Dwight Eisenhower, a five star general families and communities. For more information and World War II hero, understood that throwing go to www.childrensdefense.org. That’s $147,945,205 a day, $6,164,384 an hour and $102,739 a minute. The U.S. military budget is already the largest military budget in the world. We spend more on the military than the next eight countries combined (China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, India, France, United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany).

THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATIONAL GARDENS IN STEM LANDSCAPE By Yolanda Owens Application is the key to engaging student in whatever subject that you are teaching. I recall being a senior at Centennial High School and wondering, how will AP Calculus apply to my everyday life? How will it connect me to the things I see and interact with around me? I personally couldn’t answer this question because, at that time, I thought that I wanted to go into communications and business and asymptotes weren’t found in that work. After graduating with my undergraduate degree in Agricultural Communications, specializing in Economic and Social Development, I happened upon a position at Weinland Park’s settlement house gem, Godman Guild. This position was co-managing students working in a community garden. The Summer Teen Employment Program was funded by TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) via Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC). For the students to qualify for the program, their family must be receiving government assistance. Faced with fifteen 14-17 year old students who would rather be hanging at the pool or roaming the streets with their friends than be subject to manual labor, I asked one question, “What is something that we all need to do at least three times a day?” One kid nervously raised his hand, not knowing if his response deemed him a nerd, “Eat…Right?” This was my way in because, we all have to eat. According to the 2015 U.S. News/Raytheon STEM Index, while there has been a continued upward trajectory for STEM interest, there has been very little progress toward decreasing racial disparities for interest in STEM. In fact, those disparities have grown. According to U.S. News & World Report “While STEM bachelor’s degrees earned by black college students rose 60 percent from 2000 to 2014, that share shrunk compared to the overall number of bachelor’s degrees earned by black students.” Early bias and discrimination have been said to be proponents of students steering clear of these career fields,

although they are paying double the starting salaries of those who have chosen to enter social services fields. By helping these students relate to STEM and how it applies to their world is only the start. Through the program, students learned soil composition and started a compost bin. Through this they learned about carbon and nitrogen and how the proper mix, when decomposing, can get hot enough to heat a greenhouse through the winter. In their efforts to help the garden grow year round, students repurposed old windows from an abandoned home to engineer hardiness boxes to help start plants earlier in cooler months, because Ohio weather is unpredictable. At the end of the eight week program, students were able to sell their harvest at the North Market Farmer’s Market. This taught the students, marketing, customer service as well as the application of basic mathematics. Lack of exposure is just one component of this issue. According to the National Science Foundation, the degree attainment for STEM fields remains low. Notably, the numbers have not changed much since 2003. This is paired with the face that minority students are more likely to change their majors after they are enrolled in a STEM major. Why? Although Black students may not be graduating with STEM degrees at the same rate as their white and Asian counterparts, since 1980, they continue to express the same amount of interest in STEM fields. Many believe that the gap exists because of lack of exposure and equal educational opportunities, “receiving less science and mathematics instruction from more inexperienced teachers. Lack of mentors has also been proposed as a potential problem,” according to a student by U.S. News and World Report and USDC Economics & Statistics Administration. “There is no single solution to address this problem.” Said Edward Colon, of I.M. Systems Group, Inc., a leader in environmental science and technical support solutions for land, atmosphere, oceanic, and marine applications, “A multi-pronged approach involving the exposure to science and mathematics fields at earlier ages across all school districts, encouraging science educators to spark the curiosity of their students

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

and commend them for diligence and persistence, and a concerted effort to highlight the work of scientists of color in online, televised and print media.” There has been some growth in the field, but we have a long way to go. Outside of Godman Guild’s program, Mosaic Education Network and OSU College of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology have an amazing STEM learning program in the Linden area, Franklin Park Conservatory have built a career accelerator with their Green Corp program and Mid-Ohio Foodbank’s subsidiary, Urban Farms of Central Ohio, growing foods for restaurants who pay it forward, are only a few. The need for public and private funds to support these programs are critically necessary to expose students to these opportunities. The 2016 STEM Index shows an increase in STEM degrees as well as an astronomical increase in STEM jobs, but unfortunately, many of the degrees are students on a temporary visa or foreign nationals. Our community has pool of intelligent, willing and capable minds ready to take advantage, but without the proper supports, where do those minds go? Don’t they at least deserve a change to show how amazing they are? Programs like Godman Guild’s Weinland Park Community Garden Summer Teen Employment Program, boost STEM exposure, consistently, while also teaching them transferable soft skills. This way, students are able to find how these teachings apply to their everyday lives. Pair this with a relatable educator to show them that STEM is obtainable and necessary in their everyday life, at least three times a day. Yolanda Owens is the Communications and Development Coordinator for PrimaryOne Health. A “homegrown” Buckeye with a passion for working toward equitable opportunities for healthy lives for all community members. She is a graduate and Secretary of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Alumni Society and is a member of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Yolanda is currently pursing her MSA in Leadership. The Columbus African American • June 2017

EDUCATION

PUBLIC VS. CHARTER: HOW BLACK PARENTS AND THE RIGHT ARE COMPLEX ALLIES IN EDUCATION

By Melissa Crum, PhD Black parents play a pivotal role in progressing a conservative market-based education agenda through a strategic alliance with the Right. School choice detractors on the Left proclaim negative impacts of privatized education on low-income Black families, yet have not looked closely at how conservative approaches to education reform has provided space for Black parents to have greater control over their children’s education. However, the same abilities that garner relative success in other parts of the country, are stifled in Ohio. For many Black families, school integration has never been the only determining factor for education success. Instead, communities organized to address the failure of public school serving Black students after Brown vs Board of Education. Aspiring to control institutions that targeted Black communities, private school alternatives such as Council of Independent Black Institutions (CIBI) were formed in the 1960s and 70s. CIBIs taught social-justice oriented curriculum emphasizing a connection between African identity, self-determination, and academic success. Education professor Lisa Stulberg, writes that “By 1973, CIBI had 21 small, private, largely tuition-driven small member schools that were often part of larger community centers that housed independent bookstores, restaurants, grocery stores, and arts spaces.” Stulberg argues alternatives like CIBIs gave Black parents access to quality education. Some hoped charter schools could be another alternative education option. Charter schools developed out of alternative approaches to education in the 1970s and 80s. They are independent taxed-funded schools offered as an option outside of a neighborhood public school. Charters operate with considerable fiscal and curricular autonomy, governed by independent boards, and aren’t required to hire unionized teachers. Black families began to determine how to utilize school choice to fit their needs, but challenges continued. Post-Brown, Black families across the country experienced negative impacts of (often white) teachers working with Black students from racial and socioeconomic deficit assumptions about Black families’ intelligence. Ineffective teacher-student relationships, crowded classes, and low academic outcomes painted a bleak picture of public schools. This depiction set the stage for market-based education reform promising efficiency to Black parents as ideal consumers. For many poor and workingclass Black families, free-market education allowed them to form conditional, fragile and opportunistic alliances with conservative education reformers beholden to privatized education promising academic success and profitability.

The Right is able to grow its constituency by appealing to the hopes and assuage the fears of Black families through a liberal-leaning rhetoric of freedom of choice. In the same way US Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, erroneously aligned the mission of Historically Black Colleges and Universities with school choice, many conservatives articulate charter schools as an extension of social justice efforts. In 2014, Reince Priebus, current White House chief of staff wrote for CNN, “Fighting for school choice is one of the ways to take action. For most students today, their neighborhood or zip code determines their school. That means some kids, by no fault of their own, are forced into a failing school. They don’t have a choice.” In the National Review, Fox News contributor Deroy Murdock compared charter school opponent Bill de Blasio to racist Governor George Wallace: “Just as Alabama’s segregationist Democratic governor notoriously stood in the school door to deny quality education to disadvantaged Black children in 1963, New York’s far-left Democrat mayor stands in the charter-school door to deny quality education to disadvantaged Black children in 2014.” Linking racial justice to market-defined school choice falsely situates actions of the Right as altruistic gestures towards low-income Black families and simultaneously shields the economic gains of profit-focused organizations given administrative latitude by the state. In 2015, the Washington Post wrote “No sector — not local governments, school districts, court systems, public universities or hospitals — misspends tax dollars like charter schools in Ohio.” The Akron Beacon reported “since 2001, state auditors have uncovered $27.3 million improperly spent by [Ohio] charter schools, many run by for-profit companies, enrolling thousands of children and producing academic results that rival the worst in the nation.” Ohio’s largest charter, ECOT, was paid over $100 million by the state although questions about consistent student enrollment and effective learning loom. In 2016, The Columbus Dispatch reported that Ohio’s charters were faring worse than large urban districts with more than 80 percent of charter high schools with an F rating.

The Columbus African American •News JuneJournal 2017 • February 2015

To compound the challenge, the investment in charter schooling is not producing better outcomes for Black students. In 2014, according to the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) Columbus charter and traditional public schools produced no significant difference in learning for either math or reading for Black students. With low graduation rates and few accessible choices for quality education, Black parents are making strategic choices. Education scholar Thomas Pedroni argues that Black families navigating school choice is “a testament to the strength of their potential political agency, rather than...an indication of naıve submission to a conservative agenda.” Black parents pushed toward Rightist social movements by an unresponsive state has shaped an alliance with many ideological contradictions and compromises. As a parent, I sit at the center of this conundrum. My son’s neighborhood school is failing and the charter school next door is also failing. He will be starting a new charter school next year. He loves science and math and consistently tests above his grade level in reading. Neither of his previous schools had programs that allowed him to move to the next grade level within a subject area, but the new school does. In addition, most of the administration are Black, they attend our church, and work with my son in Sunday School. The hope is that this mix of teachers who look like my son, know him outside of school, and shape a culture that supports his academic interests will prove to be the right fit. I don’t know how successful it will be, but I’m glad I have the option to try. However, I wish this opportunity was available in our neighborhood school around the corner instead of on the other side of town. Dr. Melissa Crum earned her Master of Arts and PhD from The Ohio State University. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Mosaic Education Network, LLC. Her company supports educators, non-profits, and community stakeholders in building stronger relationships with the diverse communities they serve. For more information you can visit her website at www.mosaiceeducationnetwork.com.

EDUCATION

CARMEN TWILLIE AMBAR NAMED 15TH PRESIDENT OF OBERLIN investments in the campus without borrowing, and the college’s endowment has increased by almost 92 percent. Ambar has presided over the launch of 18 new academic programs and, during her tenure, Cedar Crest has seen enrollment growth in six of the last seven years and this fall will welcome its largest freshman class since 2007. “I’m incredibly excited to work with Carmen Ambar as Oberlin’s next president,” says Chris Canavan ’84, Chair-Elect of Oberlin’s Board of Trustees. “Her life story, her academic achievements, her devotion to the liberal arts and her love of music make her the very embodiment of Oberlin. Under her leadership, I’m confident that Oberlin can advance with the times without losing sight of who we are.”

The Oberlin College Board of Trustees announced today that Carmen Twillie Ambar will become the College’s 15th president and first African American leader in the institution’s 184-year history. Ambar, currently president of Cedar Crest College, will be on campus full time beginning in September. Ambar’s values align closely with Oberlin’s mission. “Oberlin is a singular institution in American higher education, with an historic commitment to social justice, academic and musical excellence, and the liberal arts,” Ambar says. “I look forward to my work with Oberlin’s faculty, staff, students, board, and alumni to think creatively and collaboratively together. I am humbled to be joining this institution and excited about the opportunity to lead it into its next era.” Lillie Edwards ’75, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, says, “I look forward to seeing the ways in which Oberlin and President Ambar will inspire each other. She is passionate about the ways music and the liberal arts are powerfully transformative. She is visionary in thinking about how we can carry our mission into the 21st century. She is compassionate about who has access to this transformation. These principles are not only professional; for her they are also movingly personal. They reveal how much learning and labor are already in her DNA.” Ambar has served as the 13th president of Cedar Crest College since 2008, following a highly successful tenure as vice president and dean of Douglass College at Rutgers University, where she was the youngest dean in the University’s history. Cedar Crest has thrived under her leadership. Three straight years with budget surpluses and a 35 percent growth in net assets have allowed the college to make significant

The Presidential Search Committee was impressed with Ambar’s deep commitment to helping students see their potential in new and creative ways, achieve at the highest levels in whatever field they choose, and ultimately change the world for the better. “President Ambar has a record of recognizing and embracing the importance of participatory governance, knowing that the community is integral to an institution’s trajectory,” says Jeremy Poe ’18. “She understands both the challenges of equitable access to education and the equity disparities students face after matriculating. Her theories about how an institution can and should adapt will forestall concerns about a top-down approach. I’m excited to see and be a part of what Oberlin is able to do under her leadership, and I know other students will be similarly excited.”

Jan Miyake ‘96, Associate Professor of Music Theory, echoes: “I was impressed by her broad thinking, mission-driven approach, and listening skills, and I am confident that she is an experienced leader who is ready to guide us through these next years at Oberlin.” Ambar serves on several boards including the Colonial States Athletic Conference, for which she is Chair; the Women’s College Coalition; and the Pennsylvania Campus Compact board. In 2014, she was honored by the governor’s office as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania. Additionally, she has earned several awards for her support of women including the 2012 Girls Scouts “Take the Lead” Award, the 2011 American Association of University Women (AAUW) Gateway to Equity Award from the organization’s Allentown Branch, and the 2010 Athena Award from the Women’s Business Council (WBC) of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her time at Rutgers, Ambar served as assistant dean of graduate education at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. As an attorney, she previously worked in the New York City Law Department as an assistant corporation counsel.

Ambar earned her juris doctor at Columbia Law School, her master’s in public affairs at Princeton University, and her B.S. in Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She is married to Saladin Malik Ambar, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Political Science and Senior Scholar at the Center on the American Governor Access and retention are paramount priorities at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers for Ambar. At Cedar Crest, she led initiatives University. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, to expand the access of high-impact practices Ambar has ten-year-old triplets, Gabrielle, Luke, for all students including: “The Sophomore and Daniel. Expedition,” a shared short-term study abroad Carol Levine ‘84, President-Elect of the Oberlin experience funded almost entirely by the college Alumni Association, also welcomes Ambar’s for all sophomores beginning spring 2018; selection: “Carmen Ambar is compelling, warm campus vibrancy initiatives and a robust First- and engaging. She drew us in with her insight Year-Experience that have increased retention by and commentary based on thoughtful research. 11 percent; the 4-Year Guarantee, which provides She immediately got the pulse of Oberlin - both a clear path to graduation; dual degrees, to help strengths and weaknesses - and delved right into students get their master’s faster; and living even the most difficult subjects. I believe she will learning communities. Under her leadership, the be a great motivator. She is present, driven and diversity of the student body increased from 16 ready to take on everything Oberlin is and hopes percent in fall 2008 to 37 percent in fall 2016, to be.” with the highest increases in Hispanic and The nationwide search for Oberlin’s 15th African American populations. president began in autumn 2016, when Marvin Oberlin faculty who served on the Presidential Krislov announced his resignation from the Search Committee were inspired by Ambar’s presidency effective June 30, 2017. A search vision. Jennifer Bryan, Associate Professor of committee, which included representatives from English, says, “I think of Carmen Ambar as the Board of Trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, and the pragmatist’s idealist. She’s clear-eyed and the student body, solicited nominations, closely tough-minded, honest and smart, and she believes reviewed the credentials of the candidates, and passionately in the transformative power and conducted extensive interviews. social impact of what we do. I think she’s really inspiring, and I’m confident that she’s going to Article submitted by the Oberlin News Center be a powerful voice for Oberlin’s mission and - a service of the Oberlin College Office of Communications. values.”

The Columbus African American • June 2017 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

King-Lincoln Medical Center & Pharmacy

Medical

Wellness & Prevention

Pharmacy

| NOW OPEN!

Behavioral Health

Supportive Services

Dentistry

We offer an accepting and welcoming healthcare experience for everyone. King-Lincoln Medical Center & Pharmacy

APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING

750 E. Long St., Suite 3000 Columbus, OH 43203

Visit equitashealth.com to submit an appointment request. Call us at (614) 340-6700 to join our new patient list.

EquitasHealth.com

Local decisions. Customized lending solutions.

IT’S OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU.

PARK

NATIONAL BANK

Responsiveness, consistency and expertise, with a commercial loan that fits your business — count on it when you bank with Park National Bank.

Contact Dan Hunt today at 740.349.3734, or visit ParkNationalBank.com. Disclosures are available by calling the telephone number listed in this ad for details about credit costs and terms.

The Columbus African American •News JuneJournal 2017 • February 2015

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

June is Men’s Health Month More than half of men surveyed said that they had not seen their primary care physician for a physical exam within the last year.

Take care of the men in our lives.

Encourage them to visit their primary care provider on a regular basis.

® 11 convenient Central Ohio locations offering: Primary Care • Ob/Gyn • Pediatrics Behavioral Health • Physical Therapy • Internal Medicine Weight Management • Vision • Dental

primaryonehealth.org • 1800 Watermark Dr, Ste 420 • Columbus, OH 43215 • 614.645.5500

Some of us have to work on our cartwheels. COTA KEEPS US MOVING.

The Columbus African American • June 2017 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

HEALTH OUR PRIORITY: A WORKFORCE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE There’s a reason for the saying “it starts at the top.” We look to our leadership to define our priorities and develop a plan to meet those goals. As Equitas Health worked on its strategic plan and key priorities for the upcoming years, recruitment, development and retention of diverse and talented individuals was named one of our top priorities. Included in the key priorities are: • recruiting and retaining diverse (racial, ethnic, gender identity, and sexual orientation) staff that matches or exceeds the diversity of the people we serve, and • ensuring our Board of Trustees represents the diversity of the people we serve. We recognize the key to our success lies in the foundation of our team’s diversity. We know recruiting and retaining a diverse team doesn’t happen overnight. It has required us to rethink how we do everything from how to get the word out about job openings to establishing more training and mentoring opportunities. Luckily, our leadership has provided the resources and support build a new employment and retention plan from the ground up. As we said, it all “starts at the top”. For a nonprofit community-based healthcare system that means the board of trustees. It is important to our leadership that they be guided by those we serve. That’s why we require at least 51% of our board of trustees to be patients or clients. It’s also why we’ve established a client advisory council that guides our client services and patient programs.

The Columbus African American • June 2017

Our next level of leadership, C-level, include: • Bill Hardy, President & CEO • Peggy Anderson, MHA, MSW, LISW-S, Chief Operating Officer • Joel Diaz, Chief Marketing & Community Affairs Officer • Fikru Nigusse, MBA, Chief Finance Officer • Daphne Kackloudis Saneholtz, Esq, Chief Public Policy & Government Affairs Officer • Chad Braun, MD, Chief Medical Officer E a c h b r i n g t h e i r d i ff e r e n t e d u c a t i o n a l backgrounds from theology to business to social work to our organizational leadership. As part of our commitment to life-long learning and cultural humility, our leadership team will be working with a local trainer to explore implicit bias in the hiring process. Recently, we’ve been able to expand our Human Resource team to implement our new employment and retention plan. We understand that different communities learn about job openings in different ways and that simply posting a position on online jobs boards won’t get us candidates that represent the community we serve. Luckily, Asia Curry, MBA, joined the Equitas Health team as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. She works to get the word out about job opportunities and recruits candidates for open positions. We understand the barriers that exist that prevent people from graduating from high school or going to college.

That’s why we review job descriptions to ensure the minimum qualifications accurately and fairly reflect the background needed to be successful in a position. We also realize training opportunities vary depending on where a person grows up or where/if they went to school. We recognized that we needed someone specifically dedicated to training. That why we hired Balpreet Kaur as our new Training Specialist. Balpreet has been tasked with developing leadership and cultural humility trainings for our staff. We are implementing multi-session leadership training to ensure our supervisors and leaders have the tools they need for success. We are also implementing a leadership academy for those who would like to continue their professional growth as a leader in the organization. This investment allows us to build on the abilities of our diverse team and will give our team members the skills they need to continue their professional growth. We’re striving to make Equitas Health, not only a premiere place to receive care, but a top place to work. Through these improvements to our hiring and training, we hope to become a cultivator of talent and skills to further our mission to be the gateway to health for all. For initiatives like this, it’s important that they start at the top, but their ripple effects are sure to be felt throughout the organization and, hopefully, by the community at-large. To view our current job opportunities, visit equitashealth.com/careers.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

HEALTH

WHO’S PROTECTING OUR HEALTH? By Charleta B. Tavares We are dying and suffering disproportionately from illnesses and diseases. Health care providers and practices have moved away from our core neighborhoods, reduced or eliminated care to those with Medicare and/or Medicaid coverage and in many cases provided unequal treatment to our community residents. These are startling pronouncements and an indictment of those in leadership positions within the healthcare community, health care policymakers and legislators at all levels – local, state and federal who are entrusted and swear to protect the “health, safety and welfare of its residents” (all residents). Our community residents are being diagnosed at higher rates, at more acute levels and dying at significantly greater levels in the areas of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular (heart and stroke), Substance Abuse, Violence and Infant Mortality. Two startling and disturbing figures to highlight this point are below in the area of cardiovascular disease: • A higher percentage of black women (37.9%) than white women (19.4%) died before age 75 as a result of CHD, as did black men (61.5%) compared with white men (41.5%).

Some may question why – we can posit that it is historical and grounded in institutional and systemic racism. We can also theorize that it is because those with no voice, clout or leaders are marginalized, discounted and/or annihilated. However, we can also suggest that ignorance and blatant discrimination have clouded the minds of those who profess to be fiscally conservative and “getting the most bang for the buck” with tax expenditures. In reality if they wanted to be truly fiscally prudent and economically sound in tax expenditures – they would prioritize where the disparities in premature death and disease lies – among racial and ethnic populations and specifically African Americans.

• The same black-white difference was seen among women and men who died of stroke: a higher percentage of black women (39%) died of stroke before age 75 compared with white women Developing policies such as pay for performance, (17.3%) as did black men (60.7%) compared to outcome rewards and evidence-based programs white men (31.1%) 1 targeting African American populations would tackle the expenses associated with acute How did the African American community fall diseases and illnesses on the front end. Further, victim to having the highest mortality (death) concentrating on the social and environmental rates for all of the major diseases and illnesses determinants of health i.e., housing, toxins in America? Who is seriously addressing (such as lead and tobacco products), poverty, these health disparities? Why are these health employment, education etc. would advance conditions persisting in communities filled with the return on the investment of dollars at the world-renown healthcare facilities, institutions outset and reduce exorbitant hospital costs and and practitioners? The answer to all of these premature death among Ohio’s African American questions is leadership or the lack thereof among residents. the administrators, institutions, policymakers and legislators. Who are the leaders at the local, state and federal levels who are doing more than talking about We are not a priority with the healthcare industry, or presenting the problems? Where are the policymakers and legislators because we are not advocates, community and faith members who valued, have no lobbyists, are not collectively are demanding that their leaders take action? demanding that our needs are met or that Who and where are we eliminating disparities or resources, programs and policies are focused on getting the best health care outcomes for racial where the burden of illness and death are greatest. and ethnic populations in the United States? What The lack of leadership and focused attention are the successful programs, policies and funding on addressing disparities within the majority strategies that have made a difference? community, as well as African American and other communities of color is unequivocal within There must be a demand from within and outside each of these sectors. There are a smattering of our African American diaspora to improve of voices and champions however; the choir the health well-being and life expectancy for is muted and dispassionate. The statistics are all of our community members. We can each shared as a “matter of fact” on a PowerPoint or do something…for ourselves, for our family bullet in a written communique´. and for those of African descent. Each of us

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

can use our voices to ask what our leaders are doing or have done to eliminate the premature death and disease among African Americans. We can share promising practices and strategies to address health care and social/environmental determinants to improve health outcomes for our people and we can hold those in leadership positions accountable by contacting their board members, leadership team and investors (for profit health care businesses, pharmaceutical companies and managed care companies. And, we can vote and conduct candidate forums to have those elected/appointed and aspiring to be elected to address what they have accomplished to eliminate disparities and achieve health equity for African American residents. The board and staff of PrimaryOne Health® are focused on improving health outcomes for African American and racial, ethnic and cultural communities bearing the burden of premature death and disease in our community and state. The organization continues to promote and implement promising practices and strategies to improve health outcomes and address the upstream social and environmental determinants that negatively affect the health of African Americans and communities of color. References: The CDC Health Disparities and Inequalities Report – United States, 2011 is available online at www.cdc.gov/mmwr. For more information about this topic, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/ HeartDisease/prevention.htm and http://www. cdc.gov/stroke/prevention.htm.

Charleta B. Tavares is the Chief Executive Officer at PrimaryOne Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) system providing comprehensive primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, vision, dental, behavioral health and specialty care at 11 locations in Central Ohio. The mission is to provide access to services that improve the health status of families including people experiencing financial, social, or cultural barriers to health care. www.primaryonehealth. org. The Columbus African American • June 2017

HEALTH

HEALTHY LIVING REMINDERS TO HELP MOMS REMEMBER TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES Moms are often the ones responsible for managing the health of their family. However, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, they can forget or ignore their own health care. Buckeye Health Plan offers preventative tips to help moms take better care of themselves so they, in turn, can look after the health of their family. “Preventative measures are critical to ensuring your best health outcome,” said Dr. Ronald Charles, Vice President of Medical Affairs for Buckeye Health Plan. Women and Strokes Each year, nearly 60 percent of stroke deaths are women and stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Common risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure during pregnancy, obesity, diabetes, certain types of birth control medicines, aging, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Women concerned about high blood pressure or stroke should consult with a doctor. Here are a few steps that every woman can take to reduce her stroke risk: • Quit smoking • Treat high blood pressure • Lose excess weight • Exercise • Treat diabetes • Take medication as prescribed • Monitor blood pressure during and after pregnancy • Women over 75 should be screened for Atrial Fibrillation (irregular, often rapid heart rate) Easy Tips for a Healthier Life Dr. Charles offers easy-to-follow tips about how busy moms can better manage their health while juggling family, home and work responsibilities: • Eat well: Choose whole grains, limit caffeine and eat the right servings of fruits and vegetables every day. • Get enough sleep: Many women struggle to keep up with their job, home, kids and

relationships to the point that it’s hard to get to bed at a reasonable hour. Try to establish a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Keep in mind that most healthy adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each day. • Exercise: Some form of daily exercise is key to keeping healthy. Some people like to alternate between walking/running on some days and strength training on others. • Understand medication: Read and follow all directions related to the medication that your doctor prescribes. • Manage stress: Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. Women should diet, exercise, get enough sleep, and learn to manage their daily activities to effectively reduce their stress levels. If they can’t do this on their own, they should seek help from their doctor. Stress can raise blood pressure, and cause other health and emotional issues that can impact any mom’s ability to help children or other family members get through their day. • Get preventative health care: Dr. Charles encourages women to schedule well visits with their doctor to maintain their health. This evaluation should include a discussion about your

health goals, stress, diet and activity level. “These visits are not just about treating physical symptoms,” said Dr. Charles. “The doctor wants to understand the patient’s health goals and determine what preventative screenings are appropriate. This is what modern medicine was designed to do, whenever possible, to prevent the patient from getting sick.” Preventative Health Programs Support Healthy Moms Buckeye Health Plan knows that preventative health care is essential to keeping moms healthy so they, in turn, can help their family members thrive. Through programs such as the NurseWise® 24-hour Nurse Advice line, and Start Smart for your Baby®, Buckeye provides members with the preventive health care and wellness services moms need to take an active role in managing their own health. Through Buckeye’s Be Well! program, health care visits, health screenings and other healthy activities can even help members earn rewards that they can use to buy healthy food and other items their families need. Contact Buckeye Health Plan at 866.246.4356 or at www.buckeyehealthplan.com for additional information about how to become a member.

To Advertise in The Columbus African American contact us at: editor@columbusafricanamerican.com RayS. Miller, Publisher 503 High Street - Suite 102

750 East Long Street, Suite 3000 Columbus, Ohio 43203

Columbus, OH 43215 614-826-2254

614.340.4891

The Columbus African American •News JuneJournal 2017 • February 2015

HEALTH

WHY DADS ARE IMPORTANT By Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons, Psy.D We all know that mothers play a very significant role in the lives of their children. Soon after conception, it is vitally important that mothers take greater care of their own health because it impacts the growth and development of the child. And, in the early months, we are aware of how much of the mother’s time and attention is needed by the newborn. The statement that it takes an entire village to raise a child is very true, especially now when it appears that single parent homes are the new norm. I wonder if our society has so minimized the contribution of fathers that they do not feel a need to be involved in their children’s’ lives. There must be definite reasons why we were designed to have a father and a mother. Let’s look at how the roles of mother and father contribute differently to our children’s development. Studies have shown that while we tend to emphasize the importance of mothers, the role of fathers is actually more impactful at times. For example, fathers can greatly influence the emotional well-being and cognitive development of the child. Research by Ronald P. Rohner of the University of Connecticut, shows that if a father’s love is withdrawn, a child exhibits an increase in behavioral and social problems. This often results in higher rates of delinquency and

substance abuse. He found that the role of fathers was more important than mothers in boosting a child’s sense of well-being, and emotional and physical health. Child psychologists Erik Erikson and Kyle Pruett identified some of the “unique contributions of the father” in the areas of communication, play, and discipline. It was noted that infants could distinguish the different styles of communication and interaction displayed by mothers and fathers as young as 8 weeks of age. This helps the child to understand that men and women are different and that there are different ways to deal with life. Play is another important aspect of development. Roughhousing with fathers helps children to learn limits and what behaviors are not acceptable. This style of play also teaches self-control and aids in developing a balance between being timid and aggressive. While mothers tend to be more protective, fathers encouragement to ‘push the limits’ can help build confidence. Language development is another area where the father’s influence can be seen. Mothers typically simplify words and speak at the child’s level to ensure understanding. Fathers are less likely to change or modify their speech, which helps the child to expand their vocabulary and develop language skills. Discipline is another area where parents influence differs. Carol Gilligan, Ph.D. found that fathers stress justice, fairness, and duty. Mothers emphasize sympathy, care and helping others. Fathers are more rules-based while mothers tend to be relationship-based in their approaches. It is the fathers’ preparation that helps the child understand the ‘real world’,

including the fact that attitudes and behaviors have consequences. Looking at relationships, it is the father that helps boys and girls understand the world of men. Boys who have consistent, positive fathers learn what masculinity means in positive terms and are less likely to engage in violent behavior. Girls also benefit from fathers who are present – they exhibit more positive self-esteem and develop healthier relationships with men as they grow into adulthood. At this time, studies show that only 20 % of American households consist of married couples. It is imperative that fathers and mothers work together to provide the healthiest environment for their children. A father must be encouraged to do more than just see himself as a provider. Being an active, involved father is vitally important for the healthy development of one’s child. Spending time together is a key factor. Use those car rides for telling family stories. Letting your child help you with chores builds rapport as well as teaches important skills. Most important of all, be involved in your child’s education. Know the names of your child’s teachers and friends. Dads have a special place in every child’s heart. Don’t be afraid to fill it. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis-Lyons’ office is located in north Columbus. Her practice centers on helping clients with depression and anxiety related disorders. In recent years, after discovering a love of running, she expanded her practice to include services related to Sports Psychology for athletes of all ages and levels. To reach her, call 614-443-7040 or email her at Jacqui@ DrLewisLyons.com

OPIATE ADDICTION HELP FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS By Dr. Krisanna Deppen & Andrea Fox Angela (not her real name) was given her first prescription for pain pills when she was 16 years old. In addition to helping her pain, she found that it made her feel like everything in her life was a little better, she felt able to handle the stresses in her life. When the patient was no longer able to get prescription medication from her physician, she relatively quickly went from pain medications to heroin. While struggling with her addiction, Angela lost custody of her older children and found herself without stable housing. One evening, while getting care for an infection from injecting heroin, Angela found out she was pregnant. She was scared and overwhelmed and did not know where to turn but she knew it was time to make healthy changes for herself and her baby. Patients like Angela can make these changes through treatment with OhioHealth Grant Family Medicine in Grove City, Ohio. When we meet patients like Angela, our first goal is to provide them with compassionate, nonjudgmental care. Our intention is for patients to get care for their pregnancy and hopefully become stable on medication to assist with addiction treatment. This process can take time and we attempt to meet the patients where they are to help guide them to become the mothers they want to be. When patients first come to our office, they will meet with a registered nurse who will do an initial prenatal care visit and obtain a history as it relates to the patient’s pregnancy and medical problems. Routine prenatal lab work is also completed during this appointment. Patients will typically return the following week for their initial doctor visit and first group session. During group visits,

discussions include topics that relate to successful sobriety, decision making, stress reduction and other themes that will lead to positive outcomes for both mom and baby. The first visit with the physician generally involves starting patients on medication to help avoid withdrawal in pregnancy. Withdrawal can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - generally feeling bad. When mothers are sick and going through withdrawal it can potentially put stress on their pregnancy. They also cannot care for their older children if they are feeling sick. Medications, like methadone or buprenorphine, can help pregnant women have better pregnancy outcomes and avoid relapsing to drug use. In our Grove City office, we provide prenatal care and medication assisted therapy with buprenorphine. We encourage the women who are getting care to attend weekly group visits in our office to discuss positive ways to manage stress and support a sober life. Our staff includes physicians, nurses and a community health worker. In addition to medication, we work to support our patients in changing their lifestyle to be supportive of being a new mother. This might include linking them to additional counseling and addiction treatment outside of our office. It may also include connecting patients to resources for food, baby clothes, diapers and parenting classes. Our office’s community health worker completes needs assessments on all our patients and helps to set goals that patients want to work on over the duration of their pregnancy and postpartum year. These goals could include things such as completing at GED, regaining a driver’s license or working to regain custody of older children.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

“Every patient deserves the same compassionate care regardless of their life circumstances,” said Andrea Fox, the community health worker at Grant Family Medicine. “I believe these women are often harshly judged and this makes them afraid to seek the services they need. The work that I’m doing is important because women often lack the positive community support that people need to be successful and cared for. I try to give them some of the support they would receive from that community if they had it and help them develop the skills to grow this community on their own.” Angela engaged in the program at OhioHealth Grant Family Medicine and her life slowly began to improve during her pregnancy. When her water broke, she went to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center to deliver her baby. Staff was prepared to manage a patient on medication assisted therapy and her delivery went smoothly. After delivery, her newborn was able to go with her to the postpartum floor and the newborn stayed in the room with mom as much as possible so the newborn could breastfeed and have skin-to-skin contact with mom, also known as Kangaroo Care. This helps improve bonding and minimize the risk of withdrawal for newborn. When a mother is on maintenance therapy for opioid use, there is still a risk of newborn withdrawal. At Grant Medical Center we work to support the mother and baby in bonding and minimizing the need for medication to help the baby through withdrawal. However, if the medication is needed, the infant is cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit and placed Continued on Page 18 The Columbus African American • June 2017

HEALTH Continued from Page 17

on medication. The withdrawal for baby is temporary and treatable. The staff at Grant understand that the medication mother was on was helpful for her sobriety and the long-term health of both her and baby. If women choose to stay engaged in our program, we will care for the mother and infant in our practice for up to 12 months postpartum. We will then help link women to additional services

for ongoing care. The postpartum period can be a difficult time for women in early recovery. Caring for a newborn, lack of sleep, limited family support and postpartum depression can sometimes complicate the ability of women to maintain their sobriety. We work to help keep women engaged through continued office visits, group visits and involvement with the community health worker. We know that patients like Angela exist in many of our communities and families and just like

Angela there is a path to recovery. If you are, or know someone, like Angela please call our office at 614-566-0987. While we attempt to assist all patients, not every patient is appropriate for our outpatient program. However, we will do our best to link patients to the services that are appropriate to meet their needs. Dr. Krisanna Deppen is the Associate Director of the Grant Famiily Medicine Residency. She specializes in Addiction Medicine, Newborn Care, Obstetrics, and Women’s Health.

IT STILL TAKES A VILLAGE: EXPERIENCING EDUCATION & MENTORSHIP By Rebecca Kemper-Larrimer The one question I hate answering when someone finds out I grew up in Columbus is, what neighborhood are you from? I find my answer instantly identifies me as someone that grew up without, as my lengthy housing history often elicits puzzled, concerned looks. Although this is not exactly the case. It’s true, I grew up all over the city with my family shuffling from rental to rental as our financial stability shifted under the weight of what would become a messy, five-year divorce. My father became a single parent to me for a significant portion of that time. He was determined to provide his daughter with an education better than the one he had received. He insisted I attend Catholic preparatory school, although he himself was raised Baptist. His college roommate had attended such a school, and my father realized his severe educational disadvantage when competing against prep students in undergrad. My father became determined, no matter the financial cost, to have his child attend a better school. And this is where my own privilege starts. It wasn’t just the school, although it was advanced in many ways. I had a village around me and my St. Agatha uniform granted me access to all sorts of resources outside of my zip code. This was an important edge in a city identified by the Urban Institute as the fifth most economically segregated in the nation, causing vast inequities between public school districts. Sure, we drove a beat-up car that provoked the occasional police cruiser tail to the municipal border. But when people saw an exhausted father with sleeves rolled-up holding his daughter in an unmistakable plaid jumper, assistance was provided. The Fish & Chips on 5th Ave would sneak extra portions on my plate, noting my uniform and nodding knowingly to me that I was expected to make it out. While Ohio was ranked a little better back then, the state now ranks as the sixth most food-insecure state in the country, negatively affecting four out of ten Columbus children living in poverty. Such acts of kindness from the villagers of my “academic neighborhood” did not stop there. If I kept my uniform on after school, I could walk mostly unnoticed to a worldclass library just down the street. A small army of friendly librarians took me in and introduced me to their literary world. They became my early professional mentors and it was here that I was first introduced to academic journals. These resources jumpstarted my interest in

college as I came in contact over and over again with fascinating research papers authored by various collegiate labs. This interest was furthered by a caring science teacher, Dr. Dan “Doc” Keller. Yes, he actually had a doctorate and loved teaching science to middle schoolers. Our science fair projects were actual scientific experiments and were evaluated by local professors. It was here that I learned what developmental psychologist Angela Duckworth calls grit, a blend of passion and persistence needed to accomplish one’s goals. I entered the fair cocky with the top science grade in my class and left it with an embarrassingly low score, fumbling through an unpracticed oral presentation. But by now the village demanded that I succeed and a be a competitor; the next time I had the choice to compete in either history or science fair, I chose science. Dr. Keller loved my tenacity. His mentorship helped my research advance to state competition and be published by the Ohio Academy of Science. At the time, I did not realize how few women enter science or, specifically, the steep gender gap in engineering. According to the US National Science Foundation, just 5% of tenured engineering faculty members are female. I was also unaware how radical my choice to pursue an engineering degree was, given my ethnicity, as nationally only 7% of engineering degrees were awarded to Hispanics in my graduating year. But as I began my college career I became very aware of my educational advantage and how blatantly unfair it all was. My preparatory education resulted in test scores earning me fifteen college credits before I ever walked onto campus. During freshman year, I saw classmates struggling through these introductory courses, in what education researchers refer to as “weed-out” classes. Meanwhile, I was able to focus on the advanced classes needed to impress professors. I am embarrassed to admit it, but growing up I looked down upon the local public school kids, with their light backpacks and carefree wardrobes. But as I went through college the inequity really got to me. How are we to have a democracy when educational disparities affect so many people? Given the US poverty rates and the rate of expenditure per child, it is amazing that the US public school systems create literate students. Most other countries with similar statistics are developing countries with abysmal literacy rates. My concerns were compounded with the everincreasing wealth disparities resulting in the top 1% having their wealth quadruple during the recent economic recession. Not everyone can pay for their child’s education or live in thriving public school districts. I was the beneficiary of preparatory education and its supportive educational village; but I knew the sacrifice and, frankly, luck that went into my history. And

The Columbus African American •News JuneJournal 2017 • February 2015

people, more than ever, were being excluded from such places. I have a complicated view of charter school because of this. I want parents with limited means to have a choice, as my father made, if the local school is not going to help their child succeed. But scrapping away public dollars in districts already resource-starved is wrong. It disproportionately affects children of color as city zip codes are economically, and racially, segregated. I am always interested in the new techniques and environments to educate kids, but I am wary of certain educational plans. Those plans that demand the closing of local public schools to provide “access” to charter schools which often do not make room for all of the neighborhood children. Such actions have resulted in vast inequities in Chicago, as well as in other cities, as noted by researcher Pauline Lipman by simply serving the most underserved less by dismantling their support networks and busing them to far-out to communities that are also underfunded (2011). I struggle with this reality, especially now that I see it first-hand in grading student work. I have been and remain conflicted on how best to serve students, but remain steadfast in my belief that publicly-provided education needs to remain. I focus day-to-day on how I can level the playing field for my students and choose to combat inequity by providing extra coaching and mentorship so they too can cultivate an educational village on campus. This is the one act in our control, to provide for those that are pursuing their education in whatever capacity we have is available to us – to create educational villages for our children. References (formatting needed) Cuesta, José & Negre, Mario. “Taking on Inequity: Poverty & Shared Prosperity.” World Bank Group. 2016. Duckman, Angela. Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance. New York: Scribner. 2016. Lipman, Pauline. The New Political Economy of Urban Education: Neoliberalism, Race, and the Right to the City. New York: Routledge. 2011. National Science Foundation. “2017 Women, Minorities & Persons with Disabilities in Engineering” Accessed June 1, 2017 from https:// www.nsf.gov/statistics/2017/nsf17310/ Pendall, Rolf & Hedman, Carl. “Worlds Apart Inequality between America’s Most and Least Affluent Neighborhoods” Urban Institute. June 2015. Rebecca Frances Kemper-Larrimer is a PhD candidate in the Knowlton School of City & Regional Planning at Ohio State University. She is the president of the Latino & Latina Engineering Graduate Student Association (LLEGA) at Ohio State and has served OSU students as an instructor and in ResLife.

ADAMH

Board of Franklin County

& our partners We loved it when we could fix her problems. Then came addiction. Every day, we risk losing people we love to heroin, crack, marijuana or alcohol. It’s always hard to accept the reality that some things we just can’t fix alone.

TOGETHER

Families Heal

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

Go to ADAMHFranklin.org/TogetherFamiliesHeal

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

“Having PrEP as another layer of protection makes me feel like I’ve taken my health into my own hands. Now, I’m less afraid of the unknown.”

—Jason

Is it right for you? PrEP has been shown to be 92-99% effective in preventing HIV infection when taken as prescribed.

FIND A PROVIDER: HOTLINE:

OhioPrEP.org

(800) 332-2437

The Columbus African American • June 2017 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

COVER STORY Dr. Chenelle A. Jones - Not Ordinary

By Edward Bell, MBA “I did not give birth to ordinary children!” Growing up, Dr. Chenelle A. Jones heard that mantra whenever her mother, Debra Jones-Harris, felt either Chenelle or her siblings (brother Winfield Harris or sister Chevonne Harris), were doing anything she felt was “run of the mill,” or “like everyone else.” It was not acceptable in their household to be ordinary. They had to possess the ability to go above and beyond what everyone else was doing. Dr. Chenelle Jones is anything but ordinary! Anyone who has viewed her videos on social media can attest that. Besides being intelligent, empowered and engaged in whatever she undertakes, Dr. Jones is free-styled and funloving. That does not mean she is not the serious and dedicated Professor of Criminology at Ohio Dominican University, it means that when she removes the “doctor” from Dr. Chenelle Jones to simply, Chenelle, she is the true epitome of the work hard, play hard model. As the Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Dr. Jones joined the faculty of Ohio Dominican in 2012. She earned her Ph.D. in the Administration of Justice from Texas Southern University in Houston and is a proud graduate of Centennial High School here in Columbus, Ohio. She teaches Juvenile Delinquency; Women, Crime and Criminal Justice; Punishment, Sentencing and the Death Penalty; Race, Ethnicity and Crime; Ethics in Doing Justice; Social Movements in Criminal Justice; Media, Crime and Popular Culture; Victimology; and Police and Modern Society. Her research interests center on critical issues in criminal justice, with a particular emphasis on juvenile delinquency; race; gender; policing and justice policies. As a criminal justice professor, researcher and writer (she has one book finished and is working on a second), she specializes in identifying the injustices within the criminal justice system and advocating policy change.

Dr. Jones poses with her students from Ohio Dominican University

to the outcome. When people only see the incident and the outcome (particularly those cases involving brutality, excessive force, etc. and the officer is acquitted), without any information on the process that led to the outcome, they are naturally going to grow resentful and skeptical of the criminal justice system. This is why communication, cooperation and collaboration between the police and the community is critical. This is why people need to work collectively to improve police/community relations. And this is exactly why I became involved with both Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy and My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), to try bridge the gap between communities of color and the police by bringing them together to talk, to share, to learn, to break misperceptions, to see the humanity in each other, and to realize their lives matter.”

on issues of race, police/community relations, and disproportionate minority contact. She is a reviewer for the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, and several academic journals including the Journal of Juvenile Justice, the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, and Race and Justice. She is a crime analyst for TV One’s hit show “For My Man.” She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Ohio Dominican University Conley Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Create Columbus Visionary Award by Columbus City Council and the Create Columbus Commission, and the Mary Church Terrell Award for her advocacy work by the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. Dr. Jones is a member of several community and professional organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Create Columbus Commission, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the American Society of Criminology, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and the Racial Democracy, Crime and Justice Network. She is a participant in the Change Starts Here Ohio Campaign which is an initiative designed to improve police/community relations. She organized and facilitated a Solutions Forum which brought the community and justice practitioners together to establish task forces to create ways for improving police/ community relations. She is also a dedicated member of the Temple of Faith Church of God in Christ.

Dr. Jones currently serves as the National Director of Research for the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy, a federally funded program designed to reduce social distance between police officers and “at-risk” minority youth. As the Director, she is responsible for establishing the research agenda, analyzing data, and serving as a consultant for best practices in improving relations between teens and the When asked about the current state of affairs police. She has written numerous articles and pertaining to the interaction between police book chapters on public perceptions of the police, officers and African American youth, Dr. race, and the administration of justice. Jones stated, “Confrontational encounters are She is the co-editor of A Critical Analysis of a symptom of a much larger systemic problem Race and the Administration of Justice. She that often leaves our people feeling frustrated, founded and organized the Teaching Tolerance marginalized, and demeaned. Series, bi-annual forums designed to allow At the Columbus African American News Additionally, a lack of procedural justice justice practitioners the opportunity to engage the Journal, we were honored Dr. Jones consented (particularly involving transparency), often public in an open discussion about the criminal leaves people unaware of the investigative justice system. Dr. Jones has conducted several Continued on Page 21 process, and subsequent factors that contribute presentations, keynotes, and media appearances The JuneJournal 2017 • February 2015 The Columbus Columbus African African American American •News

COVER STORY

to sit down with us for this exclusive interview in which she revealed her love for Columbus and her concern for the plight of young African American males in all communities. “I love Columbus because it is a progressive, innovative, and energetic city,” Dr. Jones began. “There is always something to do whether it’s visiting an art museum, taking a walk along the Scioto mile, shopping in Easton, eating in the Short North, or attending a festival. People from all walks of life can find something to do in Columbus. The beauty of Columbus lies in its diversity. Columbus is a place where people can come together, share ideas, learn from each other, and collaborate on ways to improve and enhance the city. Columbus is a place where students can receive a good education, young professionals can discover opportunities, entrepreneurs can Dr. Jones engages the audience at the My Brother’s Keeper event in May 2017. start a business and families can grow. I also love Columbus because the city is fertile ground for opportunities and ingenuity. People can sow creative ideas in Columbus and watch them grow 2. Ensuring all children read at grade level by with stress considering all she is involved with third grade; and what, if anything, she does for hobbies or into great realities. In an effort to create a better Columbus and 3. Ensuring all youth graduate from high school; recreation. She stated, “it depends on the source support young men of color, the My Brother’s 4. Ensuring all youth complete post-secondary of the stress, for stress pertaining to my position in academia, I usually turn to my mentor Dr. Keeper Initiative launched the MBK Village. education or training; The program aligns with the national initiative 5. Ensuring all youth out of school are employed; Helen T. Greene, who is a professor in the Administration of Justice Department at Texas originally started in February 2014 by President and Southern University (she chaired my dissertation Barack Obama. The purpose of the My Brother’s 6. Ensuring all youth remain safe from violent committee at TSU). Dr. Greene always shares Keeper (MBK) initiative is to address persistent crime. good pearls of wisdom and it’s usually because opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of “In Columbus, our community has accepted the she has already experienced situations similar to color, and to ensure that all young people can challenge. We will work with individuals and mine in academia. When I need a listening ear, reach their full potential. The My Brother’s organizations across the city to determine the Keeper Community Challenge seeks to inspire work being done in these critical areas, as well she has never failed to listen and offer sage advice community leaders, and encourage their as how we can better collaborate to continue that usually helps me to rectify the situation. I commitment to ensuring all young people can creating better opportunities for boys and young greatly appreciate her, and she has become a good confidant. For other stress, I typically work succeed. men of color.” out, take a walk, or go shopping. For hobbies and The My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge Ironically, it was pointed out to Dr. Jones, that recreation, I enjoy trying out new restaurants, encourages communities to convene leaders, while the name My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) reading books, shopping, sewing (I make clothes identify effective strategies, and work together indicates a male oriented group, the participants playing significant roles during the My Brother’s every now and then), watching movies, and toward achieving these goals: Keeper Summit and Big Table Conversation making social media videos that celebrate and 1. Ensuring all children enter school cognitively, between City Officials, Law Enforcement encourage educators. physically, socially and emotionally ready; Officers and youth participants in the MBK, were Dr. Jones concluded by asking if we had viewed women. Asked how she saw that and was it not her videos on social media, indicating that she an affront to the males involved, Dr. Jones stated, creates them to unwind, have a little fun, and “Well, there actually weren’t that many women involved however, I certainly do not see why remove the stuffiness perception that goes along anyone would feel upset by women showing care with being a Professor. In her videos, Dr. Jones and concern for African American men. These can be seen showing off high energy and sporty are our fathers, brothers, uncles, boyfriends and moves as she sings and dances for all the world husbands. We, as African American women are to see. Her mother need not worry; Dr. Chenelle charged with the task of empowering our men Jones is definitely Not Ordinary! and in turn, empowering each other so that we ultimately empower our entire community. Edward Bell, MBA, AAMS, CMFC, CSS was born Why wouldn’t we (women) want to play a and raised in Columbus, Ohio and graduated role in our young men’s lives by showing our with honors in a course, “Writing for Children,” support? These are our sons and future husbands, from the Institute of Children’s Literature. and oftentimes we have to deal with the direct consequences of our black men getting caught up He has served as Contributing Editor of the in the criminal justice system or losing their lives. Autograph Times. Ed won the 1999 award for We should play a role in our young men’s lives, best screenplay from the PEN American Center in especially if we want to build strong families and New York and garnered the runner-up award for communities. That is why I, and so many other non-fiction writing in 2000. He earned a Master’s women were involved with the MBK Summit. degree, as well as designations as: Accredited We want to help keep our young men out of jails, Asset Management Specialist (AAMS); Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC), and Certified prisons and coffins.” Dr. Jones was asked how she usually deals Customer Service Specialist (CSS).

The Columbus African American • June 2017

BUSINESS

WHO’S WHO IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY: FAMILY AFFAIR CAFE AND CATERING COMPANY LLC - LOVE FEST what I was undertaking by watching them, helping in their restaurant and seeing how to treat your employees. They were fantastic teachers and I learned a lot. And of course, since I am a Momma’s boy, I learned a lot about cooking and recipes from my mother. Even while I was in the Army, I was cooking then and that was instrumental in teaching me how to cook for larger groupings of people. Each of these background aspects served as the backdrop for who we are today. Maggie and I share the belief that we wouldn’t serve up anything we wouldn’t eat ourselves. It must meet a certain quality, a certain standard before we are ready to put it on the table and call it ready for Family Affair patrons. And as much as is feasible, we always try to buy food that is locally grown. Not only does that allow us to personally see, feel and taste the quality of our ingredients, but it also allows us to help other Ohioans get their produce to the table.

By Eward Bell, MBA It’s easy to see why Family Affair Café and Catering Company LLC has become the go-to restaurant within our African American communities. Their slogan COMFORT FOOD WITH FUSION and hashtag #NO GAME, NO GIMMICKS, epitomizes exactly what this eatery is all about. It is also quite easy to see from the moment you walk through the doors, Family Affair Café and Catering Company is a much different dining experience than most people will have experienced. A feeling of family permeates the air. The atmosphere is homey and comfortable. You quickly get the sense this is more than your usual bistro. On May 20, 2017, the Columbus African American News Journal sat down with Maggie and Jamie Shelton, owners of Family Affair Café and Catering Company LLC. We wanted to find out what made Family Affair such a valued place within our communities and while we personally knew the answer, it was good to see the Shelton’s also understood why the numbers continue to pour through their doors. Housed at the end of a strip mall with a Giant Eagle store nearby, it quickly becomes apparent something is happening at 3781 South Hamilton Road.

Owners Jamie (bottom) and Maggie Shelton (top).

entrepreneurship, both Maggie and Jamie were employed in corporate America, with Maggie serving as a Fraud Investigator with JP Morgan Chase and Jamie, as a Procurement and Buying Officer with Nationwide Insurance. “My wife lost her job when her entire division was shipped to India and it was shortly after that, during a lull in the economy that I was given the pink slip as well. But the great thing is”, Jamie said, “we were already two years into this business, and we had more time to devote to making this happen.”

July 23, 2015 was the magical date on which the Shelton’s found the place to realize their dream of feeding patron’s meals that would become comfort food with fusion. In this partnership between the Sheltons, you begin to understand that Jamie brings the comfort of soul to the menu, while Maggie adds a taste of her homeland to Asked whether he had always had a passion for the offerings with Panamanian spicing infused to cooking and running an eatery Jamie shared, “Oh yes, going back to high school, I was a star create the fusion of sight, smell and taste. football player in West Virginia and I was being As Co-Proprietor and Head Cook, Jamie interviewed and when the reporter asked me realizes he is chiefly responsible for ensuring the what I wanted to do in the future and I shared restaurant runs profitably and efficiently, and as with him my desire to own a restaurant one day. such he should be both a leader and an organizer. While that was my idea, my parents had owned As a veteran of the United States Army, he fulfills a restaurant when I was growing up, so I knew both roles perfectly. At its highest level, Jamie oversees operation ensuring high standards of food, service, health, and safety are met and maintained. On a day-to-day level, the Sheltons ensure high standards of food, service, health, and safety are met, while maintaining the responsibility of ensuring duties such as hiring staff, scheduling shifts, while keeping precise, up-to-date inventory, expenses, revenue and payroll records. Asked why they chose the Hamilton Road address, Jamie replied they stumbled across the setting. He and Maggie were shopping at the nearby Giant Eagle during the Thanksgiving season when Maggie noticed the site next door was vacant. Prior to the current location, Family Affair was housed just down the road at 2274 S. Hamilton, but it was so small that it was literally just a kitchen and they were strictly carryout. Prior to venturing into the wide world of culinary The Columbus African American •News JuneJournal 2017 • February 2015

To say this venture, which became Family Affair was a leap of faith, is an understatement and simply put, a Love Fest. When you enter the double doors, you quickly become aware an aura of love permeates the entire premises. The love between Maggie and Jamie is evident but you quickly see that their employees sincerely love the owners, each other and working at Family Affair. When asked, employees quickly answered the reason they love working at Family Affair is because the name fits the way the place is run. It is truly a Family Affair. Each employee is known by their first name and the Shelton’s make it a point to know something about each employee’s background, life, accomplishments and goals. Birthdays are recognized and shared with everyone (including patrons), weddings are treated with tenderness and care, and even accomplishing personal goals becomes a big deal at Family Affair. During a recent visit, we observed and participated in clapping and cheering for a bright young employee (Dontae Woods), who just earned his Culinary Degree. “Dontae, reminds me so much of myself when Continued on Page 23

BUSINESS Continued from Page 22

I was younger. He has just so much drive and compassion for this business.” Jamie pointed out. “In fact, he is so conscious of his goal that he tends to work above and beyond what we ask of him. We sometimes have to drag him out of here so he has a life beyond those double doors. “ One young lady said when she comes to work, she feels a peace that the world outside of Family Affair doesn’t offer. She stated if it were possible, she would sleep on the premises because the place just feels right.

always going to be held to a higher standard and that doesn’t bother us because we hold ourselves to a much higher standard. As Christians, we believe the Lord would want us to serve our fellow man in a certain manner and we try to be mindful of that. I am also trying to be a conduit in the community. To give our young people hope or to give them an idea of what a good work ethic is. Conflict management skills and problem-solving skills are critical for this role. As the owner of your establishment, any quarrels between staff, complaints about the food, or other issues will be escalated to his attention. Maggie and Jamie understand they should be strong communicators and be able to earn the respect and trust of their staff. In addition, they should be multi-skilled and able to pitch in wherever they are needed. No job should be too small for them, and depending on the day, they might be found washing dishes, cooking, or serving guests. They understand that part of their job is to ensure their customers have an enjoyable dining experience and receive exceptional customer service from all the Family Affair staff. They are the vital role in the success of the business and therefore must work to motivate employees, handle all management aspects and ensure the restaurant has a good atmosphere.

“I’ll tell you this,” Jamie stated, “during what I would call our trying times, my wife always encouraged me to not give up on my goal, my dream. That no matter what, we can do this. Of course, neither one of us knew then that it would be this much work. One of the main things we try to be constantly aware of is making sure we do what we can to dispel the negative myths placed upon African American businesses that we open late and close early, and don’t cater to quality. For Family Affair, we will crack those doors at the time our sign reads and quality is number one with us. All of us, Maggie, I and our entire staff have bought into the concept that quality in all that we do is job one. We understand completely Finally, the Sheltons were asked, why they that because we are African American, we are felt so many people make Family Affair Café

and Catering Company LLC, the go to place it has turned into? Why do they think it has become the hit it is within African American Communities? Jamie stated, “I think it comes down to consistency. That we really and sincerely treat you like family. When you walk through our doors, until you give us a reason not to, you are immediately embraced as family. That is why when you come in you are greeted with ‘Hello family, welcome to Family Affair.’ We treat people the way we want to be treated and unlike many other places, ours is genuine. We care about the people. We don’t really care about the dollar you are spending with us, we are concerned with how you are doing. What’s going on in your life. We love each other, each person who walks through our doors and everything about this business. This is truly a love fest for us!” Edward Bell, MBA, AAMS, CMFC, CSS was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and graduated with honors in a course, “Writing for Children,” from the Institute of Children’s Literature. He has served as Contributing Editor of the Autograph Times. Ed won the 1999 award for best screenplay from the PEN American Center in New York and garnered the runner-up award for non-fiction writing in 2000. He earned a Master’s degree, as well as designations as: Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS); Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC), and Certified Customer Service Specialist (CSS).

CITY ANNOUNCES 2017 SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM The City of Columbus is now accepting applications for the ACHIEVE Summer Youth and Young Adult Jobs Program. ACHIEVE is a collaborative effort between the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio (WDBCO). Through the Franklin County Summer Youth Works Program the Franklin County Board of Commissioners will place 2,385 youth eligible for Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) in summer work experience programming. “We know that summer youth employment provides our young people with skills and experience, but it is also a key strategy in the prevention of youth violence,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “And the impact of summer employment is long lasting, giving young people companies fill seasonal positions. The City of Youth and young adults ages 14-21, both in more confidence and commitment in school.” Columbus has 166 positions. and out of school, can register for the summer jobs program by going to www.wdbco.org and “The Summer Youth Employment Program “I am grateful for the partners that have come completing the online application. Deadline for benefits youth and employers,” said Lisa Patt together to connect youth in our city to summer applications is June 9, 2017. McDaniel, CEO of WDBCO. “Our youth earn jobs,” said Councilmember Jaiza Page, chair of money and gain training, while employers are the Recreation and Parks Committee. “We are The Workforce Development Board of Central able to fill seasonal employment needs.” continually working to provide opportunities for O h i o ( W D B C O ) i s t h e l o c a l w o r k f o rc e our youth to have a fun and safe summer.” development board for Franklin County and ACHIEVE is an eight-week summer program provides oversight for the operations of the that provides central Ohio youth with jobs The program is administered by WDBCO OhioMeansJobs Columbus-Franklin County skills and workplace experience in community- through funding received from the City of center. WDBCO partners with community based organizations, city agencies and private Columbus and Franklin County. The Boys and organizations and education institutions that sector businesses. The program has two primary Girls Club and IMPACT Community Action are provide direct services to create innovative goals: to give youth and young adults ages 14- the Youth Services Providers who will deliver workforce solutions. For more information on 21 positive summer work experiences and to work readiness training and job matching for all WDBCO visit www.wdbco.org . serve the local business community by helping youth participants for the city.

The Columbus African American • June 2017 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

BUSINESS

NOT THE BOSS OF ME

By William McCoy, MPA and Chavella Wilson, PhD “You are not the boss of me!” A ten-year-old girl said, as she rejected her friend’s attempt to influence her. Douglas Winnail (1999) said, “Most people’s attitude toward authority is a learned behaviorthe result of a lifetime of personal, social, cultural and religious experiences.” Winnail goes on to say, we can learn to respect or disrespect those in authority. An American Management Association paper, Leading the Four Generations at Work (2015), states people “generally distrust authority and . . . naturally question authority figures.” In short, many people have a difficult time accepting, trusting, and following “leaders.” Studies (Eagly and Karau, 2002) have shown people tend to associate men and masculine traits with leadership. Competitiveness, selfconfidence, objectivity, aggression, ambition, and the ability to lead- characteristics typically attributed to men- are frequently cited as desirable leadership qualities. Participants in one study of successful female corporate managers regarded these women as “more hostile (e.g. more devious, quarrelsome, selfish, bitter), and less rational (e.g. less logical, objective, able to separate feelings from ideas), than successful male managers.” The situation is worse for African-American women. Sexism, institutional and individual racism, and notions of male-oriented leadership have contributed to the under-representation of women in supervisory, managerial, and executive-level positions in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. In 2015, there were just 23 women serving as CEO of an S&P 500 company. Only one of these women, Xerox’s Ursula Burns, was African-American. A September 13, 2012 headline proclaimed, “Black women leaders face ‘double jeopardy,’ harsher criticism than others.” This article points out that African-American women “face harsher penalties than other leaders when organizations fail.” In a study conducted by Rosette and Livingston (2012), “228 participants read fictitious news articles about a company’s performance . . . what they found was that Black women who failed were viewed more critically than their underperforming White or male counterparts. The findings, which were published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology (September 2012), represent a case of ‘double jeopardy,’ the study authors say, or the product of being neither White nor male.” Livingston said, “If a Black woman makes a mistake and a White woman makes a mistake . . . the Black woman

The Columbus African American • June 2017

is penalized more harshly, because she is two degrees removed from the prototype of a ‘leader,’ which is a White male.” Eagly and Karau (2002) assert “prejudice toward female leaders and potential leaders takes two forms: (a) less favorable evaluation of women’s potential for leadership because leadership ability is more stereotypical of men than women and (b) less favorable evaluation of the actual leadership behavior of women than men because such behavior is perceived as less desirable in women than men.” Racial prejudice further complicates this dynamic for Black women. Rudman, Fetteroff, and Sanchez (2013) use “male control theory versus female control theory to illuminate motives for the sexual double standard, whereby men gain status from engaging in casual sex or having many sexual partners, but women are stigmatized for it. These authors said their findings “suggest that sexism, stigma, and rape myths are primary obstacles to sexual equality.” For example, an unmarried African-American female was hired as a university president with a contract that included a clause “forbidding her from allowing any lovers to stay at (the presidential residence).” The “no romantic visitor’s clause” was described as sexist and possibly illegal by critics. No man, critics reasoned, would be asked to agree to such a contractual requirement. At a minimum, it speaks to the double-standard that exists for men versus women. So, what can Black women- and men- do to cope with the dynamics and uncertainties of leadership? First, find a mentor to provide advice, counsel, and guidance. Second, secure a champion or advocate among your superiors. Third, work with your superiors to define success- in specific terms and/or metrics- at the 90 day, six month, and one year marks to avoid confusion later. Fourth, develop, abide by, and periodically update your own, personal strategic plan- complete with mission, vision, goals, objectives, and strategies for the coming 24

year or beyond. Fifth, document your activities, accomplishments, and interactions with key people. Sixth, develop an exit strategy that will enable you to leave on your own terms, if it comes to that. Seventh, prepare a golden parachute- e.g. early termination compensation package, new job search strategy, or transition into self-employment- to help you survive the fall if you are pushed off the professional cliff. In conclusion, sexism, racism, and petty jealousy all represent challenges African-American women and men must contend with as they encounter the proverbial glass ceiling during their careers. If you find yourself standing at the edge of a professional cliff, remember one misstep could result in your professional death. Think and act strategically and make all necessary preparations, so you can survive that fall, should it happen. ---------------------------------------------------------William McCoy is founder and principal consultant of The McCoy Company- a personal services consulting firm specializing in planning, training, and development. One of his signature training interventions is Engendering Respect, which is based on his Violence Interruption Experience. Mr. McCoy has served all levels of government, foundations, nonprofits, and the private sector. Prior to establishing The McCoy Company, he served 12 years in public service highlighted by two White House appointments. Mr. McCoy holds BA and MPA degrees. He is an award-winner, author, profiled in Who’s Who in the World and elsewhere. William McCoy can be contacted at (614) 785-8497 or via e-mail at wmccoy2@themccoycompany.com. Dr. Chevella Wilson is an expert on leadership and women in the society. Over the past ten years, she has worked with, lectured, and trained thousands of people at colleges and universities, national, statewide, and community/faith-based organizations. Dr. Wilson is a published author, award recipient, and innovator. She holds degrees from The George Washington University and North Carolina A&T State University. Chevella Wilson can be reached via e-mail at chevella.wilson@gmail.com.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

COMMUNITY RESTORING FATHERHOOD

By John Tyus, D.Min One of the biggest issues that our society faces today is not domestic arguing, or the lack of a love relationship between a man and woman, or teen pregnancy. It is not the constant decline in education attainment with our youth in our school system, it is not the lack of emotional care that many women feel they receive from their spouses, it is not the gangs that plague our inner cities, or the overcrowding in our prisons. No it is not any of these things, these are merely the result of something much bigger, the root cause. The lack of fatherhood in the lives of children preferably boys are at an all-time high and has spread to uncontained proportions in our communities. The lack of fathers has caused or aided many if not all of the issues stated earlier. I believe an answer to this problem that is plaguing our society is mentoring. These young men are in need of an example of qualified males that are strong leaders in their household, communities, and churches. The fatherless boys will become what they see and if they are exposed to positive males models this will give them a chance to make choice as to how they will walk out their lives. Donald Miller starts off his book “Father Fiction: Chapters for a Fatherless Generation” explaining his life’s story and how not having a father in his life affected him as a man. He speaks about the consequences of how not having that role model in his life has caused him pain and insecurities in growing up and how it still affects him till this day. He becomes very vulnerable in his approach to the reader showing his weaknesses and pain allowing the reader to truly understand the unmasked effect or not having a father played in his life. Miller being transparent allows for the reader to let down their guard as well, which allows the words that Miller speaks penetrate their hearts. I’m thirty-eight years old, and I still need a father…But in so many ways I’m still that kid, not sure exactly how to be emotionally intimate with a girl without feeling weak, not sure my work is good enough, not sure if the people who are clapping would really like me if they got to know me. I attribute a lot of those insecurities to father issues. And any confidence I have I attribute to having worked through father issues. Everyone is insecure, and not everybody who re up without a father lacks confidence an emotional health, but the connection between the two is undeniable.1 Men growing up fatherless has such effect on their ability to make right decisions and are often see more fatherless men end up in trouble with the law because of the lack of discipline and vision that fathers help provide their sons. “I heard recently that 94 percent of people in prison

are men. And 85 percent of those men grew up in fatherless homes.”2 A father is there to help rear a child in their proper gifting, helping their son to become a man of character, integrity and honor. This comes often from those tough talks, chores, instructions and discipline that often fathers provide their sons. Miller believes mentoring young fatherless males is an answer to this wide spread epidemic of absentee fathers in our society. Miller believes that by mentoring young fatherless males this can put a stop to the majority of our problems with males in our prison. “There is a rumor that by the year 2050, there will be no African American fathers living with their children. In 1920, 90 percent of our children had their fathers at home. In 1960, 80 percent of our children had their fathers at home. In 2002, only 32 percent of our children had their fathers at home. With this current trend, by the year 2000 there will be less than 30 percent and by the year 2050 there may not be one African American family that has its father present.”3 With information like this, there must something that must be done to help these young men, that hold the key and passing on power for the next generations of males. The word “mentor” comes from the ancient Greek epic poem, The Odyssey. When the King of Ithaca, Odysseus, was away at war for a long time, his friend, mentors, became a tutor to Odysseus’s son, sort of a “fill-in” father. Webster defines mentor as “a trusted counselor, a guide; a mentor; someone he can look up to, someone who can teach him how to be a man, someone he can follow, and someone he can trust. My definition of a mentor is a man willing to serve; to share his life with a boy; to be a role model, an encourager, a listener. “Many counselors agree that healthy and loving human relationships are the most powerful behavior modifier in the world. Fatherless children lack these loving relationships and

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

often feel lonely, flawed, and incomplete.” 4 Regardless of what we might say, a child will remember more of what we do. Our legacy as mentors will be measured by what we did or did not do. What the young men are looking for is not another authoritative figure but rather a relational figure, someone they can relate too and express themselves without judgment too. In conclusion, we must agree research states that boys without fathers suffer from a wide array of issues such as criminal behavior, lack of responsibility, anger, lack of education, and a lack belonging which makes them lash out in various ways. “A Fatherless child often rebels against authority, for it represents the sacred position his father once held. Authority is something to be avoided, mocked, or scorned.”5 Through mentoring I believe we can help change that narrative. References: Donald Miller, Father Fiction: Chapters for a Fatherless Generation (New York: Howard Books, 2010), 2.

Ibid., 3.

Jawanza Kunjufu, Restoring the Village: Solutions for the Black Family (Chicago, IL: African American Images, 2003), 32. 3

John Sowers, Fatherless Generation: Redeeming the Story (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010), 114.

Ibid., 45.

Dr. John Tyus is a community leader and millennial motivational speaker. He is the founder of The I.D. Movement and has been recognized by the House of Representatives. He received the 2016 MLK Social Justice Award of Ohio and focuses on empowering, inspiring and developing youth across the country. The Columbus African American • June 2017

FOCUSING ON QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL COLUMBUS RESIDENTS By Priscilla B. Tyson Columbus is a vibrant City with a diverse population. In order to make Columbus the best place to live, work and raise a family, we must work diligently to uplift every resident. My personal mission is to address issues associated with poverty. We know some of our neighborhoods experience disproportionate rates of unemployment, homelessness, crime, incarceration as well as lower access to health coverage and nutritious food. I am committed to developing legislation and providing tools to equip residents with the resources for success. While this seems like a lofty goal, I see opportunities to affect and create positive change. We can embrace the City’s partnerships with social services and non-profit organizations to accomplish this. Social services agencies provide the City with opportunities to meet the basic needs of residents facing significant challenges. The objective is to support goal oriented, outcome based social services programs and activities that address critical needs within the Columbus community. The following are the priorities for the City’s 2015-2018 social services funding: • Safety Net: Emergency and Basic Needs - These human services activities link to and support the City’s role in public health. • Economic Success: Employment and Self Sufficiency - These human services activities link to and support the City’s role in economic development, job creation and increased tax base. • Social Success: Safe and Healthy Individuals, Relationships and Neighborhoods - These human services activities link to and support the City’s role in public health, maintenance services, code enforcement, infrastructure investment and homeownership. These priorities are robust and require social services agencies to engage residents and provide life changing services that connect people with jobs, healthy food, child care and more. However, success stories or the services offered by these agencies are rarely highlighted. The organizations in the 2015-2018 funding cycle administered 38 programs addressing high priority needs. Some successes in 2016 include over 10,000 households receiving items from food pantries as well as 200 volunteers logging over 8,000 broadcast hours by reading to visually impaired residents over the radio. There were 6,000 youth participating in programs that increased academic success, character, leadership and promoted healthy lifestyles. More than 800 refugees resettled in Central Ohio. Additionally, 278 individuals fighting cancer were able to receive home care support including groceries, transportation and medical supplies. There are services in place to address many of the

The Columbus African American • June 2017

Councilmember Tyson helps to deliver meals to community residents.

issues our residents face. For example, Netcare Access Corp. offers Community Crisis Response providing immediate, on-the-scene response to traumatic situations that occur in the community. Some of the City’s mental health clinicians work with emergency responders including the police to help surviving friends and family members cope when a traumatic event such as a homicide, suicide or domestic violence occurs. Those receiving services are also connected to information and resources. To serve youth and families, Huckleberry House provides a safe space for 12-17 yearolds who are on the streets. There is 24-hour access to shelter that only requires a teen to show up at the Huckleberry House doors to receive services. There are also outreach teams that meet with youth in a variety of locations from schools to McDonalds’ parking lots. In addition, the organization opened a store front last year in Linden to extend their neighborhood outreach. While Huckleberry House has indicated families seem more fragile today, with familial structures being weakened by the opiate crisis, the organization strives to move beyond this challenge and reunite teens with their families. There are also important efforts being made to ensure residents have access to job training and secure long-term employment. Workforce development is important to the economic viability of the City and a key quality of life indicator. The City supports several organizations that offer employment training and are successful in connecting clients to employment. A few work readiness programs include: • Godman Guild - Pathways to Work • Columbus Urban League - Choose2Change • IMPACT Community Action - Employment Plus Work Readiness Training • Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services Employability Services Another area I am committed to is the implementation of the Columbus/ Franklin County Local Food Action Plan. The goal of the plan is to provide access to local, healthy food

for all residents. There are many organizations offering services to food insecure families including: • Gladden Community House – food pantry • Mid-Ohio Foodbank – produce markets • St. Stephens Community House – emergency and holiday food Lifecare Alliance is known for their meal delivery services to individuals over the age of 60, also offers services delivering meals to chronically ill individuals of any age. The Meals on Wheels program allows many of its clients to remain in their homes for a longer period of time. Residents can also connect to food pantries and other social services by calling HandsOn Central Ohio at 2-1-1. The City considers this partnership invaluable because the organization serves as a hub that refers residents to agencies able to accommodate their specific needs. For example, if an individual or family experiences a financial hardship because of an unexpected expense, they may have to choose between paying utilities, purchasing groceries and/or prescriptions. HandsOn has demonstrated its ability to navigate the social services network to help those in similar situations and continues to successfully refer clients the appropriate agencies. This organization is also an emergency shelter resource and food pantry resource for anyone who is homeless. The City’s support network extends beyond the listed organizations and ranges from childcare to drug treatment services to housing repairs. As we continue our goal of meeting the needs of our neighborhoods, organizations are excelling in their areas of expertise and continually working to refine services. We will never stop fighting for our communities, for our families, for our children, and ultimately for you. Councilmember Priscilla B. Tyson is the President-Pro Tem of Columbus City Council. She chairs the Finance Committee and oversees various areas including Health and Human Services and Workforce Development.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

The Columbus African American • June 2017

HEALTH

ATTEND COMMUNITY HEALTH DAY Mark your calendar and tell your friends and family. Ohio State’s 17th annual Community Health Day is Saturday, June 24, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CarePoint East. Every year, the Wexner Medical Center’s team of doctors, residents, and medical and nursing students, come together for Community Health Day to deliver free health screenings and services. But it’s not all stethoscopes and tongue depressors. We’ll have fun activities, a live band and dancers (you included, if the music moves you) as well as free turkey hot dogs, ears of corn and fresh fruit. And if you have questions about federal programs that offer assistance with medical payments, experts will be on hand to give you the help you need. Come to Community Health Day and get a jump- • Stroke • STD screenings start on the journey to better health! • Dental Free Health Screenings After your screenings, you will have a free More than 27 free health screenings are available general consultation with a member of our care team. at Community Health Day, including: • Blood pressure Community Health Day Frequently Asked • Blood sugar Questions • Kidney • Stomach and gastrointestinal Here’s a list of most frequently asked questions • Cholesterol about Community Health Day: • Glucose • Lung 1. Do I need to pre-register? • Hearing and vision No. Registration occurs on-site on Saturday, June 24. Remember, you must be registered by 2:30 • Breast and prostate exams p.m. to participate in the health screenings. • Podiatry / foot care • Height, weight and body mass index (BMI) 2. Is there a cost? • Vision No. Everything is FREE—the health screenings, • Sleep food, entertainment and parking. It’s all free! It’s • Hearing our way of giving back to our community. • Sports physicals

activities from COSI and PBS Kids. 7. Can I choose what screenings I receive? Yes. We do ask all participants to get a blood draw, Blood Pressure (BP) and Body Mass Index (BMI) check—and we’ll recommend screenings that would be beneficial to you based on a clinical review of your blood, BMI and BP results—but in the end, it’s all up to you. 8. Should I bring my medication? Yes, it would help our physicians discuss your results and offer a thorough consultation. 9. What’s in the health expo tent? We’ll have local health and human services groups in the tent to answer questions, provide demonstrations, let you know about other free services you might be eligible for and free healthy food and other giveaways.

10. What’s in the entertainment tent? This year’s entertainment includes the band MoJo Flo along with yoga demonstrations, line 3. Do the screenings take place outside under dancers, educational talks and healthy cooking demonstrations. the tent? No. All screenings take place inside CarePoint East in private exam rooms. The outdoor tents are 11. I’d love to tell my church, friends and neighbors about this event. How can I do that? for our health expo and entertainment. Please do! You can hand them this article. 4. Do I have to provide my name and address? No. The screenings are confidential. But if you 12. Do I need to fast for any of the screenings? do provide your name and contact information No, the tests are accurate without fasting. it allows us to get in contact with you after the event to discuss possible follow up or doctors you 13. How long will the screenings take? should see based on your results. Depending on the screenings you select, it can take at least one hour for full screenings and 5. What if it rains or is really hot on June results. 24th? Community Health Day occurs rain or shine! The 14. Is there an age requirement for the screenings occur indoors—so no worries there. And our expo and entertainment tents provide screenings? You must be 18 years or older for the adult protection against inclement weather. screening. For the sports physicals, students from middle school through high school are eligible. 6. Can I bring my children? Yes, we have entertainment and activities for people of all ages. We offer free sports physicals 15. Is CarePoint East on the COTA bus route? for school-aged children. We’ll also have face Yes, it is. Please visit cota.com/schedules to find painters, balloon artists and special kid-focused the right bus and schedule for you.

The Columbus African American • June 2017

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER

COMMUNITY HEALTH DAY

FREE PRIVATE HEALTH SCREENINGS

JUNE 24 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

CHECK UP:

CHECK OUT: A day of FREE health screenings, giveaways, food and entertainment for the entire family.

Blood pressure Blood sugar Sleep Stroke Podiatry/Foot care Vision Hearing Dental Breast Prostate Lung Kidney Stomach/Gastrointestinal Sports physicals

CarePoint East | 543 Taylor Ave. | Columbus

Join us for live music by MojoFlo, line dancing, yoga, face painting, free food and more! Registration occurs at the event. Learn more: wexnermedical.osu.edu/chd3 Special thanks to the Columbus African American News Journal for their support of Community Health Day 2017!

SPONSORED BY:

The Columbus African American • June 2017 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

By Ray Miller, MPA Thinking, Fast and Slow

GRIT - The Power of Passion and Perseverance

By Daniel Kahneman

By Angela Duckworth In the international bestseller, Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman, the renowned psychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, takes us on a groundbreaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. By engaging the reader in a lively conversation about how we think, Kahneman reveals where we can and cannot trust our intuitions and how we can tap into the benefits of slow thinking. He offers practical and enlightening insights into how choices are made in both our business and our personal lives - and how we can use different techniques to guard against mental glitches that often get us into trouble.

In this instant New York Times bestseller, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed - be it parents, students, educators, athletes, or business peope - that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” Drawing on her own powerful story as the daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of “genius,” Duckworth, now a celebrate researcher and professor, describes her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience, which led to the hypothesis that whate really drives success is not “genius” but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance.

The Firebrand and the First Lady Portrait of a Friendship

A Colored Woman In A White World By Mary Church Terrell

By Patricia Bell-Scott In 1938, the twenty-eight-year-old Pauli Murray wrote a letter to the President and First Lady, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, protesting racil segregation in the South. Eleanor wrote back. So began a friendship that would last for a quarter of a centry, as Pauli became a lawyer, principal strategist in the fight to protet Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and a co-founder of the National Organization of Women, and Eleanor became a diplomat and first chair of the United Nations on Human Rights. The Firebrand and the First Lady is the riveting history, two decades in the making, of how a brilliant writer-turned-activist and the first lady of the United State forged an enduring friendship that helped to alter the course of race and racism in America.

Though today she is little known, Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954) was one of the most remarkable women of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Active in both the civil rights movement and the campaign for women’s suffrage, Terrell was a leading spokesperson for the National American Woman Suffrage Association, the first president of the Nationcal Association of Colored Women, and the first black woman appointed to the District of Columbia Board of Education and the American Association of University Women. She was also a charter member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In this autobiography, originally published in 1940, Terrell describes the important events and people in her life.

Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action By Simon Sinek

On Becoming A Leader By Warren Bennis Deemed “the dean of leadership gurus” by Forbes magazine, Warrne Bennis has for years persuasively argued that leaders are not born - they are made. Delving into the qualities that define leadership, the people who exemplify it, and the strategies that anyone can apply to achieve it, his classic work On Becoming A Leader has served as a source of essential insight for countless readers. In a world increasingly defined by turbulence and uncertainty, the call to leadership is more urgent than ever.

The Columbus African American •News JuneJournal 2017 • February 2015

In 2009, Simon Sinek started a movement to help people become more inspired at work, and in turn inspire their colleagues and customers. Since then, millions have been touched by the power of his ideas, including more than 28 million who’ve watched his TED Talk based on START WITH WHY -the third most popular TED video of all time. Sinek starts with a fundamental question: Why are some people and organizations more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others? Why do some command greater loyalty from customers and employees alike? Even among the successful, why are so few able to repeat their success over and over? People won’t truly buy into a product, service, movement or idea until they understand the WHY behind it.

POLITICS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 49 - SENATE SUBCOMMITTEES’ CONCLUDE WORK

By Senator Charleta B. Tavares The Ohio Senate has wrapped up the work of its four subcommittees and reported out to the full Finance Committee on May 30. The four subcommittees and their chairs and vicechairs are: General Government Sen. Kris Jordan (R-Delaware), chair Sen. Sean O’Brien (D-Ashtabula, vice-chair Primary and Secondary Education Sen. Cliff Hike (R-Findley), chair Sen. Vernon Sykes (D-Akron), vice-chair Health and Medicaid Sen. Bob Hackett (R-London), chair Sen. Charleta B. Tavares (D-Cols.), vice-chair Higher Education Sen. Randy Gardner (R-Toledo), chair Sen. Sandra Williams (D-Cleveland), vice-chair The Senate Democratic vice-chairs each reported on their Caucus’ priorities in amending the 2-year Operating Budget (Sub. H.B. 49). The subcommittee vice-chairs each highlighted some of their recommendations (listed below) to the full Finance Committee. General Government Committee • Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections – allow Felony 5 non-violent offenders to serve their sentences in treatment and community halfway houses and provide more funding for treatment • Additional resources for local government to address the opiate crisis • Increase funding for transit authorities($25 million in FY 18 and FY 19) to assist with transportation for low-wage workers • Create and fund the Abandoned Property Cleanup and Residential Structure Renovation Program to remove and demolish commercial and industrial blight • Incentive funds for “Brownfields” redevelopment to foster reuse of contaminated • Increase funding by $6.5 million in FY18 and FY19 for the Minority Business Enterprise Loan Fund, to be used for the Minority Business Direct Loan Program • Provide a state Refundable Earned Income Tax Credit to assist and low and moderate residents and move them out of poverty • Reduce the tax break on the first $250,000 in income for sole proprietors, limited liability companies and pass-through entities (costs the state $1 billion in tax revenues) • Increase funding for environmental initiatives to protect water quality and provide information on the chemicals released in a spill • require immediate access to chemical

information to first responders and drinking water operators during an emergency chemical spill or release, and increase criminal penalties for violations of the Oil and Gas Law relating to the improper disposal of brine

government authority to determine lead programs in the state; this will allow the city of Toledo to use evidence-based practices to protect its children from the dangers of lead poisoning • Restore funding stripped in the House for HIV Prevention and Treatment; Independent Living Health and Medicaid Centers and Ohio Primary Care Workforce • Restore Medicaid Expansion without the Initiative additional requirements (premiums and work provisions) Primary and Secondary Education • Eliminate House added language that would • Restore funding ($2.5 million cut in House) for require Controlling Board approval for Medicaid Early Childhood Education Expansion every six months • I n c r e a s e C a r e e r- Te c h n i c a l E d u c a t i o n • Opiate Epidemic – provide additional $200 Enhancements by $12,500,000 in FY 18 and FY million to be used as follows: 19. The funding would be earmarked to fund Requiring Insurers to cover Medication Assisted grants to city, local, exempted village, joint Treatment- including Suboxone & Vivitrol vocational, community, and STEM schools Insurance must provide coverage without prior to improve access to workforce training authorization for diagnosis and treatment of opportunities for students substance abuse disorders for as long as is • Community School (“Charter School”) medically necessary; Oversight – restore language providing oversight *Patients are held harmless for any and accountability costs, other than copayments • Initiate a Quality Education Study – to and coinsurances for the provision of the determine quality education requirements, above mentioned services funding, other revenue sources, etc. *Expanding access to Abuse Deterrent • Increase percentage of General Revenue Fund Formulation (ADF) Opioids percentage from 1.66 to 1.7 for the Public Library *Appropriating $100 million from the Fund (provides additional $9.2 million in FY18 Rainy Day Fund for Treatment and $9.5 million in FY19) Infrastructure *$10M appropriated to ADAMHS for Higher Education Data Collection • Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) – *$90M appropriated to increase capacity restore cuts made by the House to support college (beds/facilities) grants to eligible students ($100 million in FY 18 *Appropriating $100 million for Local and $102 million in FY 19) Governments (Funding would • Increase State Share of Instruction for Colleges be earmarked for the ADAMHS Boards, and Universities – to assist in reducing tuition Law Enforcement, Child Protective increases on students Services, Kinship Care, First • Increase by $10 million in FY 18 and FY 18 Responders and Establishing/Expanding for Community Colleges (OCOG) for short-term Drug Courts certificate programs to assist Ohioans with skills • $2 million from the GRF to establish an Opioid training/certification in on demand jobs/careers Prevention Grant Program with ODE • Provide unobligated Non-General Revenue • Require the Department of Mental Health and Funds to draw down Federal dollars for ShortAddiction Services to create an online portal that Term certificate programs shows a county breakdown of the number of • Increase funding for Indigent Defense and available beds at detox and treatment facilities. Public Defender at local/state levels This information would be updated on a real time • Remove provisions added in the House on basis faculty post-tenure reviews and eliminating • Adult Protection Services - increase by collective bargaining for sick days $10,000,000 in FY 18 and FY 19. The amendment earmarks $5.72 million in each fiscal year to Senate Scheduled Hearings for 2-year provide an initial allocation of $65,000 to each Operating Budget, House Bill 49: county department of job and family services to support a full-time adult protection staff person WEEK OF MAY 29: Subcommittee reports which many counties lack to full Finance Committee/Sub bill amendment • Remove House added language prohibiting deadline. new rates for PASSPORT and Assisted Living • Tues, May 30: Subcommittee reports to Finance Programs during FY18-19 and capping rates at Committee. June 30, 2017 levels • Weds, May 31: TENTATIVE AMENDMENT • Restore language from the executive budget DEADLINE to sub bill at 5pm. that gives the Department of Health additional oversight and enforcement tools over residential WEEK OF JUNE 5: Sub bill prep week. long-term care settings • Public testimony at discretion of Chair. • Remove House added language that eliminates the Toledo ordinance that will protect children WEEK OF JUNE 12: Sub bill unveiling; proactively from Lead Poisoning and strips local Omnibus amendment.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

The Columbus African American • June 2017

POLITICS

Continued from Page 31

• Monday, June 12: Introduce sub bill in full Finance (mid-afternoon); public testimony at discretion of Chair. First take summary sent out by email by the end of the day. • Thursday, June 15: TENTATIVE OMNIBUS AMENDMENT DEADLINE at 5pm. WEEK OF JUNE 19: Omnibus amendment; Finance Committee vote; Senate floor vote. • Monday, June 19: Internal deadline for amendments to be offered in Finance committee. • Tuesday, June 20: Accept omnibus amendment & consider other amendments; TENTATIVE Committee vote. • Wednesday, June 21: TENTATIVE Senate floor vote.

UPDATE: The Ohio General Assembly sessions and the House and Senate Finance Committee as well as, the Senate Health, Human Services and Medicaid; Education; Transportation, Commerce and Labor (through June 30, 2017); and the Local Government, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee (effective July 1, 2017) will be televised live on WOSU/WPBO and replays can be viewed at www.ohiochannel. org (specific House and Senate sessions and committee hearings can be searched in the video archives). Televised Live Committee Schedules (subject to change at the chair’s discretion): Health, Human Services and Medicaid: Tuesdays at 3:15pm Finance: Tuesdays at 2:30pm Education: Wednesday at 3:15pm Local Government, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee: Tuesdays at 9:45am

WEEK OF JUNE 26: Conference Committee; House & Senate votes on Conference Committee If you would like to receive updated information report. on the Ohio General Assembly and policy initiatives introduced, call or email my office Additional Contacts at 614.466.5131 or tavares@ohiosenate.com to receive the Tavares Times News monthly

legislative newsletter. The committee schedules, full membership rosters and contact information for the Ohio House and Senate can be found at: www.ohiohouse.gov and www.ohiosenate.gov respectively. If you are interested in getting the House Calendar each week of the General Assembly, contact the House Clerk, http://www.ohiohouse. gov/housecalendar/house_calendar.pdf or your state Representative. Senate calendars are available at www.ohiosenate.gov; contact the Senate Clerk’s office at (614) 466-4900 or your state Senator. Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, D-Columbus, is proud to serve and represent the 15th District, including the historic neighborhoods of Columbus and the cities of Bexley and Grandview Heights in the Ohio Senate. She serves as the Ohio Senate Assistant Minority Leader and the vicechair of the Finance – Health and Medicaid Subcommittee; Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation, Labor & Workforce and Health, Human Services and Medicaid Committees.

WHERE HAVE ALL OF OUR LEADERS GONE? of experience in public service. His opponent asked the crowd if they could name one thing the By William McCoy, MPA candidate had done in his 17 years. The room fell silent. Seventeen years of service and no Where have all our leaders gone? one could think of a single thing he had done to help African-Americans. That candidate lost the Many African-Americans occupy election. leadership positions, but fail to use them for the benefit of people that look like them or folks Fear manifests itself in lots of ways. How about that live in communities of color. In far too Blacks who rise to a top position and fail to many cases, they lack what Merriman-Webster help, hire, or do business with other AfricanDictionary defines as “courage”- i.e. “the strength Americans? True story: A Black woman was of mind to carry on in spite of danger; the moral elevated to “acting director” of an office within courage to speak out against injustice when no a federal agency. She passed over two Africanone else will.” Mike Dilbeck, founder of The American males to name a White woman as her Revolution for Courageous Leadership, describes “acting deputy director.” This was necessary, courageous leadership as “standing up, stepping she reasoned, to show her White superiors that in, and speaking out for what’s right- first for she was “color-blind” and committed to hiring ourselves, then for others.” and promoting the “most qualified” people. Six months later, the color-blind African-American Many Black leaders and individuals are afraid was blind-sided. In a reversal of roles, her to speak truth to power or make a special effort White superiors agreed that the “acting deputy to help people of color. Many elected and director” was the “most qualified” and named appointed government officials, corporate and her permanent director. The Black “former nonprofit executives, and others are ineffective acting director” was demoted and, according to and inconsequential because they fear retribution, one African-American staff member, “welcomed retaliation, or rejection from their White to the back of the bus.” The “color-conscious” superiors, peers, and/or subordinates. These poor White female director, then, hired a White male souls lack the strength to say what needs to be as the permanent deputy director. said or do what needs to be done. They tend to parse their words in an attempt to avoid angering, How many times have you encountered an offending, challenging, or making others- African-American who was afraid to hire you, particularly White people- feel uncomfortable. give you an opportunity to do business, or serve as your advocate? True story: An AfricanTwo simple questions can help you determine American woman was out of a job. A Blackwhere you stand, in the eyes of others, as a leader. owned business gave her a small contract that First, who’s mad at you? Second, who’s afraid helped her stay solvent. Six months later, she was of you? If no one in a position of power is mad hired as training manager by a White firm. When at you or afraid of you, then you are probably not the African-American entrepreneur who had viewed as a serious threat to the status quo. helped her approached her about doing business with the company she said, “I can’t give you a If someone were to ask, “Can you name one thing contract, because if they (White superiors) don’t (you) have done for Black folks?” What would like you, I could lose my job.” Three months be the response? There was a Black candidate for later, she was unexpectedly and unceremoniously elected office who bragged that he had 17 years The Columbus African American • June 2017

terminated by the company. She was last sighted looking for an African-American or Black-owned business to hire her. It is all about power! Those African-Americans holding political or appointed office in government, executive positions in the private or nonprofit sectors, and elsewhere should remember “the power is in the seat.” So, while you sit in a position where you can make or influence decisions, use your power to help African-American employees, businesses, and causes. Make sure people have a positive testimony, when asked what you did for Black folks. Frederick Douglass once said, “Power concedes nothing without demand.” It takes courage to speak truth to power and, perhaps, even more courage to speak truth to our individual selves. This means taking on tough adversaries, such as our own self-defeating and negative thoughts and behaviors, as well as being intentional about helping and supporting one another. When people think and talk about you, let’s hope they never repeat the words of Stevie Wonder, who said, “If you really want to hear our view, you haven’t done nothing.” _______________________________________ William McCoy is founder and principal consultant of The McCoy Company- a personal services consulting firm specializing in planning, training, and development. Mr. McCoy has served all levels of government, foundations, nonprofits, and the private sector. Prior to establishing The McCoy Company, he served 12 years in public service highlighted by two White House appointments. Mr. McCoy holds BA and MPA degrees, along with numerous certifications. He is an award-winner, author, profiled in Who’s Who in the World and elsewhere. William McCoy can be contacted at (614) 785-8497 or via e-mail at wmccoy2@themccoycompany.com.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

SMALL GREAT THINGS The book may appear to be just another novel in a long string of riveting, eye-opening stories by author Jodi Picoult. However, race was a troubling topic for her. In the “Author’s Notes”, Picoult reflects upon her own desire and reservations in writing about racism. Picoult admits to feeling unprepared to write about racism for the majority of her career, as a white woman from a well-to-do family. She has ventured into many difficult societal topics in the past, yet she has struggled to find a voice about racism. Picoult writes, “Why was writing about a person of color any different? Because race is different. Racism is different…it’s hard to discuss, and so as a result, we often don’t.”

By Tim Ahrens, DMin In Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, character Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse in a New Haven, Connecticut with over twenty years’ experience. Immediately following a routine check-up on a newborn, the hospital informs Ruth she is being reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and do not want an African American to care for their son, Davis. The newborn’s file is tagged, “NO AFRICAN-AMERICAN PERSONNEL TO CARE FOR THIS PATIENT.” The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone on duty. Ruth hesitates in performing CPR and the newborn dies. Ruth is subsequently charged with murder. A white public defender takes Ruth’s case and advises her not to mention race in the courtroom because it is not a winning strategy. Ruth struggles mightily to see how race cannot enter the case– one clearly started by racial judgment on her as a Black nurse. The novel rotates between the different perspectives: that of the charged African American nurse, the white supremacist father, and the white public defender. Anyone can point to the father and say he’s a racist. But, how many are able to look at the public defender and see the racism in her? For people to recognize this form of racism means we have to look deep inside ourselves and admit to our own biases and

It took Jodi Picoult almost 24 years, as a successful author, to write a novel on racism. Over her career, she worked to name, claim, confess and translate her own white privilege into a novel. I commend her book, as she has found her voice to call out white Americans to own our part of racism in America. Picoult offers readers a thorough look at racism. Read it this summer and be surprised by the twists and turns of her character development and by the ending which will bring a glimmer of hope . how they perpetuate American racism. The title Small Great Things comes from a quote often attributed to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” It was a call to action; a call to reflect and evaluate our own societal position for attainable progress.

Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens is the Senior Minister of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in downtown Columbus. A church known for its witness to social justice since its birth as an abolitionist congregation in 1852. Rev. Ahrens is the fifth consecutive senior minister from Yale Divinity School and is a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ.

AFRICAN ABOLITIONIST By Ahmed Tidiane / Doug Rutledge The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. In the consciousness of most Americans that event ended slavery. However, slavery still exists a century and a half later. We occasionally hear of a few people being captured and sold, but in Mauritania, slavery still exists on a much larger scale. This African country on the far west of the Sahara did not outlaw slavery until 1981, but even then the law did not allow for criminal prosecution of slave holders until 2007, a mere decade ago. Since then, only a few slave-holders have been arrested. According to Kevin Bates and the Global Slavery Index, “Mauritania has the highest population of slaves in the world.” Estimates are that as much as 17% of the population, about 600,000 people are enslaved. Slavery in Mauritania is one aspect of an Apartheid-like system. Lighter skinned Arab and Berber peoples invaded North Africa in the seventh century. The French occupied the region in 1860 in cooperation with the white Maurs, who were the descendants of the Arab-Berber people. The black Maurs were Haratin, a tribe enslaved by the ruling Beydan or Arab-Berbers. Now, even when free, the Haratin people are an impoverished underclass. Sadly, even today, many are still enslaved. Ending slavery is the life’s work of Biram Dah Abeid, who brought his abolitionist message to Columbus and the OSU campus in February of

this year. The Ohio State audience heard Mr. Abeid explain that when police are informed a household is holding slaves, the slave owners are almost never arrested, so in 2010, he began to try to do something about this issue. He and 80 activists started protesting outside a home in Naouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania. The police demanded that the protesters leave, but Mr. Abeid declared that he would not go until the girls held as slaves were released and the slave owners were arrested. Instead of arresting the slave owners, the police took the slave girls to the police station. As Mr. Abeid protested, a policeman grabbed his shirt. In return, he slammed his head against the policeman. He wanted to get arrested. He thought having the abolitionist rather than the slave holders in jail would draw attention to his cause. In the end, he spent three months in jail, whereas the slave holders were sentenced to only nine days. Nevertheless, he accomplished his goal: slaveholders were arrested. Mr. Abeid also explained that his father would have been a slave, but that his enslaved mother was taken to a folk healer when she was ill, who asserted that the owner would have to sacrifice a slave in order to heal his servant. The owner declared that he had no other slaves than this woman. She is pregnant, the folk doctor explained. You can sacrifice the fetus by setting the child free when it is born. Having barely missed being born into slavery himself, Mr. Abeid’s father married a slave. Once when he was away from home, his wife was sold back into 33

slavery. Mr. Abeid’s father was told there was nothing he could do. His second wife became Mr. Abeid’s mother. You can see why Mr. Abeid created an antislavery organization called IRA (Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist). That organization engages in active protests. He calls it an “organization of popular struggle.” His organization also engages in education, so slaves can see the possibility of life outside of slavery. During his lecture, Mr. Abeid asserted that the Mauritanian government has intentionally prevented the descendants of slaves from being educated to prevent them from improving their social and economic conditions. In Columbus, a nonprofit organization with a similar name, IRA-Ohio has been created by the Mauritanian diaspora to raise money and awareness, and support Biram’s IRA in any way that it can. If you wish to support IRA-Ohio, either financially or by volunteering, please write Ahmed Tidiane ahmedtidjane@hotmail.com. Because he is actively striving to emancipate slaves in his country, maybe Biram Abeid Dah is the Abraham Lincoln of Mauritania. He is listed as one of the “10 People who Changed the World You Might Not Have Heard Of” by PeaceLinkLive. Perhaps more importantly, he was called “the Mauritanian Nelson Mandela” by middleeasteye.net.4 Doug Rutledge has a PhD in English from the University of Chicago and an MFA in Creative Writing from Ashland University.

The Columbus African American • June 2017 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

COMMUNITY

CENTRAL OHIO STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT COLUMBUS, Ohio – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter, in partnership with its Achieving Standards of Excellence Foundation (ASOEF) recently honored 507 8th graders representing 25 Columbus City middle schools at its 35th Annual Scholars’ Tea Program. These students were honored for achieving a 3.5 grade point average or better during school year 20161017. Each student was presented with an academic medallion, certificate and wristband. Superintendent J. Daniel Good, PhD, was on hand to offer remarks and assist with the presentations. At a program earlier in the day, 10 central Ohio high school seniors received scholarships totaling $16,000. The scholarship winners were selected based on academic merit, leadership skills, community service and a written essay. The 10 awards range from $1,000 to $3,000 per student. Since its inception, the Alpha Sigma Omega/ ASOEF scholarship program has awarded more than a quarter of a million dollars to central Ohio high school students. Scholars’ Tea students, along with their families, school administrators and counselors, heard inspirational speeches from two keynote speakers - The Ohio State University women’s basketball star Stephanie Mavunga and former NFL player and Ohio State football standout Jay Richardson. Both speakers shared the challenges and rewards of working hard to achieve your academic goals while living your dreams. As a junior and a student athlete, Stephanie talked about her educational journey and assimilation into her new culture having immigrated from Zimbabwe as a child. Although Jay has reached the highest level one can reach as an athlete – his lifelong dream of playing professional football, he shared the importance of academic excellence, perseverance and giving back to the community as he does today through the Jay Richardson Foundation.

Back Row (L to R) Jay Richardson, Stephanie Mavunga, Deborah Johnson, Janelle Fedlam, and Dr. Dan Good. Front (L to R) Elaine Bell, Shannon Teague, Stephanie Bland, Gail Lloyd, and Jennifer Robinson

Additionally, Deborah Johnson, co-founder of the Jay Richardson Foundation and Jay’s mother, provided inspiring words for parents, guardians and the students. In addition to the keynote speakers and award presentations, the program featured the talents of two students from Fort Hayes Career Center. Vocalist Britney Boateng, a 10th grader, was accompanied by keyboardist Donovan Mitchell, 11th grader. Britney brought the audience to their feet with two beautiful vocal selection. The program concluded with a raffle drawing for three prizes, followed by a student reception. About Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter and ASOEF Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter is one of 986 chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), the oldest Greek-letter

organization established by African-American college-educated women. Chartered in Columbus in 1930, Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter was founded on the principals of sisterhood and service, and strives to enhance the quality of life in Columbus and surrounding central Ohio communities. Today the Chapter comprises more than 260 members. Visit www.aso1930.com. ASOEF was founded in 2002 by members of Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter and is a charitable organization initiated for the express purpose of encouraging and assisting individuals in achieving educational excellence. ASOEF supports educational programs such as the Scholarship Program, the annual Scholars’ Tea recognizing middle school students’ academic achievement and a mentoring program for high school girls. Visit asoef.org for more information.

TALKING BLACK IN AMERICA - A SCREENING In partnership with the OSU Buckeye Language Network, please join us for a special FREE screening at COSI of the film “Talking Black in America”. The film is appropriate for adults and youth aged 14 years and older. The film recognizes the incredible story of African American speech and follows the unique circumstances of the descendants of American slaves and their incredible impact on American language and life. The resonant cadences, rhythms and expressiveness of African American speech reflect the imprint of African language systems, the influence of regional British and Southern English, and the creativity and resilience of people living through oppression, segregation have a Q & A session with the film’s executive and the fight for equality. producer, Dr. Walt Wolfram, William C. Filmed across the United States, Talking Black Friday Distinguished University Professor in in America is a startling revelation of language the Department of English at North Carolina as legacy, identity and triumph. With Reverend State University. Dr. Wolfram will be joined in Jeremiah Wright, DJ Nabs, Professor Griff, conversation with two notable faculty members Beast1, Dahlia the... Poet, and many others. from The Ohio State University, Dr. Monique Immediately following the screening, we will Mills, Associate Professor in the Department The Columbus African American • June 2017

of Speech and Hearing Science, and Dr. Elaine Richardson, Professor of Literacy Studies in the Department of Teaching and Learning. This event is free and open to the public, however, space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 614-629-3128 or visit COSI’s Facebook page.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

ACADEMIC ADVISORS: THE SECRET KEY TO COLLEGE SUCCESS By Zayd Abukar, MA As many of you are enjoying the warm weather and NBA Finals (or maybe that’s just me), it might seem as though it’s too early to be thinking about starting school in the fall. Well, time does fly, and whether you are a seasoned college student or freshman to-be—it never hurts to plan ahead. We are going to explore one of the most overlooked and underrated keys to college success: academic advisors. Students who effectively use the advising services at their institution better position themselves to take advantage of opportunities, navigate complex policies and procedures, and graduate in a timely fashion. But first, what exactly is an academic advisor? Metaphorically-speaking, this person is your compass: when you are lost and unsure of where to go or what to do, speaking with your college advisor is often-times the best place to start. Their job is to help you make sound decisions regarding your academic progress, and work with you to identify options that are available to you. Advisors typically specialize in areas such as, but not limited to, degree-planning, study strategies, policy interpretation, and campus referrals. While many of the people you come into contact with in college will come and go (i.e., professors, peers, etc.), advisors are one of the few constants, standing by your side from orientation through the big day. College can be challenging and stressful. I can attest—both as an academic advisor and a firstgeneration college graduate—that it really pays off to capitalize on what is available to you. Here are some recommendations on how to best utilize your institution’s advising services: Meet Regularly Quite frankly, you don’t know what you don’t know. Even if you maintain stellar grades and know what classes you need to take, it never hurts to touch base. Maybe a course that fits better with your work schedule is out there. Maybe the requirements to apply to the major have changed. Maybe you don’t have to take 18 hours of classes this semester after all. Maybe you can rejoin the major after a rough patch. Maybe there really is hope to turn things around… As the saying goes, “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” Advisors are often the first to be informed of curricular or policy changes, new course offerings, exciting research opportunities, and other news that can be beneficial to you, whether you realize it or not. Establishing the advising relationship and regularly investing into it can open up doors for you. I have written numerous recommendation letters that have helped students acquire internships, resident advisor positions, and even admission into pharmacy and medical school. Without a

connection to these students it would have been very difficult to write on their behalf; unfortunately, I have also had to turn down requests for that very reason. Even if just for 15 minutes—make it a habit to meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester. Never, ever, assume - always ask Remember that you have a compass—use it! It is certainly a virtue to be resourceful, but if you are unsure about something you should always consult. Dumb questions do not exist, especially when your future could be on the line. It can be tempting in the midst of a hectic schedule to hold off on a nagging question, or to ask a friend instead. Sometimes you might feel like you are being a burden. Quite the contrary: advisors actually appreciate it when a student is proactive and thoughtful about their academic career. We do this work because we care, and it motivates us that much more when we know that we can make a difference. I recommend bringing a list of questions to your advising appointments. You may feel self-conscious, but this will help to keep the conversation focused as well as relieve your anxiety; clarification is what we do best. I have seen situations firsthand where students assumed they did not need particular class to graduate, only to find out that they would not be walking with their friends. Or, students assuming they needed to spend thousands of dollars to take a class they did not need. The stakes are simply too high to make assumptions—you have an experienced official at your fingertips! Tip for transfer students: connect with an advisor from the academic program you are interested in applying to. They will be able to tell what classes would make the most sense for you to take at your current institution, making for a smooth transition and money potentially saved.

HIGH STREET - SUITE 102, COLUMBUS, OH 43215

Take our advice Just because someone gives you advice does not mean that you have to follow it. When it comes to your academic affairs, however, it is always in your best interest to at least consider an advisor’s recommendations. Nine times out of ten they know more about the full picture of your academic situation than dear grandma or big sis’. I once had a student who took the exact same classes as their friend (against my caution to do otherwise), only to find out they could not graduate; the friend started in the program years prior, and the requirements had since changed. Remember: everyone’s situation is different. While family and friends can absolutely provide valuable insight, you want to avoid only using them to make these decisions. This principle also applies to communications or resources advising offices share with you. Weekly emails or the flyers in the hallway—do not quickly dismiss them. A little bit of attention to detail can go long way. It can mean the difference between being in the loop or missing out on transformative opportunities. Navigating the college environment can be intimidating, but advisors are there to help. One of the easiest ways to take charge of your academic affairs is to tap into them. Take heed of these simple tips and you will start off the fall semester on the right track. Now, back to summer! Zayd Abukar, M.A. is an academic advisor in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at The Ohio State University. He also teaches a section of Engineering Survey (ENGR 1100), designed to facilitate the successful transition of all new first-year and transfer students enrolled in the department.

503 S.

The Columbus African American • June 2017 The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

JOHN MERCER LANGSTON: ABOLITIONIST, ATTORNEY, EDUCATOR, ACTIVIST, DIPLOMAT AND POLITICIAN By Rodney Q. Blount, M.A. This month’s edition of the Columbus African American News Journal focuses on educating, informing and empowering our community. I often think about educating, informing and empowering our community as an educator and active member of the community. I think about the importance of having role models in the African American community, especially in today’s political climate and changing culture. I have been fortunate to have many African American role models to look up to and giving up has not been an option. Family members, community leaders, educators and political activists have encouraged me to get a good education, work hard to have a successful career, and to give back to the community. Their counsel was supported by the many publications I read on history, particularly African American history. Unfortunately, too many of our young people are not being encouraged to succeed nor do they know of role models to look up to. One role model that the overwhelming majority of our young boys and girls refer to is 44th President Barack Obama. He gracefully led our country for eight years and his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, were the ideal First Family. However, there are many role models that we have overlooked who came decades, even centuries, before our time. John Mercer Langston, like President Barack Obama, was an attorney, educator, activist and politician. He was intelligent and had a heart for his community. John Mercer Langston was born free on December 14, 1829, in Louisa County, Virginia. His father, Ralph Quarles, was a wealthy white man from England, and his mother, Lucy Jane Langston, was an emancipated slave. He was the youngest of four children from that relationship (one daughter and three sons). John’s older sister was Maria and his older brothers were Charles Henry and Gideon. His mother, Lucy, also had children from a previous relationship, including William, an older brother who was a part of his life. Both of Langston’s parents died from unrelated illnesses in 1834. At the age of 5, Langston and his siblings went to live with one of his father’s friends, William Gooch, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Gooch was a Quaker. Langston also received an inheritance from his father. In 1843, he enrolled in Oberlin College’s Preparatory Department (preceded by his brothers Charles and Gideon). The Preparatory Department was the equivalent of a high school. While a student at Oberlin he excelled in debate. In 1848, at the invitation of Frederick Douglass, Langston delivered an impromptu speech to the National Black Convention in Cleveland, condemning those who refused to help fugitive slaves. Langston enrolled in the college program

at Oberlin, graduating in 1849. Langston was the fifth African-American man to graduate from Oberlin. Oberlin was the first college in the United States to admit black and white students. He then enrolled in Oberlin’s School of Theology, earning a Master’s degree. Langston was denied admittance to law school because of his race. Determined, he studied law privately with attorney Philemon Bliss in Elyria, Ohio. Langston passed the bar exam in 1854, the first African American to do so, and becoming Ohio’s first African-American attorney. Langston married Caroline Matilda Wall in 1854. She and Langston had extraordinarily similar backgrounds. Caroline was emancipated from slavery in North Carolina. Both were children of slave owning fathers who provided for them financially. They both were sent North where they were able to obtain an education. When Wall was young, she and her sister, Sara, were sent to Ohio by their father, Colonel Stephen Wall. Under the guardianship of a wealthy family friend, the sisters were raised in an affluent Quaker household. John and Caroline settled in Brownhelm, Ohio, and established a law practice. He immediately became an active member of the community and won election to the post of Town Clerk, possibly the first African American elected to public office in the United States. In 1856, he moved to Oberlin, where he continued to practice law. He served on the Oberlin Town Council from 1865 to 1867 and on the school board from 1867 to 1868. Before the American Civil War, Langston and his brothers, Gideon and Charles, were active agents on the Underground Railroad. He and Charles also supported and helped plan John Brown’s raid upon Harper’s Ferry, although John did not personally participate in the attack. During the Civil War, he helped recruit AfricanAmerican soldiers for the Union cause. Langston helped form the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiments, as well as the 5th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Langston also called upon the federal government to grant AfricanAmerican men the right to vote. He became the leader of the National Equal Rights League in 1864, and in this position, Langston organized

The Columbus African American •News JuneJournal 2017 • February 2015

suffrage campaigns in several states, including in Ohio. Following the Civil War, Langston continued to be an advocate for equal rights for blacks with whites. He was an active member of the Freedman’s Bureau serving as its Educational Inspector. He was also a member of St. Marks Lodge #7. In 1868, Langston organized Howard University’s law school in Washington, DC. The school did not discriminate and allowed women and other minorities to enroll. From 1875 to 1883, he served as the United States Consul-General to Haiti, and in 1885, Langston became the president of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, now Virginia State University. In 1888, he won election to the United States House of Representatives. He was the first African American from Virginia elected to the U.S. Congress. His victory was contested for 18 months and he was not reelected in 1890. In 1890, Langston was named as a member of the board of trustees of St Paul Normal and Industrial School. He retired from public life in 1894. John Mercer Langston died on November 15, 1897, and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Washington, D.C. His daughter, Nettie, also became an activist and married the prominent James Carroll Napier of Memphis. Several buildings and organizations are named after Langston, including the John Mercer Langston Bar Association, an affiliate of the National Bar Association, located here in Columbus. Langston was a phenomenal man who had many first accomplishments. He remained a community activist his entire life and especially championed the causes of equal rights for African Americans. There is much more that can be written on him and there have been books written about him that I encourage you to read. The next time a young boy or girl post up a photo or poster in their room of an icon like Lebron James, they should also consider posting up one of John Mercer Langston. Reflecting on his accomplishments would be enough inspiration for anyone to not give up and persevere. Works Cited http://www.blackpast.org/aah/langston-johnmercer-1829-1897 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mercer_ Langston http://www.oberlin.edu/external/EOG/OYTTimages/JMLangston.html http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/John_M._ Langston http://www.stmarks7.org/ Rodney Blount is an Educator and Historian. He received two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Ball State University and a Masters of Arts degree from The Ohio State University. His work has been featured in several publications. Roderick is a native of Columbus, Ohio and is a member of several organizations.

COMMUNITYEVENTS June 3, 2017 SOUL 614 at Commons Enjoy performances from yesterday and today’s R&B, Hip Hop and Classic Soul super starts at this all day event. This year’s performers include: Ginuwine, Slick Rick, Sunshine Anderson, Rakim, Twista and more. For more information or for tickets call 614-383-9442. Location: Columbus Commons Address: 160 S. High Street, 43215 Time: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM Admission: $25 - $100 Web: www.SOUL614.com June 9, 2017 Wine Down Friday Aerial Wine Boutique has been home to some of the finest live music in Columbus. Offering a great selection of wine, food and live music. Join us on Fridays for Wine Down Friday. This week we welcome the E Flat Jazz Band. For more information call 614933-3383. Admission is free. Location: Aerial Wine Boutique Address: 5324 Hamilton Rd., 43230 Time: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.AerialWineBoutique.com June 9-11, 2017 Columbus Arts Festival Since 1962, the Columbus Arts Festival has become one of the best arts festivals in the nation, attracting hundreds of highly acclaimed artists from throughout the country. The annual three-day festival will be held along the city’s beautiful riverfront. In addition to viewing the artists, you can also enjoy a wide range of food and drinks from local vendors as well as live music. Location: Downtown Address: The Riverfront Time: Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM, Sun: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.ColumbusArtsFestival.org June 10, 2017 The 2017 Communities Jazz & Blues Festival The William Brady Charitable Organization presents the 2017 Communities Jazz & Blues Festival featuring Wade and the Mojo Blues Band, The Urban Jazz Coalition, Fo/Mo/Deep and many more. For tickets call 614-516-7434. Location: Q Daniel Crease Multicultural Center Address: 2475 Brice Rd., 43068 Time: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM Admission: $10 (Advance) $15 at the Door Web: www.WBCOI.org

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015

June 12-16, 2017 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church - Vacation Bible School Come join Friendship for Vacation Bible School Monday, June 12 - Friday, June 16 from 6:30 until 8:30 pm nightly. This year’s theme scripture is Colossians 1:15-16. Learn how the visible things of this world point us to Jesus - the image of the invisible God. Ages 3 and up, including adults, are invited to attend. Indoor and outdoor activities will be provided for the children. A light meal will be served from 5:50 6:20 pm. For more information or to register call 614-279-0008 or visit the link below. Location: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Address: 1775 West Broad St., Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (daily) Admission: Free Web: https://form.jotform.us/71394780184160 June 16-18, 2017 Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival Recognized as a showcase for the best blues and jazz music in Ohio, Gahanna’s annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival (CBJF) is a premier family event offering 5 stages and 90+ hours of great live music. The three-day festival also includes family activities, food and more. For a listing of performers and showtimes, visit the website listed below. Location: Creekside District Address: 117 Mill St., 43230 Time: Varies (Visit website for showtimes.) Admission: $7 - $10 Web: www.CreeksideBluesandJazz.com June 16-18, 2017 4th Annual Fatherhood Expo DADDS Enterprises LLC and Making A Difference, Inc. are the host of the 4th Annual Fatherhood Expo. This year’s event will be held at Huntington Park in the Areana District. Participants can enjoy various activities, a resource fair and more. For more information, visit the website below. Location: Huntington Park Address: 330 Huntington Park Ln., 43215 Time: Varies (Visit website for details) Admission: Check Site for Prices Web: www.FatherhoodExpo.com June 16-18, 2017 Comedian Michael Blackson Famed comedian Michael Blackson, AKA “The African King of Comedy” is coming to Columbus. You have seen him on BET Comic View, Def Comedy Jam and in several movies including Next Friday. For showtimes and ticket information, call 614-471-5653 or visit the website below. Location: The Funny Bone Address: 145 Easton Station, 43219 Time: Varies (Visit website for showtimes.) Admission: $25-$40 Web: www.Columbus.FunnyBone.com

The Columbus African American • June 2017

COMMUNITYEVENTS June 17, 2017 Picnic With The Pops: A Tribute to Prince Join the Columbus Symphony Orchestra as they honor the legendary musician/producer/entertainer - Prince. Enjoy all of his classic hits and more! For tickets or for more information, call 614-469-0939.

June 24, 2017 Tank in Concert Join Grammy-Award winning R&B singer Tank as he performs for onenight only in Columbus. Also featuring special musical guests, The Free Agents, T.Wong, Carpe Diem feat. Matt Seward and The Goodfellas. For more information call 614-899-7299 or visit the website below.

Location: Columbus Commons Address: 160 E High St., 43215 Time: 8:00 PM Admission: $10 - $25 Web: www.ColumbusSymphony.com

Location: Buckeye Crazy Address: 2365 E Dublin Grandville Rd., 43229 Time: 7:00 PM - Midnight Admission: $25-$300 Web: www.EventBrite.com/e/tank-concert

June 21, 2017 Easton Town Center: Sounds of the Town Feat. The L.A. Band Easton Town Center will host Sounds of the Town every Wednesday night during the summer. On this night, enjoy the sounds of R&B soul sensation The L.A. Band. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or two and enjoy live music at Easton. For a complete listing of artists and showtimes, visit the website below.

July 3, 2017 Red, White & Boom! Celebrate Independence Day with the largest fireworks display in Ohio. Enjoy music, food and more during this all-day festival in downtown Columbus. For a listing of vendors and showtimes, visit the website listed below. Location: Downtown Address: The Riverfront Time: Noon - 11:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.RedWhiteAndBoom.org

Location: Easton Address: 160 Easton Town Center, 43219 Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.EastonTownCenter.com/events

July 15, 2017 A Symphonic Night of Hip Hop Feat. Common Join the Columbus Symphony Orchestra for a special evening of Hip Hop featuring Oscar and Grammy award winning Hip Hop Legend: Common. He will perform music from his latest albulm Black America Again along with some of his biggest hits. For tickets call 614-469-0939 or visit the website below.

June 23, 2017 Prayer Day - Pray Without Ceasing Join New Covenant Believers Church for the Culminating The Kingdom Brand Summit, Annual Prayer Day. Special guest speakers include Dr. Gerald Loyd, Pastor Tamara Bennett and Dr. Jerry D. Fryar. For more information about service times, workshops and more, call 614-475-1678.

Location: Columbus Commons Address: 160 S. High St., 43215 Time: 8:00 PM Admission: $10 - $25 Web: www.ColumbusSymphony.com

Location: New Covenant Believer’s Church Address: 3400 Kohr Blvd., 43224 Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.NCBChurch.org

July 18, 2017 Fireside Chat: A Safe Conversation About Race Join Suzanne Roberts and James White as they engage in a thoughful and candid converstation about race relations in our communities and America. This talk is inspired by the political climate in the US and will address current dialogues being held all around the country. To RSVP, please call LC Johnson at 614-627-1226. This event is Free and open to the public.

June 24, 2017 OSU Community Health Day Join The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s team of doctors, residents, and medical/nursing students, along with faculty and staff of OSU’s College of Dentistry for their annual Community Health Day. Enjoy live music, health screenings, food, family activities and more. For more information visit their website below.

Location: YWCA Downtown Address: 65 S. 4th St., 43215 Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.YWCAColumbus.org

Location: OSU Carepoint East Address: 543 Taylor Ave., 43203 Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Admission: Free Web: www.http://go.osu.edu/Bsq5

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. • JuneJournal 2017 • February 2015 The Columbus African American News

Columbus African American The ColumbusThe African American News Journal • October February2016 2015

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.

The Columbus African American News Journal • February 2015