“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. TheCleveland Observer SERVING COMMUNITIES: ASIATOWN, CENTRAL, DOWNTOWN, E. , FAIRFAX, GLENVILLE, HOUGH, KINSMAN, LEE-HARVARD, MIDTOWN CLEVELAND, ST. CLAIR-SUPERIOR, AND

Volume 2 - Issue 5 www.theclevelandobserver.com June 2021

It provides an array of items the education; no letters before or Warrior Woman Talks About Engaging Our inclusive of clothing, shoes, boots, after my name--no degree--except Future Civic Activists By S. Alease Ferguson, Ph.D., LPCC home goods and furnishings, and for a high degree of mother wit, appliances, for families in need. street sense, common sense, and Recently I sat down with In recent years, the program has wisdom. I have blended that with legendary Cleveland expanded to offer additional a love for people, the ability to volunteer and community activist, supports via donated homes recognize their pain, and the Barbara Anderson. Since the where participants can get heart of God that wants me to 1980s Anderson has sacrificed construction and skill trades help soften some of the blows of for the community causes that practicums and group home life.” (From Passion to Pain, matter. For example, Educational administration training 2002) Most importantly I have Equity, Race Relations, Predatory opportunities. Most importantly not done any of this work alone. It Lending, Housing Piracy, ACOO offers safe living spaces for has all involved my fellow Community Betterment, those in need. community members and caring Neighborhood Renewal, Housing elected officials, Bankers, and Seeking Results Supports for Veterans, Young People Aging out of Foster Care, Families transitioning from Domestic Violence and individuals at various stages of recovery. This is a woman who has changed laws and industry standards. She has support Barbara Anderson people for many years while still Photo provided by Wild Apricothttps:// being a wife, mother, anotherchanceofohio.wildapricot.org/ grandmother, great grandmother, Seeing volunteers in action and City of Cleveland Department always moves me to tears. I can’t of Community Relations worker. help but feel humbled and In addition, Barbara has held appreciative of their acts of down the posts of President of kindness. Watching someone the Board of Trustees of (ESOP) teach a group of kids dance, Empowering and Serving Ohio’s music or photography, or a People and (CATs) Community Community Center Staff lead Assessment and Treatment. area teens in picking up trash in Since 2002 she has been the the neighborhood warms my President & Founder of Another heart. The escort at the Wolstein Chance of Ohio (ACOO), a faith Barbara And the ACHOO Mural Photograph by Rhonda L. Wilson Center’s Vaccination space who based 501 (c) (3) non-profit When asked about her own financiers. With God’s help and says, “Good Morning, thanks for organization serving men, women preparation for the “activist the collective Good Will, together coming in to help society,” brings and children throughout journey,” Anderson says “Looking we have made great things tears to my eyes. I think of the Cuyahoga County and Greater back over my life I have had to happen! food distribution volunteers who Cleveland. ACOO is located at experience certain things so that I We talked briefly about a world load my Aunt’s groceries into my 2974 East 65th Street, Cleveland, could properly advocate for others in turmoil; the COVID -1 9 trunk twice a month. These Ohio 44127; (216) 341-8733 or that are struggling. Out of each Pandemic and all of the continual people and their actions are real! [email protected]. life struggle was born a mission struggles. She noted that “On top They are getting behind those The beauty of ACOO is that it that shows up in the programs of that we continue to have social issues that deserve our began as Anderson’s vision come and projects of ACOO. “I will keep fullest attention. to life known as the “Free Store.” moving forward---I do not have all (Continued on page 3 )

Cleveland Early College High African-American, Hispanic or School (CECHS) placed seventh in from low-income households. the metropolitan area and the Graduation rates were 99 Cleveland School of Science and percent at Cleveland Early Medicine (CSSM) ranked 16th. College High School and 97 The schools, both located at the percent at Science and Medicine. John Hay Campus, also fared well Both schools had 100 percent statewide – CECHS was ranked participation in Advanced 25th best in Ohio and CSSM was Placement courses. ranked 50th. The two schools were in The publication's annu al the Cleveland area's top 10 last ratings use a weighted formula year. that takes into account college The Cleveland School of Science U.S. News and World Report has readiness, math and reading and Medicine ranks ninth and released its annual ranking of the proficiency, how many students Cleveland Early College High nation’s best high schools, and take and pass Advanced School placed 10th. The schools, two Cleveland Metropolitan Placement exams and both located at the John Hay School District high schools again graduation rate. The rankings Campus, finished 29th and rate near the top in the Cleveland also factor in performance by 30th in Ohio area. students who are www.theclevelandobserver.com 1 June 2021 The Cleveland Observer

Volume 2- Issue 55 Community June 2021

Article Submission Policy Local Grassroots Groups Launch Participatory Budgeting

The Cleveland Observer will take article Cleveland (PB CLE) Molly Martin submissions electronically via email or through theclevelandobserver.com. Cleveland, OH, May 21, 2021— experts in what they need, and that will be posted on webpage Registration required. Submitter must Over 150 Cleveland residents PB CLE is calling on elected through Refund Cleveland, where provide name, e-mail address, and over the last month attended one officials to establish a thousands of Clevelanders will be phone number with submission. of 19 house meetings to voice participatory budgeting process able to vote this summer on the how they think the City of that allocates funding from the ideas they most want to see CLEVELAND OBSERVER Cleveland should spend part of American Rescue Plan Act, while funded to benefit their

The Cleveland Observer is a community- the $512 million from the also committing to using communities. based monthly newspaper dedicated to American Rescue Plan Act. The participatory budgeting as part of “We are advocating for the providing information and resources that will house meetings are part of a every budget cycle going forward. usage of the American Rescue uplift and enhance the Cleveland communi- ty. Copyright 2021 larger strategy to win a people’s We have asked that the City Plan funding to be decided budget in Cleveland. incorporate residents’ voices, through a Participatory NO REPRODUCTION WITHOUT PERMISSION. Participatory Budgeting visions, and decisions in Budgeting process, in which

PUBLISHER Cleveland (PB CLE) is a group of determining how to spend $30.8 residential input is collected and Ronald A. Calhoun Cleveland residents and million of $512 million in federal created into policy ideas and grassroots groups determined to recovery funds through then the entire community votes EDITORS Rosie Palfy incorporate resident voices in the participatory budgeting. That on how the government will use Daina Dortch decision-making process of our number represents the the funding,” said Pearl Chen, shared resources. Participatory percentage of Cleveland spokesperson for Utilities for All. PARTNERS Neighborhood Connections budgeting centers the people residents living in poverty – the “Through participatory Neighborhood Solutions, Inc. and elevates under-recognized residents we believe need to be budgeting, PB CLE is showing us The Cleveland Foundation voices in spending decisions at fully centered for a just recovery. what direct democracy could Solutions Journalism Euclid/ Observer the local level. Nearly one million “Participatory Budgeting aligns look like in our own community. people across the U.S. have with our mission of building As an organizer for utility justice, ADVERTISING allocated $400 million using black political power,” said I am calling for the money to be Carla A. Calhoun [email protected] participatory budgeting, and Anastasia Sakairoun, organizer used towards replacement of Cleveland residents are joining a with Freedom BLOC (Black-Led lead-filled piping, immediate ADVISORY BOARD community of forward-thinking Organizing Collaborative). “We debt relief for those behind on Margaret Adams, Sheila Ferguson, Ron Har- ris, Ray Hom, Devon Jones, Meryl Johnson, cities by generating their own must allow those who are the their utility payments, and access Mark Silverberg ideas on how Cleveland should most impacted by the lack of to broadband internet for all spend the recovery funds using resources in our community to residents of Cuyahoga County," GRAPHICS participatory budgeting. have direct input on how funds said Chen. Jaedyn Evans The American Rescue Plan are allocated.” www.theclevelandobserver.com in- provides a unique opportunity to The 150+ Cleveland residents • PB CLE coalition partners: [email protected] (216) 236- • Bike Cleveland 8081 launch participatory budgeting in who attended house meetings Cleveland. Residents are the helped develop dozens of policy • Black Lives Matter Cleveland • Cleveland Owns • Cray Consulting Group, Inc • Freedom BLOC • InterReligious Task Force on Central America and Colombia • Kings & Queens of Art • Neighborhood Connections • Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless • Project Coping Box • Refund Cleveland • Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland

*The PB CLE coalition is committed to values of anti-racism, equity, pro- democracy, and authentic and robust participation. We value the process as much as the outcome. Therefore, we are committed to uplifting resident perspectives and the voices of people of color in our engagement with the media whenever possible.*

Local Grassroots Groups Launch Participatory Budgeting Cleveland (PB CLE) to Raise Resident Input on Use of Recovery Funding in Participatory Budgeting Pilot

women. As of 2019, there were more extensive, is expected to just three, with two nearing cost about $745,000. retirement. One woman is in the Different stations require department now among more different levels of intervention. Cleveland’s fire stations will be than 700 fire personnel. Some are very simple – adding a remodeled to accommodate As a pilot project, Fire Station door or some signage, things like female fire personnel, under 11 has been outfitted with walls that. Others will be more involved legislation passed by Council at and doors to convert the sleeping and require new plumbing its recent meeting (4/5). The area into individual rooms. fixtures and so forth. upgrades, expected to be done Six stations will be addressed – The effort to make the fire by 2025, would provide for at an estimated cost of $85,000 stations more accommodating is separate sleeping quarters, — in the renovations that are necessary as Cleveland seeks to bathroom facilities and showers. expected to begin this year. A recruit more women to the fire Cleveland’s fire department larger phase will follow at 16 fire department. historically has had very few houses. That work, which will be www.theclevelandobserver.com 2 June 2021 The Cleveland Observer

Volume 2- Issue 5 Community June 2021

Warrior Woman Talks Assuring Community Volunteerism St. Clair Superior Development Corpora- (from front page) in the Future tion is Hiring: Executive Director poverty, inequities and disparities Over the years Barbara noted in housing, education, health having worked with volunteers of know who would be a good fit. We care, food scarcity, air, water and all ages and life stages. She appreciate your help in this search! soil conservation, catastrophic believes that if you are going to The successful candidate will illnesses, bullying, grief, nurture a new cadre of young have an appreciation for the bereavement, matters of climate volunteers then you want to be a history of the neighborhood and change, predatory lending and good listener and a problem solver. its assets, proven success in housing piracy, challenges Many of ACOO’s volunteers are St. Clair Superior Development equitable community against voters’ rights, police neighborhood residents, high Corporation (SCSDC) is seeking to engagement, the ability to create brutality, and hate crimes. When I school and college students doing Hire an Executive Director change, build relationships, and look at it, the pandemic has really volunteer rotations, Court St. Clair Superior Development deliver results that meet the exacerbated all of the existing Community Services participants or Corporation (SCSDC) in partnership needs of all stakeholders. problems. Though it has left our those simply answering ACOO’s with The Jack, Joseph and Morton The Executive Director will have nerve endings raw, there is still a social media calls for help. Barbara Mandel Foundation (JJMMF) seeks considerable interface with lot of good in the world! From says that the volunteers who stay a visionary, results-driven leader to several departments of the City of there she reminded me that the on seem to be those with a passion help build the SCSDC into a high- Cleveland, City Councilpersons, good news is that: for service. They tend to share performing, connected key funders, businesses,  God is always in charge! through their service and organization that serves and institutions, neighborhood  Citizens by the throngs are willingness to talk about their strengthens the St. Clair Superior groups, and community partners.

taking to the streets to speak problems and most heartfelt neighborhood. SALARY out. They are putting it on the concerns. She says that “there is Despite the effects of COVID-19 in line to combat racism and all magic once volunteers start our City, SCSDC has worked hard The salary range for this position of the other isms, abuses, dis- sharing their thoughts about how to over the last fifteen months to build is $75,000 - $85,000 based on information agendas, and a make a better world. She notes an organization that truly holds the experience.

host of quality of life and that she and her staff really get needs of the community in the APPLICATION PROCESS health disparities. excited and ready to partner and co highest regard both in its actions  According to the United -create new community solutions to and deeds. The Board has been Applications must be received Nations (2019), “more than 1 make a better world. So, she says rebuilt, the organization has by 5:00pm on Wednesday, June billion people on the planet "it is important that those of us embarked on new neighborhood 9, 2021. volunteer. Most serve in their who host volunteer opportunities building strategies and this June a Please forward your resume own neighborhoods and home be good listeners, and engagers. new Strategic Plan will be delivered along with a cover letter in .pdf communities, and a much We need to embrace the struggles to the community. form to: smaller segment serve across and interests of young volunteers Applications for the Executive [email protected] the globe. As a group, so that it is possible to move the Director position are due June 9 at Volunteers are motivated by conversation form one person’s 5 pm. Find out more about this for consideration. No phone calls, the values of justice, equality, struggle to one that raises the exciting opportunity by reading please. and freedom. whole community’s interest and the job description. Before closing we talked about awareness of what else needs to Share the job description with how organizations can get, retain be changed. volunteer your networks and anyone you and fuel volunteer involvement? involvement?

www.theclevelandobserver.com 3 June 2021 The Cleveland Observer

Volume 2- Issue 5 Community June 2021

By Gennifer Harding-Gosnell Sports Summit Showcases attendees, painting a canvas of branches: Rice, Mt. Pleasant, and Cleveland’s Athletic Assets several notable non-white figures Carnegie West. A portion of The Sports in sports history. Cleveland Cisco’s donation will also fund Commission hosted a summit at chapters of the American Indian children’s programming at during the Draft, Movement and the National .” featuring over 30 local sports Association of Black Journalists The Legal Aid Society will be programs, community partners spoke to attendees about their using the money to expand its and social initiatives working to missions. laptop lending initiative. “The diversify and expand athletics in program is meant to help bridge Pop Music’s Cultural Impact “While economic impact is in the marginalized communities. the digital divide,” says Legal Takes Center Stage In Rock Hall’s process of being calculated, the The Cleveland Power of Sport Aid’s Danilo Powell-Lima. “A lot Super Bowl Halftime Show NFL Draft appeared to have a Summit ran concurrently with the of people may not have access, Exhibit largely positive effect on Draft, hosting workshops, demos, especially with the Covid-19 Cleveland’s hospitality industry. panel discussions and networking From Prince’s wood-platform-heel pandemic, they may not have After a very challenging year due opportunities to attendees. boots to Bono’s U.S. flag access to a laptop and a lot of to the coronavirus, downtown

Wheelchair basketball is the jacket, artifacts of some of pop best-known of disability-adapted music’s most iconic sports, and though Adaptive performances by way of the NFL’s Sports Ohio brought wheelchair biggest night are on display at the basketball to the summit as their Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame now demo, they offer a wider range of into September. sports for the physically disabled. Entry to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of hearings have gone virtual, so the businesses in particular saw an “We offer track and field,” agency Fame is always free for city of laptop lending initiative grew out influx of residents and visitors representative Karen explains, Cleveland residents. of that.” over the three-day event. With “and they also have racing bikes, This event kicked off the NFL’s 160,000 people in attendance, Cleveland Public Library And we are part of a sled hockey Inspire Change grant project, bars, restaurants and hotels Legal Aid Society Beneficiaries Of conference, and we’re going to which aims to both support social experienced a strong uptick in NFL Foundation Funds have power-wheelchair soccer. justice and bridge the technology business. We have some really cool The NFL Foundation donated gap in impoverished areas. specialized chairs that are made $75,000 each to the Cleveland Hospitality Industry Hoping for power soccer. We also have Public Library and the Legal Aid “Strong Uptick” During Draft wheelchair rugby, which is Society of Cleveland during the Kickstarts Economy primarily for people who have an Draft. Former NFL players Will impairment of some sort in their Shield and Kevin Dyson From Destination Cleveland limbs. Could be someone missing presented the cheque and even Senior PR Director, Emily Lauer: an arm, a leg, could be just a hosted a Storytime for local finger on a hand. Coming in the children. summer we’ll have wheelchair “The Library will create video tennis and softball.” conference rooms for people to

Writers/Podcast Host Register at theclevelandobserver.com A GREAT WAY TO INFORM THE COMMUNITY YOUR ARTICLE PUBLIISHED NEXT MONTH

CLASSIFIED ADS? A GREAT WAY TO ADVERTISE ON A BUDGET Email: [email protected] Phone: 216 544-0574 The movement for racial equity connect to vital services such as YOUR AD NEXT MONTH was very much on display at the legal assistance and telehealth WWW.theclevelandobserver.com summit. Urban clothing designer appointments,” explains CPL’s and artist Glen Infante brought Kelly Woodard. “The rooms will his talents to life in front of be located at the following www.theclevelandobserver.com 4 June 2021 The Cleveland Observer

Volume 2- Issue 5 Faith June 2021

are a few examples. Then there’s and implement this highest form A Path to Healing by D. L. Patterson Agape, the greatest love of all. of love, we can stop being This is the love Yeshua (Jesus) disingenuous both as a nation talked about — the love we should and individually. Only then can all strive to emulate. The love we sincerely begin the process of that cares not that you’re good- repairing centuries of damage looking, or that you’re rich, or caused by the malignancies of funny, or smart, or influential, but racism, greed, war, and white just that YOU ARE! There is a path supremacy. forward. When we understand

Act Like A Man!, Part 6 by Melvin T Mason —and your brain stores it all. One of the residual effects of Crow 2.0 for Blacks (let’s not Therefore take great care as to 400 years of slavery, Jim Crow, forget the recent adventures of what you put into it.” The author and all its subsequent ICE for our Hispanic compadres), continues, ”Men, you must take adaptations, is that most African we see that all non-whites, in a control of the time you spend Americans to this day have no manner of speaking, are rather sitting in default mode in front of clear path to solvency. Those who diverse varieties of “strange the [TV/computer/phone] screen. are among the masses who don’t fruit.” But let’s not get it twisted, It’s the hours that will do you in. possess extraordinary skills and/ the Trump Administration was Along with the hours, we must or limitless ambition, are unable not the cause, nor was Tucker also take control of the content.” to overcome a plethora of racial, Carlson, the recently departed The Soul is said to be the seat of One of the slickest tactics used social, and economic barriers the Rush Limbaugh or any other our mind, will and emotions. to morally-soften our minds is to Caucasian status quo insists are human megaphones for 45’s Within our soul (a.k.a. the heart get us to laugh at content that the delusions of “race baiters” agenda. They were all part of a of man) we wrestle with “the ought to make us cry or be angry and the unmotivated. long line of branches sprouting issues of Life” [Prov.4:20-27]. In or feel appalled! Refuse and The truth is that the physical from a centuries’ old tree of this second section of his avoid things that feed the ropes used for lynching in years bigotry and violence whose roots bestselling book, “Disciplines Of A weaknesses you struggle with, past, have mostly given way to were fed by the blood of millions Godly Man,” R. Kent Hughes militarized policing and the of Natives and Blacks, the latter moves from the others-focused figurative noose of covert bigotry. being the only group in American aspects of a man (Relationships), Through these mechanisms, history forced to immigrate here. and takes a deep dive into the whenever white society decides `Even the issue of Colin individual, more personal someone black is getting a bit too Kaepernick and other NFL players dimensions that house our logic, “uppity” their “noose” is hoisted kneeling to show outrage over the motivations, and sensibilities. The over a sturdy branch on the murder of unarmed blacks by first chapter in this section deals poplar tree of oppression where mostly white law enforcement is with the Discipline of Mind. the social, fiscal, and legal a stance many Caucasians were Hughes starts out this chapter powers that be remind them in no opposed to. They used a skewed with a sad revelation. The human uncertain terms that they are to rationalization that kneeling was mind, the very thing that was be respectful in “masser’s” house. in some way blasphemous, as if created to ultimately house the The conventional wisdom for this action was a hollow exercise mind of Christ, is seldom used for those of us who’ve been around merely designed to infuriate Christ-like thinking, particularly awhile says that hate, vitriol, and white American “patriots.” among Christian men! The author revenge only poison the spirit and Casting aside this thinly-veiled says this is primarily because we it is up to us to band together and deflection, let’s be clear — aren’t taking the time to program such as: pride, sensuality, become agents of non-violent American soldiers who gave their this “amazing instrument God has jealousy, anger and even tolerance of depravity. change. It is counterproductive to lives in countless wars and given us.” engage in “eye for an eye” incursions did so to guarantee us Filling interactions with those that the right to, among other things, control the societal, economic, freely protest wrongs occurring in For this step, Hughes directs our judicial, and military paradigms in a country that purports to uphold attention to Phil. 4:8. “Fix your this country. Retaliation would democracy. The act of kneeling thoughts on what is true and simply translate into more wasn’t about patriotism or a lack good and right. Think about funerals, despair and frustration thereof, it was and is about the things that are pure and lovely, for our people nationwide. That is absence of equal treatment and dwell on the fine, good things a battle we cannot win. under the law in a country that in in others. Think about all you can From the fleecing of Native many practically applied praise God for and be glad Firsts of their lands through instances, purposefully refuses to about.” (TLB) These thoughts can deception, broken treaties, and sanction racial equality. come from conversations with outright extermination, to 400 So how do we reconcile what like-minded (or better-minded!) plus years of slavery, murder, Jim appears to be a huge The programming process for a friends and acquaintances, Crow and the newer refined Jim conundrum? On one hand (at least wholesome, healthy mind occurs wholesome reading, encouraging in theory) America has expressed a in two steps: films & podcasts, and other desire to band together as a nation  Refusal of certain corrupt, forms of positive input. for the betterment of all regardless n o n - constructive input Also, the author points out that of race, color, or creed, while on [Ps.101:2-4], which Hughes men are more likely than women the other hand a significant contends comes to buy a Bible, yet far less likely portion of our nation continues to predominantly from the to actually read it! But if you’re utilize color, race, and nationality media we expose ourselves chock-full of God’s Word, then as divisive elements which war to, and then your life (your relationships, your ethical decisions, and your inner against unity. After four centuries  Filling the mind with thoughts & morality) will be with little progress, we still don’t reputable, healthy input informed & directed by your get it. We talk about loving our [Phil.4:8]. neighbor but we really don’t Creator. What a great trade-off! understand what that means. We Refusal The bottom line, gentlemen, is that we need to diligently protect have one word for love today but Hughes writes, “The computer and program our minds for there are numerous types of love between your ears does not miss greatness and personal growth. mentioned in the Bible, the book a thing. Your eyes are its “Our programming determines that many Americans say govern camera ... your ears are running our production.” their lives. Philautia (love of self), audio-recorders, your nose Eros (erotic love), Pragma mature registers the aromas of what you love as with long-term marriages) see & hear, your body feels it all www.theclevelandobserver.com 5 June 2021 The Cleveland Observer Volume 1 - Issue 5 Community June 2021

• Substantial citizen participation opportunity to develop community- in setting priorities and deciding based assets and learning more on solutions with decision about entrepreneurialism and makers. financial management. Since • A broadband network co-op broadband affordability is a key where residents and workers resident concern, residents make the decisions that understand a co-op would keep prioritize meeting community costs low and allow sliding scale needs first. pricing so people who can’t afford Why is this Better than Other it pay little or nothing. Alternatives? The current and traditional parties have created and maintain digital inequality for Clevelanders for decades. Telecoms don’t invest in the inner-city because it's not as profitable as the suburbs. Solutions Solving Digital Inequality - Better, Easier, that address the core issues of digital inequality, economic Faster, Cheaper By Mark Silverberg development, and resident participation in decision making are The pandemic highlighted what pressure points and craft a change all Clevelanders know – most theory that became, blocked by powerful interests. The Clevelanders experience terrible ConnectedNEO. only way to overcome these cellular and wired high-speed influences is for citizens to get What are ConnectedNEO’s goals? informed and involved in broadband internet service. This has a tremendous impact on ConnectedNEO (CNEO) is advocating for resident priorities residents and our community – committed to: and come together to claim their kids can’t learn, people can’t see a power. • Equitable access to high-quality doctor online, folks can’t look for a Why Is a Co-op So Important? high-speed internet for all job or file for unemployment, and Through talking with residents their residents of Cuyahoga County-- more. Why is Cleveland one of the preference for a neighborhood beginning with Cleveland and five least connected cities in the based, resident and worker owned East Cleveland; ensuring every U.S. for internet? Can it be solved – co-op internet service provider (ISP) resident has the digital aptitude became clear. Residents are quickly, effectively, inexpensively, 7201 Wade Park Avenue needed to thrive in the 21st interested in participating in and equitably? These questions, Cleveland OH 44103 century, and economic d ec isio n -making regarding and others, brought a team of 216-361-6141 development through people connected to the community services, not being told cooperative ownership and NeighborUp network together over what to do by politicians and Innovation. the past year to understand the “experts.” Residents want the

June is PTSD Month even yourself.  Talk About PTSD: The main By Denise Holcomb aim of National PTSD As May Mental Health Awareness Awareness Month is to spread Month comes to a end we look awareness about it. Talk to separately at a mental your friends and family, go to disorder called PTSD. In 2010, the events related to it, and donate U.S. Senate declared June 27 to be to PTSD organizations if you National PTSD Awareness Day. In can afford to. But whatever you 2014, the U.S. Senate designates choose to do, don’t stop June as the official month for PTSD spreading information about Awareness. The designated color the disorder. for PTSD is teal. PTSD became a Resources: diagnosis with influence from a https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/ number of social movements, such what/history_ptsd.asp

as Veteran, feminist, and Holocaust https://nationaltoday.com/national-ptsd- survivor advocacy groups. Research awareness-month/#faqs about Veterans returning from combat was a critical piece to the creation of the diagnosis. So, the history of what is now known as PTSD often references combat history. As A Community How Can We Observe PTSD Month ? RTA Offers Free  Stand with PTSD Survivors : PTSD survivors need June 13th—19th care, attention, and love. Research shows that people recover faster from illness if they have supporters in the shape of friends and/or family. Be there for them by being informed about their specific

symptoms, directing them to The Greater Cleveland Regional professional help, or just Transit Authority (RTA) is offering lending them an ear. free rides on bus, rail, Park-N-Ride  Learn About PTSD: Research and paratransit from June 13 about PTSD’s causes, through June 19, 2021. symptoms, and treatments. You The promotion is in conjunction will be better equipped in with the June 13 launch of RTA's helping people in the future or system redesign, called NEXT GEN RTA. www.theclevelandobserver.com 6 June 2021 The Cleveland Observer

Volume 1 - Issue 5 Community June 2021

History of Anti-Asian American Racism during WWII, about 120,000 unlawful. persons of Japanese ancestry What many people do not know By Ray Hom lived on the US mainland, mostly is that in 1927, a Chinese along the Pacific Coast. About immigrant family led the first two thirds were full citizens, born fight for desegregation in the Jim and raised in the United States. Crow South. Unfortunately, in the Following the Pearl Harbor Lum v. Rice case, the Lum family attack, however, a wave of anti- lost the case which set a Japanese suspicion and fear led precedent for segregation for the Roosevelt administration to years to come. adopt a drastic policy toward In 1965, the Delano grape these residents, alien and citizen strike was launched by Filipino alike. Known as the Japanese migrants which would eventually American Incarceration, virtually lead to the formation of the all Japanese Americans were United Farm Workers and change forced to leave their homes and the face of American labor. property and live in concentration The judgement in the murder of camps for most of the war. Vincent Chin took the country by In the early 1980’s, the storm, sparking protests across A survey conducted between new. Matter of fact, it runs deep automobile industry in the US the nation. The injustice M a r c h 2 9 – April 14th , as it includes many historical was overtaken by Japan as the galvanized the Asian American commissioned by the nonprofit events dating back to the 1800’s, largest automobile producer in community and was the turning Leading Asian Americans to Unite many of which are not known by the world. This caused great point in the civil rights movement for Change, polled 2,766 many today because they are not animosity towards the Japanese for Asian Americans. Groups American adults across the included in our education in the US due to loss of jobs by around the country protested the country. It’s one of the first curriculum. Japanese auto makers, especially sentencing and petitioned the national surveys in two decades California’s 1848–55 gold rush in Detroit. On June 19, 1982, U.S. Department of Justice to to assess public attitudes toward had swelled the population more Vincent Chin, a C h i n e s e investigate Vincent Chin’s murder Asian Americans, the fastest- than 25-fold. By 1867, Chinese American, was beaten to death as a civil rights violation—which it growing racial group in the U.S. immigrants made up 90% of the by two white men who assumed did. When asked to name a famous workforce building the he was Japanese. At the trial, the In 1990, AAPI labor activists Asian American, 42 percent of transcontinental railway. By men only received a $3,000 fine approached the AFL-CIO with a respondents answered “don’t 1880, some 16% of the and no prison sentences. The historic proposal to form a know.” The next most popular population of San Francisco were light sentencing sparked national national Asian American and choices were martial arts legends Chinese. outrage and fueled a movement Pacific Islander labor group. In Jackie Chan (11 percent), who’s The Chinese massacre of 1871 for Asian American civil rights. 1992, over 500 AAPI labor from Hong Kong, and Bruce Lee was a racial massacre that Muslims were the appointed activists from around the country (9 percent), who died nearly a occurred on October 24, 1871, in scapegoats of the 9/11 attacks. gathered in Washington, D.C. for half-century ago. The results were Los Angeles, California, when a Citizens who felt threatened and the founding convention of the similar across racial groups: mob of around 500 White and traumatized were struggling to Asian Pacific American Labor Among Black, white and Latino Hispanic persons entered Old rationalize the suffering caused Alliance (APALA). Americans, “don’t know” was the Chinatown and attacked, bullied, by these events thus, misplaced Moments of Solidarity most common answer. robbed, and murdered 17 the blame and focused their “This just shows that even when Chinese men and boys. Another anger towards minorities who There were also moments of we’re in the news, people are not incident during this time involved were perceived to share common solidarity in our history. These really soaking in the presence of San Jose’s Chinatown being attributes with the group who included Frederick Douglass’ Asian Americans in our country,” burned and destroyed. carried out the attacks. Muslims opposition to restrictions on Norman Chen, the co-founder In the late 19th century, U.S. felt the effects of verbal Chinese immigration, Asian and chief executive of LAAUNCH, federal law openly targeted harassment, threats, profiled and American women activists’ work told NBC Asian America. Chinese immigrants who faced denied civil liberties that in abolition and Black liberation, Interestingly, other findings animosity and segregation. The were granted to their fellow U.S. the Third World Liberation Front from the survey include about Chinese Exclusion Act of citizens. in 1968, the Koreatown Peach 25% of white Americans don’t 1882 prohibited the immigration Most recently, during the COVID- March after 1992’s LA unrest consider anti-Asian racism a of Chinese laborers to the U.S. for 19 pandemic, government and the #StopAsianHate problem that needs to be 10 years, and was renewed by leaders have fueled Anti-Asian movement in 2020/2021. addressed. In addition, about 80 the Geary Act, which additionally racism and xenophobia. Ex- Path Forward percent of Asian Americans said required immigrants from China President Trump and his senior they face discrimination,, to carry permits at all times or leaders have directly or indirectly If history has taught us compared with 90 percent of face possible deportation. It was encouraged hate crimes, racism anything, it is to realize that if Black Americans and 73 percent not until more than 60 years or xenophobia by using anti- any community is discriminated of Latinos. later, in 1943, that Congress Chinese rhetoric including calling against in today’s modern era, The survey also found that repealed the exclusion which only the virus the “Chinese” virus or we will unite and become fewer than 1 in 4 Asian allowed only 105 Chinese people Kung Flu. stronger. The Stop AAPI Hate Americans feel respected in this to enter the country each year. movement has once again History of Asian American country, and more Americans get Acts of Violence was common galvanized the community. Activism their information about Asian towards those who did not make Rallies and marches have Americans through movies, TV it to the US. In 1885, Tape vs. Hurley was a inspired the AAPI community to and music as opposed to friends Chinatown became San landmark court case in the raise their voices to be heard and or colleagues. Francisco’s most congested and California Supreme Court in no longer be silent to ensure that As we close out Asian American impoverished district. In March which the Court found the anti-Asian history does not repeat Pacific Islanders Heritage month 1900, the first suspected San exclusion of a Chinese itself. in May, it would not serve it Francisco plague victim died in American student from public justice unless historic highlights Chinatown. That first case school based on her ancestry are shared as it’s worthwhile to panicked San Francisco’s provide some context and history authorities and they quarantined as part of bringing awareness to Chinatown, preventing any the anti-Asian racism that movement of food in, or of its occurred throughout our history… inhabitants out. It eventually became a game of politics History of Anti-Asian Racism and acknowledging the plague and Scapegoating lifting the quarantine, sounding Racism against the Asian similar to the current pandemic. American community is not At the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 www.theclevelandobserver.com 7 June 2021 The Cleveland Observer

Volume 2- Issue 1 Community June 2021

LGBT Community Center of Greater Celebrating Juneteenth in Cleveland Cleveland Announces LGBTQ Pride in the By Jeremy Taylor In June 2021 after a global CLE 2021 By Ray Hom pandemic, it is only fitting that Karamu House would be among the groups organizing Cleveland’s Juneteenth Celebration. With Ingenuity Cleveland and Alliance involved the event is sure to be incredibly immersive, fun, and well organized. The festivities include live music, interactive visual art Happy Juneteenth America! demonstrations, vendors, food, Also known as, Freedom Day and refreshments. For more (and enough names to be information about this considered a member of the Wu Celebration on Saturday, June Tang Clan), Juneteenth is a 19, 2021 visit celebration that essentially www.juneteenthcle.com marks the official end of Slavery The Cleveland Observer wishes in the recognition of the you all a Happy Freedom Day.

Emancipation Proclamation by Graphic courtesy of the State of Texas. The name www.juneteenthcle.com comes from the date June LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland 1801 E 9th St #1500, Cleveland, nineteenth. Community Events OH 44114 From 1776 to the first Yoga on The Green presented by Studio 11 Juneteenth on June 19, 1865 all When: Wednesday, June 2nd 5:30pm - 6:30pm The LGBT Community Center of “Pride is a bold and beautiful the way to today in 2021, the Where: Cleveland Public Square Greater Cleveland is proud to testament to the history, Black Community’s cultural mark 50 Public Square Cleveland, Ohio, 44113 announce details for Pride in the resilience, joy, and well being in this country has come from * Wednesday evening and Sunday morning from CLE 2021. This Pride Month, LGBTQ+ community now and into our bodies, our minds, and our May 19th - September 26th. there are two opportunities to the future. We are so pleased to souls. It has left the marks of, Sachsenheim's BBQ Fest!! celebrate. have the privilege to present this courage, creativity, perseverance, When: Wed, Jun 2nd 5:00pm The first is by tuning into Pride in year's Pride in the CLE program “stick-to-itiveness”, and the deep Where: Denison Ave, the CLE, June 4th at 7:30 pm on and Pride Ride in collaboration thirst for liberty that are all very Cleveland, OH 44102

WKYC Channel 3. Exploring the with WKYC,” said Phyllis Seven American values. Cleveland Bazaar in Market Square Park past, present, and future of Pride Harris, Executive Director of the On Juneteenth we celebrate our When: Friday, June 5th /19th 10:00am –4:00pm in Northeast Ohio, the Center and LGBT Community Center of struggle for total freedom and Where: Market Square Park, WKYC Channel 3 will be Greater Cleveland. the long way that we have come Cleveland, OH 44113 broadcasting the sights and Amid a global pandemic, the in its pursuit. We remind Baconfest 2021 The Kelley's Island Wine Co sounds of the LGBTQ+ Center reimagined Pride in the ourselves that we are indeed When: Friday, June 11th –13th 5:00pm community. CLE in 2020 by producing a free. We must remind ourselves Where: 418 Woodford Rd, The second is by participating in series of events that would allow because slavery was never Kelleys Island, OH 43438

Pride Ride, kicking -o f f a t for individuals to participate completely abolished. It was Post Road- Shooter's Live Music Edgewater Park on June 5th at safely at a distance while concealed and rebranded. When: Friday, June 12th 9:00pm 10 am. Adhering to state - cultivating the essence of their Racism, discrimination, Where: 1148 Main Ave mandated safety guidelines, annual event that typically draws exploitation, and violent Happy Cleveland, OH, individuals and organizations are more than 15k people to disregard for our wellbeing and Derick Whitson's Sugar (Chapter II) encouraged to show off their Downtown Cleveland, pre-COVID- the hatred for our merely existing Opening Reception When: Saturday, June 12 pride by dressing up their cars, 19. Last year’s events included are all battles that we continue 6:30pm –9:00pm bikes, trucks, and vans in a their Pride Ride, which attracted to fight in the war against Where: 2418 Professor Ave Cleveland, OH, 44113 distanced ride through the more than 300+ participants for unrighteousness. Kaiser Gallery Edgewater and Detroit Shoreway a celebratory ride from Today We battle the relationship 1st Annual Black Independence PopUp Shop neighborhoods. Edgewater to Ohio City, and between master and slave daily When: Sun, June 13 Committed to their mission of virtual Pride in the CLE, which inwardly and outwardly. We 3:00pm – 8:00pm Where: 5350 Broadway Avenue enriching the lives of LGBTQ+ attracted more than 8000+ continue to fight the external Cleveland, OH 44127 individuals in Northeast Ohio, views on streaming platforms environmental racism within our Tequila Fest Cleveland 2021 (Flats East Bank) Pride in the CLE has been an and highlighted the works of local society, and we fight racism When: Friday, June 18th extension of the Center’s mission LGBTQ+ artists, musicians, and within our own minds deeply 6:00pm –11:00pm Where: 2072 E 4th St, by convening community leaders. ingrained over hundreds of years. Cleveland, Ohio members, partners, allies, This year, the Center is expanding Alas, Juneteenth is a celebration, 2nd Annual Cleveland Ohio Yoga Festival neighbors, and friends each year upon last year’s success by so let’s get on down. This Jubilee When: Wed, Jun 19th for a march and festival in the revamping Pride Ride and putting in Cleveland the party is being 10:00am: - 4:00pm Where: Edgewater Park spirit of advocacy, support, Pride in the CLE in the hearts and led by several organizations. Cleveland, OH education, and celebration. homes of Northeast Ohioans Karamu House, along with Juneteenth Bicycle Ride around the Circle through a 30-minute program on Downtown Cleveland Alliance, When: Saturday, June 19th WKYC and Ingenuity Cleveland are 2:30 – 5:30pm Where: 928 Wheelock Rd Channel 3 with special guests presenting Cleveland’s first Cleveland, OH that will be announced closer to official Juneteenth Freedom Fest. Ole' Skool Cabaret for Juneteenth. the date. “We are excited to Karamu House, the over 100- Wear your Red, Black & Green! partner with the LGBT Center of year-old performing arts center, When: Sun, Jun 20th 12:00pm – 4:00am Greater Cleveland for the annual has the distinction of being the Where: 4600 Carnegie Ave, celebration of Pride in the CLE. oldest, producing African Cleveland, OH

From coverage of the Pride Ride American theatre in the entire Twilight in the Garden of Good & Greatness to a special show highlighting all nation. Over the years it has When: Wed, Jun 24th 6:00pm: - 10:00pm the efforts of the Center in the steadily staged productions like Where: 11030 East Blvd community, we are looking Black Nativity, ’ Cleveland, OH, 44106

forward to working together,” said reimagined holiday classic about 3rd annual Fashion Yard Sale WKYC President and General the birth of Jesus Christ. More Dru Christine Fabrics & Design When: Wed, Jun 26th– 27th Manager Micki Byrnes. recently, Karamu’s comeback 10:00am— 4:00pm Phyllis Seven Harris, Executive Direc- story could best be described as Where: 1615 East 25th Street Cleveland, OH 44114-4214 tor of the LGBT Community Center of a phoenix rising from its own Greater Cleveland ashes. www.theclevelandobserver.com 8 June 2021