A dedicated community activist for many years, Catherine supported education, the arts, and family advocacy. She has been involved in The United Negro College Fund, a founding member of Friends of Art for Community Enrichment, The Ohio Wesleyan University Upward Bound program. She was a member of the SOUL committee which helped promote art from the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce University.

A former Columbus City Schools teacher, her focus on education led her to become an active volunteer, supporter, and Board member of I Know I Can, a program that guarantees every Columbus City Schools student an opportunity to attend college. She initiated The Chess in the Neighborhood program at the M.L.King Library and was asked to extend the program to other sites.

In 1997, She was a co-founder with the late Thelma Givens as retired teachers, The Lunch Bunch, which is the sponsor of  The Helen Jenkins Davis Scholarship  Fund. The organization is composed of community women who have been awarded personal donations of more than $140.000.00 to more than 145 African American graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools. Her most recent endeavor was to create and participate in forming an urban strings youth orchestra growing from 2 youth in 2007 to approximately 35 youth string musicians ages 11 to 18.

Congresswoman Beatty is Chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus, Region 10 designee on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and is an influential member of the Democratic Seniors Task Force, Co-Chair of the Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus and Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, Deputy Vice-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and founder of the Congressional Civility and Respect Caucus. She was also tapped by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve on the United States Congressional Joint Economic Committee and the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. Outside of her committee and numerous caucus memberships, Beatty is a committed and vocal supporter of early education, women’s equality, concussion awareness, and the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI), which seeks to increase the participation of women and minorities in all facets of the financial marketplace, among many other priorities.

In Congress, Beatty has had numerous pieces of legislation signed into law, including two measures to combat human trafficking, and another to empower college students to make more informed financial decisions. She also spearheaded legislation officially designating the National Veterans Memorial and Museum located in downtown Columbus, as well as a bill to make the tax deduction permanent for out-of-pocket expenses paid by elementary and secondary teachers for supplies and expenses, and a measure to improve legal services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Finally, her advocacy proved critical to enacting a law to help more stroke victims gain access to fast, high-quality telemedicine.

A sought-after public speaker and the recipient of numerous awards, she was previously named one of Ebony Magazine’s 150 most powerful African-Americans in the United States.

Congresswoman Beatty is active in The Links, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Columbus Urban League, The American Heart Association—where she previously served on the board—and numerous other organizations.

Beatty received her Bachelor of Arts from Central State University, her Master of Science from Wright State University, and completed all requirements but her dissertation for a doctorate at the University of Cincinnati. In addition, she has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Ohio Dominican University and Central State University.

Congresswoman Beatty is the widow of the late attorney Otto Beatty, Jr. and a proud grandmother of two toddlers who lovingly call her “Grammy.”

Larry James has been at the heart of the Columbus business, legal, civic, and political scene for the last thirty years. He is a respected litigator, as well as an advisor to local and national leaders. In recognition of his many achievements, the law firm changed its name from Crabbe, Brown, Jones, Potts & Schmidt to Crabbe, Brown & James in January 2001.

In 2011, The Ohio State University selected Mr. James as lead counsel to represent its student-athletes in NCAA investigations. In 2013, Armen Keteyian published his book The System: The Glory and Scandal of Big-Time College Football, a chapter of which is dedicated to Larry’s work in representing the OSU football players.

In 2012, Mr. James and his wife, Donna, were awarded the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus’ Humanitarians of the Year Award. In 2015, noted journalist Wil Haygood published his award-winning book Showdown: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination That Changed America, which he dedicated to Mr. James.

As an avid supporter of the arts, Mr. James has helped bring attention to Columbus Black Artist with the support of Will Haygood and the Greater Columbus Arts Commission; The Harlem Renaissance at 100 Celebration was a nationally recognized arts initiative that paid homage to the past and spotlighted today's black artist in Columbus, Ohio.  

Mr. James is a life member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference, and he has served as General Counsel of the National Fraternal Order of Police since 2001. He is also co-founder of the African-American Leadership Academy and a member of the Board of Trustees of Kenyon College.

Prior to starting her own business, Ms. James retired after 25 years as President of Nationwide Strategic Investments, a division of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Formal education and experience as an accounting professional with PricewaterhouseCoopers provided the foundation for her effectiveness in both business and community endeavors.

In her community, Ms. James is the co‐founder and former board chair of the Center for Healthy Families, a non‐profit focused on transforming the lives of pregnant and parenting teens and their children. Ms. James is also a board trustee for OhioHealth, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and Co‐Executive Director for the African American Leadership Academy.

Past community roles include: An appointment by President Obama as chair of the National Women’s Business Council; Co‐Chair for the Columbus Celebrate One initiative to reduce infant mortality; Co‐Chair of the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio; trustee for The Health Policy Institute of Ohio; the United Way of America Board of Governors; Bennett College for Women Board of Trustees; Central State University Board of Trustees, I Know I Can; Wexner Center for the Arts Board of Trustees; NC A&T State University School of Business Advisory Board and chairwoman of the YWCA of Columbus.

Ms. James has received several recognitions – King Arts Complex Legends Award; Columbus Metropolitan Library Celebration of Learning Award; Columbus Museum of Art Honoree; Center for Healthy Families Honoree; Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year; Ohio River Valley Women’s Business Council Trail Blazer Award; the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Hall of Fame; named by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the top 75 in Corporate America; received the national Beta Gamma Sigma Business Achievement Award and the YWCA Women of Achievement Award. She is the recipient of three honorary doctorates from Otterbein University, Tiffin University and her alma mater, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

She is the wife of attorney Larry James, partner with Crabbe, Brown & James in Columbus, Ohio. They have two adult children, Christopher and Justin, and five grandchildren.

Clifford was employed at the Franklin County Juvenile Court, for 15 years in various positions ranging from Probation Officer to the Director of Delinquency Department. During his years there, he, along with his son, Clifford, appeared in several episodes of the WBNS TV court program, "The Judge". Interestingly, Cliff's desire to right societal wrongs started early in his career, for when he commenced working at the Juvenile Court, caseload assignments were based on race. So, with the collaboration and support of his friend and colleague, Charles McMurray, the two successfully endeavored to eliminate discriminatory practices at the court. In the mid-1960s, Cliff's keen interest in community organizing and local politics culminated in a run for a Columbus City Council seat and later, an appointment to Mayor M. E. Sensenbrenner's cabinet, as Director of Community Relations. While a member of the mayor's cabinet, Cliff met and engaged many political figures and entertainers such as James Brown, George McGovern, Hubert Humphrey, Hodding Carter, Walter Reuther, James Rhodes, and Robert Kennedy. Cliff established the Youth Services Bureau in 1973, where he served as Director for 11 years. One of the key highlights of his tenure in that position was a visit to the White House as a guest of President Gerald Ford.

He continued to direct his efforts and resources to address acute concerns in the areas of juvenile justice, civil rights, and education. Hence, he focused his attention on initiatives such as the UNCF Walk-a-thon, I Know I Can Program, Piney Woods Life School (one of two black boarding schools in the US), Denison Tyree Scholars, Capital City Classic Football game, FACE Celebrity Chefs annual event, The Columbus Foundation, Ohio Wesleyan Upward Bound, Denison University, Board of Trustees, King Arts Complex, Big Brothers of America, and numerous state and local commissions.

Sybil Edwards-McNabb was a lifelong activist and champion for the black community in Columbus and throughout the state, friends, and others who knew her said. “She wanted to make sure that black people were always included in this city,” said Nana Watson, president of the NAACP Columbus branch. “It was not always an easy thing, but she handled it very gracefully. She was a soft-spoken person, but she could raise her voice when needed.”

Sybil matriculated through the Columbus Public School System and graduated from East High School. She then attended Central State University and graduated from The Ohio State University with, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social and Behavioral Science. Continuing her educational pursuit at the master's level at Central Michigan University. Mrs. McNabb had a career in public service, culminating with over 25 years of service at the U.S. Department of Defense. Among her many community involvements, Mrs. McNabb served on the Executive Board of the Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association; and past President of the Long Street Business Association. 

Edwards-McNabb, however, was best known for her passion for equal rights. She served as the NAACP Ohio Conference President for 12 years. “She was very, very cognizant of people’s freedoms,” Womack said — especially voting. “She was at the forefront of making sure that rights were protected.”

Appointed by an Ohio gubernatorial commission, Mr. Kambon served as executive administrator of The Ohio Commission on African American Males. Mr. Kambon created a school for African American males who were at risk of entering the Ohio penal system. The school received tremendous recognition for its creative approach to reaching and teaching young men who were at risk of falling through the crack. 

Mr. Kambon also is the founder of Visionary Leaders Institute, one of the nation's longest-running African-American educational consulting firms.

Similarly, Mr. Kambon is a strong advocate for the establishment of policies, programs, and procedures that engage parents in the education of their children. “Parents must be hands-on participants in the educational process – active partners with teachers and administrators,” he says. “Getting parents involved often requires special effort and carefully devised programmatic approaches. This is especially true in multi-cultural environments where there may be race, class, and communications issues to overcome.”

Sharlene J. Morgan, community activist, educator, and advocate for children dedicated her life to community service and empowerment. 

A lifelong resident of Columbus, Ohio, Sharlene Morgan served in various capacities within the Greater Columbus community.  Most notably as the Columbus City Schools Board President.  She served Columbus City Schools district effecting positive change within the school system until 1996.

Mrs. Morgan was also the Executive Director for the Family and Children Success Center located in the heart of Linden Community where they serviced children and families within the Linden area.  She also founded the Neighborhood Beautification Services (NBS) which employed opportunity youth and men with a focus on the beautification of Linden.

Sharlene was the devoted wife of Michael Morgan, Sr., the loving mother of her three sons Michael Jr., Christopher, and Mark, and a wonderful grandmother.

Bill Moss served on the Columbus Public School Board for five years. He also had run for mayor of the City of Columbus and for seats in the US as well as the Ohio House of Representatives. Bill Moss also made music. In 1970, he was working as a deejay at a Columbus radio station when he decided to start his own record label. Capsoul Records produced a dozen singles and one album, that made a huge mark on the R&B and soul charts. 

Bill Moss used his prominence as a radio personality for WVKO, the longtime voice of Columbus' African-American community, in the '60s and '70s to help launch his political career. As a school board member and five-time political candidate, Moss had established himself as a champion for the children and families in Columbus.  He was a powerful speaker with excellent recall for facts and figures; he fought hard for the Columbus Black Community.

Religious leader, community activist, and youth advocate Pastor E. L'Tanya Lemon, was a lifelong Columbus, Ohio resident.

An East High School Graduate, Alumni of both The Ohio State and Capital Universities and The Ashland Theological Seminary, Rev. Lemon was a Licensed Social Worker and served as Executive Director of Community for New Direction. Rev. Lemon was also an Ohio Certified Violence Prevention Trainer and Prevention Specialist II, Cultural Diversity Trainer, Conference & Workshop Leader. 

She served as dispute resolution provider for Hilliard City Schools and member of the following organizations; United Way Safety Vision Council and former Board Member, Franklin County Children's Services - One Church One Child Board, Columbus Public Schools Superintendent's Sounding Board, Court Appointed Special Advocates Board / Safe Care Provider, Past Board President of Project Linden. Nominated for YWCA Women of Achievement. Partner of LaJews Travel Service, Licensed Real Estate Agent, and served in many other capacities with the city.

As an ordained minister of the Church of God Reformation Movement she was a lifetime member of the Church of God, a supportive member and minister of Anderson, Indiana Ministries, and a lifetime member of West Middlesex, Pa Campground Association. Rev. Lemon was a Godly woman with a passion for giving.  She was the devoted Pastor of the Northside Deliverance Church of God for 17 years. She founded Alternative to the Streets Outreach Program & Care and Comfort Ministries. She has also served in many capacities such as; trustee, youth leader, senior citizens advocate and associate minister. 

L'Tanya was the loving wife of Alonzo Lemon, mother to three sons D'Shawn, Alonzo, Lawrence, and one daughter Savonne.  She was also the grandmother of seven grandchildren and was a mother figure to countless others.

The Honorable Ray Miller was the 13th African-American elected to the Ohio Senate in the 202-year history of the state. Prior to his election, he was the Dean of the Ohio House of Representatives, having served 16 years as a member of that body. In addition, he serves as the President and CEO of Professional Employment Services of America, the largest minority-owned executive search firm in the State of Ohio.

Senator Miller is the chief sponsor of some of the most significant health care, human services, and education legislation ever enacted in the State of Ohio. Such legislation includes the creation of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, the Community Mental Health Act of 1988, and the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, where he serves as Founder and Chairman. He is known as the "Father of Head Start Funding" in Ohio because of his sponsorship of legislation that established the nation's first state-level funding for the Head Start Program. In addition, Miller authored legislation that established the Institute for Urban Education at Central State University. He also established a 25% set aside for minority health programs from Ohio's 10 billion dollar Tobacco Settlement Agreement and successfully lobbied the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board to establish a memorial in the State Capitol Building recognizing the accomplishments of George Washington Williams, who was elected in 1879 as Ohio's first African-American legislator. Miller is also the chief sponsor of legislation that created the Ohio African-American Hall of Fame.

At the national level, Senator Miller served on the White House staff as Deputy Special Assistant to President Jimmy Carter. Prior to that, he served as the Assistant Director of Legislation for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and Vice-President of Minority Affairs for Columbus State Community College.

Angela Pace, a Columbus native, has remained in Central Ohio throughout her professional career. She was one of the first Black Female News Anchor and Reporter for the city of Columbus.  Mrs. Pace was always a calming voice for the Black community during decades of unsettling news and world events.  She has championed victims of domestic violence, inner-city youth, drug prevention, and a variety of other community issues. Her involvement in community causes includes serving on the boards of directors for the I Know ICan program and the Inner City Games, and working on the DARE campaign in central Ohio and with the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence. 

Pace also serves on the board of directors for the Mid Ohio FoodBank, the Lincoln Theater Association, the Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, and the Jazz Arts Group.  She served on the Capital University board of trustees for eight years and was also a member of the Capital University alumni board.  Her work with the United Negro College Fund included hosting their annual telethon from 1987 to 1991 and serving as grand marshal for their walk-a-thon for four years.  Pace is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Wil Haygood is a prominent American journalist and author of several best-selling biographies and other works of non-fiction.

An accomplished journalist and award-winning author Wil Haygood, was born in 1954 in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Miami University in 1976. 

He decided to become a journalist. Although he had little formal training, the Charleston (West Virginia) Gazette hired him as a copyeditor. Two years later, Haygood accepted a position with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

In 1984, Haygood became a staff writer at the Boston Globe and as a national and foreign correspondent. He remained with this newspaper for the next seventeen years. In 1991, he became a writer for the Style Section of the Washington Post. Haygood has received numerous awards, including the Sunday Magazine Editors Award, the New England Associated Press Award, and the National Association of Black Journalists Award for Foreign Reporting.As an investigative reporter, Haygood traveled all over the world, including France, Germany, India, South Africa, where he witnessed Nelson Mandela's liberation from prison, and Somalia, where he was kidnapped and ransomed by rebels. In 2008 during his time at the Washington Post, Haygood wrote his article, "A Butler Well Served by This Election," which became the basis for the 2013 award-winning motion picture "The Butler," directed by Lee Daniels and starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.

Haygood authored seven nonfiction books, including prize-winning and critically acclaimed biographies of 20th-century figures: Showdown: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination that Changed America, King of the Cats: the Life and Times of Adam Clayton Powell Jr., In Black and White: the Life of Sammy Davis Jr., and Sweet Thunder: The Life and Times of Sugar Ray Robinson. His other books are Two on the River, about a 2,500-mile journey down the Mississippi River, and The Haygoods of Columbus, a family memoir.

Among his journalism honors is the National Headliner Award, the New England Associated Press Award, the Sunday Magazine Editors Award, the Paul L. Myhre Single Story Award, the Virginia Press Association Award, and the National Association of Black Journalist Award for both feature writing and foreign reporting, among others.

Prior to starting her own business, Ms. James retired after 25 years as President of Nationwide Strategic Investments, a division of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Formal education and experience as an accounting professional with PricewaterhouseCoopers provided the foundation for her effectiveness in both business and community endeavors.

In her community, Ms. James is the co‐founder and former board chair of the Center for Healthy Families, a non‐profit focused on transforming the lives of pregnant and parenting teens and their children. Ms. James is also a board trustee for OhioHealth, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and Co‐Executive Director for the African American Leadership Academy.

Past community roles include: An appointment by President Obama as chair of the National Women’s Business Council; Co‐Chair for the Columbus Celebrate One initiative to reduce infant mortality; Co‐Chair of the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio; trustee for The Health Policy Institute of Ohio; the United Way of America Board of Governors; Bennett College for Women Board of Trustees; Central State University Board of Trustees, I Know I Can; Wexner Center for the Arts Board of Trustees; NC A&T State University School of Business Advisory Board and chairwoman of the YWCA of Columbus.

Musician and Artist Raymond Walker a lifelong Ohio resident was a loving father and devoted husband and an accomplished musician.

Raymond used his passion for music to inspire the lives of many across the country and was afforded many opportunities to use his gift.

Raymond was married to the love of his life, Betty, for 46 years and was the proud father of three daughters Angela, Morgan, Brandi, one son Matthew, and 8 grandchildren.

Hanifah Kambon is an educational trainer who has worked with Columbus City Schools, Head Start, and across the country.  

Mrs. Kambon earned a B.A. in English Education from Ohio State University and an M.Ed. in High School Guidance Counseling from the University of Dayton. Her passion for education and youth has provided many career advancement opportunities and eventually led to her serving as an at-large member of the Columbus Board of Education.

She was first elected to the board in 2009 and served until 2013. Mrs. Kambon continues to be a highly sought-after national speaker and educational consultant.

Mrs. Kambon is the loving wife of Ako Kambon, the mother to three amazing daughters and a handsome grandson.

The “Amazing” Tei Street has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, curriculum development, training in sexual assault prevention, domestic violence prevention, ATOD prevention, diversity & inclusion, as well as advocacy, education, and youth leadership development.

The “Amazing” Tei Street is a national motivational speaker, trainer, and education consultant. Her love and passion for positively affecting the lives of all young people and the adults who influence their lives come through each time she steps on a stage…or gymnasium floor. Tei’s masterful use of humor, coupled with her gift for storytelling makes her a crowd favorite. Tei challenges her audiences to take the knowledge they gain to move from motion to action; walking in what makes them “amazing!” Tei is prepared to engage, inspire and motivate audiences to move into action to change their lives, communities, and their worlds.

Tei is the host of a weekly video blog titled, "Coffee with Tei." She has authored a new book titled, "When Love Flows Through Broken Hearts." She also has two other books, "I’m the Amazing Tei Street… Wouldn’t You Like To Be Amazing, Too?" and an e-book titled, "Wise Gurlz Wear 50 Pearl

Alex Shumate is a senior Columbus office partner and his duties include providing strategic and operational guidance in pursuing new business opportunities regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Alex Shumate is the managing partner of the Columbus office of the international law firm of Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP, where his duties include providing strategic and operational guidance in pursuing new business opportunities regionally, nationally, and internationally, and in addressing issues that arise from the firm’s North American offices. He is consistently selected by his peers for inclusion in the annual Best Lawyers in America, including being named Best Lawyers’ 2017 “Lawyer of the Year” for Columbus, OH Administrative/Regulatory Law, and as an Ohio Super Lawyer.

Mr. Shumate is in his third term as a member of The Ohio State University's Board of Trustees. He has performed two terms as chairman of the board from 1997-98 and 2016-18, and one term as vice-chair from 2011-12. During his time on the board, Mr. Shumate has twice served as chair of the university’s Presidential Search Committee. 

Mr. Shumate serves as a director of The J.M. Smucker Company and CyrusOne, Inc. He is president of The L Brands Foundation Board, secretary of the Columbus Partnership and board member of the Ohio Business Roundtable. He previously served as the chair of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Columbus Urban League, and The James Foundation Board.

When she was a little girl, her father taught her how to draw and how to make books from homemade paper and "hogmawg," a mixture of mud, clay, twigs, leaves, lime, animal grease, and glue. The artist uses hogmawg in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work. Her mother taught her weaving, needlework, and button work.

From a very young age, she knew she wanted to be an artist and began attending the Columbus Art School (now the Columbus College of Art and Design) on Saturdays while she was still in high school and then continued after she graduated from high school.

Aminah creates sculptures, RagGonNons, rag paintings, paintings on cloth, drawings, and books. Many of them are about her family and community and about the stories she has been told by her elders. She also researches the lives of abolitionists, civil rights leaders, musicians, and writers and depicts them in her art.

Her art is grounded in her belief in the African concept of Sankofa, learning from the past in order to move forward. She has taken extended journeys to various countries in Africa; New York City; Sapelo Island, Georgia; Israel; and Chile. Each journey has resulted in a series of art that often includes a RagGonNon, a large and complex work of art that is often on cloth encrusted with buttons, beads, and other found objects.

The artist has had her work exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and she has received numerous awards and grants from arts organizations. In 2002, the Columbus Museum of Art organized a retrospective exhibition of her work that traveled throughout the country. In 2004, Aminah was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship which is given to "talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction."

Her work is in many private collections and in many museums including the Columbus Museum of Art, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Tacoma Art Museum and the Newark Museum.

Robinson produced art to record the missing pieces of Black history that were lost during slavery. Her art is about the “African experience” of “racism and discrimination”. Robinson transformed her ancestors' experiences of Black suffering and perseverance into art. Her work centered around Sankofa: an African concept of retrieving information from history in order to make progress for the future.

Robinson worked tirelessly on the civil rights movement in the ’50s and participated in the 1963 March on Washington that advocated for African American rights

Robinson’s art is always “historically or geographically” grounded. Her diverse body of work ranges from drawings and woodcuts to complex sculptures. The artist's "Memory Maps" (multi-media constructions of appliquéd cloth panels) contain "the idea and symbols of Africa—as a reservoir of culture, as the abode of spirits and inspiration for form and meanings that have traversed the great transatlantic African Diaspora to the Americas." Robinson illustrated children's books to empower and educate the next generation. She also created RagGonNon’s, long pieces of fabric filled with diverse materials. The title RagGonNon alludes to the extreme length; the piece rags on and on. The largest RagGonNon was 118 ft long and 200 lbs. Some took decades to complete; the Water Street RagGonNon took 25 years, it shows African Americans living daily life in downtown Columbus.

Michael B. Coleman began his career in public office when he was appointed to Columbus City Council in 1992. He was the first African-American to serve as the mayor of Ohio's capital city. Coleman was subsequently re-elected to two terms in office. Coleman served as Columbus City Council President from 1997 until his election as mayor in 1999. After winning the election in 1999, Coleman was re-elected as mayor of Columbus in 2003, 2007, and 2011.Michael led the City of Columbus through numerous racial equity, diversity and inclusion issues; including but not limited to, multiple issues involving the U.S. Department of Justice and the Division of Police in the city, minority business development initiatives, immigration policy matters and racial justice issues. Michael frequently advises government and business leaders regarding race, inclusion, equity and diversity issues. He is a frequent speaker and author on issues involving racial justice in the black community in America.

Michael has been recognized as a national leader by numerous media sources, including Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Columbus Dispatch and Yahoo! News. Michael earned Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 designation for being one of the most influential and intriguing African Americans in the country and was recognized by Government Technology magazine as one of the Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers. Michael was also critically involved in the effort, which ultimately earned the City of Columbus the designation as the Most Intelligent Community in the World by the Intelligent Community Forum. 
 
Michael is a frequent speaker on issues involving economic development, neighborhood revitalization, environmental stewardship and leadership and speaks regularly at conferences and events throughout the country. 
 
Michael earned his law degree from the University of Dayton Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati. 

Bettye J. Stull is a curator, arts educator, and collector and is a pivotal figure in the Columbus Black arts community, known for her mentorship of young Black women, including artist April Sunami and activist Jessica Byrd. In 1987, Stull retired from the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and became a curator at the King Arts Complex in Columbus, Ohio where she worked to develop youth art education programs and helped launch the Elijah Pierce Gallery in the King Arts Complex. In 2004, Stull retired as curator from the King Art Complex, but continued as a consultant, where she curated “Columbus Collects,” “Roots and Legacies,” “Echoes of Our Ancestors,” which featured a number of rising and established black artists, and an exhibition called “African Art Tradition & Influence: Woodrow Nash Sculptor.” In 2008, Stull curated the “Color: Ten African American Artists and Sistahs” exhibition at the Ohio Craft Museum; and in 2010, she curated an exhibition called “Evolution of the Girl Child” at the McCoy Community Arts Center in New Albany, Ohio. 

Stull collaborated with a Cleveland-based art group called “Creative Women of Color” to curate a 2012 exhibition called “SPEAK! Women Sharing Their Voices Through Art.” Stull was also an art advisor on the Long Street Bridge “Culture Wall” Committee in Columbus, which was completed in 2014, and consisted of a collection of photographs and block prints that detail the history of Columbus Near East Side.

A community leader who was passionate about the City of Columbus, its neighborhoods, and its people. Served on Columbus City Council for 16 years (1974-90), including six years as the first African American Council president (1984-90). Following retirement from City Council, Jerry remained active in the community serving on the Ohio Environmental Board of Review, and on the board of Franklin County Children's Services. Jerry led efforts to outlaw discrimination in employment and housing in the city, and to establish goals for minority and female participation in city-funded projects. Prior to serving on the council, he chaired the Police Community Relations Committee that helped draft the city's first written policy on the use of deadly force. Jerry worked tirelessly to help the city to grow and prosper by working for strong neighborhoods, strategic economic development and growth policies, development of the Near Eastside now known as the King-Lincoln District, including the establishment of the King Arts Complex, and permanent funding for the arts.

Recognized nationally for his knowledge of human services needs, particularly in the areas of redevelopment and housing, he helped to establish the Community Shelter Board. Jerry was one of the original committee members involved in creating the Ft. Hayes Career Center and co-chaired the successful 1978 Columbus City Schools levy campaign following desegregation. Most importantly, Jerry always made time for others, especially to help people find jobs, financial assistance, or connecting them with human services. Throughout his life, Jerry was a thoughtful mentor, including many of today's elected officials and community leaders.

Since, October 1983, Dr. Troy has served as the Pastor of the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio. Under his servant leadership, the congregation has grown steadily over the years from 100 to approximately 5,000 members. His unyielding passion for training and leadership serves as the foundation upon which New Salem’s internal church growth model is built and continues to yield a relevant ministry for tomorrow’s generation of global-minded citizens. He has been blessed to preach and teach in several foreign countries such as South Africa, Liberia, and Mozambique. Outside of New Salem his “beyond the walls” approach to ministry has guided the church in the purchase of 60+ acres of land for future consideration in the development of the New Salem Community of Caring Campus. 

Bringing together both faith and function, under Dr. Troy’s direction and support, New Salem’s Renaissance Development Corporation was a lead partner in the building of the Agler Family Housing Project, representing a first of its kind faith-based collaborative involving a 144-unit multi-family housing project located adjacent to a 90-unit congregate-care facility, complemented by two man-made ponds. Dr. Troy’s vision and partnership model for the community also helped pave the way for the following economic development projects: The Renaissance Community Village, a 64-unit affordable housing complex serving the special needs of large families; The Unity Resource Center, a combined effort with other local CDCs and the Department of Human Services to develop a multimillion-dollar 40,000 sq. ft. one-stop-shop for employment training and job opportunities in Northeast Columbus.

A graduate of East High School, Gene earned a Bachelor of Music from The Ohio State University School of Music, from which he also retired in 2001.

An internationally known jazz and blues saxophonist who was quite proud of his Columbus roots, Gene felt privileged to have performed in New York's Carnegie Hall. He toured domestically and abroad and enjoyed playing with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and many recording artists such Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Neil Diamond, and The Beatles, just to name a few. Gene received many honors during his career, including eleven Grammy nominations for his album, "Last Night In Manhattan", The King Arts Complex Legends Award, and the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame.

Affectionately called the Godfather through many parts of Columbus by a grateful community, Amos Lynch has dedicated his life to the newspaper business and supporting the community. It has been said, “If you cut Amos with a knife, he would bleed printer ink”. The son of a family of medical professionals, Amos chose a journalism career. He has served at the helm of the Call and Post and formed his own publication the Columbus Post.

Amos served his country during World War II at the Great Lakes Naval Facility in Chicago. While there, he recorded his views on the war through his writings that he labeled “The Blue Jacket Diary”. In partnership with Shiloh Baptist Church, Amos Lynch established the largest sit-down breakfast in the country commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Held every January, it attracts over 5,000 attendees. Mr. Lynch has mentored many young people for careers in journalism, photography, advertising, and marketing. He has served on numerous boards including the Columbus Urban League, United Way of Central Ohio, Capitol City Classic, and as Director of the Mount Vernon Avenue District Improvement Association. Amos is a member emeritus of the Columbus Council of Elders. He never attended, but he received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from The Ohio State University.

Many elected officials, over the years, have had successful careers resulting from the endorsement of Amos Lynch, including Mayor Michael B. Coleman.

One of the greatest running backs in college football and the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice, Archie Griffin.

Griffin played football for The Ohio State University from 1972 to 1975. He started as running back all four years that he played at OSU. During Griffin's tenure, the Buckeyes won four Big Ten championships and played in the Rose Bowl four straight years. Griffin helped lead the Buckeyes to forty wins, five losses, and one tie while playing for OSU. During his time at Ohio State, Griffin scored a total of twenty-six touchdowns and gained 5,589 yards, a school record. Griffin had thirty-one straight regular-season games where he rushed for more than one hundred yards. This total remains an NCAA record to this day. These statistics are especially impressive, because Coach Woody Hayes usually only allowed Griffin to play until the Buckeyes had a commanding lead. During Griffin's time at OSU, this commonly meant that he only played for one-half of the game.

Griffin amassed numerous honors because of his football prowess. He won the Heisman trophy in both 1974 and 1975. Those two years he also was named the Most Valuable Player of the Big Ten and also selected as the National Player of the Year. A fine student, Griffin graduated with a degree in Industrial Relations a quarter early from OSU. In honor of Griffin's academic accomplishments, the NCAA granted him the Top Five Award, which recognizes college athletes for performing well on the playing field, as well as in the classroom. He also was the first Buckeye football player to have his jersey number, number 45, retired.

Upon Griffin receiving his college degree, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted him. Griffin played eight years for this team and averaged 4.1 yards per carry for his career. Once he retired from football, Griffin returned to Ohio State as an administrator, eventually becoming the Associate Athletic Director. He currently serves as the President of The Ohio State University Alumni Association.

Otto Beatty established a law practice and soon distinguished himself as an attorney. He served as president of the Franklin County Trial Lawyers Association and attorney for Black Elected Democrats of Ohio, which in 1995 became the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus. He successfully defended the first two discrimination cases filed in Ohio.

Voters elected Beatty state representative in 1979, and he served eighteen years in the legislature. He was a powerful advocate for minority businesses and the disadvantaged. He was a member of many committees, including Finance and Appropriations; Health, Retirement, and Aging; Rules; and Reference; as well as the Agriculture and Development Subcommittee. He also served as special counsel to the State Attorney General.

His leadership in the Ohio House was part of a long and effective career responding to the issues and concerns of Ohio citizens. He is no stranger to affirmative action and has often defended the disadvantaged. He has been honored at the local, state, and national levels for his contributions to tort reform, minority business development, and health care. Beatty supports strong family values, works to improve the quality of life for children and families, and is a strong consumer advocate

He is a former chairman of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health and a former president of the Franklin County Trial Lawyers Association. He has been a member of the National Association of Defense Lawyers, the American and Columbus Bar Associations, the National Conference of Black Lawyers, the American and Ohio Trial Lawyers Associations, and the Columbus Area Black Elected Officials.