TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN AMERICANS CELEBRATION
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About Us Central Ohio Youth Advocacy Program Mission Central Ohio Youth Advocacy Program is committed to excellence in providing youth, children, and families with mentoring, educational and prevention services. This commitment extends to the community by providing education on positive methods to support our youth, children, adults, and families as well as prevention tools to deal with peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, and destructive decisions that affect the youth, children and communities served by the COYAP.
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“A Lighthouse of Hope ”
ounded by A Jay Pullen., of Columbus, Ohio. Central Ohio Youth Advocacy Program is a nonprofit organization that was created as a community base outreach program.
Central Ohio Youth Advocacy Program, works tirelessly to reach out to the youth, children and families of Central Ohio community. While a lot of the services are based on helping to give the community necessary skills they need to become productive adults. ■
CENTRAL OHIO YOUTH ADVOCACY PROGRAM 20 S. 3RD STREET, SUITE 210 COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
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Welcome: Mr. Lamont Thomas Master of Ceremony Prayer: Pastor Sean Mendenhall One Church Triumphant Musical Selection: Mrs. LaJoyce Daniel-Cain Lift Every Voice and Sing Introduction of Key Note Speaker: Mr. Kiwan Lawson Keynote Address: Mr. Michael J. Houser Selection: Expressions of Praise Mime Ministry Education Award: Ms. Terri Hemphill
The Program 2015 Tribute to African Americans
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Tribute to African American’s Celebration was created to shine the spotlight on African Americans in the Central Ohio Community that are not just speaking of change but also making positive changes within our communities. It is our desire to celebrate these individuals in a setting produced by the youth of this community to the mentors of this community. During our celebration this year the COYAP’S youth and young adults will award individuals who are the “change agents” in our communities. ■
Community Service Award: Mr. Darius Cummings Justice Award: Ms. Donnetta Williams Musical Selection: Ms. Ashley Watson Religion Award: Ms. Leanne P. Johnson Business Award: Mr. Andre Wallace Lifetime Achievement Award: Min. Anthony D. McSwain Selection: Expressions of Praise Mime Ministry Trail Blazer Award: Ms. Darla Jackson and Mrs. Linda Holloway Closing Remarks: Mr. Anthony (A. Jay) Pullen TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN AMERICANS 2015 3
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Your Partnership WHAT YOUR PARTNERSHIP MEANS TO US: The monies donated means that we will be able to: • Mentor more youth in the community • Help more families with housing and shelter. • Have more school supplies for students in need • Change the lives, direction, and culture of the youth and families in the community • Provide a positive outlet and influence to our youth
CENTRAL OHIO YOUTH ADVOCACY PROGRAM 20 S. 3RD STREET, SUITE 210 COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
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Central Ohio Youth Advocacy Program Success Is Your Birthright!
February 28, 2015
Dear Members of the Community, Hello and Welcome to A Tribute to African Americans 2015! I am pleased that you have chosen to celebrate with us seven outstanding honoree’s that have been making an impact with in the Central Ohio. I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting this A Jay Pullen event and my organization. It is our desire to support, and honor influential African Americans that aren’t just speaking change, but are making a difference within our community. I want you to ask yourself this question, How can I make a difference within your own community? Once again thank you for coming, and remember that Success Is Your Birthright! Blessings,
Ajay Pullen A Jay Pullen Founding Executive Director Central Ohio Youth Advocacy Program, Inc.
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2015 Honorees
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Gloria “Glo” Kenley
he Kenley Konection is a Since the company’s inception, Glo has provided full service travel agency job opportunities and training to young adults. She owned by Gloria “Glo” has mentored and developed numerous students and Kenley. For over 35 years, single parents by teaching office skills and providing The Kenley Konnection has on-the-job training. Many of these individuals have arranged personal and busigraduated from college and now have families of ness travel for individuals, groups, their own. churches, schools, and non-profit orGlo is very passionate about African American ganizations. With minimal marketing, History and is proud that The Kenley Konnection is Glo has made The Kenley Konnection the key facilitator of the annual African American a success by carving out a niche for Footsteps to Freedom Tour. This tour is sponsored by those with limited funds or a tight the San Bernardino, California, County Office of budget. Education and the Black Voice Foundation, Inc. Glo began her career in the travel Teachers and administrators receive a first-hand lesindustry as a hobby. She got 40 people son on underground heritage experiences, which they together, put them on a bus and took incorporate into classroom curriculum. them on a shopping spree. This excurGlo has received numerous awards, including the sion was so successful that she began 2013 Who’s Who in Black Columbus, the 2013 GLORIA “GLO” KENLEY planning other trips, including a bus Woman of Excellence Award presented by Awaken trip to the 1978 World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN. She did all this Women of Excellence and the 2014 Small Business Excellence in her home while she held a full-time position as a ImmigraAward presented by the National Coalition of 100 Black tion Legal Administrator at a large industrial company. Women. In 1993, she decided to retire and turn her part-time travel busiGlo is a member of several organizations and has been honness into a full-service travel agency. She moved from her ored as a Distinguished Toastmaster, having been the first fehome into a spacious office located in the Columbus Square male to win a speech contest at the Ohio District 40 level. Shopping Plaza. Glo now has a staff of six full-time employees The Kenley Konnection holds certifications with the State and 21 outside sales agents. The company primarily specializes of Ohio, City of Columbus, Airlines Reporting Corporation, in group travel involving fundraising tours, motor coach charIATAN, and the National Tour Association, where Glo holds a ters, cruises and air reservations. The clientele consists of stuposition on the Leadership Committee. dents, group leaders, churches, private clubs, sororities, fraterWhen asked what is the key to her success, Glo stated, nities and others interested in group travel. They also handle “Each day I strive for professionalism and good service. But some of the air travel for State of Ohio and the Columbus City God is what keeps me going.” ■ School System. Although The Kenley Konnection is well known in the The Kenley Konnection is located at 5773 Emporium travel industry, Glo has made sure that her passion of giving Square Columbus, OH 43231 Tel: 614.898.9505 back to others remains strong. Fax: 614.898.7074
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Jason Morton
ason Morton was born in 1982 in Columbus, Ohio. He is a proud graduate of Shady Lane Elementary, Johnson Park Middle, and Independence High School. In 2000, he attended Bowling Green State University on a full football scholarship where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology in 2004. In 2005, he returned to Columbus, Ohio and worked briefly at the Buckeye Ranch until he received the opportunity to move to Tiffin, Ohio to coach football at Heidelberg College. While there, he worked towards his Master’s of Education. Morton continued his coaching career at Bowling Green State University and Oklahoma State University. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN AMERICANS CELEBRATION In 2008, he again returned to Columbus, Ohio with a dream of serving his hometown and has remained here ever since. He continued to work with young people coaching football at Independence High School and working at Focus Learning Academy North as Career and Technical teacher. In 2009, he earned a promotion as Student Affairs Coordinator where he was apart of a team that increased OGT scores, attendance rates, retention rate, and credit count, while at the same time decreased off-task behaviors. During that time he also continued to coach football at Capital University in 2009 and Mifflin High School in 2011. He also served as a summer group leader for St. Stevens Community Center in 2010. In December of 2011, he earned the opportunity to serve the East side of Columbus as the director of Focus Learning Academy East. He also continued his educational journey, earning his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Capella University in 2012. While at Focus Learning Academy East he had
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the honor of working with a wonderful staff that helped place 86% of their graduating class into college and 96% in careers or jobs. In 2013, he had the privilege of working with the young men of East High School as a football coach. He has continued to develop as a community leader, graduating from the United Way of Central Ohio Neighborhood Leadership Academy in 2013. Currently he serves the South side of Columbus working as the Director of Focus Learning Academy Southwest and serving on the Neighborhood Partnership Center’s Strategic Planning and Sustainability Development committee. He is also a founding member and president of the Kiwanas Club of South Columbus. Morton has continued to be a life long learner enrolling into the Progressive Leadership Academy. His future plans are to help build meaning systems in Columbus that will foster success and opportunity for all. Jason Morton, M.Ed resides in Columbus, Ohio with his wife Rayna Morton, MBA. ■
Pastor Kenneth E. Moore, Sr.
astor Kenneth E. Moore, Sr. is the visionary and Pastor of New Birth Christian Ministries. He was called to the ministry in 1991 and served at his church, Southfield Baptist Church, as the Associate Minister. In 1997, Pastor Moore was given the vision to start New Birth Christian Ministries. His knowledge of the Word of God coupled with his practical teaching and lighthearted delivery has compelled many to come to Christ. Pastor Moore believes in the importance of “family”, stressing that strong families make strong churches. He believes both young and older generations are important to the family unit. The older generation provides wisdom and guidance and the younger generation just needs love and guidance to grow. PASTOR MOORE AND WIFE CHARLOTTE Pastor Moore is a graduate of Marion Franklin High school in Columbus Ohio. He has attended Franklin University as well as the School of Biblical Theology. Pastor Moore and his lovely wife, Charlotte are the parents of four children: Kennitha, Bonita, Kenneth Jr. and Hezekiah. They have five grandchildren: Amari, Temple, Kambre, Genesis, Kenneth III and Makenna. ■
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2015 Honorees
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Joy Bivens
oy Bivens is the coowner of Ambassador Home Health Services in which she and her partners have grown the company to over one hundred (100) employees. Since 2005, her company provides home care services to nearly three thousand (3000) patients throughout the State of Ohio. She also coowns Ambassador Adult Day Services, and Amazing Cleaning Services. Joy currently serves on the Whitehall School Board. She is also the Vice President of the JOY BIVENS Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce. Joy currently chairs board of The Ohio Means Jobs-Franklin County/ COWIC. Joy has been married to her husband Attorney Michael Bivens for sixteen (16) years. They have two (2) children; a daughter Mikayla and son Michael. Joy and her
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husband are active in their church; Equippers City Church. Both Joy Bivens and her husband believe in giving back to the community; evidenced by not only committing their time but also opening their home to homeless high school age and young adults. She and her husband have dedicated their time and resources in this regard by not only ensuring these individuals have secure housing but also ensuring and assisting that these individuals obtain high school diplomas. She is a member of Delta JOY BIVENS WITH Sigma Theta Sorority. ■ HUSBAND MICHAEL BIVENS
Judge Kimberly Cocroft
imberly Cocroft was apyears in private law practice, specializing in business pointed Judge for the and employment litigation. Franklin County Court of During the November 2010 election cycle, Judge Common Pleas on FebruCocroft was elected to her first six-year term as a ary 24, 2009 by GoverCommon Pleas Court Judge by the voters of Franklin nor Ted Strickland. Prior County. to her appointment as Judge, she Judge Cocroft is a lifelong member of Triedstone served as Deputy Legal Counsel for Missionary Baptist Church where she has served on Governor Strickland and was responsiits Trustee Board and Education Ministry, and as a ble for coordinating litigation matters member of several of Triedstone’s choirs. She is with the Chief Legal Counsels at also an active member of her community through her Ohio’s 26 executive agencies, drafting service as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Executive Orders and Directives, and Inc., the Alvis House Board of Trustees (2010), The managing legal representation on beHarmony Project Choir and Board of Trustees, The half of Governor Strickland. Franklin County Justice and Planning Board; and as Judge Cocroft also served as a Law a former board member of the Commission on ConClerk for Justice Alice Robie Resnick tinuing Legal Education for the Supreme Court of KIMBERLY COCROFT at the Supreme Court of Ohio, where Ohio, the Committee on Professionalism for the Sushe was responsible for drafting opinpreme Court of Ohio FIRSTLINK, and the Gloria S. ions that interpret Ohio law. After completing her service with Friend Christian Academy. ■ Justice Resnick at the Ohio Supreme Court, she spent several 8 TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN AMERICANS 2015
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2015 Honorees
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Brian Woods
rian Woods is the founder and CEO of MCS- T.O.U.C.H. Mr. Woods manages, trains, and supervises all staff that provides services and he is directly responsible for all operational phases. He is the architect of the entire non-profit agency. He has worked as a consultant for reentry programs with many community service agencies such as Columbus Legal Aid and The Salvation Army. While serving a 131 month sentence in federal prison Mr. Woods designed and facilitated a pre release Mentoring Program which grew and served nearly 90% of 2000 inmates. He is a BOP certified Mentoring Program Facilitator. He has nearly 20 years of experience as a self-employed entrepreneur in many different areas. After graduating high school he attended The University of Southern Colorado (now Colorado State University) on a football scholarship. ■
BRIAN WOODS
Michael Houser KEYNOTE SPEAKER
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ichael grew up in Cleveland's Union neighborhood and attended Cleveland Public Schools including Lincoln-West High School where he played three varsity sports. After graduating he attended Kent State University. During his time at Kent, Michael was accepted to the Kent State Columbus Program in Intergovernmental Issues under former State Representatives Democrat Dr.Vernon Sykes and Republican Dr. Jamie Callender. Michael is a rising star in Ohio politics and has a vast of political experience on the local, state and national level. Michael currently serves as Special Assistant to Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. Prior to joining the Budish Administration, Houser previously worked for United States Senator Sherrod Brown and on Capitol Hill for United States Congressman Tim Ryan. Michael is affiliated with a number of community and professional organizations. He serves as Vice Chair of the Cleveland Branch NAACP Young Professional Committee and holds board membership with Crain's Business Diversity Council Board and Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland Bridge Board. Michael is currently working on his Master’s degree in Public Administration at Cleveland State University and graduated with honors from Kent State University with a B.A in Public Communication and a minor in Political Science. ■
MICHAEL HOUSER
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2015 Honorees
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Coach Kizer
irst and foremost, Terence loved the LORD and his family. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed talking to just about any and every one. He was a graduate of Beechcroft High School and West Virginia State University. He was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Terence served honorably as an officer in the U.S. Army. After his service, he relocated to Columbus, Ohio with his family and started dedicating his life’s work to working with children in the community. Terence touched numerous young lives as a teacher and coach at Sonshine Christian Academy, coach and director of the Columbus Raider’s Youth Organization, substitute teacher for Columbus City Schools and mentor for the Guide Right program of Kappa Alpha Psi Columbus Alumni Chapter. Terence was adamant about starting each football practice with prayer. He instilled the mannerisms and traits young boys needed to learn early in life to become outstanding young men. After the boys moved on to playing football in high school, he went to their high school games and cheered them on if they were blessed enough to play at the college level. Terence was a coach, physical education, health and science teacher at Sonshine Christian Academy for over 25 years. He truly enjoyed teaching and coaching the young people. Because of his military background, he worked to instil discipline and respect in the children. They all knew that when Coach Kizer was around, he expected them to behave respectfully, to each other, their parents and other adults. He was a strict but fair basketball coach and teacher. He would often come home and share stories of the funny things the children, especially the preschoolers would say and do. He cherished those moments and looked forward to going to school and greeting his students daily. Terence coached his children, Terence Jr and Jazmin in just about any sport they wanted to participate in. He would buy the “Coaching for Dummies” books, learn the sport and volunteer to coach their teams. Terence left a legion of young people who all have their favorite memories of “Coach Kizer” and the encouragement he gave to them when they were children embarking on young adulthood. Terence was a life long member of Antioch Baptist Church. He most recently served on the Scholarship and Pastor's Anniversary Committees. He was an advocate for organ donation and spread the word throughout the community through the Lifeline of Ohio Donate Life. ■
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MELINDA MOLTON - OWNER, EVENT PLANNER
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Phone 751-8220
Fax 751-8221
THE JOHN W. NEIGHBARGER INSURANCE AGENCY 7668 Slate Ridge Blvd. Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 AUTO - HOME - BUSINESS - LIFE www.neighbargerins.com
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SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HELP TO MAKE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS! YOU ARE APPRECIATED MORE THAN YOU CAN EVER IMAGINE AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION POURS INTO OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY!
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