African Americans have made significant contributions in defining the vibrant cultural legacy of Columbus. On Wednesday February 19, 2020, Columbus City Council recognized and honored the achievements of African Americans in the Capital City during its second annual Black History Month Celebration.
“Columbus' Black community has a rich and vibrant history,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “I’m honored to help tell the stories of Black folks, past and present, who have helped mold Columbus into one of the best cities in America.”
The celebration highlighted Black culture, as well as honored several African American pillars in the City of Columbus and their achievements with the Poindexter Award. The award is given in honor of James Preston Poindexter, the clergyman, abolitionist, civil rights activist and political pioneer who was the first Black City of Columbus Councilmember in the 1880s.
Tyson Receives Poindexter Award
Councilmember Priscilla Tyson received special recognition for her 13 years of exemplary service to the greater Columbus community.
Her focus on issues relating to equity and race, tireless efforts to uplift Black Girls and work toward a comprehensive Food Action Plan for central Ohio have significantly impacted the lives of residents across the city. Tyson is living history, becoming the longest-serving African American female on Council.
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Ann B. Walker
Radio host Ann B. Walker began her extraordinary broadcast media journey as a journalist writing for the local newspaper and concluded with a White House appointment.
During her early career, she served as journalist, editor and columnist for the Ohio Sentinel and is best known for her column “Ann Walker’s Party Line.” In the 1960s, she joined Columbus radio station WVKO-AM and served as assistant news director, community services director and the on-air host of the “Ann Walker Show” and “Youth Speaks.”
In 1978, Walker was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame as the first woman broadcaster to report on the Ohio legislature. Her career accolades would continue beyond the boundaries of Ohio. President Jimmy Carter appointed Walker as special assistant to the director of The White House Public Affairs Office in 1980.
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John H. Gregory
John H. Gregory, known as “The Solutions Man”, is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and author. He is the CEO of the National Center for Urban Solutions, founder of the Academy for Urban Scholars High School (Columbus and Youngstown locations) and the founder of the National African American Male Wellness Walk Initiative.
Gregory's advocacy has been recognized for his varied innovative and creative projects, which have generated immeasurable impact. His solutions have led to over 8,000 women being removed from public assistance through workforce training and employment, thousands of African American men employed and hundreds of urban youth obtaining their high school diplomas.
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Curtis Moody
Curtis Moody is an award-winning architect. His expertise, determination and leadership have grown his Columbus-based company Moody Nolan Inc. to become the largest African American owned and managed architectural firm in the country.
Having professionally distinguished himself both locally and nationally, Moody has won more than 300 design citations, including 46 from the American Institute of Architects and 43 from the National Organization of Minority Architects. In 2002, he received the Distinguished Service Award from The Ohio State University. The award recognizes individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the university-- service that is truly distinguished in both official and unofficial capacities.
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Willie L. Gaddis
Born the son of Mississippi sharecroppers in 1927, Willie Gaddis dreamed of someday owning a business. In the early 70s, Gaddis fulfilled his childhood dream to own a business when he and his wife Vivian founded Gaddis & Son, Inc, a concrete company.
The business began with a residential customer base and expanded to include commercial projects a short time later. The company's first public works contract was the City of Worthington's 1974 Street Improvement Program. Gaddis & Son, Inc., a minority business enterprise, had a role in pouring concrete on many of the significant projects that shaped the central Ohio landscape.
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Francisca Figueroa
Francisca Figueroa is the curator of ROOTS Gallery and Cultural Center. A native of Youngstown, she moved to Columbus in 1976 for employment and pursuit of a degree in science.
She was a Columbus City Schools parent volunteer for over 30 years. She also volunteered at the dog shelter, Meals on Wheels, YMCA, homeless shelter, and an avid supporter of different organizations within her community. In 1982 she began a career with the Columbus Fire Department as a firefighter until she retired. During retirement, she focused on preserving, protecting and expressing her African American culture. With the support of family, friends and community, she was able to develop an art gallery with an emphasis on African and African American Art and artists.
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