GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 1 A WORD FROM DR. TALISA L. DIXON

In our celebration of Sankofa, let us join together in reaching back and gathering the best of what our past has to teach our young students. And together, let us put them on a pathway What is Sankofa? of success, focused ever forward, and filled with promises of tomorrow. In , we are dedicated to providing every child with the opportunity Sankofa is a Twi word from the Akan people of Ghana. The literal translation of the word and for a high-quality education that will allow each of them to develop their unique talents the symbol is “it is not forbidden to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” As such, Sankofa and passions. To lead our efforts in accomplishing this goal, we are developing a Portrait symbolizes the Akan people’s quest for knowledge with the implication that the quest is based of a CCS Graduate. This will be the educational vision for our schools that brings our on critical examination with intelligent and patient investigation. community together with a shared purpose for every student in Columbus City Schools. As a community, staff and students – Columbus Africentric Early College (CAEC) was founded We aspire that ALL of our students have an educational experience that prepares them to on the principle of Sankofa. We don’t look back to move backwards, instead, we look back to be lifelong learners and contributors today and tomorrow. learn, grow and move into a more productive future – one that is brighter, more hopeful and As we look towards the future of our District, I hope you join me in embracing a culture inspiring – as we individually and collectively seek to increase love and abundance in our world. of continuous learning by innovating, advocating, and leading together. We must continue We at CAEC celebrate the contributions and influence of our honorees to learn, grow and to inspire, educate, and empower our students to see their full potential and best pathway build a more productive future. forward in the classroom and in life.

We welcome you to Sankofa!

DR. TALISA L. DIXON Special thanks to the late Mary Ellen “Mama” Nichols. Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools 3 LETTER FROM DR. TODD A. WALKER CAEC LEADERSHIP

MR. TYREE POLLARD SHERRI C. EDWARDS HENRY M. WARREN JR. Elementary Principal Middle School Principal High School Assistant Principal

It has for many years been my leadership conviction that people gravitate towards that which we celebrate and repetitiously communicate. Excellence, individually and collectively, is therefore no accident but the result of purposeful activity captivating our attention in such a way that it both motivates and accelerates achievement. To this end, celebration is more than mere observation. Rather, it memorializes within us that OUR HISTORY which is common to the human condition. Namely, that each of us as human beings has the capacity to reach, strive, grow, fail, learn and, ultimately, become. What we become is not just CHARLES E. TENNANT happenstance or simply the result of our own efforts, but the outcome of what Dr. Martin In March of 1993, Charles Tennant wrote a proposal for an Luther King, Jr. called an “inescapable network of mutuality.” Africentric (K-5) School, and presented it to the Columbus Sankofa represents our recognition of the contributions of African-Americans, within the fabric City Schools’ Board of Education. The seven member School of the human family, that have richly contributed to our understanding of human capacity. Board unanimously approved his proposal on Tuesday, Sankofa is grounded in love, which for us means seeking the highest good of the other, and October 5, 1993, and in the fall of 1996, the school opened indeed, one of the greatest gifts in life is to serve – using ones’ gifts and talents to uplift and its doors to 300 students. enhance the work and lives of others. Sankofa, then, is Columbus Africentric Early College’s The early college component of Africentric was added to (CAEC) gift to our community. the school concept in 2005. Inspired by Tennant’s dream, Columbus Africentric Early College (CAEC) PK-12, a forty- two million dollar facility sitting on fifty-five acres, opened its Thank you for the privilege to serve! doors in January 2017. Sankofa Honorees receive the Charles E. Tennant award for leadership. DR. TODD A. WALKER CAEC Director, PK-12 & High School Principal 5 EVENT SPONSORS MEDIA PARTNERS

FOUNDING SPONSOR

Columbus City Schools, established in 1845, is ’s largest school district, serving the needs of more than 51,000 students in 109 schools. The District is under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Talisa L. Dixon and a seven-member Board of Education: Jennifer Adair (Board President), Ramona Reyes (Vice President), Michael Cole, Eric S. Brown, James Ragland, Carol Beckerle and Dr. Tina Pierce.

PREMIER SPONSOR

FRIENDS OF SANKOFA

SHOW PARTNERS

DONNA & LARRY JAMES MARLAN GARY

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 7 CAEC ADVISORY BOARD

VANESSA L. BOWERS PHILIP T.K. DANIEL, J.D., ED.D. Manager, Special Programs Professor of Educational Administration, COSI – Center of Science and Industry William and Marie Flesher Vanessa Bowers is currently the Manager of Special Adjunct Professor of Law, The Programs at COSI, the Center of Science and Industry. Philip T.K. Daniel is the William and Marie Flesher In this role, Vanessa manages a diverse portfolio of Professor of Educational Administration and Adjunct special programs, including the Color of Science Professor of Law at The Ohio State University, program, which showcases and promotes the diversity EMERITUS. He is the author of numerous scholarly that exists within the scientific and engineering arenas. publications and books. His work is continually cited Vanessa received her Associate of Arts degree from by researchers nationally and internationally as well Columbus State Community College. Her passion is as in legislation and the courts. He sits on several to highlight the beauty in diversity and to promote editorial boards of scholarly journals. equitable opportunities for all. MIKE DAVIS LASHAUN CARTER, CO-CHAIR President, Director of Strategy, Diversity, and Evaluation Services Junior Achievement of Central Ohio Franklin County Children Services Mike Davis became president of Junior Achievement At FCCS, LaShaun is responsible for assessing and of Central Ohio in February 2010. Mike received developing the strategic plan for the agency. He Columbus CEO Magazine’s “CEO of the Year” is responsible for ensuring that the efforts of the recognition in 2011. Prior to JA, Mike led fundraising organization are in line with its Mission and Guiding teams with United Ways in Georgia, Florida, Texas and Principles. He is also committed to the notion that Ohio between 1996 - 2010. In his career, Mike has equity is embedded in all we do and ensures this managed teams that have generated more than $400 by fostering respectful and effective collaboration million in revenue. Mike is a graduate of the University across all cultural identities. LaShaun also sits on the of Florida, where he received a BA in history. boards of the African American Leadership Academy, Always with Us Charities, Godman Guild Association, and the City of Columbus Safety Commission. He is from Columbus and lives with his wife Cheree, and daughters, Chyna (21) and LaDaia (1).

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 9 CAEC ADVISORY BOARD CONTINUED

ALONZO EDMUNDO DR. JENNIFER FAISON HODGE President/CEO, GetCR8V, LLC Teacher Education Professor GetCR8V, LLC, is an integrated creative learning Director of Clinical Partnerships and design agency. GetCR8V specializes in P-20 Capital University educational consulting, STEM/STEAM education, Dr. Jennifer Faison-Hodge holds a bachelor’s degree professional development, student engagement, family/ from North Carolina A&T State University and community involvement, early childhood development, a master’s and doctoral degrees from The Ohio digital citizenship advocacy, branding/marketing, State University. She has served as the first African and social media strategies. A proud graduate of American female department chair in the Health Tuskegee University, Mr. Edmundo has over 15 years and Sport Sciences Department and interim of experience working with educators, students, department chair in the Education Department. families and community leaders understanding the She has served on numerous local, state, and impact and influence of 21st Century technology. national advisory councils and boards. She is the Mr. Edmundo organizes and develops innovative and visionary of Train Up a Child Intergenerational, LLC creative campaigns to engage, educate and empower which empowers students and caregivers through today’s 21st Century Children and Youth Culture workshops and advocacy. toward Academic Excellence. Essential tips, tools, and resources for teachers, administrators, students, and families to leverage social media and technology for AKO KAMBON further competency in 21st Century learning and President innovation skills. Visionary Leaders Institute Ako Kambon, president of Visionary Leaders Institute, SHIRLEY WALKER FREEMAN is a dynamic, versatile motivational speaker and trainer. PTA Treasurer and Booster Mr. Kambon is nationally recognized as a leader in Columbus Africentric Early College the fields of educational consulting and designing and conducting leadership seminars for public and Shirley Walker Freeman, a native of Jackson, MS, private educational institutions. Appointed by an is a retired librarian. Ms. Freeman is a graduate of Ohio gubernatorial commission, Mr. Kambon served Tougaloo College (MS) and the University of Illinois- as Executive Administrator of The Ohio Commission Champaign Urbana. Her community involvement on African American Males. Mr. Kambon created a includes Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Inc, Mansion Day school for African American males who were at-risk of School, and BREAD. She is a staunch supporter of entering the Ohio penal system. The school received Columbus Africentric Early College as a volunteer, tremendous recognition for its creative approach to PTA treasurer and Booster. reaching and teaching young men who were at-risk of falling through the crack.

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 11 CAEC ADVISORY BOARD CONTINUED

SABRA KERSHAW KAY ONWUKWE Vice President, Business Development Vice President & Director, Design & Planning and Banking Center Manager HKI Associates, Inc. WesBanco Kay Onwukwe is a Founding Partner of the Mrs. Kershaw is a Vice President, Business architectural and urban planning firm of HKI Development and Banking Center Manager with Associates Inc; He has contributed to the physical WesBanco Bank. She is certified in business banking, fabrique of Columbus and State. He is an adjunct and manages a portfolio of $60MM in loans and faculty at Columbus State Community College. $40MM in deposits. She has been recognized for He is also an artist. top sales production. Sabra is committed to serving her community. She currently serves as Chair of the Women’s Business Center of Ohio, Board member of the Columbus Africentric Early College, In Christie’s Shoes and Powell Area Chamber of Commerce. In JAMES PEARSON her spare time Sabra enjoys spending time with her 911 Emergency Call Center Lieutenant husband Eric and son Eric Jr. Columbus Division of Fire Executive Director, J Pearson & Associates ELIZABETH MARTINEZ James Pearson is a lieutenant in the 911 emergency call center, and had spent 32 years with the President and CEO Columbus Division of Fire until his recent retirement. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio He graduated from Columbus City Schools in 1970 Elizabeth Martinez is President and CEO of Big and Ohio Dominican University with a MA in Liberal Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio. She previously Studies in 2011. He was awarded the R. W. Carstens served as Chief Operator Officer for the agency. Humanities Endowment in 2011. He is currently the Elizabeth serves on the Board of Franklin County executive director of J Pearson & Associates, a 501c3 Children Services. She has been featured by Columbus corporation organized to promote cultural literacy Business First as one of the “20 People to Know in through media presentations and public forums on Education”, honored with the Distinguished Hispanic the African American experience. Ohioan Award by the Ohio Commission on Hispanic / Latino Affairs, and spotlighted in The Women’s Book and Who’s Who in Latino Columbus.

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 13 CAEC ADVISORY BOARD CONTINUED

MARSHALL SHORTS BETTYE STULL Creative-N-Chief Vice Chair Artfluential Eastide Arts Initiative, Broad St. Presbyterian Church Marshall is an artist, designer, brand strategist, and Bettye J. Stull is a community leader known for community organizer with a passion for social justice, providing communities with programs and activities the arts, and service. He is the Creative-N-Chief of to introduce historical, cultural, and educational Artfluential a creative consulting firm problem solving opportunities rooted in the African American for business, creatives, and community organizations experiences. As the Culture Arts Director, Curator for social impact. He is also co-founder of Creative and Curatorial Consultant for the King Arts Complex, Control Fest and the Maroon Arts group. He serves she started the King Co-Op Fee for Service Classes, on a number of non-profit boards in the city of the Artist-In Residence Program, and the Literary Columbus. Marshall has presented two Tedx Talks and Series. In addition, she co-founded Celebration of the co-authored his first book From This Moment On... Neighborhood to recognize community leaders. She Personal Reminders for Success At Work, At Play, and currently serves on multiple boards that continue to In the Shower. He subscribes to the idea “anything impact the comunity. She is a jewelry artist and a USIA not designed by nature is designed by someone”, so Arts Administrator to Ghana, West Africa. we can design places, spaces, and things that are more equitable for all people. ANDREW R. SUMMERFIELD President & Creative Director YOLANDA M. STEWART, PH.D. Summerfield Advertising EX OFFICIO With 20 years of success branding and marketing Assistant Principal industry leaders and start- up brands, Andrew supplies West High School the vision that drives the Summerfield team. A member Dr. Stewart is a staunch advocate for community of the Leadership Columbus Class of 2015, Andrew partnerships and works diligently with several has been recognized by Columbus Business First as one organizations to create collaborations to strengthen of its 40 Under 40 emerging central Ohio leaders and students and families. During her 20 years in education, as one of the 20 People to Know in Advertising, PR & Dr. Stewart has served in several formal and informal Media. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at his leadership positions within Columbus City Schools, Alma Mater, The Columbus College of Art & Design. currently as assistant principal at West HS. While Awards include AdFed ADDY Awards in branding, interning at CAEC in 2018, she helped establish Any advertising and interactive design, several AME awards Girl Can! Service and Leadership Academy, as well as from the American Marketing Association, and multiple pilot HBCU Homecoming, to support CAEC’s vision awards from the LMA. and mission.

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 15 CAEC ADVISORY BOARD CONTINUED

JULIALYNNE WALKER MIKE YEARLING Senior Researcher Managing Partner John Snow International Mills James Julialynne Walker, from Columbus, Ohio, has over 30 As a creative director for Mills James, Mike has written years experience working with movements for social and produced hundreds of videos for Fortune 500 and change in Africa and the Americas with community, non-profit clients. As an independent filmmaker, Mike co- public and private sector organizations, in the areas wrote and edited the PBS and Sundance documentary of gender, diversity and inclusion, public policy and Alcatraz Is Not An Island, about the 1969 Native the African Diaspora. She is currently very active with American occupation of Alcatraz, and Spirit Moves My the urban farming movement and serves with the Needle, the PBS documentary about the New Orleans Foundation, Columbus African- Mardi Gras Indians. Today he focuses on the powerful American Digital Collection, Pan-African Connections, stories of the Columbus education community, CAEC Rise Sister Rise, and Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. chief among them. Mike earned a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University of Ohio in 1988. KENNETH WILSON County Administrator, Franklin County As County Administrator, Mr. Wilson leads 3 county agencies with more than 1,400 employees and oversees the County’s annual $1.5 billion budgeting process for 35 agencies to ensure Franklin County remains one of the finest, best-governed counties in the nation. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from Ohio University and a B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University, where he majored in Public Affairs, Metropolitan Studies and Business. Kenneth is a resident of Grove City, Ohio. He is married to wife DeShawna and is the proud father of two daughters.

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 17 LEGACY HONOREE JANET JACKSON, ESQ.

SERVICE IS THE RENT WE PAY FOR BEING… IT IS THE VERY PURPOSE OF LIFE AND NOT SOMETHING YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME.

Janet E. Jackson spent 14 years as president and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio, one of the JANET JACKSON, ESQ. largest United Way organizations in the country. She was the first woman and the first African Retired President & CEO American to lead the organization. Prior to coming to United Way, Janet served six years as Columbus City Attorney, a first for a woman in Columbus. Her election to that office was also a first for an African American. Before her appointment as City Attorney, Janet served nearly ten years as a Franklin County Municipal Court judge, making her the first African-American female judge in Franklin County history. She holds a B.A. degree from Wittenberg University and a J.D. degree from The National Law Center at George Washington University. Her honors and awards include: Allies of Equality Award from Equality Ohio, Woman of Achievement Award from the YWCA of Columbus, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Columbus Education Association, 2013 Professional Woman of the Year by the Women of Color Foundation and Woman of the Year by the Niagara Foundation. She was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001. She also received the 2015 Mortar Board Alumni Achievement Award and an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Capital University Law School. She was named Outstanding Head of Diversity in the Columbus Business First Diversity in Business Awards and won the Champions of Diversity Legend Award. Janet is member of the board of Installed Building Products. She serves on the board of Wittenberg University. She served as a member of the Task Force to Prevent Family Homelessness. She is also a member of the International Women’s Forum, IWF Ohio and Women Corporate Directors. She is a member of the Strategic Advisory Council of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio and of the Columbus Community Trust Project Task Force. She also serves on the Siemer Institute National Advisory Council and on the board of the Jazz Arts Group. GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 19 KEEPER OF THE CULTURE CATHERINE WILLIS

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD. THAT’S ALL I WANT.

CATHERINE WILLIS Community Activist

A dedicated community activist for many years. Catherine has supported education, the arts and family advocacy. She has been involved in the United Negro College Fund, and a founding member of Friends of Art for Community Enrichment Inc., The Ohio Wesleyan University Upward Bound program. She was a member of the SOUL committee, which helped promote from the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center and is an alumna of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Twin Rivers Chapter of Links. 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 School student an opportunity to attend college. She initiated the Chess in the (Neighbor) Hood program at the Martin Luther King Library and was asked to extend the program to other sites. In 2007 Mrs. Willis founded Urban Strings Columbus at Champion Middle School with 2 students. The organization has grown to over 20 youth string musicians ages 11 to 18. Most recently she was given the 2021 Music Educator Award for Community Education for inspiring a love of music in the children and adults of central Ohio.

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 21 SPECIAL HONOREE CURTIS J. MOODY

DO WHAT YOU CAN, WHEN YOU CAN, WITH WHAT YOU’VE GOT, WHILE YOU’VE GOT IT. CURTIS J. MOODY Chairman of the Board, Moody Nolan Award-winning architectural designer Curtis J. Moody has been involved in the design of several billion dollars in construction over his 48-year career. A winner of the prestigious Whitney M. Young, Jr. award as an outstanding African American Architect in the in 1992, Curt’s designs have won more than 300 design citations, including 48 from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and 44 from the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), more awards than any other minority architectural firm in the United States. He is a constant champion for education by encouraging young African Americans to dream beyond their experience and has made significant contributions to improving the underserved neighborhoods in Columbus.

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 23 EMERGING LEADERS

Government History & Cultural Art SHAYLA FAVOR LYN LOGAN GRIMES Education & Cultural Arts Director

Council member Shayla D. Favor was appointed to fill the Lyn Logan-Grimes is the Education and Cultural Arts unexpired term of newly elected Franklin County Court Director at the King Arts Complex. She oversees the of Common Pleas, Judge Jaiza Page on January 14, 2021. youth programming which includes the art academies, an afterschool filmmaking and dance program and Prior to joining Council, Favor served as an Assistant City the Summer arts camp. In addition, she serves as the Attorney in Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein’s office. curator/manager for The Elijah Pierce gallery and Artisans As a Zone Attorney, Favor had the opportunity to litigate Marketplace. high-profile environmental lawsuits, advise administrative and local governmental agencies, and draft several pieces Previously, Lyn was the Museum Art Coordinator at The of legislation. Favor worked alongside the leaders of our Works, Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology city and community to provide essential city services and served as the Educator for Cultural Diversity at the to improve Columbus’ neighborhoods and facilitate Columbus Museum of Art. During this time, Ms. Grimes conversations to address criminal activity, vacancies, successfully developed innovative, educational programs abandonment, and blight. and exhibits that illustrated many diverse themes and topics. In addition, Lyn taught art at the Columbus While serving as a Zone Attorney, Favor implemented Africentric School, the Mansion Day School and St. Francis two initiatives to address our City’s blight; the Vacant and de Sales Catholic School. Ms. Grimes received her BA Abandoned Property program, along with Receivership degree in Graphic Design from Central State University program, have both addressed blight through enforcement, and is completing her MA degree in art education at The demolition and rehabilitation. These initiatives have Ohio State University. effectively helped to decrease our vacant and abandoned property count and to put once-blighted properties back Lyn gives back to her community and serves as a board into the housing market. member for the following organizations…OSU Medicine in the Arts, M.O.R.E. (Motivating Others to Reach In addition to serving on Council, Favor serves on the Excellence) and Art for All People Gallery. She is also Executive Board of the John Mercer Langston Bar active with the Central State Alumni, Columbus Chapter. Association. Favor also serves on the Executive Board for the annual design conference, Creative Control Fest. Creative Control Fest aims to provide a platform for creatives of color in the industries of art, music, design, activism, tech, scholarship and entrepreneurship. Favor lives on the Near-East side of Columbus with her husband Corey Favor and their six-year old puppy Hudson.

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 25 EMERGING LEADERS CONTINUED

Direct Media Community Development & Outreach DARLENE HILL AL EDMONDSON Reporter Barber and Activist

Darlene Hill joined NBC4 in September, 2018, Al Edmondson is the president of the historic Mount becoming the station’s 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. anchor. Vernon District Improvement Association (MVDIA), The Toledo, Ohio native is excited to come back founder and CEO of “Making a Difference”, owner of to Columbus, where she attended The Ohio State “A Cut Above the Rest” barbershop, and a veteran of University. Before coming back to Ohio, Darlene the United States Army. Serving in Operation Desert spent more than two decades at FOX32 in Chicago. Storm. Edmondson spearheads local community action During her career, she won numerous regional and committees to assist with the redevelopment and health national awards, including the prestigious Peabody and wellness programs of the Near East Side. In addition, Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award and multiple he serves as an Ambassador for the American Heart Emmy Awards. Association, American Cancer Society, Life Line of Ohio and Celebrate One as well as memberships on several Darlene began her career three weeks after boards and committees locally. graduating from Ohio State, when she accepted a reporter position in Monterey, California. Her In 2014 Al was invited to the white house by way career then took her to Chicago, where she covered of Congress Woman Joyce Beatty to attend the My the Democratic National Convention, the 2008 Brother’s Keeper announcement with President Obama Presidential Inauguration and local issues impacting for his outstanding community service. In 2016 Al was Chicago and the surrounding communities. Darlene the youngest African American inducted into the Ohio has two children, who are both in college. Veterans Hall of Fame for his service to country and community. He has received the Jefferson Award and a “Columbus, thanks for letting Chicago borrow me for number of awards locally and nationally for his service to 25 years,” said Darlene Hill, NBC4 4p & 5p Anchor. central Ohio. “Now I’m coming home and I’m going to show everyone how much I’ve missed them.”

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 27 EMERGING LEADERS CONTINUED

Education Moral & Spiritual Leadership DWIGHT CARTER REV. CURTIS M. HAIRSTON, JR Southeast Career Center Pastor of Youth

Dwight Carter is a nationally recognized school leader Reverend Curtis M. Hairston, Jr. is a pastor to the Christian from Central OH. Because of his collaborative and community he was appointed as a pastor of youth innovative leadership, he was named a 2013 National ministry at the age of twenty. Association of Secondary School Principals Digital Principal of the Year, the 2014 Academy of Arts and He served eight years in the United States Navy and Science Education High School Principal of the Year, while in the service of his country he served as youth and and the 2015 Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators children’s minister in Washington DC, California, and for Principal of the Year. over three years in the country of Japan. After spending 20 years with Gahanna Jefferson Public The bible says that when the ax is dull more strength is Schools as a teacher and principal, 4 years as principal required. So, to stay relevant in an ever-changing youth at New Albany High School, and one year as an culture he has received certifications from both the Devos Effectiveness and Leadership Coach, he joined Eastland Urban Leadership Initiative for urban youth work and Career Center as an Assistant Director at the beginning Princeton Theological Seminary for Youth and Theology. of this school year. He currently serves as pastor of Youth and Emerging Adult He is the co-author of three books: What’s In Your Ministry at Rhema Christian Center where he founded Space? Five Steps to Better School and Classroom the S.A.V.E.D. (Seniors Assembling Valuable Enriching Design (Corwin, 2015), Leading Schools in Disruptive Destinies) Program. A college-level Christian worldview Times: How to Survive Hyper-change (Corwin 2017), educational experience targeting high school seniors to and 10 Perspectives on Innovation in Education encourage biblical and spiritual growth, and to equip them (Routledge, 2021). Additionally, he has contributed to a to confidently live out their faith in every area of life. number of educational books and articles. He resides in Blacklick, OH with his wife Samantha, daughter Gabrielle, and dogs Lilly and Lola. He is a proud graduate of Columbus McKinley High School, Wittenberg University, and Ashland University.

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 29 EMERGING LEADERS CONTINUED

Research & Development DR. MYSHEIKA ROBERTS Health Commissioner SANKOFA REPRESENTS Dr. Roberts has a prolific 18-year public health background at the local, state and national levels. Prior to OUR RECOGNITION OF her appointment as Health Commissioner in December 2017, she was the Medical Director and Assistant Health THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF Commissioner at . She also built a solid foundation in public health early in her career AFRICAN-AMERICANS, by investigating outbreaks in Ohio for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and leading an STD WITHIN THE FABRIC OF THE clinic and hepatitis prevention efforts at the Baltimore City Health Department. HUMAN FAMILY, THAT HAVE Dr. Roberts extends her service to the community beyond the walls of Columbus Public Health where RICHLY CONTRIBUTED TO she is active on the boards of the Columbus Medical Association Foundation and the YWCA of Columbus, OUR UNDERSTANDING OF as well as the Lifeline of Ohio Minority Advisory Group and OhioHealth’s Faith, Culture and Community Benefit HUMAN CAPACITY. Committee. She also serves as a mentor in OhioHealth’s Physician Diversity Scholars Program. DR. TODD A. WALKER She earned her MD from the University of Maryland CAEC DIRECTOR, PK-12 & HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL School of Medicine and her MPH from the University of Michigan. A native of Los Angeles, she now calls Columbus home and enjoys spending down time with her husband Edward and their dogs Cosby and Rudy.

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 31 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI DISTINGUISHED STAFF MARLEY HILL DIANE SMITH

I am a 6th grade reading teacher in Houston, TX. I believe in teaching anti-racism, and My name is Diane Smith I have been a par professional since 1997 working at the Columbus social justice to students no matter their race or ethnicity. As a graduate of Columbus Africentric Early College. I have lived in Columbus, Ohio all my life. At home I enjoy spending Africentric in 2013 I went on to playing college basketball and graduating with my time with my family and friends. I am a proud mother of two adult children. I’ve always wanted bachelors in 2016 and masters in educational leadership in 2018 from Western to teach young children, even as a child being the oldest of six children I strive to make a Michigan University. Through my time in college I traveled abroad to study educational difference by teaching tomorrow’s geniuses for they are bold, brilliant and can become better equality in London, South Africa, and China. students. They have taught me how to teach them, it has been a partnership and it has only I became a teacher because I believe that representation matters. I want to be a role worked because of the heart work understanding and the respect for each students and adults. model for all students especially students of color. This past year in 2021 I bought my I sincerely appreciate this honor. first house.

GLOBAL. EMPOWERING. GROUNDED. TRANSFORMATIONAL. 33 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

KERRY CHARLES DIRECTED BY SPECIAL THANKS TO 2021 Sankofa Host MIKE YEARLING TALISA L. DIXON, ED.D. Kerry Charles is a weeknight anchor for NBC4. He ANGELA CHAPMAN, ED.D. joined the station after working as an anchor/reporter WRITTEN BY LUTHER JOHNSON, ED.D. in Atlanta. Prior to that, he spent seven years as a AKO KAMBON ROBERT MURPHY, ED.D. morning anchor in Greensboro, N.C. Kerry has also MIKE YEARLING SCOTT WORTMAN worked as a reporter and/or producer in Shreveport, CHARLES E. TENNANT LA, Cincinnati, and here in Columbus. CREATED BY SHERRI C. EDWARDS Central Ohio is home for Kerry. He attended Columbus TODD A. WALKER, PH.D. TYREE POLLARD City Schools, and graduated from Linden-McKinley High HENRY M. WARREN, JR. School. He went on to earn a communication degree EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS LASHAUN CARTER from the University of Cincinnati. AKO KAMBON MIKE DAVIS Kerry believes in giving back to the community. He TODD A. WALKER, PH.D. PHILIP T.K. DANIEL, J.D., ED.D. helped start an ongoing effort to give kids free haircuts, ALONZO EDMUNDO lunches, grooming lessons and access to financial literacy PRODUCERS SHIRLEY WALKER FREEMAN workshops. He engages in service projects through ALONZO EDMUNDO AKO KAMBON memberships with Phi Beta Sigma, as well as the ANDREW R. SUMMERFIELD SABRA KERSHAW National Association of Black Journalists. JENNIFER KELLY, PH.D. An Emmy Award winner, Kerry is a member of the ASSISTANT PRODUCERS SABRA KERSHAW Morehouse College MLK College of Ministers and Laity LAWRENCE LEMON ELIZABETH MARTINEZ (2018). The honorary college honors professionals who, CORY OAKLEY JAMES PEARSON in part, use their platform to better the lives of others. KAY ONWUKWE In 2014, the University of Cincinnati named him a PRODUCTION CREW MARSHALL SHORTS Communication Alumni Champion. MILLS JAMES YOLANDA STEWART, PH.D. BETTYE STULL PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS ANDREW R. SUMMERFIELD DAWN TYLER LEE KENNETH WILSON 2021 Sankofa Facilitator CAEC ADA BURLEY JULIALYNNE WALKER, ESQ. Dawn Tyler Lee serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for ROMA JOHNSON MIKE YEARLING External Affairs in the office of Columbus Mayor Andrew BRIAN JONES PAUL BROWN J. Ginther and is the highest-ranking African-American RACHELLE RIDLEY-STEWART JACQUELINE BRYANT appointed official in the Administration. She holds many NANCY BURTON honors and is a past recipient of the Business First 40 CAROLINE JEWELL-ROGERS Under 40 Award. She earned her master’s degree in urban LESLIE BOWMAN affairs and public policy from the University of Delaware and resides Columbus with husband, Robert E. Lee III. 35 OUR VISION High achievement and early college for each student as we affirm the positive leadership of African Americans to benefit the global community. OUR MISSION To provide students a high expectation, highly supportive, accelerated learning opportunity and to serve as an extension center for African and African American cultural learning in the broader Columbus community. OUR VALUES Global. Empowering. Grounded. Transformational.

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