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A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM COUNCILMEMBER PRISCILLA TYSON
Being aware of the past improves our appreciation for the present and enhances our hope for the future. February 1st marked the beginning of Black History Month. It is a time to remember the historical contributions of African Americans to our society. This time of remembrance began as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson and was expanded in 1976 to a full month by President Gerald R. Ford.
At the time, President Ford said, this country needs to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
As part of our Annual Black History Month program, we proudly present the Poindexter Awards, given in honor of Reverend James Preston Poindexter, a giant in his time and a transformational leader in the history of the Columbus African American community.
Mr. Poindexter was an abolitionist, a civil rights activist, served on the Columbus School Board, a Baptist minister, and a conductor on the underground railroad. He was also the first African American member of Council, serving from 1880-1884.
The Poindexter Awards recognizes the achievements of trailblazing men and women who have made significant contributions to how we as a community live, work, play and prosper in Columbus.
This year, we are proud to announce the 2021 Poindexter Award honorees: Otto Beatty Jr., Deliver Black Dreams, Bettye Stall, and Glenna Watson.
We will have our virtual celebration this Friday, February 12, 2021, at noon. This year's theme will be The Black Family: Representation, Identity, Diversity. Our keynote speaker is Kimberly Blackwell, the CEO of PMM Agency. She is one of the country's top marketing and advertising executives who will surely deliver a powerful message.
Congratulations to all of our honorees. We thank each of them for their leadership and for making a difference in our community. We are looking forward to hearing their stories and celebrating their achievements this Friday. Our listening and viewing audience will be able to tune in on City Council's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
In Solidarity,
Priscilla Tyson
Councilmember
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Legislation Provides Extra Accountability for Police and Mandates CPD use Body-worn Cameras and Provide Medical Aid
In response to the recent tragic and senseless violent events in the City of Columbus, Council created legislation to provide additional security for residents and accountability within the police department. Ordinance 0196-2021, known as Andre’s Law, is named after Andre’ Hill who was killed by Columbus police officer in December 2020. It seeks to ensure that Columbus safety officers properly use body-worn cameras and call for medical aid or deliver basic aid while awaiting medical personnel. Read More
Andre’s Law amends Columbus City Code to the following:
- Requires the activation of body-worn cameras during any enforcement action or other situation outlined in the directives of the Columbus Division of Police.
- Requires Columbus Police to request aid from emergency medical services upon the use of force that results in serious bodily harm, as well as the rendering of medical aid under certain circumstances.
- Requires Columbus Police recruits receive CPR and basic medical training and periodic retraining.
“As we seek justice in the death of Andre’ Hill, there are two things we know for sure,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “The officer on the scene did not immediately activate the City-issued body camera, and neither of the officers dispatched administered medical aid. This is something we can address now.”
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Fifteen Finalists to Give Presentations on Why They Wish to Serve on the CRDC
 After receiving 123 applications to serve on the Council Residential Districting Commission (CRDC), Columbus City Council has selected 15 finalists for further consideration. The CRDC will draw the residency maps to be used by Council beginning with the 2023 elections.
“It has been exciting to have over a hundred residents show their interest in the Council Residential Districting Commission. There was representation from all types of backgrounds,” said Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy. “My colleagues and I look forward to learning more about them and discussing the work ahead at the public hearing on February 10th.”
The hearing will be live-streamed on the City’s YouTube channel and Facebook. Read more and view the finalists, here.
Local series called “BLACK GIRLS SOAR: Crowned to Succeed” targets Girls in Central Ohio
The Commission on Black Girls proudly announces “BLACK GIRLS SOAR – Crowned to Succeed,” the miniseries.
Hosted by Alissa Henry, broadcast journalist and host of the Ohio Lottery's The Cash Explosion Show, the program is designed to inspire, motivate and amplify the stories of Black girls. More importantly, this pilot series is intended to support Black girls as they endure the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The next episode will air on CTV, Tuesday, February 16, at 8pm.
The four-part series debuted on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 8pm on CTV channels (Channel 1024, Spectrum; Channel 3, WOW!; Channel 99; AT&T; Channel WCIZ 22.4) and YouTube. Watch Today!
The City of Columbus is launching the My Brother’s Keeper WE RISE scholarship initiative, in partnership with HOMAGE. The competitive scholarship will help young men of color, who participate in My Brother’s Keeper programming, attend college.
HOMAGE is excited to partner with My Brother's Keeper Village Columbus to help raise money and awareness for the We Rise Together Scholarship Fund. A portion of net proceeds from the sales of the We Rise Together T-shirt will benefit My Brother's Keeper Village Columbus.
The application for the WE RISE scholarship will be available February 1, 2021, on MBKVillage.org. To purchase a t-shirt, please visit: www.homage.com/pages/mbk
 A MESSAGE FROM COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH
Columbus Public Health continues to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to protect health and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. This safe and effective vaccine is important to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and help restore some normalcy in our community and lives.
Columbus Public Health is following Ohio Department of Health (ODH) guidelines to distribute the vaccine strategically and equitably in our community. Vaccinations in central Ohio are only available to certain priority groups outlined in ODH’s state vaccination program, currently 1A and 1B, and those 65 years of age and older.
Please continue to check the Columbus Public Health website and social media accounts for updates on vaccine availability. See other local COVID-19 vaccine providers here.
A MESSAGE FROM COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY
The Columbus Metropolitan Library reopened most of their locations for Limited Services on Monday, February 8, 2021. The New Albany Branch is open for Drive-Up Pickup only during its renovation, which they hope to wrap up in March. And our Marion-Franklin Branch, which has been closed for all services, will reopen with limited weekday hours.
As a reminder, with LIMITED SERVICES, you can enter the building to:
- Browse the shelves to pick out your items.
- Pick up items on hold.
- Get Grab & Go Books.
- Return items.
- Use a computer (60-minute limit).
- Reserve a table.
- Print, copy, scan and fax.
- Get in-person Job Help and Homework Help at limited locations.
Curbside pickup and walk-ip Services will still be available. PLEASE NOTE: Face coverings must be worn to enter all library locations.
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