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MAHOGANY Columbus
Black History Spotlight: Lucy Depp Park is a subdivision located about 6 miles north of Dublin on Dublin Road. It’s just north of Shawnee Hills, south of Twin Lakes, west of the Scioto River and east of Tartan Fields. Pg. 48
Mahogany Names Chelsea Barnett Podcast Host Our 2025 Class of Transformative Leaders
Lathan Ransom is a National Champion for the Buckeyes
The Depp Settlement Story Meet the Team at The Sylvia A. Garrett Agency Our 2025 Class of Extraordinary Lawyers & Financial Executives The Dismantling of DEI Initiatives -Melinda Carter Columbus Black History Notables 12.
You’ll find that there are many definitions for “urban entrepreneurship” and here are a few common factors of the urban entrepreneurship movement.
Solving Community Problems – local entrepreneurs are stepping up and creating businesses with products and services that fill a void in the community.
Economic Empowerment – the businesses created aim to be a scalable solution to leave a positive, lasting impact on the local community and the clients they serve.
Creating Jobs and Businesses – resources are focused on the entrepreneur as a pioneer and role model that becomes the catalyst who inspires others to create commerce in their local neighborhood or community.
Also, the term “Urban Entrepreneur” has two principal connotations: someone who starts a business with little resources and builds a company or brand into a success; and someone who uses the perfect blend of book and street smarts to run their business very well.
Urban Entrepreneurs are loaded with creative ideas and concepts for products and services, and even great ideas, but generally they have little startup capital to work with. In some cases, limited resources can be a gateway to entrepreneurship as was the case with me. Consider the story of Michael Kittredge who wanted to give his mother a heartfelt Christmas gift but couldn’t afford anything fancy. Because of his dilemma, he created the greatest thing to ever come from crayon wax and a piece of rope. Ever heard of the Yankee Candle Company?
In 1998, Kittredge sold Yankee Candle to a private-equity firm for $500 million - dollars, having along the way inspired many other entrepreneurs who have created entrepreneur magic with little or no resources.
So typically, urban entrepreneurs admire the business moguls who have made use of the skills they learned in the streets to help them run their businesses. One obvious example is Jay-Z, who lifted himself from a rough upbringing in Brooklyn’s Marcy Houses and turned himself into a global business icon and brand. Having an aptitude for filling marketplace voids is one thing urban entrepreneurs tend to have in common. There are those with little means and/or resources that become the most creative souls who find a void and know how to fill it!
Come As You Are.
At Vorys, diversity, equity and inclusion are not only longstanding core values, but also key strategic priorities. We are a better, stronger firm, and more effective legal and business partners when we recognize the value of diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We work each day to create an inclusive, equitable culture in which everyone can feel meaningfully included in the entire firm experience, including enjoying a genuine sense of belonging and equal access to professional opportunities.
Mahogany’s
Editor-In-Chief Insights…
By W. Kay Wilson
We continue to see systemic inequality shape the lived experiences of many, there is a critical need for change especially in areas that impact economic stability and access. For far too long, mainstream financial institutions and legal systems have perpetuated inequality, often leaving low-income, lowwealth, and historically marginalized communities behind.
At Mahogany Columbus, we recognize that the fight for social justice and equity cannot be fully realized without addressing the financial disparities that exist in our society. Few financial institutions have adequately or equitably met the needs of underserved communities, and many continue to implement practices that result in negative outcomes for these populations. Simply put; products and services that extract more from their clients than the benefit that they’re offering, often disadvantages those who need access to capital the most.
But, as we anticipate what “taking America back” means, and reflect on current challenges, we recognize an opportunity for change. Financial institutions can— and should—be powerful agents of transformation. Mission-aligned banks and financial justice advocates are at the forefront of pushing for financial inclusion, offering products and services that prioritize equitable access to wealth-building opportunities. These financial institutions are rewriting the standards, focusing not only on profit but on measurable social and environmental impact. In examining governance, lending practices, and products, the question becomes: what does a fair price, interest rate, or fee look like in a just society?
Similarly, lawyers have always played a pivotal role in shaping society and advocating for those who need it most. Lawyers have the unique position of influencing change through their litigation, but their influence extends beyond their cases. From their conversations on the pickleball court to their work with local community organizations, lawyers can use their position of authority to uplift the communities they serve and promote systemic change.
The work of bankers and lawyers as agents of social change isn’t limited to the office or the courtroom; it’s in every interaction, every story shared, and every life touched. As we highlight the work of these financial justice advocates and legal trailblazers, we celebrate their tireless commitment to creating a more equitable society. The road to justice is long, but with every account opened, every case won, and every community engagement, change is possible.
At Mahogany Columbus, we’re proud to stand alongside those working to change the financial and legal systems that shape our world for the better. Let’s continue to work together—because true change happens when we all take responsibility for the future we want to build.
Mahogany Columbus Selects
Its New Podcast Host Coming this spring!
Meet Ms. Chelsea Barnett
Chelsea Marie Barnett is willing to take risks to bring a clear approach to telling our community’s story. On our new podcast Mahogany Moments, Chelsea will amplify our city’s voices confidently and transparently. She desires to increase the impact of serving others and telling our authentic stories, embracing the unique qualities that make up our dynamic and influential culture.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio Chelsea was fortunate to have parents that challenged her to be well-rounded. Attending Howard University for undergrad exposed her to the world and taught her what black excellence looks like from around the world. After college, Chelsea ventured to the Black Mecca of America, Atlanta, to spread her wings to pursue her film dreams. There Chelsea was awakened to what it meant to be in a thriving black community and what cultivation and culture-driven community can produce.
Chelsea brought her experience back to her hometown Columbus to own and lead operations for OYA Organizes, a diversified professional organizing service for physical and digital spaces. In addition, Chelsea serves in her community as President of Rewriting the Narrative, Inc. and Marketing Committee co-chair for The Lincoln Theatre. As a leader in her family and community, Chelsea enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and having celebrations. Chelsea is very passionate about health and wellness and practices, fitness, veganism and therapy, to maintain and strengthen her level of consciousness.
Ihave learned that we cannot control the challenges that life presents. It is our response to tragedy, uncertainty and unwelcome change that is most impactful. Our response defines us, not the challenge that we face. Challenges should not break us, instead they should present the opportunity to get clarity, resolve, and emerge stronger.
There is a rapidly going movement in parts of the nation to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Critics of DEI efforts argue that such programs are divisive and unnecessary, while proponents maintain that they are essential for fostering fairness and opportunity in workplaces and communities. As this shift gains momentum, some worry about its impact on African Americans—as business owners, consumers, and citizens. My response to the reality that of the “DEI” demise is simple, I saw it coming and I understand why.
The DEI movement began as a vehicle to create a safe space to address racial and gender inequities without acknowledging the discriminatory policies, practices and people that caused them. “DEI” is not a response to our Nations’ history of discrimination, but a goodwill attempt to make everyone feel welcome. This is not only misguided but easily dismantled.
As a long-time inclusion advocate, I have experienced “pre-Croson” set-asides, “post –Croson Disparity Studies, narrowly tailored programs including race and neutral procurement tools. After all this “hoop dee do” we landed on a feel-good program, with very little enforcement policies and irregular monitoring and reporting of failures and successes.
Many corporations, as well as public entities have announced plans to eliminate DEI programs, citing new legal challenges and the lack of customer and public support. Large corporations such as McDonalds, Walmart and others have announced their intention to immediately abandon DEI programs. As this momentum grows, African Americans should remain steadfast in insisting we were not the primary beneficiary of DEI programs, but the target of most exclusionary and discriminatory practices.
Our history is ripe with examples of hardship turned to triumph. We must embrace resilience over apathy. When we act by ushering in change, we inspire others to do the same. As the ignitor of
The Dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: My Response…
By Melinda Carter Brown Bread Consulting, CEO
the largest Civil Rights Movement in the history of our country; African Americans know how to meet difficulties with determination and courage.
The short evolution of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion “DEI”
For African American business owners, initiatives that encourage inclusion in the awarding of contracts have served as gateways to opportunities that were previously inaccessible. Corporate supplier diversity programs, for example, have connected minority-owned businesses with contracts, partnerships, and mentorships that help them grow and thrive. These programs contributed to the economic empowerment of entire communities.
The erosion of inclusion efforts may result in fewer opportunities for African American entrepreneurs. Without intentional measures to address disparities in access to capital, contracts, and networks, minority-owned businesses may face increased challenges in competing on a level playing field. The potential rollback of strong and effective supplier diversity initiatives could also have a ripple effect, reducing the economic impact these businesses have on employment and community development.
DEI and African American Consumers
As consumers, African Americans have benefited from DEI’s influence on corporate culture and marketing strategies. From more inclusive advertising campaigns to the availability of products that cater to diverse audiences, DEI has played a pivotal role in ensuring that companies acknowledge and respect the cultural and purchasing power of African American communities.
The decline of DEI efforts could reverse these advancements. Companies may deprioritize representation in their branding and fail to address the unique needs of African American consumers. This shift not only risks alienating a significant customer base but also perpetuates the historical erasure of African American voices in the marketplace.
DEI and African American Citizens
On a broader societal level, DEI initiatives have aimed to address systemic inequities and create pathways to success for underrepresented
groups. Programs in education, employment, and community development have sought to dismantle barriers that disproportionately affect African Americans. While far from perfect, these efforts have been instrumental in opening doors and challenging institutional biases.
The rollback of DEI initiatives threatens to stall progress toward racial equity and inclusion. In workplaces, it may lead to fewer opportunities for African Americans to ascend into leadership roles. In education, it could reduce access to scholarships and resources designed to address disparities. And in communities, it may signal a lack of commitment to addressing systemic challenges such as housing discrimination, healthcare inequities, and economic disparities.
The Call to Action
Considering these challenges, it is imperative for African American communities to remain vigilant and proactive. Advocacy, coalition-building, and community engagement will be essential in preserving the gains made through DEI and pushing for continued progress. African Americans as business owners, consumers, and citizens must also use their collective economic and political power to demand accountability and action.
Organizations and allies must also recognize the broader implications of abandoning DEI initiatives. The path forward requires collaboration, courage, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, can thrive.
Conclusion
The shift away from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts represents a critical turning point from the Federal Government and some misguided corporations. The optics of the rejection of programs that encourage inclusion is frightening to many. For African Americans, the stakes are particularly high, touching every aspect of life from entrepreneurship to consumer rights to civil participation. As this trend unfolds, the fight to uphold the principles of fairness and equality must remain steadfast, ensuring that progress toward a more inclusive society does not falter but continues to move forward.
Recently, BMPA held an event to recognize four of the winners who were able to attend - Pictured is Heath Goolsby, Jawana Smith, Dr. Sylvia Jones and Carleton McGrady.
In partnership with the City of Bexley and the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance (BMPA) are celebrating Black History Month in 2025 by honoring African Americans who have made a difference in the community, from our schools and businesses to churches and service organizations. This celebration of achievements reflects a deep commitment to recognizing and celebrating the rich history and ongoing contributions of African Americans in Bexley.
The individuals being honored—Nyesha Clayton, Ken Stewart, Douglas Wells, Jawana Smith, Carleton McGrady, Heath Goolsby, Dr. Sylvia Jones, Dr. BJ Hicks, and Lisa Viney are integral members of the Bexley community. The program, which began in 2024, honors people from all walks of life and serves as a powerful reminder of how much these individuals, whether wellknown or not, contribute to the vibrancy and growth of the community.
City of Bexley Ohio Celebrates Black History Month
•Photo Credit: Bexley Chamber of Commerce, Brian Drewry, Executive Director
Mahogany Columbus Welcomes Shaletha Sanders on Board…
By Shaletha Sanders
Featured Spiritual Column
My parents inspired my siblings and I to give back to those in need. My mother is my Shero. Next is my loving handsome husband, Apostle Joel Sanders. He has pushed me, persuaded me, and encouraged me, to pursue my dreams and never give up. He is my number one supporter and one of the many contributing factors to who I am today.
I use my cosmetic line and all-natural line jmjcosmetics.net as a door to inspire girls and women who struggle with selfesteem and insecurity issues. I encourage them to stop hiding behind the lipstick, foundation, and mascara and take care of their mental health. My hope for them is to realize that when God created them, He created His best.
My initial interest in wellness began in 2011. During that time, I was in Los Angeles, California celebrating my wedding anniversary with my husband. We stopped by one of the clothing stores on Rodeo Drive and I experienced the most embarrassing moment of my life. During that time, I was a size 18/20. I saw a pair of pants I admired and asked the clerk if he had my size. He started laughing and said the biggest size he had was a 10 and that was the standard with every other store on Rodeo Drive. I was embarrassed, humiliated, frustrated, and upset because of what the clerk said. My vacation was ruined, and I was ready to return to Ohio to adopt a
healthier lifestyle. After crossing many valleys, I eliminated all the excuses. With better self-control, determination, and motivation and lost over 100 pounds in 4 ½ months. I was able to accomplish this feat without any surgeries or supplements.
I have embraced wellness in my life in that I push myself daily to practice self-care. Self-Care is near and dear to me. Self-Care is essential to our mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. I believe in practicing a healthy lifestyle, which encompasses working out at least 30 minutes per day and having a healthy diet. To better empower your life, I would encourage you to practice selfcare, start that business, write the book, connect with others, practice positive self-talk, avoid negative thinking. Look to surround yourself with positive people. Set short-term and long-term goals and achieve them. Always practice gratitude and do something you absolutely love.
I’m thrilled to join the Mahogany Media Group team! Let’s stay connected on all my social sites @shalethasanders or check me out at www.shalethasanders.org
The Road to Becoming a National Champion…
Meet Lathan Ransom
The Ohio State Buckeyes Starting Defensive Safety 1st Team All-Big 10
Lathan Ransom has played for The Ohio State Buckeye football team since 2020 when he was recruited as a national Top 100 prospect and ranked the number 5 Safety prospect by 247Sports.com.
Lathan is a native of Tucson, Arizona and graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School. Lathan has achieved excellence on the field by becoming 5-time lettermen along with his teammate Cody Simon. Additionally, he became an Ohio State scholar athlete in 2020.
Lathan continued his academics along with his pursuit of athletics by completing his bachelor’s degree in communications in December 2023. During that year he was blessed to overcome an injury by demonstrating a never give up mentality. Throughout his career he was able to play in 40 games and start in 22.
Lathan has piled up many impressive stats such as making 152 career tackles, including a team- high 97 solo stops while being named honorable mention allBig Ten conference honors by the league’s coaches and media. He was also a semifinalist for the Thorpe award in 2022 which is the award for the top defensive back in college football.
Lathan’s individual achievements are truly remarkable, but he is above all a team player. Working along with head coach Ryan Day, his position coaches and teammates to win the 2024 national championship for The Ohio State Buckeyes has made Buckeye nation proud and stunned many doubters. Along with his “brothers”- and teammates- Lathan has been outspoken about his faith that has motivated him through various challenges. He became a leader on and off the field by exhibiting Christ-like character often sharing the scriptures that gave him strength on the journey. Lathan and this special team of champions and coaches have truly exemplified our state motto: “With God, all things are possible.” Look for Lathan to continue his dreams to play in the NFL next year.
Celeste Allen
Kendra Garrett
Jen Miller
Stephanie Hall
Keama Garrett
Tamera Watkins
IThe Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates Agency, LLC
A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Excellence
n a dynamic and ever-changing world, Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates Agency (SAGA) stands out as a trusted partner in insurance. Committed to safeguarding families, businesses, and communities through personalized insurance solutions and client education, the agency is more than just an insurance provider—it’s a pillar of guidance and empowerment. Led by founder, CEO, and President Sylvia A. Garrett, a seasoned professional with decades of experience and a strong passion for protecting families, SAGA remains dedicated to its mission of excellence and service.
The Agency Mission
The mission of Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates Agency is both profound and straightforward:
“To protect and build wealth for families and businesses by delivering exceptional service while empowering our Team, our customers, and our community.” This mission is embedded in the very fabric of the agency — to protect lives, enhance security, and create pathways for wealth-building. Through personalized, top-tier service, the agency ensures clients are equipped to make informed decisions about their insurance needs. Whether it’s auto, life, or property coverage, the team is dedicated to understanding each client’s distinct circumstances and providing tailored protection. “Our goal is to do more than provide policies. We’re here to educate, guide, and build lasting relationships with our clients,” emphasizes Sylvia A. Garrett.
Our Coverage, Your Needs
Life evolves, and so do your insurance needs. The SAGA Agency prioritizes regular coverage reviews to ensure you’re always protected. “Whether you’re buying your first car, starting a family, or growing your business, we’re here to help,” says Jennifer Miller, Operations Manager. The consultative approach ensures that clients have a thorough understanding of their policies— deductibles, claims history, and available options are always up for discussion.
A Family-Driven Approach
The agency’s foundation is rooted in family values. Members of the Garrett family contributes unique expertise, fostering a collaborative environment that strengthens the agency’s ability to serve its clients effectively. This approach underscores the agency’s focus on treating clients and colleagues like extended family, creating a culture of trust, support, and care.
Simplifying Insurance: Community Outreach
One of the agency’s standout features is its dedication to demystifying insurance. Through workshops, online content, and one-on-one consultations SAGA goes beyond selling policies to actively educating the community. Topics range from understanding declarations pages and coverages to complex issues like building generational wealth and risk management for businesses. “Insurance doesn’t have to be confusing or intimidating,” says Kendra A. Garrett, SAGA’s Licensed Communications Specialist. “We break it down so everyone can feel confident in their choices.”
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As one of the few Black-owned, women-led companies of its size in the insurance industry, Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates Agency, LLC is a symbol of resilience and representation. Breaking through industry barriers, the agency prides itself on serving diverse clients
while championing inclusivity. Its leadership team’s focus on excellent service ensures that every client feels seen, heard, and valued. In a male-dominated industry, SAGA’s leadership team—comprised entirely of women—proves that success and innovation thrive under diverse and empowered leadership.
Expertise Backed by Passion
The agency boasts a team of licensed professionals dedicated to transforming complex insurance concepts into actionable, empowering advice. Whether protecting your home, securing your business, or creating a financial legacy for your family, their consultative approach ensures clients are equipped to make confident decisions.
“As long-time trusted advisors, we are committed to helping our clients fully understand the coverage we recommend,” Stephanie Hall, Licensed Insurance Broker highlights. “At SAGA, we truly believe that by guiding them through this process, we are making a meaningful impact on the well-being and security of their families.”
Looking Ahead
With licensing across 12 states, Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates Agency, LCC is expanding its reach nationally. Plans include continuing to grow the commercial & life insurance sector while continuing its commitment to education empowerment and client service. The agency envisions a future where its nextgeneration leadership carries forward the legacy of integrity and excellence.
Expert Advice for Clients
Insurance can be complex, but SAGA’s advice is simple: “Don’t wait until you need it to review your coverage. Take charge of your peace of mind today.” Regular policy reviews and open communication with your agent are key to ensuring your protection evolves with your life.
A Partner for the Journey
Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates Agency, LLC isn’t just an insurance provider; it’s a dedicated partner in building a secure future. With a foundation of leadership, service, and community empowerment, the agency’s mission remains steadfast: helping individuals and businesses protect what matters most while making insurance simple, accessible, and transformative.
Introducing...
Central Ohio’s Transformative Leaders
Kevin L. Boyce
Erica C. Crawley
Shayla D. Favor
Franklin County Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce
Founder, Vice Chair, Adelphi Bank
Kevin Boyce graduated from Columbus East High School, and pursued his higher education, earning a political science degree from the University of Toledo. He quickly rose to the rank of Chief of Staff in the Ohio House of Representatives and then was tapped to serve on the Columbus City Council in 2000.
Boyce’s time on Columbus City Council was marked by his determination to create tangible change, including pushing for policies that addressed structural inequities in the criminal justice system. Boyce’s leadership and vision led him to become the youngest state office holder in the United States at the age of 37 when he was appointed as Treasurer of the State of Ohio. As the Chief Investment and Financial Officer for Ohio he oversaw the 7th largest Treasury with assets of more than $150 billion.
In Franklin County, Boyce made history by becoming the first African American Franklin County Commissioner and later serving as the President of the Board. As President, he spearheaded the creation of the RISE Together Innovation Institute, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at disrupting systemic racism and ending poverty.
Commissioner Boyce also played a pivotal role in declaring racism a public health crisis in Franklin County, making it one of the first major counties in the U.S. to take this significant step. As a politician, Boyce has never lost sight of his roots. He is a devoted father, teaching his sons the values of respect, hard work, and responsibility. Boyce’s story is one of overcoming adversity, and he continues to inspire others
with his dedication to public service, family, and his community.
Boyce’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to lead the creation of Adelphi Bank, the 20th Minority Depository Institution in the United States. The bank, dedicated to addressing the wealth gap in underserved communities, provides critical banking services, homeownership opportunities, and resources for entrepreneurs. It stands as a testament to Boyce’s unwavering commitment to creating economic equity and fostering opportunities for communities often overlooked by traditional financial institutions.
Today, Kevin Boyce continues to lead with passion, purpose, and a deep understanding of the challenges that many communities face. His work as a Franklin County Commissioner, his leadership in racial equity efforts, and his commitment to economic justice are all part of his broader mission to build a more inclusive and equitable Ohio.
Kevin Boyce has been recognized with numerous awards, including Ebony Magazine’s “30 Leaders under 30,
” Columbus Business First’s “Power 100,” and the National Association of
Securities Professionals Distinguished Partner Award. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo, a master’s degree from Central Michigan University, and honorary
Doctorate of Humane Letters from Wilberforce University.
Franklin County Commissioner Erica C. Crawley, J.D., M.P.A.
Commissioner Erica C. Crawley is a mother, advocate, and veteran. As the first Black woman Commissioner, her commitment to serving every resident, every day comes from her lived experiences and deep understanding of what working families need to thrive, and not just survive. Commissioner Crawley has always stood with the most vulnerable among us –working to ensure access to high-quality childcare, affordable housing, supportive addiction, mental health treatment, better maternal health outcomes, and firstrate veteran services for those who have bravely served our nation. She currently serves on numerous boards.
Like so many of her neighbors, Commissioner Crawley has known what it’s like to fight and work hard to get ahead. Originally from Youngstown, Commissioner Crawley’s family reflected the story of successes and struggles that so many families share in our community. She is a first-generation college graduate, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, focusing on juvenile delinquency from Cleveland State University. She also holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Walden University and a Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School.
Crawley has spent much of her life making a difference by serving others and helping them find their voice. She served in the United States Navy earning the Naval & Marine Corps Achievement
Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Additionally, she has advocated on behalf of children and families with the Cuyahoga County Job & Family Services, YMCA Head Start/ Early Head Start Program, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), and the Black Child Development Institute.
In 2018, Crawley was elected to represent Ohio’s 26th House District, which included much of eastern and southeastern Franklin County. During her time in the legislature, her priorities focused on maternal health, infant mortality, birth-to-five initiatives, housing and food insecurity, and veteran issues. Crawley served on the House Finance Committee, Finance Subcommittee on Primary & Secondary Education, Primary & Secondary Committee, Armed Services & Veterans Affairs, Correctional Institution Inspection Committee (CIIC), and was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Infant Mortality, the Commission on Minority Health and was a founding member of Ohio’s Black Maternal Health Caucus.
Commissioner Crawley is the mother of twin girls. She enjoys spending time with them and traveling with family and friends.
Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla D. Favor
On November 5, 2024, Shayla D. Favor shattered barriers and made history as the first African American and the first woman elected as Franklin County Prosecutor. This groundbreaking achievement represents more than just a milestone—it marks a transformative step forward for justice and equity in Franklin County.
As Prosecutor, Favor is committed to making Franklin County a national model that addresses public safety while simultaneously working toward systemic reform. Her vision is bold: to lead with transparency, prioritize accountability, and to honor the dignity of every Franklin County resident. Favor is dedicated to tackling violent crime, amplifying the voices of victims, and implementing evidencebased programs that minimize unnecessary incarceration, reduce recidivism, and offer pathways to recovery and rehabilitation. She strives to create a justice system that is both fair and compassionate, one that ensures safety while breaking cycles of inequality.
Favor’s journey to the Prosecutor’s Office is defined by a career of passionate advocacy and transformative leadership. Serving on Columbus City Council since 2019, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and advancing progressive change. Re-elected in 2023 with the highest vote count of any candidate, Favor chaired the Housing, Health and Human Services and Criminal Justice and Judiciary Committees.
During her tenure on Council, she spearheaded landmark initiatives such as the Columbus Youth Council, the effort to amplify and fund Deliver Black Dreams. She also expanded the City’s effort to protect
immigrant and refugee families through the Columbus Families Together Fund, legislated policies intended to address housing insecurity with the Housing for All legislative package, advocated for public safety reforms with the Reimagining Safety Initiative, led and passed an effort to end the sale of flavored tobacco to stop the youth smoking epidemic, championed a comprehensive reproductive justice legislative package and led and passed the gun safety legislative package.
Prior to joining City Council, Favor served as an Assistant City Attorney in Columbus, where she addressed violent crime through the abatement of nuisance property and criminal activity. She developed key programs, such as the Receivership and Vacant and Abandoned Property program, to rehabilitate properties and revitalize neighborhoods. Her efforts transformed neglected spaces into homes for first-time buyers, reflecting her belief in the power of community reinvestment.
Through every role she has held, Shayla D. Favor has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and meaningful change. As Franklin County Prosecutor, she continues to redefine what is possible, proving that leadership grounded in integrity and vision can transform communities and inspire generations to come.
Favor’s leadership is deeply rooted in her personal connection to the community. She lives on Columbus’s Near East Side with her husband, Corey, and their pups, Hudson and Arizona.
How I’m Feeling This Black History Month...
It’s hard not to feel despondent this Black history Month. As reported in the New York Times, the KKK is openly organizing in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Donald Trump is president again, riding a wave of support from the “Make America Great Again” movement that clearly disdains the advancement of Black people, along with his new billionaire friends, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg.
MAGA’s disdain could be motivated by racism, economic grievances or fear of change, but disagreement about the cause should not cast doubt on the conclusion. Donald Trump’s reelection represents a historic low point for Black political power in the United States, and only a radical movement will save us.
That this moment could be a low point might seem counterintuitive. In Washington, D.C., the Congressional Black Caucus recently celebrated the swearing in of 62 members a record number to the U.S. House of Representatives. Data shows that, even if most of us did not agree with their decision, some Black voters swinging to the right in Ohio and nationally helped Trump secure his second victory.
Underlying these indicators of Black political strength, however, is a reality of mostly token leadership among Democrats and no path for any meaningful influence among Republicans. The Congressional Black Caucus members almost exclusively represent gerrymandered districts that concentrate the Black vote, guaranteeing their victories and eliminating any pressure to deliver big change for their constituents. Although, some Black people helped Trump win, his only Black cabinet secretary owes his political career to a Texas oil billionaire and will lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. That’s one of the smallest cabinet-level agencies representation matters, but power matters more.
It’s easy to blame this lack of progress on common culprits like the Democratic Party, racism, or oligarchs. Indeed, the Democratic
By Morgan Harper
Party is managed by a gerontocracy that gatekeeps power and is woefully out of touch with the average American, as evidenced by the horrific messaging on cost of living during the presidential campaign and the total lack of accountability for this failure since then. The United States does have a history of systematic discrimination against Black people, the ripple effects of which the country is still disputing. Consequently, we are living in a period of more concentrated wealth among a few individuals and very valuable corporations than at any point since the Gilded Age, leaving everyone else grasping for scraps.
But if the MAGA movement has shown us anything, it’s that even a small percentage of the population can overcome any barrier and change society’s trajectory in a short period of time. Of course, it’s a truth our ancestors fighting for civil rights demonstrated to the country long ago. In this Black History Month of 2025, the KKK, big tech billionaires, and Donald Trump are organizing for power to define the next chapter of our nation’s history, are you?
Mixed Signals: Navigating My Black Identity
By Ajah Potts
When people ask me, “What are you mixed with?” I brace myself. It’s a question I’ve heard my entire life, usually followed by wide eyes and a too curious smile. I’ve learned to respond simply with, “I’m Black.” Yet even after that declaration, there’s often a pause, a flicker of confusion. To many, my story defies easy categorization and therein lies the complexity of my identity.
I grew up in a small town in Ohio, raised as a Black girl by a father who was unwavering in his belief that if you looked brown, you were brown. My dad, now in his 80s, lived through the civil rights movement and served as part of one of the first integrated Green Beret troops. His lessons about Blackness were direct and deeply rooted in history: it’s not just what you look like, but the life you live and the legacy you uphold.
My mother, on the other hand, has Greek heritage, with tan skin and jet-black hair that mirrors my own. Her complexion made it easy for me to assume that she, too, was Black. It wasn’t until I was in third grade when my dad casually mentioned her whiteness that my world tilted. I laugh about it now, but back then, I was devastated. How could my mom, who shared my features and shaped my world, be anything but Black? That early realization was my first encounter with the intricacies of racial identity.
Being biracial is a balancing act. In Black spaces, there’s often a subtle undercurrent of proving how “down” you are. Am I Black enough? Do I speak up enough? Have I been loud enough in my solidarity? In predominantly white spaces, I become the
unofficial translator of Black experiences. There’s an exhausting expectation to explain racism in palatable terms, to share personal stories so others can “understand.” And while there’s a growing sentiment that the oppressed should not bear the burden of educating the oppressor, I find myself torn between that truth and a sense of responsibility.
Sometimes, I think about Rachel Dolezal the infamous white woman who identified as Black—and the absurdity of it all. For those of us born into the complexity of mixedrace identity, the idea of choosing Blackness as a costume, rather than living its reality, feels both insulting and surreal. Blackness is not a choice; it’s an inheritance, a lived experience, and often, a heavy weight.
My experience growing up biracial has given me a unique lens on diversity, equity, and inclusion. I’ve seen firsthand how colorism, privilege, and bias shape perceptions. I’ve heard white family members assure me I’m “not like other Black people,” a phrase that cuts sharper with each repetition. And I’ve felt the sting of skepticism from Black peers, wondering if I truly belong.
This duality being too much and not enough can be exhausting. But it’s also my greatest strength. It allows me to bridge conversations, to challenge assumptions, and to fight for a world where identity isn’t a question mark, but a celebration. Black History Month reminds us of the courage, resilience, and complexity of Blackness in all its forms. Let’s honor that by being mindful of the questions we ask, and the weight they carry.
Columbus Black History Notables:
Arthur Boke was the first known African American born in Franklinton in 1803.
More than 200 years ago, even before the city of Columbus was founded, a white woman was nursing a Black child in Franklinton what is now known as Columbus Ohio. (1803)
Sarah Starling Sullivant, wife of Lucas Sullivant, a Deputy Surveyor and Founder of Franklinton, was the woman who nursed this black child who was the child? Arthur Boke, who was born in 1803 to a slave woman belonging to the Sullivant family in Franklinton Arthur’s mother abandoned him at birth.
Sarah Sullivant had compassion on this helpless baby and nursed him along with her son William. Sarah named the baby Arthur Boke after one of Lucas‘s white military friends who happened to be passing through Ohio in 1803. about the time of Arthur‘s birth. Who was Arthur
Boke and why should we consider his life?
Arthur was adopted by the Sullivants and raised with their sons, William, Michael, Joseph (the youngest and Arthur’s nurse in later years) and a daughter. Sarah Anne . The valuable lesson we learn from Arthur’s Boke’s beginning is that it is a teaching tool in that it shows people of different colors can live and work together. Arthur was taught the skill of surveying by Lucas Sullivant, the only Father he knew, being a slave Arthur was forbidden to learn to read and write. But Arthur was taught many skills by the Sullivants. The Sullivant Family (Arthur Boke included) lived together in Franklinton and now rest in Greenlawn Cemetery in the shadows of the Sullivant burial plot in Greenlawn Cemetery located on the Southwest side of Columbus, Ohio
In 1880 James Preston Poindexter became the first African American elected to the Columbus City Council.
Pictured above is a photographic reproduction of a portrait depicting Rev. James Preston Poindexter (18191907), was a abolitionist, pastor and politician. He moved to Columbus in 1838 with his wife Adelia Atkinson, where he lived until his death in 1907. Poindexter served as pastor of the Second Baptist Church. He assisted escaping slaves traveling through Columbus, founded the Colored Soldiers Relief Society during the Civil War, and served in political positions at the state and municipal level.
CC. W. Bryant Jr.
One of Columbus’ Earliest Black Businesses Owners
harles William Bryant Jr. was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1882. By the early 1900’s Bryant had become a prominent African American selftaught engineer and businessman. Bryant’s construction company undertook many projects in Columbus, Ohio to construct, demolish, and move buildings and even houses. The headquarters of the C. W. Bryant Moving and Rigging Company was located at N. Fourth Street in Columbus.
In 1919, Mr. Bryant was contracted to rebuild a temporary bridge over the Scioto River on Broad Street after it had been flooded out in 1913. It took his firm until 1921 to re-construct and build a new bridge out of wood. Bryant’s firm was also
C. W. Bryant Jr.
contracted to remove the original lighting arches in what is known today as the Short North on High Street. After many years they were more recently reerected.
Other notable construction projects the Bryant Company included demolition of the Ohio Supreme
C.W. Bryant Moving and Rigging Company contracted to remove the original lighting arches in what is known today as the Short North on High Street.
Court building, renovations at the Ohio Statehouse, the construction of South High School in 1923 and the dismantling of Hanford Village in 1962 for the construction of I-71 through town.
For all his successes, Bryant faced stark racial discrimination in his personal and professional life. In order to purchase a home in an all-white neighborhood, Bryant had to enlist the help of a white friend to make an all-cash purchase in
1918. Once he and his family had settled in, they experienced ongoing threats from the neighborhood,
W. Bryant Headquarters 1920-1925 N. Fourth Street
including a brick thrown through their front window with a drawing of a bomb attached.
Eventually Bryant’s jealous construction competitors forced him to close his construction and rigging firm because he was not a member of any of the city’s trade unions… that by the way didn’t even allow African Americans to join. Bryant pivoted his business model to building and owning his own chain of Bryco gas stations, owning the Litchford and Macon hotels, and the Ohio Malt Beverage Company – the first African American distributor in Columbus, Ohio – with a popular beer called PeBe 99.
This is one of the 14 Brycon Gas Stations Bryant owned. The one depicted here was located at the corner of Long and Garfield Streets.
C.
In 1919, Mr. Bryant was contracted to re-build a temporary bridge over the Scioto River on Broad Street after it had been flooded out in 1913
Dr. Frank W. Hale Jr. A Legendary Educator at The Ohio State University
Dr. Frank Hale was one of the most impactful African American educators who certainly did the most for Black students at The Ohio State University.
Dr. Hale turned Ohio State into the Nation’s Top Producer of African American PhDs and graduate degrees during the 1970s. He did so by instituting an annual Graduate and Professional Students Visitation Day program three months after his arrival at Ohio State University in 1971.
Using his experience as a United Negro College Fund board of trustee’s member, Dr. Hale invited annually about 300 seniors with 3.0 grade-point averages or better from historically black colleges to attend The Ohio State University each November and showed them how the university was committed to their success. It was an outreach effort backed up by $15 million dollars Dr. Hale secured from the administration each year to offer aid to those students who chose to complete their graduate studies as Buckeyes.
Dr. Frank Hale was among the 250,000 people in Washington, DC, in 1963 who stood transfixed as Martin Luther King Jr. stepped in front of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Frank W. Hale also was instrumental in working with the Department of Black Studies (now African American and African Studies) and the administration at Ohio State to create a Black Cultural Center on campus, which had been in limbo for over a decade. The renovated Bradford Commons
was designed to be a hub of education for students of different ethnicities where they could learn how various cultures enriched western and global civilization.
In honor of Dr. Hale’s work to secure the center and his service to the university, it was named The Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center for him upon its official opening in 1989. It is the only building on the OSU campus named for an African American other than the newer Jesse Owens Stadium.
Dr. Hale was inducted in the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame at age 83 and he counted it as one of his most memorable moments.
The Late Honorable Judge
Robert M. Duncan
IOne of Judge Robert Duncan’s Very Last Writings Penned for Mahogany Columbus’ Founder & Publisher C.
was honored and humbled when C. Sunny Martin requested that I write the foreword for this historic publication, 100 Years of African American Achievement at The Ohio State University.
Sunny was reared in Columbus, remains a resident and is thoroughly familiar with and affectionate towards the University. His late brother, United States Air Force Colonel George Martin MD, was a distinguished graduate of The Ohio State University as a undergraduate and also the Ohio State University College of Medicine. Unfortunately, in 2008, Colonel Martin met an untimely death while on duty. So, this publication regarding the University has a special meaning.
This work illustrates that Sunny has stayed true to his vision. I gratefully applaud Sunny, his associates and the University for their efforts in getting this work published.
I came to Ohio State as a first-year student in 1945, just as World War II was ending. Graduating from the Moritz College of Law in 1952, it has been my good fortune to have been close to this great university for more than 65 years. Over the years, the University has manifested its continuing faith in the principles of its land-grant mission. I was, like many other African Americans with meager financial resources, first in my family to attend a truly great University and receive the life-long benefit of a “world class” higher education.
As this work clearly points out, Ohio State has a long history of providing African Americans with opportunities for education; however, like most American institutions, it has some history of unfortunate racial segregation. When I came to Ohio State in 1945, there were no African Americans living on campus. Most of us lived on the east side of Columbus and commuted to campus by streetcar. For the most part, our student activity was on the east side, where we received a high level of support from the AfricanAmerican community.
Through the years, there has been a continuing presence of a strong African-American academic community at the University. After World War II, there were many black veterans who came to Ohio
Sunny Martin
By Robert M. Duncan
State with financial aid provided by the G.I. Bill of Rights. These veterans were mature, serious, worldly, studious and eager to become educationally armed to actively participate in social change. Their presence was extremely valuable, generally to the University and specifically to the African-American student community.
As a result of racial segregation there was a lack of opportunities in the South and numerous academically committed and gifted students migrated north to Ohio State and enrolled in graduate and professional programs. You will find some of them listed in this publication.
At The Ohio State University, I, like many others, had the opportunity to come to know greatness. During my first month at the University, it was my great fortune to meet William “Deke” Willis. From that time on, I was honored to be one of his many personal friends. He was one of this country’s greatest athletes – but an even greater human being.
This work chronicles the unequaled athletic and civic achievements of Jessie Owens. In 1948, Gloria Owens Hemphill was a student at Ohio State, and I was lucky to have become one of her many on-campus friends. Again, I as a member of the University community, I saw greatness by coming to know Jesse Owens and his wonderful family.
Ohio State experienced growth and change in the 1960s and l970s. We were fortunate to have campus activists and administrative leaders such as Vice Provost Frank Hale, who did much to design, lead and bring into reality a unique strategy to bring well qualified AfricanAmerican students to Ohio State’s graduate and professional programs.
From the 1980s and into the 21st century, we saw the fruits of increased diversity and inclusion efforts with a large influx of well qualified and talented AfricanAmerican students, scholars, academic leaders and administrators. Alex Shumate was the first AfricanAmerican chairman of the University board of trustees in 1997. I was honored to also serve as chair of the board in 2006-2007.
In 1959 the Local Columbus NAACP Chapter Galvanized African Americans to Protest at the Ohio State Capitol Building.
Black History at the Kelton House Museum and Garden Tour!
Thursdays – Sundays
Tours at noon, 1p.m., 2p.m., 3p.m. Though February 2025.
The Kelton’s held deep antislavery ideals. When Martha Hartway and her sister Pearl arrived at the Kelton house in 1864, Sophia and Fernando sheltered the fugitives. The girls had escaped slavery from a plantation in Powhaton County, Virginia and found shelter in the Kelton Home. Pearl soon left on her journey north to reach Canada, but Martha stayed as she was ill. Martha was
raised in the Kelton home. Visit us to learn more about this story and the Underground Railroad.
About: Although the Kelton family is the only family that owned the house, one other family made 586 E. Town Street, their home.
Columbus Black History Notables:
Deputy Chief Jeffery Blackwell and five commanders
Jessie Owens departing a train after winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games
Dwight Hudson was Ohio State University’s first African American drum major.
Rev. Jessie Jackson presidential campaign really at Columbus East High school in 1983
Liz Evans news personality at 610 WTVN Radio
Jerry Hammond, Columbus City Councils first African American president
Columbus Black History Notables:
1971 Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 at Veterans Memorial with WVKO’s Les Brown
Randy Ayers OSU first African American head basketball coach
Columbus Police Chief James Jackson’s Farewell salute
James “Buster” Douglas shocked the world in his defeat over Mike Tyson
“Comin-Home” festival and street party. 1988 Can you spot Councilman Mike Coleman and Angela Pace?
Fire Chief Ned Pettus, Safety Director Mitch Brown, City Attorney Janet Jackson, Mayor Michael Coleman, Police Chief Jackson
DEPP SETTLEMENT 1835 LUCY DEPP PARK 1926
One time resident and Co-historian, Gary Stetler, discovered the publication The Genealogist. The chapter titled Lucinda Depp and Her Descendants, authored by Professor Cameron Allen, is the Holy Grail of the Depp family, The Depp Settlement and Lucy Depp Park
Lucy Depp Park is a subdivision located about 6 miles north of Dublin on Dublin Road. It’s just north of Shawnee Hills, south of Twin Lakes, west of the Scioto River and east of Tartan Fields. It is about 102 acres. It was established in 1926 by Robert Goode as a recreational get away from Columbus for African Americans. They could also
purchase property when it was difficult for African American people to acquire land.
The area was originally purchased in 1835 by freed slave Abraham (Abram) Depp and was called The Depp Settlement. Abram was born a slave in 1791 in Powhatan (pau-uh-tan) County, Virginia near Richmond on a tobacco plantation owned by John and Elizabeth Depp. Abram’s mother, Lucinda (Old Lucy) Depp, had six children and her husband was unknown. There were three family members named Lucy Depp, Old Lucy, her daughter and Abram’s daughter.
John and Elizabeth were French Huguenots who
were persecuted for their religious beliefs and given the option of changing their religion or leaving the country. They chose to leave. This persecution is possibly the reason for their compassion to free six of their slaves.
At the age of 9 Abram began learning the trade of blacksmith and eventually assumed all those duties on the plantation.
The deed to Abram’s emancipation was dated March 1, 1801, when he was 10, with the stipulation he and one of his sons would be freed upon the death of his owner John Depp which didn’t occur until 30 years later in 1831. Old Lucy and the rest of her family had to remain to serve Elizabeth until her death in 1835.
At the time of John’s death, Abram was willed property, some money and a slave. For fear of being resold back into slavery, he had to leave Virginia and traveled to Columbus, Ohio and set up his trade as one of two blacksmiths in the
family. For him to have enough money for them to return to Ohio, he sold the land willed to him as well as the slave. Abram returned to Ohio in February of 1835 with his mother who was 70, his two daughters and his son however his wife Mary Goode died on the
with around 1400 acres. Abram was now able to assisted his brothers and sister to settle in central Ohio in 1836. The acquired land covered part of the Franklin, Delaware and Union counties. This is where Abraham built his home as well as the Scioto Baptist Church, the first black church in the township.
A conductor in the Underground Railroad is one who goes into the South and escorts slaves northward. Abram was a station master who uses his homestead as a sanctuary for runaway slaves passing through Ohio. One Underground Railroad route was following the Scioto River north. At the time there were caves near where Twin Lakes is currently located. The slaves would stay in the caves until the all clear bell was rung. The bell is still on the property. They would then make their way to the homestead, get provisions and travel to the next station.
In 1838 Abram married his second wife Chany Ellis and had six children.
“Old” Lucy Depp passed away in 1857 at the age of 92. She was probably the first to be buried at the Depp Cemetery located on the southeast bank of Twin Lakes.
Abram died in 1858 and enjoyed only 27 years of freedom.
In 1864 Abram’s sons Aurelius and John enlisted in the 27th U.S. Colored Troops out of Delaware, Ohio. They were in the two-day battle of Nashville and fought in Franklin, Tennessee and Decatur, Alabama during the Civil War. Aurelius returned to Ohio, farmed the 56 acres which was his father’s and the 77 acres of his wife’s land which was willed to her. Aurelius passed away around 1900. John Depp ended up in Oxford, NJ and married according to an 1880 census. Around 1900 they ended up in Slate Belt PA. John passed away in 1903.
Abram’s daughter Lucy, married Thomas Whyte, son of Dr. Samuel Whyte, and was willed the land where present-day Lucy Depp Park is located. She sold it to her relative Robert Goode. Robert was born May of 1875 in Delaware, Ohio.
Robert developed and sold lots at Lucy Depp Park. They had fishing, picnics, horseback riding, music, dancing and other events. There was a pond for fishing and one of the few places where blacks could swim.
Robert’s first wife Nan Baskerville Goode was my grandfather’s aunt and died January 1951. Robert then married Callie.
Robert died April 13, 1957. He is buried in Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus.
Callie continued to manage the sale of lots until the mid 1960s.
In the 1920s & 30s there were about 15 homes. In the 1960s there were about 36 homes. 35 Black owned homes and 1 White owned.
Today there are about 57 homes, 54 are occupied, 19 black owned homes and 35 White owned. With a diversity of ages and professions.
The Baskerville’s home was originally called Ioka Cottage and was built in 1932 by Mr. J. J. Lee Deputy Auditor of the City of Columbus.
Michael Hamilton, co-historian (614) 5708765
This is from The Genealogist. The chapter titled Lucinda Depp and Her Descendants, authored by Professor Cameron Allen.
When you’re young, you don’t fully understand the intentional steps your parents have taken to achieve their goals. I am proud to call Judge Monica Hawkins my mother and her journey is one I’ve grown to deeply admire, especially now as I reflect on all her sacrifices as a parent myself.
My earliest memories are when she worked for Franklin County Children’s Services. My mom was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, graduated from Independence High School, earned her degree from The Ohio State University, and started her career in social work. I didn’t fully understand her impact as a child, but I saw the intensity of her work firsthand helping families in crisis, witnessing heartbreaking situations, and serving our community tirelessly.
My mom always wanted to go to law school, but as a young mother, she put that dream on hold to raise me. When I reached high school and became more self-sufficient, she finally pursued her goal. I’ll never forget memories of her at the kitchen table, studying day and night, completely locked in. She graduated from Capital Law School, just down the street from where we grew up near Berwick and began practicing law. At the time, I was getting more notoriety as an athlete and receiving scholarship offers. When I went on to play football for the Buckeyes, my journey was often attributed to my father’s successful career as a football player and coach. Although my mom was racking up accolades in her own right, she
would often dim her light so that mine could shine.
Even after accomplishing her goal of becoming an attorney, she wasn’t done. She set her sights on becoming a judge. Her first campaign was tough, navigating politics as a Black woman presented many challenges.
Acquiring donors and funding for her campaign was an uphill battle. Despite strong community backing, she fell short, and I know it was difficult for her. But she never quit! She ran again, and won, making that one of our proudest moments as a family.
Now, as a judge for Franklin County Common Pleas Domestic Relations and Juvenile Division, she handles sensitive cases with significant implications for families and youth in our community. As a product of Columbus City Schools, with roots in OUR communities, making these critical decisions is powerful. Her work ensures fair representation for vulnerable youth, something that deeply resonates with me.
In November 2024, she was reelected, cementing her legacy. She’s always been my greatest example of perseverance and focus. Her ability to prioritize my success while achieving her own dreams, despite much adversity, has shaped who I am as a husband, father and entrepreneur.
Seeing her now as a grandmother to my children is incredible. She’s an inspiration, and its finally time for her light to shine fully.
JUSTICE & GRIT: A MOTHER’S LEGACY, A SON’S AMBITION
BY DIONTE’ JOHNSON, SOLE CLASSICS OWNER
This Year’s 2025 Class of Extraordinary Lawyers
and Financial Professionals
Marques Hillman Richeson, a Harvardtrained lawyer and Partner at Jones Day, is the quintessential servant lawyer using his platform at a global law firm to service his clients and his community. In doing so, he has taken to heart the words of his late mentor at Harvard Law School, Professor Charles J. Ogletree, Jr., who advised him: “you can do well and do good at the same time.”
In service to his Firm and its clients, Marques operates as national coordinating counsel for Fortune 500 and global companies, managing litigation in federal and state courts, at the trial and appellate levels. He provides strategic advice on matters relating to class actions and multidistrict litigation. Marques has emerged as a national thought leader in the product liability space, serving on Law360’s Product Liability Editorial Advisory Board, and as an active member of the Product Liability Advisory Council (“PLAC”), which is comprised of attorneys who advocate for product manufacturers and suppliers across the globe. At the local level, Marques has been appointed to the Local Rules Committee for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and the Commission on the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.
In service to his community, Marques has leveraged his legal training and experience to engage in pro bono advocacy in death penalty, wrongful conviction, clemency, asylum, and LGBTQ rights cases. In this capacity, he has represented organizations such as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Services & Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders (SAGE). Marques has filed briefs on critical social issues in the U.S. Supreme Court and
federal appellate courts.
Marques also dedicates a significant amount of time to educating and training the next generation of lawyers, both at home and abroad. He has served as an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, judged numerous mock trial and moot court competitions, and even taught trial advocacy in Nigeria. Indeed, as part of Jones Day’s Rule of Law in Africa initiative a program dedicated to strengthening justice and legal systems across Africa Marques served on the faculty that provided instruction to over 120 Nigerian public defenders, prosecutors, judges, and social workers.
Marques’s path of servant lawyering was a conscious choice. Charles Hamilton Houston—a prominent civil rights attorney who mentored Justice Thurgood Marshall—once said that “a lawyer is either a social engineer or a parasite on society.” Marques has chosen to be the former.
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Christian Gillikin, a dedicated lawyer at Bailey Cavalieri LLC, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the law to his practice in commercial real estate, corporate law, and transactional law. Since being licensed to practice law in 2019, Christian has already built a strong reputation as a versatile and capable attorney, currently entering his sixth year of practice. His practice areas span commercial real estate financing, land and project acquisitions, leasing, zoning and land use, corporate governance, and compliance, where he consistently provides thoughtful, expert counsel to clients across Ohio and the nation.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Christian moved to Westerville, Ohio at the age of seven, and grew up surrounded by the dynamic landscape of central Ohio. His formative years in Westerville shaped his academic trajectory, leading him to the Ohio State University where he earned a degree in Public Affairs from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs in 2013. His interest in law, sparked by a passion for history and politics, was further fueled by his fascination with the intersection of law and society. This drive guided him to the Michael E. Moritz College of Law at Ohio State, where he graduated in 2019.
Before law school, Christian honed valuable skills in various positions that emphasized communication, leadership, and problem-solving. He worked as a Legislative Aide for State Representative Alicia Reece and gained legal experience as a Law Clerk for the Law Offices of William L. Geary. These roles solidified his commitment to pursuing a career in law.
Since joining Bailey Cavalieri, Christian has become a key player in their commercial real estate and corporate law practices. His experience extends to advising clients in financing transactions, guiding land and project acquisitions, negotiating commercial leases, and navigating complex zoning regulations. His work is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to securing favorable outcomes for clients.
Beyond his professional work, Christian is deeply committed to volunteerism and community service. As the past Community Service Chair of the Black Law Students Association at Ohio State, and Co-Chair of the Columbus Bar Association’s Minorities in the Law Committee, he has made significant contributions to diversifying the legal profession. His involvement in the United Way’s Project Diversity Pride Leadership cohort of 2023 and his current role as a board member for Brown Girls Mentoring showcase his dedication to uplifting underrepresented communities.
With a bright future ahead, Christian Gillikin is not only shaping the legal world but is also playing an instrumental role in making it more inclusive, equitable, and accessible for future generations of leaders.
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CHRISTIAN GILLKIN
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY, BAILEY CAVALIERI
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Emmanuel Olawale is a trial attorney, author, and community advocate, renowned for his dedication to justice and client advocacy. He is the founder of The Olawale Law Firm, LLC, based in Westerville, Ohio, where he specializes in personal injury and immigration law. He started the firm with $500 to his name. Over his career, he has secured over $10 million in settlements and verdicts, helping injured victims and immigrants navigate complex legal challenge
Born and raised in Nigeria, Emmanuel migrated to the United States nearly three decades ago with no money but boundless dreams and an unshakable determination to succeed. His journey epitomizes the American Dream, as he worked tirelessly to overcome challenges and build a successful career. While attending college full-time, he worked as a security guard, caregiver, and library assistant to support himself. He later worked his way through law school, demonstrating perseverance and an unrelenting commitment to his goals.
Emmanuel earned his Bachelor of Science in Communication, Media Studies, and Journalism from the City University of New York, College of Staten Island, graduating with honors. He then obtained his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, launching his legal career to fight for justice on behalf of his clients.
A highly respected attorney, Emmanuel has been named to the Super Lawyers list from 2023 to 2025 and recognized among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and the National Black Lawyers Top 100. His legal expertise, coupled with his
compassionate approach to advocacy, has earned him a stellar reputation among clients and peers alike.
Beyond his legal practice, Emmanuel is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He funds a scholarship for immigrant law students at Capital University Law School, helping future attorneys achieve their dreams, just as he did. He also serves as a member of the President Advisory Board of Capital University Law School and is a board member of the African American Alumni Association, where he plays a pivotal role in mentoring and supporting students.
Emmanuel is also a published author, having written The Flavor of Favor: Quest for the American Dream—a Memoir, which chronicles his inspiring journey from Nigeria to becoming a successful attorney. He also authored Starting and Growing a Law Practice Without Breaking the Bank, offering practical insights for aspiring lawyers.
Additionally, he hosts the podcast Legal Angle with Emmanuel D-Law Olawale where he discusses legal issues, social topics, and culture, using his platform to educate and empower others.
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Sydney is a health care attorney in the Columbus Office of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. She focuses her practice on health care law including transactional, regulatory and compliance matters. Sydney has significant experience counseling clients on complex legal matters, including fraud and abuse issues, federal and state anti-kickback statutes, administrative appeals before government agencies, and preparing for and responding to payor audits for Medicaid and Medicare.
Sydney works closely with clients to navigate the intricate web of data privacy laws, ensuring that their data privacy practices are in compliance with HIPAA and that they can safely and efficiently handle sensitive patient and health-related information.
Additionally, Sydney is well-versed in Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program and Adult Use Cannabis regulations and provides guidance and advice to clients trying to navigate Ohio’s regulatory scheme.
Sydney has considerable experience representing behavioral health providers and long-term care providers—including nursing homes, assisted living facilities and in-home providers—as well as counseling physicians on compliance matters. She also has extensive experience in preparing employment agreements and negotiating and preparing transaction documents.
Sydney has represented several nursing homes and assisted living facilities in asset purchase and membership interest transactions and has assisted providers with enrollment, licensure, and certification issues. She understands
the fast-evolving and highly regulated health care sector and stays up to date on changing regulations and administrative rules.
Sydney is also a native of Columbus where she grew up on the North side and graduated from Northland High School. She received her B.A. in political science from Case Western Reserve University and her J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Her strong ties to Columbus drive her to get involved and give back to her community. Sydney has been on the Board of the John Mercer Langston Bar Association (JMLBA), the Black affinity bar for attorneys in Central Ohio, for several years and is the Immediate Past President of the organization. She has also been involved with the Columbus Bar Association, where she currently serves on its Board of Governors.
Sydney is passionate about diversity and inclusion and serves on Vorys’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Her dedication to engaging with the Columbus legal community is exemplified by her involvement with the Law and Leadership Institute (LLI) as a past member of its Diversity in Leadership Advisory Council, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) as a 2022 Pathfinder, and the Ohio Women’s Bar Association as a past member of its Leadership Institute.
Last year, Sydney was included in The National Black Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 in Ohio.
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SYDNEY N. PAHREN ATTORNEY
VORYS, SATER, SEYMOUR AND PEASE LLP
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David has become a highly respected and knowledgeable litigator by maximizing every opportunity for learning and growth—and he believes every person should get the same chance. His professional career began as a staffer for the Ohio Senate Minority Caucus, where staffed an array of legislative committees, helped shape policy priorities, and worked on constituent matters. Those years remain foundational for David, but he felt compelled to attend The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law to advance his skills and make his own mark.
During his second year of law school, David’s peers on the Ohio State Law Journal elected him the first Black Editor-in-Chief of the history of the publication. That year, he worked to create an atmosphere where everyone felt welcomed and heard. David won the Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Award for his efforts, given annually to only five recipients across the Ohio State community. He also received the Robert M. Duncan Award for his graduating class, named in honor of the federal judge who ordered the desegregation of Columbus Public Schools. Not coincidentally, David and his wife, Kaela (also a Duncan Award-recipient), named their son after Judge Duncan.
Upon graduation, David clerked for the Honorable Raymond A. Jackson of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Three years later, he clerked for the Honorable Rachel S. Bloomekatz of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. David’s perspective on effective advocacy comes from lessons learned working for both judges. He brings that
knowledge to every case he litigates at Taft.
Fortune has favored David—he’s gotten every break that a young attorney could ever hope for. But truthfully, his success started long born when his father started medical school at Ohio State before he was even born. Dr. Emmett C. Roper, Jr. overcame the negative forces that restrict too many talented people from reaching their potential and gave David a blueprint to follow. Many of David’s law school classmates are blazing the same trails for their families and they all deserve their own acclaim. The same goes for those who came before and had to find ways to rise in the face of prejudice.
David’s volunteer activities are a reflection of his values. He feels a keen sense of responsibility to pay it forward through community service and spending time with other young lawyers. He was recently elected as a trustee of the Godman Guild, one of Columbus’s oldest non-profit organizations. He is the Attorney Mentorship Chair for the John Mercer Langston Bar Association. And he is the Treasurer-designate for the Columbus Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. In addition, David is always willing mentor any law student who asks for his time—and he won’t be satisfied until the things he’s been able to do are truly open to everyone.
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DAVID ROPER ATTORNEY
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Attorney Tiara N. Ross is a native of Columbus, Ohio.
Attorney Ross completed her undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University, where she graduated, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Strategic Communication. Attorney Ross received her Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law in 2012 and has been a member of the Ohio Bar for twelve (12) years.
Tiara began her legal career in the financial banking industry, focused on financial crimes compliance supporting JPMorgan’s private equity and hedge fund clientele. In April of 2018, Tiara joined Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein’s Office as an Assistant City Attorney in the Zone Initiative. In this role, Tiara litigated issues surrounding fair housing and the elimination of public nuisance conditions and criminal activity contributing to blight in Columbus neighborhoods.
Today, Attorney Ross serves as one of two Black Americans in senior leadership at the Columbus City Attorney’s Office. She currently holds the titles of Deputy Chief of the Property Action Team and General Counsel for the City of Columbus’ Department of Inspector General.
In her role as Deputy Chief, Attorney Ross has used many lessons learned from litigating housing issues in underserved communities to build a framework for sustainable safety through intentional resident engagement. This model couples intensive and consistent engagement – through focused community forums and the collection of anecdotal evidence – with traditional asset mapping to reduce access barriers and create accountability amongst government and communities, providing for a comprehensive and sustainable
solution to addressing violence in crime stricken and dilapidated Columbus communities.
Attorney Ross’ deep commitment to safer communities extends to her work as general counsel for the City of Columbus Department of Inspector General, where she advises the department on issues, including but not limited to, Fourth Amendment concepts in law enforcement, labor law, and police policies and procedures.
In furtherance of Attorney Ross’ commitment to safe communities, she is credited as visionary and co-creator of a first of its kind “Community Immersion” training program for the Columbus Division of Police – a 192hour training program designed to develop cultural understanding and to forge relationships between police officers and the citizens of Columbus.
An active member of the Columbus Community, Attorney Ross currently sits on the board of several organizations including the John Mercer Langston Bar Association, Create Columbus Commission, and Kingdom Image Arts. Tiara is proud to have served as an Executive Board and Founding Member of the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals.
Tiara is a life-long member of the Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church where she actively serves in the Music & Arts and Women Be Blessed Ministries.
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TIARA N. ROSS
ASSISTANT COLUMBUS CITY ATTORNEY
Janay counsels’ clients, spanning from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies, on a broad range of employment matters. Her practice focuses on advising clients on a wide range of employment issues. Janay has significant experience leading internal investigations for employers facing complaints of unlawful harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other misconduct.
Janay routinely defends employers in state and federal court and administrative agencies throughout the country against allegations of discrimination and harassment, accommodation and leave violations, breach of or enforcement of restrictive covenants, wrongful termination and other matters.
Janay’s ambition and dedication to her community inspired her to create the Vorys Initiative for Business Empowerment (VIBE). This program provides free or low-cost legal services to minority-owned businesses in communities where Vorys has offices. She guided the initiative’s development during its creation in 2020 and has continued leading the program since. During 2024, more than 600 pro bono hours were logged for nearly 30 clients as part of the VIBE program.
Her innovative approach to the practice of law has earned Janay acknowledgement from Chambers and Partners as a Leading Lawyer in Labor and Employment and by The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for “Business Organizations”” and “Labor and Employment Law – Management.” Additionally, she was one of ten lawyers nationwide to be named to the shortlist for the 2024 Chambers USA “DEI: Outstanding Contribution
Award,” which honors partners who have shown an outstanding commitment to DEI in the legal profession.
Janay was the founder and inaugural chair of the Vorys Diversity Network, a dedicated space where Vorys’ racially and ethnically diverse, LGBTQ+ and differently abled lawyers build community, promote the professional and leadership development of the firm’s underrepresented groups and leverage their perspectives and experiences to support and advance broader firm initiatives.
Janay’s participation in the legal community includes serving as a board member of Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio and a member of the John Mercer Langston Bar Association (JMLBA), which is the Black affinity bar for attorneys in Central Ohio. She previously served as president of the JMLBA and sat on the board of governors for the Columbus Bar Association. She also served as adjunct faculty at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, instructing on the topic of employment discrimination.
JANAY M. STEVENS PARTNER
VORYS, SATER, SEYMOUR PEASE LLP
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Ryan is an associate in the Vorys Columbus office and a member of the Vorys eControl practice group. His practice focuses on eCommerce, brand protection, product diversion and intellectual property enforcement. He counsels clients, including national retail brands from a wide range of industries and Fortune 100 companies.
Ryan helps lead the Vorys eControl international enforcement team, coordinating with the firm’s London and Berlin offices and developing enforcement strategies for clients in the United Kingdom, European Union, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.
He helps these international clients, along with numerous clients in the United States, create brand protection strategies and combat bad actors that are selling products online illegally, operating counterfeit schemes or violating intellectual property laws.
In addition to his legal practice, Ryan takes pride in his work on Vorys’ committees, where he likes to say that he’s “helping to build the Vorys of the future.” As a member of the mentorship committee, he works with new attorneys to advise and encourage them as they develop their careers at Vorys. Additionally, Ryan frequently participates in Vorys’ hiring and recruitment initiatives, through which the firm has attained numerous recognitions for its progressive hiring practices, including the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance’s “Tipping the Scales” recognition and Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Rule Certification.
He also serves as an ambassador for the firm’s innovative eControl practice, traveling and delivering presentation at events, including his
presentation “Ecommerce and You: Protecting Yourself from Scammers and Thieves on Amazon and Other Marketplaces” at Xerox’s annual One Conference.
Ryan was selected as a member of the 2022 class of Legal Pathfinders, a program offered by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity that provides high-potential diverse attorneys with foundational leadership skills and relationshipbuilding resources.
Outside of the firm, Ryan is also focused on making a difference. He has sat on the professional ethics committee for the Columbus Bar Association since 2024. He is a member of the John Mercer Langston Bar Association, a Columbus-based organization dedicated to promoting professional development, networking, mentoring and community activism for black attorneys, and previously served as its president from 2022 through 2023. He is also a board member of the Columbus Academy Alumni Association.
Prior to joining Vorys, Ryan worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and served as a law clerk for the Franklin County Municipal Court.
Ryan received his J.D. from Capital University Law School and serves as Vorys’ outreach representative at the university. He received his B.S. from Miami University.
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RYAN WHEELER ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
VORYS, SATER, SEYMOUR PEASE LLP
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Linda Brown’s passion for corporate responsibility is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up in Cleveland, she was inspired by her mother, an educator who devoted her life to serving students and the community. Whether it was staying late to help struggling students or volunteering for local causes, her mother’s selfless leadership left a lasting impression on Linda. It sparked a desire within her to pursue a career where she could also make a meaningful difference.
For more than a decade, Linda has dedicated her career to helping Huntington National Bank communicate to its 20,000+ colleagues and the broader community. Most recently, as the Senior Vice President, Director of Corporate Responsibility Communications, Linda oversees internal and external communications related to corporate responsibility including community development and philanthropic initiatives. She is focused on shaping Huntington’s story and its impact on society and the economic stability of the communities it serves.
Known for her strategic thinking and innovative approach, Linda has been instrumental in developing relationships with key community partners. Her ability to make connections by bringing diverse voices and perspectives into the conversation has helped foster a welcome to all culture across the bank. She believes in the power of collaborative dialogue to drive positive change, and her expertise in developing purpose-driven messaging has helped strengthen Huntington’s brand.
Huntington’s commitment to corporate responsibility has been a
cornerstone of the bank’s identity since its founding by P.W. Huntington in 1866. Linda has played a critical role in ensuring the bank remains true to its core purpose of making people’s lives better, helping businesses thrive, and strengthening the communities it serves.
Huntington is focused on creating economically vibrant communities and is committed to deepening connections through its Multicultural Banking program, which focuses on providing banking services in multilingual neighborhoods.
Huntington plays a critical role in preparing the next generation through initiatives like the Ron Clark Academy/Ignite the Classroom partnership and collaboration with Junior Achievement. The company’s “Reality Day” program encourages financial literacy among students, empowering them with knowledge about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial management. Linda’s role is to tell the story about Huntington ’s corporate responsibility efforts.
Jo’el Jones is a trailblazing leader who serves as vice president of community reinvestment at Civista Bank. Jo’el leads transformative initiatives designed to empower underserved communities and foster sustainable development. Civista Bank has a long-standing commitment to community reinvestment, playing a pivotal role in economic development by providing affordable housing loans, supporting small businesses, and engaging in philanthropic efforts.
Jo’el’s leadership ensures that Civista’s mission “to improve the financial lives of our customers, employees, and shareholders, to make a difference in the communities that we serve” is realized while maintaining excellence in federal compliance standards as it pertains to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).
Jo’el’s innovative approach to community reinvestment has positioned her as a national thought leader, championing economic mobility for marginalized populations. Her career reflects an unwavering dedication to advancing equity and inclusion, from her previous occupation as the Director of Workforce Development to supporting U.S. military families across five states.
As a former Ohio State Representative candidate, Jo’el passionately advocated for policies addressing poverty and homeland security, recognizing this as a critical issue for America’s future. She is deeply committed to dismantling systemic barriers and elevating marginalized voices, a dedication that resonates throughout her professional and advocacy work.
Jo’el’s impact extends far beyond
her corporate role. She is a soughtafter speaker, captivating audiences with her thought-provoking insights and actionable strategies. As a TEDx speaker, she inspires audiences to reimagine the potential of urban communities. Her expertise has been showcased at prominent platforms such as the Columbus Metropolitan Club, where she highlighted the struggles of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families in Ohio.
Her influence is also evident in her global and national advocacy work. Jo’el served as a United States representative to the International Reconciliation Conference on Slavery in Benin, Africa, and appeared in the groundbreaking, award-nominated Frontline documentary Left Behind. The film explores how systemic inequality, urban disinvestment, and poverty have combined to leave certain populations struggling to thrive in an increasingly polarized society.
Jo’el co-founded Neighborhoods Over Politics, a non-partisan organization established in 2015 to mobilize voters through civic engagement and events like the annual Rock Da Vote rally.
Recognized in Dayton, Ohio, as a SHERO honoree, Jo’el’s influence transcends geographic boundaries. Her journey as a facilitator, advocate, and innovator reflects her belief in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change. Whether advancing financial equity through her role at Civista Bank, addressing systemic inequalities, or mentoring the next generation of changemakers.
Jo’el is a member of the Board of Directors for Community Housing Network Columbus, OH. Widowed, Jo’el resides in Columbus, Ohio with her two sons.
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JO’EL JONES VICE PRESIDENT
Empowering Business Owners with Financial Clarity:
Dana Raymond is a dedicated Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and financial educator with a deep passion for empowering small business owners. With over two decades of experience in the accounting and finance world, Dana’s mission is to simplify financial complexities and provide the clarity needed for businesses to thrive.
Dana holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Dayton. Her career began as an auditor with Ernst & Young, LLP, where she honed her skills in financial analysis. She spent 13 years at Nationwide Insurance and has been an Accounting Adjunct Professor at Franklin University for over 12 years. She later transitioned to working with small businesses as a Controller. It was during these years that Dana recognized the challenges small businesses face in navigating financial management.
In 2024, Dana founded D2C Accounting Solutions, LLC, where she combines her expertise in accounting with a passion for financial education. At D2C Accounting Solutions, Dana provides accounting services and financial education to small businesses, helping owners understand their financial statements.
“When I tell people the name of my company, I often get asked, ‘What does D2C mean?’ It stands for my core values: Dedication, Togetherness/Partnership, and Clarity—specifically, Financial Clarity,” Dana explains. These values are the foundation of her approach, which emphasizes collaboration,
transparency, and personalized service.
Dana’s philosophy sets her apart from other accountants. “I’m not your typical accountant,” she says. “It’s not just about the numbers; it’s also about building relationships.” Dana believes that every number in a financial statement tells a story, and her goal is to ensure business owners not only understand their financial data but also use it as a tool to make strategic decisions that will drive growth and lead to long-term success.
D2C Accounting Solutions offers small and medium-sized businesses the flexibility to access high-level financial expertise without the cost of a full-time executive. This model is ideal for companies that need strategic guidance but lack the resources for a full-time CFO. Dana provides tailored support designed to address the distinctive challenges and growth phases of each business.
What makes Dana truly unique? She brings the rare combination of a CFO with a CPA, offering both strategic financial leadership and a deep technical understanding of accounting principles. For small businesses, this blend provides the perfect balance of high-level financial strategy and precise financial reporting.
D2C Accounting Solutions is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Outside of her professional life, Dana is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and is a proud wife and mother of three sons. You can connect with Dana at
d2caccountingsolutions.com.MAHOGANY
DANA RAYMOND
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNT
D2C ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS
EMPOWERING BUSINESS OWNERS WITH FINANCIAL CLARITY
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With a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Ryen manages and develops tailored solutions for a diverse portfolio of commercial clients in Central Ohio. His strategic approach focuses on building strong relationships to understand clients’ needs and provide customized banking solutions, including loans, deposits, treasury management services, financial risk management and business ownership transition.
Ryen began his banking career in 2006 as an intern in a leadership development program. After graduating from the University of Akron in 2008, he started his first full-time role as a commercial credit analyst. During the 2008 financial crisis, he developed extensive expertise in credit underwriting, which he credits as a pivotal milestone in his career that shaped his future as a Commercial Banker.
One of Ryen’s most memorable experiences was helping a local family-owned business navigate financial challenges during the pandemic. By understanding their unique needs and providing tailored solutions, he helped them not only survive but thrive in a difficult economic climate. This experience reinforced his belief in the importance of personalized service and building strong client relationships.
Ryen’s dedication to his clients’ success makes him a trusted partner in the commercial banking industry. He lives by the philosophy: “Success is not just about achieving your goals, but also about empowering others to achieve theirs.”
In addition to his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Akron, Ryen holds a master’s degree in Corporate Finance Management from Ohio Dominican University. He also earned the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation in 2008.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Ryen is a die-hard Buckeye fan and a devoted family man. He cherishes time with his high school sweetheart and wife of 14 years, along with their two daughters. As a proud “Girl Dad,” Ryen balances his professional life with active community involvement. He co-chairs Fifth Third’s Local African American Business Resource Group and serves on the board of Children’s Hunger Alliance, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood hunger in Ohio.
RYEN STEWART, CTP
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER IN THE COMMERCIAL BANKING DIVISION FIFTH THIRD BANK
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The Heart of the Matter: Cardiovascular Health Initiatives for Columbus’ African American Community
In Columbus, Ohio, a silent health crisis demands our attention. African Americans in Franklin County face a 22% higher death rate from heart disease compared to white residents. This American Heart Month let’s focus on this critical issue and the local efforts making a difference.
Cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure, poses a heightened risk for African Americans due to various factors. Conditions like hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) further increase these risks.
As the founder of PressureMD, I’ve seen firsthand how personalized care can change lives. Our practice specializes in managing hypertension and early-stage CKD, two critical risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We offer blood pressure
By Christopher Brown MD, MPH, FACP
management, medication titration, and lifestyle counseling tailored to each patient’s needs.
At PressureMD, we understand the unique challenges faced by the African American community in managing heart health. Our approach combines patient empowerment with personalized treatment plans, addressing both hypertension and CKD to significantly reduce cardiovascular risks.
To schedule an appointment with PressureMD, visit our website at www.pressuremd.com or call us at 614-362-8542. We’re committed to providing accessible, high-quality care to our community.
Local initiatives are also stepping up. The African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA) hosts an annual Wellness Walk, providing thousands of free health screenings. The Central Ohio American Heart Association’s “Check. Change. Control.” program has helped over 2,000 Columbus residents manage their blood pressure since 2023.
Take action for your heart health:
1. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation at PressureMD to assess your cardiovascular risk factors.
2. Join the AAMWA Wellness Walk on August 9th, 2025, at Genoa Park.
3. Visit a Columbus Public Health community clinic for a free blood pressure check.
4. Attend “Heart Healthy Cooking” classes at the King Arts Complex.
Your heart matters and caring for it strengthens our entire community. Columbus is uniting for healthier hearts through specialized care and community initiatives. Let’s make our city a beacon of heart health, starting with you. Together, we can beat heart disease, one heartbeat at a time.
Real Estate Success in 2025: Tips for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
The Central Ohio real estate market is expected to remain dynamic in 2025, providing unique opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors. Whether you’re entering the market for the first time or building on prior experience, these tailored tips will help you navigate the market effectively and confidently.
Tips for Home Buyers in 2025
1. Understand Your Budget Early: Mortgage rates are expected to stabilize in 2025, but affordability remains a critical factor. Get pre-approved for a loan to understand what you can afford and position yourself as a serious buyer.
2. Be Ready to Act Quickly: Homes in Central Ohio, especially in popular areas like Canal Winchester and Grove City, often sell quickly. Have your financing and documents ready to move on the right property without hesitation.
3. Think Long-Term Value: Focus on homes that will appreciate over time. Look for desirable locations, school districts, or homes with the potential for upgrades that will increase resale value.
4. Consider New Construction: Builders in Central Ohio are offering attractive incentives, such as rate buy-downs or closing cost assistance. Exploring new construction options could provide you with a modern home and financial benefits.
Tips for Home Sellers in 2025
1. Set the Right Price: Pricing is everything in today’s balanced market. Collaborate with your agent to set a competitive price based on recent sales and market trends to attract serious buyers.
2. Optimize Your Home’s Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Simple improvements like fresh paint, updated landscaping, and clean exteriors can make your home stand out to buyers.
3. Be Strategic About Timing: Listing your home early in the year, when inventory is still building, can give you a head start on motivated buyers before the competitive spring market.
Tips for Real Estate Investors in 2025
1. Focus on High-Growth Areas: Neighborhoods experiencing development or revitalization, like parts of downtown Columbus, offer strong
By Rebecca Collins
investment potential for long-term appreciation and rental income.
2. Diversify Property Types: Consider adding multi-family properties, vacation rentals, or commercial spaces to your portfolio to spread out risks and tap into different income streams.
3. Research Local Regulations: Stay informed on zoning laws, property tax changes, and rental regulations in Central Ohio, as these can impact your investment strategy.
4. Leverage Market Opportunities: Builders may offer discounts on new multi-family or singlefamily investments, allowing you to secure deals with strong potential returns.
5. Work with a Professional Team: Real estate investment success often relies on a solid team of experts, including real estate agents, property managers, and accountants familiar with the Central Ohio market.
By following these tips, buyers, sellers, and investors can make informed decisions in Central Ohio’s thriving real estate market. Whether you’re finding your dream home, making a strategic sale, or building your portfolio, 2025 promises to be full of opportunities for those prepared to seize them.
This year’s National Day of Racial Healing, sponsored by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, emphasized the importance of children growing up in supportive communities that nurture their talents and stimulate their desire to learn in school. In a short video presentation, the foundation’s president and CEO, La June Montgomery Tabron, discussed how all children deserve to live their lives free from “racism, discrimination, and bias” and that they should grow up in a “just world” where “everyone can succeed.”
Enabling children to grow up in the “just world” that the W. K. Kellogg Foundation envisions will always be more than a daunting challenge. In thinking about our present times, race relations have greatly improved since the Jim Crow era and the civil rights movement. Our nation is more racially and ethnically diverse than at any period in our history, and the U.S. Census Bureau projects that people of color will comprise over 50% of our population by 2044.
By Jessica A. Johnson, PhD.
As an educator, I have a significant role in helping shape a “just world” for the future of our students. I work with college kids, a cohort older than the children mentioned in the W. K. Kellogg Foundation video. This coming spring semester, I’ll teach a African American sports history class at Ohio State University’s Lima campus. This course falls under the general education requirement of “Cultures and Ideas and Diversity: Social Diversity in the United States.” I explain to students at the beginning of the course that they will be studying race relations in our country through sports history and integration. After we viewed the 2016 biopic “Race,” we discussed how Jesse Owens and boxing great Joe Louis became American symbols of patriotism and democracy in triumphing over German athletes Luz Long and Max Schmeling during the 1930s. My students found it extremely interesting that Owens and Louis were among the first Black athletes to be deemed as Americans and how their feats helped inch the country toward integration. I also pointed out that Long and Schmeling rejected the Nazi propaganda of Adolf Hitler’s regime and befriended their Black athletic rivals. One student mentioned watching “Race” allowed her to have a deepened understanding of how intense discrimination was when Jesse Owens was a student-athlete at Ohio State, and she expressed appreciation for how far we have come.
My final thoughts on the W. K. Kellogg Foundation’s continued theme of racial healing are that for it to happen, we must be divinely transformed, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught and preached. King wrote that we “must become new creatures,” referencing 2 Corinthians 5:17, and “transformed nonconformists” by opening ourselves up to love all people through Christ. Through this love, we “gain the strength to fight vigorously the evils of the world in a humble and loving spirit.”
Jessica A. Johnson is a senior lecturer in the English department at Ohio State’s Lima campus.
Helen Jenkins Davis
She Was the First African American Teacher in the Columbus Public School District
The Lunch Bunch is a sponsor of the Helen Jenkins Davis Scholarship, started in January 1987 with an invitation by Catherine T. Willis and the late Thelma J. Givens to a group of retired teachers to meet monthly for lunch. While they enjoyed these social gatherings, they felt an urge to identify a purpose that would contribute to their community. Having taught in urban schools, they were keenly aware of the needs and struggles of many students. They decided to establish a scholarship to be awarded every year in recognition of Helen Jenkins Davis, the first African American teacher in the Columbus City Schools.
Helen Jenkins Davis graduated in the top 5 percent of the Columbus Normal School and attended Ohio State University and Capital University. However, due to discriminatory practices in the public education system, she had to wait approximately two years before being appointed to teach in the Columbus Public Schools in 1918. Her teaching career as one of the first African American teachers in an integrated school spanned over three years. After retiring in 1954, Helen Jenkins Davis continued to promote public education and was a lead witness to testify in Federal Court before the Honorable Judge Robert Duncan in a discrimination lawsuit against
the Columbus Public Schools. She spoke of the inequality of teaching assignments and the unequal distribution of books and supplies in schools for predominantly African American students.
The purpose of The Lunch Bunch is to encourage high scholastic and ethical standards among the students of the Columbus City Schools by providing needed financial support to African American graduating seniors. Initially funded solely by member donations, the organization recognized the need to provide more substantial support to help with the rising costs of college education. After qualifying as a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, they embarked on successful fundraising events that have enabled them to significantly assist more students with larger stipend amounts. Successful fundraising efforts and generous donors have allowed The Lunch Bunch to award $3,000 scholarships to Columbus City Schools’ scholars for the past three years. Overall, more than $226,000 has been awarded to 193 outstanding students of the Columbus City Schools.
Although The Lunch Bunch began 37 years ago with a group of retired educators, they now extend an invitation to any woman who supports their mission and purpose to become a member. They welcome all financial donations. Information about The Lunch Bunch, how to become a member, and how to donate can be found on the organization’s website: helenjenkinsdavisscholars.org. The Lunch Bunch has also established a Facebook page: Helen Jenkins Davis Scholarship Lunch Bunch.
JOHN MERCER LANGSTON BAR ASSOCIATION:
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF BLACK ATTORNEYS IN CENTRAL OHIO
The John Mercer Langston Bar Association (JMLBA) is Central Ohio’s first unified bar association for Black lawyers. Founded in May 1998 by an inspired coterie of black lawyers, the organization started as a forum to share ideas, brainstorm, and create strategies for the betterment of Black attorneys. JMLBA was formally incorporated in 1999 and continues to support Black attorneys and the broader Central Ohio community.
Over 150 years since the organization’s namesake was refused admission into law schools on account of his race, and 144 years since he was admitted to the bar in the State of Ohio, the founders of the JMLBA sought to address the interpersonal and structural racism that still persists in the legal profession, and which too often restricts capable people from being their best. The JMLBA was therefore born out of necessity than of comfort and its core purpose is to empower future generations of Black attorneys and enable them to show up every day in their authentic and unapologetic selves.
Since its inception, the JMLBA has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and awarded dozens of scholarships to law students at Capital University
Law School and The Ohio State Moritz College of Law, with at least two scholarships awarded annually to students at each institution. Over the last several years, the organization has collaborated with other bar associations, law firms, and institutions to advance their professional advancement initiatives. Additionally, the JMLBA hosts its own mock interview and resume workshop, an annual reception for first year law students, and maintains a student mentorship program.
“We continue to carry the torch as an organization dedicated to the advancement of excellence and a strong voice for issues affecting attorneys in general and attorneys of color in particular,” Humphrey Kweminyi, the current President of the JMLBA Board of Directors says. “In my view, the greatest way in which we can honor the legacy of those who paved these paths for us, is to elevate our commitment to serve each other, and advocate for our members, law students and community fearlessly.” He adds.
In addition to resources and funding for law students, JMLBA offers a full calendar of events, including networking for professionals and myriad additional learning opportunities, including opportunities for
continuing legal education credits. The organization looks forward to reviving their attorney-mentorship program with a plan to bring the program into compliance with the Ohio Supreme Court’s requirements for new attorney CLE credit. Finally, the JMLBA remains passionate about giving back through volunteerism and events that have a genuine impact on the Columbus community.
With diversity, equity, and inclusion programs facing unwarranted attacks, the JMLBA is meeting the moment. This year, the organization established The John Mercer Langston Bar Foundation (JMLBF) to increase its fundraising power and outreach efforts. With this new tool, law students will see increased financial support while attorney members will enjoy enhanced programming. The JMLBA’s mission is as important now as it has ever been and the JMLBA will not retreat from its mission in the face of irrational opposition.
“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to serve on the Leadership Team of JMLBA and am so proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish together to advance, promote, and support Black attorneys in Central Ohio” says Tiara Ross, the President Elect
of the organization who is a candidate vying for the Columbus City Council seat left vacant by the election of Shayla Favor as Franklin County Prosecutor in the last election cycle. “The wealth of network and opportunity created by the community we have built is attributable only to the generations of leaders upon whose shoulders we stand. I look forward to continuing this work and pursuing progress, equity and justice for our community” she adds sharing her vision for JMLBA future leadership.
“As with all past generations of JMLBA leadership, the current Leadership Team understands that our core strength as Black people is found in our community and that our hope rests in future generations. We embrace both wholeheartedly.” Humphrey notes.
The greatest representation of our community is the annual JMLBA Gala. This year, our Gala is scheduled for April 5, 2025 at 6pm at the Columbus Museum of Art. We would love to see you there. Find more details about the organization and the gala at www.jmlba. org or by sending an email to jmlbapresident@jmlba. org. Consider donation to the JMLBF Scholarship Fund today via the website.
Some people find this attractive.very
The Top 2 indicators that an organization is at risk:
#1 Employees are not trained to incorporate changing laws and regulatory requirements related to data security and compliance.
#2 56% of data security incidents are caused by organizational, employee or contractor negligence, costing on average $484,000 per incident.
As these statistics reveal, company managers, technicians and quality control personnel are often improperly trained and unequipped to manage the many data security risks at hand, primarily at the point of data-at-rest.
Proper risk assessment and mitigation, training, onsite data containment, auditing, reconciliation, data destruction with verification, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance are all critical factors in maintaining routine, secure data-rich operations.
Fortunately, these are all areas of our expertise.
Our field teams are highly trained, qualified, and certified to enhance security controls and to provide proven best practices onsite.
Innovation and experience have shaped us as the subject matter expert in end-of-life data and lifecycle ecosystem management – to achieve unmatched industry compliance, and to protect our partners from statistics like these.
