Latest news with #SNCC
CBC
30-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Cannabis grow operation in Six Nations sparks concern in community
Social Sharing A cannabis grow operation's proximity to Six Nations' downtown and its potential environmental impacts is causing concern with some neighbours. Nancy Porter lives with her 82 year-old mother on property that's been in their family for generations. Their backyard deck overlooks a three-metre tall berm made of dirt. Behind it are 55-plus greenhouses that have been erected over the past few months. "It's a 60-70 acre [24-28 hectare] field, open field and you're still putting more in," she said of the ongoing project. The Six Nations Cannabis Commission (SNCC) was established in 2019 to regulate cannabis businesses on Six Nations of the Grand River, near Hamilton, Ont. According to the application process on the commission's website, there is a 15-day public notice period during which the applicant "must post a placard in a conspicuous location on the proposed property" and notices would be circulated "to residents in close proximity to the proposed site to elicit responses supporting or opposing the project." Porter said she was never informed prior to the start of the project. "Why was nobody told? Why could we not, you know, address our concerns then before everything started?" she said. An online petition is calling for the commission to revoke the project's licence, citing the operation's proximity to downtown Ohsweken, as well as a daycare, schools, and Iroquois Lodge, a long-term care facility for elders, as well as environmental concerns. "My question all along was 'How can this happen?" said Porter. Porter said she's been trying to get answers for the past year from Six Nations Elected Council and the SNCC. Other concerned community members have been organizing protests and neighbourhood meetings to voice their grievances over the operation. An environmental site assessment is also listed as part of the application process. "There was never any environmental study done on it; that was confirmed in the commission meeting when I went with my concerns," Porter said of a SNCC meeting she attended in July 2024. In addition to the noise caused by transport trucks and other large vehicles driving up and down the laneway next to hers, Porter said her property has incurred flooding as a result of the berm. Porter said construction blocked a natural waterway behind her property which resulted in significant flooding twice over the past year. This spring she said it nearly reached the tile bed of their septic system which is just six or seven metres from their home. Porter said one of the workers came and dug a small ditch next to the berm which allowed the water to drain from her property but she wondered whether it was a permanent solution. She and her neighbours are also worried about potential contamination of the soil and groundwater because they have cisterns and a well. Commission says it is ensuring compliance In a May 1 statement posted to its website and Facebook, SNCC said neighbours in the area had contacted the commission to share their concerns. "Legacy Farms has made several accommodations to address these concerns where possible," the statement said. "The Six Nations Cannabis Commission will continue to ensure compliance with the Six Nations Cannabis Law and community safety." The statement said the commission had been informed "the cultivation operation will be conducted above ground in pots, which limits chemicals leaching into the groundwater. The pesticides proposed for use are regulated by Health Canada and are less harmful than those used in vegetable plants." CBC Indigenous was unable to reach anyone from the SNCC despite several attempts. The phone number listed on the website is incorrect; emails submitted via website form and sent to their general inbox were not responded to by time of publishing. CBC Indigenous also reached out to one of the commissioners listed on the website but did not receive a response by time of publishing. The May 1 statement said the commission was in the process of reorganization. According to the website, three out of five cannabis commissioner positions are vacant. CBC Indigenous also attempted to reach Legacy Farms, including the owner named on the licence, but did not receive comment by the time of publishing. Elected council seeks legal advice Porter also said she's seen non-band members living on the premises, which would be against the community's laws. The petition also cited the same issue. In its May 1 statement, SNCC said it had "conducted a thorough inspection of the premises and can confirm that there are no non-band members residing on the property. The facility does not have any living quarters; however, employees who work 12-hour shifts have access to cooking and shower facilities." Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council issued a statement May 16 acknowledging "the seriousness of the concerns shared by our community regarding outdoor growing of cannabis. As always, the health and safety of the community is paramount." "As part of our due diligence, SNGREC has sought legal advice on options to remedy and/or mitigate the current issues." Darrien Bomberry, public relations co-ordinator for Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council, said they are currently "waiting for legal advice, so there is nothing further to share at this time."
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Remembering Selma and finding inspiration for what we face today in Florida, U.S.
This month marks the 60th anniversary of the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, capping the struggle to pass the Voting Rights Act. It was the apex of the civil rights movement — fueled mainly by the unimaginable courage of young people, from lunch counter sit-ins in Greensboro to the Children's Crusade in Birmingham to the Freedom Rides to Mississippi Freedom Summer to Selma. I was so inspired by the moral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the bravery of those in the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) that when we received the telegram from King at my college's student government office pleading for volunteers, my two closest friends and I boarded a bus to Selma. Student government expertise with messy mimeograph machines got me assigned to the office at Brown Chapel to assist Rev. Andrew Young, King's lieutenant for the planned 54-mile march to confront then-Gov. George Wallace at the capitol in Montgomery. The national response to the march and the shocking murder of Viola Liuzzo, the Detroit mother of five who also came to Selma to volunteer, and other Klan murderous violence helped secure passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 The inspiration of Selma 60 years ago stayed with me, leading to a 45-year career as director of two state ACLU affiliates fighting for civil liberties and especially voting rights. If Selma was the apex of the civil rights movement, we are now witnessing the apex of the anti-human rights backlash — heard in President Donald Trump's absurd claim, echoed by acolytes like Gov. Ron DeSantis, that DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) is the source of all social ills. This attitude has roots in resentment over the 1964 Civil Rights Act's requirement of equal accommodations and the cartoonish characterization of affirmative action as a mandate to hire unqualified minorities over more qualified white candidates. The personification of this movement seems to be Archie Bunker, the sitcom character from All in the Family. The current hostility to human rights is also aimed at reproductive freedom, which is essential for women's equality. Unfortunately, we have yet to see that apex. Same story with regard to demonizing immigrants. And then there is the assault on transgender youth, supported by the belief that there are no non-binary persons and that gender dysphoria does not exist. It is, they claim, a political ideology to be shunned, therefore legitimizing discrimination against trans people. Eventually, folks will catch on to the many cons that bolster the backlash: 'We will end voter fraud and restore election integrity.' This is cover for 'we can cling to power by making it difficult for the 'wrong' people to vote.' 'We will restore a merit-based system. 'Anyone notice the qualifications of Trump's cabinet appointees? 'We will be true defenders of free speech,' but we are OK removing books from library shelves and restricting university discussions about Black history. 'We will restore sanity to our educational system.' This means that we will replace curriculum we dislike with our propaganda. It is naive to take it for granted that our democracy can't be disassembled. Study what happened in Viktor Orban's Hungary. That's the model leaders of the backlash have in mind for the U.S. An authoritarian right-wing populist won power in a democratic election — and then consolidated control over the judiciary, the universities, the media and other centers of dissent. Elections are manipulated to give the illusion of democracy. Democracy needs defending. This generation has a rendezvous to cross its Edmund Pettus Bridge. Let them take inspiration from the courage and humility of leaders like the late John Lewis, a hero of Selma, rather than the arrogance and historical blindness of J.D. Vance. Most of all, defending democracy depends on staying engaged — not retreating into silence and submission. Howard L. Simon served as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida from 1997-2018. He is president of the Clean Okeechobee Waters Foundation.
Miami Herald
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Remembering Selma and finding inspiration for what we face today in Florida, U.S.
This month marks the 60th anniversary of the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, capping the struggle to pass the Voting Rights Act. It was the apex of the civil rights movement — fueled mainly by the unimaginable courage of young people, from lunch counter sit-ins in Greensboro to the Children's Crusade in Birmingham to the Freedom Rides to Mississippi Freedom Summer to Selma. I was so inspired by the moral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the bravery of those in the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) that when we received the telegram from King at my college's student government office pleading for volunteers, my two closest friends and I boarded a bus to Selma. Student government expertise with messy mimeograph machines got me assigned to the office at Brown Chapel to assist Rev. Andrew Young, King's lieutenant for the planned 54-mile march to confront then-Gov. George Wallace at the capitol in Montgomery. The national response to the march and the shocking murder of Viola Liuzzo, the Detroit mother of five who also came to Selma to volunteer, and other Klan murderous violence helped secure passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 The inspiration of Selma 60 years ago stayed with me, leading to a 45-year career as director of two state ACLU affiliates fighting for civil liberties and especially voting rights. If Selma was the apex of the civil rights movement, we are now witnessing the apex of the anti-human rights backlash — heard in President Donald Trump's absurd claim, echoed by acolytes like Gov. Ron DeSantis, that DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) is the source of all social ills. This attitude has roots in resentment over the 1964 Civil Rights Act's requirement of equal accommodations and the cartoonish characterization of affirmative action as a mandate to hire unqualified minorities over more qualified white candidates. The personification of this movement seems to be Archie Bunker, the sitcom character from All in the Family. The current hostility to human rights is also aimed at reproductive freedom, which is essential for women's equality. Unfortunately, we have yet to see that apex. Same story with regard to demonizing immigrants. And then there is the assault on transgender youth, supported by the belief that there are no non-binary persons and that gender dysphoria does not exist. It is, they claim, a political ideology to be shunned, therefore legitimizing discrimination against trans people. Eventually, folks will catch on to the many cons that bolster the backlash: 'We will end voter fraud and restore election integrity.' This is cover for 'we can cling to power by making it difficult for the 'wrong' people to vote.''We will restore a merit-based system. 'Anyone notice the qualifications of Trump's cabinet appointees?'We will be true defenders of free speech,' but we are OK removing books from library shelves and restricting university discussions about Black history.'We will restore sanity to our educational system.' This means that we will replace curriculum we dislike with our propaganda. It is naive to take it for granted that our democracy can't be disassembled. Study what happened in Viktor Orban's Hungary. That's the model leaders of the backlash have in mind for the U.S. An authoritarian right-wing populist won power in a democratic election — and then consolidated control over the judiciary, the universities, the media and other centers of dissent. Elections are manipulated to give the illusion of democracy. Democracy needs defending. This generation has a rendezvous to cross its Edmund Pettus Bridge. Let them take inspiration from the courage and humility of leaders like the late John Lewis, a hero of Selma, rather than the arrogance and historical blindness of J.D. Vance. Most of all, defending democracy depends on staying engaged — not retreating into silence and submission. Howard L. Simon served as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida from 1997-2018. He is president of the Clean Okeechobee Waters Foundation.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Because he served humanity in many ways, the legacy of Dr. Silas Norman Jr. is felt today
'A driving force for diversity, fairness and compassion.' That is how many people described Dr. Silas Norman Jr. (May 25, 1941-July 17, 2015) during his lifetime. And a comprehensive study of Black history makers that impacted Detroit and beyond would not be complete without paying tribute to Norman, a former longtime faculty member at Wayne State University and so much more. During a purposeful life well lived, Norman's work as a civil rights activist in the 1960s led to the desegregation of city buses in his hometown of Augusta, Georgia. This followed a student protest led by Norman during his sophomore year at Paine College, also located in Augusta. Later, as a graduate student attending the University of Wisconsin, Norman returned to the South during the summer of 1964 to work for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee's (SNCC) Selma Literacy Project, in Alabama, which helped citizens pass voter registration tests that had been used to disenfranchise Black voters. But Norman was not done there, as he would become the director of SNCC's Alabama project and co-founder of the Poor People's Corporation, an initiative that helped sharecroppers start businesses when banks refused to lend them money. Then there were the many good works that Norman performed in metro Detroit after graduating from Wayne State University's School of Medicine in 1976. As a faculty member at Wayne State, Norman became an assistant professor of internal medicine and was later appointed assistant dean for admissions in 2003, and associate dean for admissions, diversity and inclusion in 2010. However, Norman, a past recipient of the 'Trailblazer Award' presented by Wayne State's School of Medicine, often extended his service to reach people in need off campus, too. A few examples include his service as a physician to the State of Michigan Prison System, where Norman delivered the highest standard of care to inmates and staff; serving as a consultant to the Detroit Health Care for the Homeless project, and chairing the Detroit-based Community Health Awareness Group, Inc. And the impact of Norman's life can still be felt today in metro Detroit, particularly through the Black United Fund (BUF) of Michigan's Future Docs for Tomorrow: Silas Norman Medical Scholars (SINORMS) Academy, which also demonstrates how Norman often converted words into meaningful actions. 'The program began with conversations that took place between Dr. Norman and Ruth Smith at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church for an extended period of time,' explained Dr. Linda Cobb-McClain, program director for BUF of Michigan. 'They identified the need to introduce and expose Black youths to the medical field at a younger age — before high school.' On Thursday afternoon, BUF of Michigan President and CEO Kenneth Donaldson took pride in explaining how the program supports the overall mission of his nonprofit, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary. "SINORMS is indeed a shining example of why the Black United Fund of Michigan made the crucial decision to refocus its mission in 2016,' Donaldson said about the program that also has received volunteer assistance from Norman's sons — Dr. Silas Norman III and Michael Norman, an attorney. 'Empowering underrepresented and underserved youth is not simply a noble goal, it is an investment in our future. And through SINORMS, we are equipping and nurturing the next generation of doctors, scientists and medical technicians.' Donaldson's words are already beginning to come to life through students like Adanna Nwamba, one of the earliest SINORMS participants when the program was launched in 2019. Today, Nwamba is a freshman at Wayne State University and a recipient of the Wayne Med-Direct scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees in both undergraduate and medical school years and on-campus room and board during the undergraduate years. More Detroit Is ... The legacy of Detroit Memorial Park lives on through history it has made and preserved 'My mom made sure I was involved in a lot of programs, but the BUF program was one of the only programs that focused on younger students,' said Nwamba, an aspiring pediatrician and a 2024 graduate of Cass Technical High School, who spoke Thursday in between classes on the campus of Wayne State, where she had a 4.0 grade point average during the fall semester. 'The main thing about the program was the support and networking, which gave you a chance to shadow a physician as an eighth or ninth grader. 'Youths are often neglected or limited, but to have the opportunity to exceed those boundaries because people believe in you just makes me feel really happy.' And 'happy' would describe the mood of Alice McAlister Tillman on Thursday when asked to reflect on the enduring legacy of Norman, someone Tillman had the chance to admire through his passionate involvement in several arenas, including the arts, as a member of the nationally renowned Brazeal Dennard Chorale. 'Dr. Norman was an extraordinary person on so many levels. And his rich, resonate, profoundly deep bass voice was memorizing and simply the gold standard as he performed in the bass section of the Chorale alongside his bass brothers,' recalled Tillman, a versatile and celebrated soprano in her own right, who today is the artistic director of the Brazeal Dennard Chorale. 'Silas also utilized his voice as an orator and was the narrator in Adolphus Hailstork's 'Done Made My Vow' performed by the Brazeal Dennard Chorale and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra during a Classical Roots concert presentation.' Tillman says Norman's desire to help and inspire young people equaled the power of his musical performances, just in a different way. 'Silas was a very humble man, but he had an incredible love for young people and dedicated himself to them,' Tillman said about Norman, who also was an older brother of the late world-famous opera singer Jessye Norman. 'People used to ask Silas when he was going to retire (from Wayne State) and he would always say, 'I have to get this next class through.' He was totally committed to helping young people and his voice and his actions live on.' Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and a lifelong lover of Detroit culture in its diverse forms. In his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited and humbled to cover the city's neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define its various communities. Contact him at stalley@ or follow him on Twitter @STalleyfreep. Read more of Scott's stories at Please help us grow great community-focused journalism by becoming a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: The legacy of Dr. Silas Norman continues to touch Detroit youths today
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Black History Month: WHIO celebrates all who have pushed our nation forward
Every February, Black History Month gives us the opportunity to learn about the rich and, oftentimes, forgotten pieces of American history. Black Americans helped build this country physically, culturally, diplomatically, and philosophically. They have endured America's worst, yet thrived under some of the harshest conditions to create an ancestral past that is just as rich and awe-inspiring as the history of America itself. News Center 7 wants to recognize the Black people and organizations that have contributed to progressing our nation. August 1927 - September 2003 First of few Black athletes to cross segregationist barriers in international tennis. Became the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title. Finished her career with 11 Grand Slam wins. Named Associated Press's 'Female Athlete of the Year' twice for winning both Wimbledon and U.S. Nationals two years in a row. Inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame. First Black woman to appear on the covers of Sports Illustrated and Time. Operated a national mobile tennis program that brought tennis equipment to underprivileged areas in major urban cities. April 1889 - May 1979 Fought for the economic betterment of African-Americans. Organized and led the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first successful Black-led labor union. Assisted President Franklin D. Roosevelt with Executive Order 8802 that banned racial and ethnic discrimination in the defense industry. Assisted President Harry S. Truman with the Civil Rights Act and Executive Orders 9980 and 9981 that banned racial segregation in the armed forces and discrimination of protected peoples during any federal hiring process. March 1912 - August 1987 Organized the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to bolster Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s influential strength. Taught King about nonviolent protests. Organized the March on Washington Movement, a movement to pressure the U.S. government to provide fair working opportunities and desegregate the armed forces during World War II. Organized Freedom Rides where black and white activists would ride interstate buses into segregated states to challenge the continued segregation of public buses even after the Supreme Court deemed such laws unconstitutional. Advocated for gay rights and marriage equality. December 1903 - December 1986 Worked with civil rights figures Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., W. E. B. Du Bois, and Thurgood Marshall. Fought for civil rights in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, however left for Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) after facing sexism and male-centric membership values. Considered the 'Godmother of SNCC.' Drove a grassroots movement for radical democracy that advocated for continuing growth of equality and freedom with changing times. August 1911 - May 1991 Considered 'First Lady of the Black Press.' Interviewed notable historical figures such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President John F. Kennedy, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Nelson Mandela. Used journalism to advocate for civil rights by asking hard questions. For example, she asked Eisenhower when he planned to ban segregation in interstate travel. His refusal to support special interests brought civil rights talks back to national debates. Became the first Black female commentator on a major network when CBS hired her. White House Correspondents' Association introduced the Dunnigan-Payne Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her memory. Circa 1797 - November 1883 Born into slavery, but escaped with her daughter to freedom. Delivered the speech, 'Ain't I a Woman?' in support of women's and civil rights. During the speech, she recalled her time as a slave, the strength and appetite she had comparable to any man. Attempted to secure land grants from the federal government for former slaves. Recruited Black troops for the Union Army in their fight for freedom. October 1956 - Present First Black woman to travel into space as a mission specialist aboard the space shuttle, Endeavour. Worked as a Peace Corps doctor in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Founded a non-profit educational organization with a DARPA and NASA grant to increase private-sector investment into space-travel technology. Advocated for women of color in STEM careers. November 1921 - January 2003 Mother of Emmett Till, the boy who was wrongfully accused of whistling at a white woman and subsequently lynched. Left her son's casket open during the funeral for news outlets to photograph his disfigurement and distribute across the country. 'Let the people see what they did to my boy,' Mamie said. Shared her story about Emmett's death and murder trial under the recommendation of NAACP. Established her son's legacy and invigorated the Civil Rights Movement. May 1939 - December 1988 First Black network news anchor. Co-founded the National Association of Black Journalists. The organization was founded to combat 'unconscious racism' by empowering Black journalists to take on media opportunities, illuminate Black people as capable professionals, and show the Black struggle. 'I cannot call myself an honest man or a black achiever if I take the big money and keep my mouth shut,' Robinson once said. March 1915 - October 1973 Considered the 'Godmother of Rock-and-Roll.' Influenced Rock-and-Roll artists Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, and Elvis Presley. Created gospel-pop genre with integration of gospel music and big band production. Entered National Recording Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress for cultural and aesthetic significance. Recorded what was considered the first Rock-and-Roll song. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. July 1936 - November 1970 Considered the 'Godfather of Free Jazz.' Influenced the techniques used in avant-garde jazz. Released some of the best selling albums in the free jazz genre. Critics argued free jazz was an extension of Black consciousness given the political landscape in the 1960s. November 1922 - September 1965 First Black woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. Shaped the image of African-Americans in American films. Worked with NAACP and National Urban League for racial equality after facing racism in the industry. August 1935 - February 2019 First Black manager in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. He became the Cleveland Indians' player-manager, managing teammates while playing in games. First player to be named Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the National League and the American League. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. March 1877 - July 1963 Invented the smoke hood, notably used in 1916 Waterworks Tunnel Disaster to save trapped rescuers. The invention allowed rescuers to enter areas with toxic air quality and was the precursor to the gas mask. Invented chemical hair straightening solution. Co-founded Cleveland Association of Colored Men, serving as its treasurer to donate to historically Black colleges and universities. Built a country club open to African-Americans when most did not accept Blacks at the time. Ran for city council to address the needs of African-Americans. October 1849 - August 1891 Wrote The History of the Negro Race in America 1619–1880, often considered the first in-depth history book of African-Americans. The book strived for historical accuracy over Black apologetics. For this, historians commonly reference this book. Wrote other history books about African-Americans in the armed forces. Elected official for the Ohio House of Representatives. September 1913 - March 1980 Won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympic Games, two years after Adolf Hitler took office with an Aryan supremacy campaign. Set three world records for the 220-yard dash, the 220-yard low hurdles, and the running broad jump at the 1935 Big Ten track meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in about 45 minutes. United States Track and Field created the Jesse Owens Award, which honors the year's highest performing track and field athlete. December 1882 - January 1971 Founded the Working Girls Association, which offered shelter, education, and additional assistance for single Black women who migrated north for work. The organization was later renamed Phillis Wheatley Association of Cleveland in honor of the first African-American with a published poetry book. Established the Phillis Wheatley Foundation scholarship fund that helped finance women's higher education. Founded the Women's Civil Rights League of Cleveland that fought for equitable rights. Awarded NAACP's Hunter the Spingarn Medal for outstanding achievement. December 1829 - November 1897 First known African-American to apply to an American law school. First Black man to become a lawyer. First African-American to be elected to public office. First African-American to be elected to Congress from Virginia. Worked to abolish slavery and promote racial equality. Founded Ohio Anti-Slavery Society. Served as founding dean for Howard University's law school, the first black law school in the country. February 1931 - August 2019 Wrote about Black culture and their struggle in critically and commercially acclaimed novels. Won the Nobel Prize in Literature for Song of Solomon, the third Black person to win the category, and first and only Black woman in history. Won the Pulitzer Prize for Beloved. Honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. December 1903 - July 1994 Contributed to Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Armed Forces. Served on the executive council for the American Society of African Culture. An alternate delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. Awarded Merit Award of the National Association of Negro Musicians for being the first African-American to play lead role in Gian-Carlo Menotti's opera, The Medium. Inducted into Ohio Women's Hall of Fame. Among Dayton's earliest Black residents. Served as an abolitionist conductor in the Underground Railroad. Organized the First Wesleyan Methodist Church as part of the United Daughters of Zion, a group of five women March 1864 - January 1922 Born into slavery. First Black U.S. national park superintendent. First Black man to achieve the rank of colonel in the U.S. army. First Black military attaché. Became the highest ranking black officer in the regular army. Third Black graduate of United States Military Academy at West Point. Posthumously promoted to brigadier general for all he achieved despite barriers from racism. Referred to as the 'Mother of Dayton's Black Churches.' Gave refuge, clothing, and food to fugitive slaves as part of the Underground Railroad route. Became Dayton's first school for Black children. September 1952 - January 2021 First Black woman elected to the Dayton City Comission. Redeveloped Dayton's historic urban neighborhoods. Led Wright-Dunbar, a historical neighborhood dedicated to the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop and birthplace of Paul Laurence Dunbar. December 1873 - December 1955 Worked in Dayton Woman Suffrage Association (DWSA). Her leadership led to Black women working the suffrage booth, giving speeches, and organizing community gatherings. Became first Black Red Cross nurse in Dayton after organizing a Black chapter of American Red Cross following World War I. Served in Holloway Colored Orphans' Home. Elected as officer of the Colored Citizens Protective League. 1903 - 1999 First Black realtor in Ohio and second in the country. Established Unity Bank, a Black mortgage company. Arrested for protesting the Rike-Kumler Department Store to hire Black workers. Leila Francis Community Service Award is named in her honor. Served as the only Black teacher in the public school system after schools integrated. She became the only teacher to train young black women during this time. Co-founded and served as treasurer for Dayton branch of NAACP. Co-founded Women's Christian Association, which became YWCA. Taught acclaimed poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. Louise Troy PreK-6 School named in her honor. June 1872 - February 1906 Born to two former Kentucky slaves. Published his first poem at age 16 in a Dayton newspaper. First Black poet to earn national attention and distinction after leading editor of Harper's Weekly praised his work. Crossed the color line by writing about white characters and their societies. April 1919 - August 1996 First Black judge of Dayton and second Black judge in the state. First Black to hold statewide executive position when he took on the role of superintendent of budget. First Black candidate for statewide election when he ran for congressman-at-large. First Black assistant prosecuting attorney in Ohio. Successfully tried the first school desegregation case in the country at Hillsboro, Ohio. First YWCA to open a branch for Black women and girls. Empowered Black women to hold authority positions at all levels of the organization. President of the Omega Community Development Center, a nonprofit organization that focuses on family, youth, and economic development. Involved in the Hope Center, focusing on supporting children's and families' growth. 'You have to aspire to do more or to do better,' Ward said. 'You have to really have a determination to not forget where you came from and to remember that your experiences are important for a reason. You had this experience for a reason. And so, use it to the best of your ability to help someone else.' Born in Columbus, Ohio. Moved to Dayton to pursue ministry. First African-American hired by Riverside Police Department and earned 'Officer of the Year' award for saving two people from a burning car. First African-American to earn the rank of sergeant. Two-time published author. Serves as the executive president of Leadership at Its Best, a company that helps pre-college students learn life skills. 'You see me as one person, but I am actually a mosaic of different men. You know all of the men that I have watched succeed on television: Martin Luther King, Jr., President Barack Obama, and all of them. I like to think of them as being a little part of who I am today because without them showing us the way, you could go any direction,' White said. Graduated with a bachelor's in criminology from Capital University, then studied conflict analysis and engagement from Antioch University. Survived leukemia. Doctor of naturopathic medicine working to find the cause of hair loss. Inspired to become a doctor after mother called about her daughters losing hair at eight years old. 'One of my favorite quotes is be who you wish to see in the community,' Gullette said. 'I think that if we all take on that call to be who we wish to see in the community, our community will change. We'll see a change economically. We'll see a change in relationships and just the whole core of our community will take a shift by doing that.' Graduated from Patterson High School and studied cosmetology, then trichology at Southern California University. Founded Glover Youth Program to mentor teen foster kids that experienced juvenile court. Supported breast cancer survivors through a fitness and wellness camp, Football 101: For Women and Girls. Earned national recognition for tackling poverty through the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership's Getting Ahead Program. 'It feels good to know that some of my contributions whether personal or professional has been recognized and acknowledged,' Glover said. 'We don't do it for the recognition, but it's always a good feeling when your peers acknowledge you.' Born and raised in Dayton. Graduated from Jefferson Township High School as class president, and voted 'Most Athletic.' Played for Pittsburg Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Detroit Lions. Launched informative videos called, 'Cyber Saturdays,' teaching people how to protect themselves online. Her videos helped many, including an older man who told her he appreciated her work. 'I want to help I want to make sure that people are safe,' Norwood said. 'It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside. It doesn't matter what your gender, or your race, or your ethnicity is. You can do amazing things because you're already created to be amazing.' Discovered her love for computers at Jefferson Township High School. Studied computer science at University of Dayton, received master's from Boston University, and enrolled in a professional development class. Assistant principal at Meadowdale Career Technology Center. Recognized at Top 10 African-American Luncheon, an event that honors Black men who made a mark on their community. 'We do the work that we do because it's what we enjoy and love doing. It's not about us. It's about others and being selfless,' Davis said. 'I'm going to always show love and respect for those that have done it whether it's those that we read about in our history books. Or, it's those that have worked alongside me, those who I look at as mentors, those who I grew up and watched.' Earned his associate degree at Grand Rapids Community College, bachelor's at Capital University, and master's in Educational Leadership at Wright State University.
