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'STICK UP' BY LAPTOP If you own a business or have a personal checking account, a banker has some surprising news for you. APRILR 2014E ! VOLUMEAL ONE ! NUMBER ONE DEPRESSAL PAGE 3

Primary election feature some Kasich’s ‘Reading Guarantee’ wide-open races Redistricting, about to sting third graders Retirement, Ambition combine to create "It’s going to show us whether or not ballot excitement our district is on top of the reading By R.T. Andrews curriculum… whether they are Editor When the Democratic Cen- teaching the children phonics and tral Committee members cau- reading comprehension." cused in late February to select a replacement for County Coun- — Dorothy Blackmon, cil District 10 representative Ju- Retired School Board Member lian Rogers, it marked the "rst time that any of the elected of- "cials who won county races in ucation. These districts score kids can read in third grade. 2010 was leaving o%ce. in ’s lowest 5% for aca- We should have already been Since Rogers resigned mid- demic achievement. They are doing it.” In fact, said Ward, term for personal reasons — also overwhelmingly black. her district had been “push- his growing family mandated Saying he wanted to com- ing” students. “It’s just that that he take a fulltime job with bat low achievement in Ohio retention piece,” she said re- fulltime pay — electoral law schools, Governor Kasich pro- ferring to children being held provided that the Party select posed Senate Bill 316 in 2012. back. “We know that retention his successor. Party insiders The bill passed and is known isn’t the best thing.” But she passed over the aloof politician as The Third Grade Reading said the district plans to make with the highest pro"le — long- School district resident Gloria Je!erson speaking at March Guarantee. According to the the best of it by taking steps time Heights mayor 26 School Board meeting. Photo Credit: EC Narrator guarantee, third graders ei- such as placing retained stu- Ed Kelley — in favor of An- ther pass the reading test on dents in smaller classes. thony Houston, a low-key but By M. LaVora Perry fate of many children in Great- the Ohio Achievement Assess- That plan is in line with rec- hard-working candidate they Special Correspondent er Cleveland, including those ment or flunk third grade. ommendations the Ohio Edu- knew, liked, and trusted the in the Warrensville Heights “I think the guarantee is a cators Association made when most. In an intraparty election, WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS — City School District. Like the good idea,” said Denise Ward, they opposed the guarantee being liked and trusted counts Imagine being in third grade Cleveland Metropolitan school Executive Director to War- before it passed. Their repre- for more than a ballot name and and discovering that when your district, Warrensville is desig- rensville Superintendent Mar- sentative testified before law- a bigger war chest. classmates move on to fourth, nated as a “Challenge District” va Jones. “It’s unfortunate that makers that a better way !is article pro"les several lo- you won’t. That could be the by the Ohio Department of Ed- we needed it to make sure our CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 cal races where the electorate gets to do the choosing. !e contests we examine are those we have been following since well before Black Philanthropy Takes Center Stage the candidate-"ling deadline in By By R.T. Andrews mittee, which operates under acy Fund in 2010 in conjunc- early February. We will continue Editor the aegis of !e Cleveland tion with putting on the "rst to follow these races throughout Foundation. !e summit is summit in 2010. Constance this primary season. More than two hundred locals aimed at raising the visibility Hill-Johnson, who co-chairs of County Council District 9 are expected to attend this year’s of black charitable giving, in- the committee along with Jus- Next month begins the elec- !ird African American Philan- creasing the understanding of tin R. Horton, recently shared tion process to replace another thropy Summit on Saturday, the bene"ts of wealth and com- in a Real Deal Press interview original county council mem- April 26 at Corporate College munity preservation through that the committee’s goal this ber, District 10 councilwoman AAPC co-chair Constance East in Warrensville Heights. philanthropy, and o#ering tools year is to grow the fund princi- Ellen Connally. A long-serving Hill-Johnson with husband !is every other year event and insights into how to make pal to $100,000. !e Fund has judge with an excellent political Kevin Johnson. Photo is a production of the African such giving more e#ective. been the recipient of gi$s CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Credit: RDP Photo American Philanthropy Com- !e AAPC established a Leg- CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 2 VISIT US AT WWW.THEREALDEALPRESS.COM

Warrensville State of NEWSMAKERS the City set for April 16

BUSINESS CIVIC

Eddie Harrell, Jr. Helen Forbes- has been named Fields has been Vice President/ appointed to the General Manager East Cleveland of Radio One’s Fiscal Commission. Cleveland radio stations.

Warrensville Heights mayor Bradley D. Sellers Photo Credit: Richard Andrews Will Tarter Jr., of Rachel Von Hendrix Broadview Heights of Beachwood has WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS — Warrensville is the new Director been appointed Heights Mayor Bradley Sellers will deliver the State of the City address on Wednesday, April 16 at 7PM of Community to the Cuyahoga at the Warrensville Heights Branch Library, 4415 Engagement at Community College North"eld Road. OneCommunity. Board of Trustees. !e event is open to the public but space is limited and an over&ow audience is expected. APRIL 2014 ! VOLUME ONE ! NUMBER ONE 3

BALLOT continued from page 1 ‘Stick up’ by laptop name, an active and loyal Businesswoman Shontel political organization, and a Brown is a "rst term coun- proven vote-getter, Connal- cilwoman from Warrensville. ly was pretty much a shoo-in Her political resume may be from the moment she de- slight but she has endorse- clared for the sprawling dis- ments from what passes as the trict that is only an Oakwood District’s political establish- Village shy of running from ment: Congresswoman Mar- Shaker Square to the county cia Fudge, outgoing county line. Connally parlayed her council president Connally, political talents to become and Warrensville Heights the "rst president of Coun- mayor Brad Sellers. ty Council. Her decision to A licensed attorney and a retire from electoral politics, minister, Leah Lewis was ap- announced earlier this year, pointed to Highland Heights has brought forth a number council last fall, elected to Warrensville Heights mayor Bradley D. Sellers of veteran, fresh, and former retain the seat in November, Photo Credit: Richard Andrews legislators eager to grab the and is now running to secure District 10 brass ring. a broader platform. She won a District 10 encompasses straw poll over the other can- the cities of Bedford, Bedford didates at a recent campaign Heights, Shaker Heights, and event and was hands down Warrensville Heights, Cleve- the best candidate at dealing land Wards 1 and 4, and the pleasantly but e#ectively with villages of Highland Hills, the aggressive moderating North Randall, Orange, Pepper style of former East Cleveland Pike and Woodmere. !e latter mayor Eric Brewer. three villages were added to the !e southern segment of the district in the redistricting that district features two candidates followed the 2010 census. with impressive profession- If it seems like every one of al resumes outside of politics, those communities has its own though neither shows much in candidate, the reality is not far the way of campaign charisma. By R.T. Andrews a thief needs to rob you blind is thief captures your account in- from the impression. In the Councilman Donald Saunders Editor your checking account number formation, and uses fraudulent running to replace Connally on of Bedford is a retired county and your bank’s routing num- checks to empty your account, the County Council are: Bed- engineer who is stumping on So you own a business. I invite ber. !e latter is easily obtainable you may be unable to recover ford Heights city councilman the grounds that the lower half you to attend a luncheon talk on if the thief knows your bank. It your loss from the bank. Lloyd Anderson; Warrensville of the district got little respect check fraud. Excited? then becomes a simple matter to !e best antidote to check Heights city councilwoman or attention during Connally’s Neither was I, but I went anyway. print fraudulent checks that are fraud, Hennessey said, was some- Shontel M. Brown; Highland "rst term. Lloyd Anderson, !e food was good, the compa- virtually undetectable. thing Dollar Bank calls “positive Hills village councilwoman a councilman from Bedford ny and networking outstanding. Hennessey cited statistics that pay”. Most banks have similar Leah Lewis; former Shaker Heights, a fraternal twin to And the speaker? Well, who on average, U.S. organizations programs under various moni- Heights city councilwoman Bedford, has a distinguished re- knew a banker could make a lose about 7% of their revenue kers. Essentially, to protect your Lynn Ru#ner; Bedford city sume that includes bank man- presentation on check fraud so to "nancial fraud, and that the business, you need to work with councilman Donald Saunders agement and insurance agency fascinating? average fraud scheme goes un- your bank by providing them political operative Andre P. ownership, but the hesitancy he Basically, the speaker, Dollar detected for 18 months. with a list of the checks you write White, and Adam Trumbo of showed in response to Brewer’s Bank vice president Kevin Hen- While wire fraud, credit card before you hand them out. Shaker Heights. Trumbo is as- battering him on insurance is- nessey, blamed Microso$’s Bill fraud, internet fraud gather the A$er all, Hennessey said, if sured of a ballot place in No- sues that Bedford Heights is Gates for the check fraud explo- headlines these days, Hennessey you signed your checks “Mickey vember as the sole Republican dealing with suggested that sion. It was tongue in cheek, of said, checks were the payment Mouse”, most banks would hon- candidate. he may not be ready for wider course, but Hennessey’s point instrument with the highest or them, notwithstanding the Some observers have in- council service. was that computer so$ware, cou- average value of unauthorized signature cards you have on "le. stalled Ru#ner as the favorite Andre White is on the ballot pled with high resolution print- transactions in 2012, with an av- Hennessey was the guest because she is from the larg- but has made little noise and ers and the ready availability of erage value of more than $1,200. speaker at the monthly luncheon est political subdivision. She been seen less. He is sched- check paper at your local O%ce- Had you eaten too much at of the Warrensville Heights also boasts a solid profession- uled to appear at the next joint Max, means that an amateur, un- lunch and dozed o# despite Chamber of Commerce. It’s a al resume as both a licensed appearance of the candidates like the forgers of yesterday, can Hennessey’s captivating pre- fair bet that a good number of professional counselor and at 7PM on !ursday, April set himself up in the fraud busi- sentation, you would have been those in attendance went back a college professor. She has 10 at Shaker Heights Middle ness in a matter of hours and for jolted awake when he said that to the o%ce and made a phone been endorsed by the mayors School. !e League of Women a small capital investment. U.S. courts are beginning to side call to their local branch to learn of Shaker Heights, Highland Voters of Shaker Heights and Essentially, Hennessey said, all with banks and "nding that if a more about “positive pay”. Hills, and Woodmere. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 4 VISIT US AT WWW.THEREALDEALPRESS.COM

!e Real Deal Press !e Independent Source for OPINION Your Community News May Primary has added importance this “o"-year” Published monthly at Warrens- ville Heights OH with a current Election cycles are strange. !ey are handicapping them- mail them in. Others among problems haven’t caught up yet. circulation of 10,000+ copies. Most people seem to be aware selves in ways they don’t even you may not even be registered !is means that whoever wins Available free of charge at more that the outcome of a Presi- think about until they are in because you moved recently the Democratic primary in a dential election can shape the court before a judge, running and maintaining your registered host of legislative and judicial than 300 locations in ZIP codes country’s policies in ways that into obstacles at their child’s voter status slipped your mind. races will likely be your next 44128, 44137, 44146, 44125, and have enormous consequenc- school, getting attitude from [!e last day to register to vote representative: downtown on other selected areas. !e views es for good or ill. Kenne- a social worker, being denied on May 6 is Monday, April 7.] county council, in the General and opinions expressed in this dy-Nixon, Carter-Reagan, Go- health care, or even getting An educated guess is that Assembly in Columbus. publication do not necessarily re-Bush, Obama-McCain and their street plowed. tens of thousands of registered Moreover, the Democratic re&ect the views and opinions of Obama-Romney are examples Here in the United States of voters who live, say, in County candidate who prevails in the the publisher and sta#. © 2014. of those kinds of campaigns. America, it is becoming ever District 9 or State House Dis- county executive primary race !e Real Deal Press Inc. All But local elections, and pri- more clear that in this form trict 11 or State Senate District will probably ascend to what rights reserved. Any reproduc- mary elections at that, also of representative democracy 25, have yet to decide or even some say is the most powerful tion is forbidden without writ- have consequences, because it’s and this capitalist economy begun to focus on who is run- elected position in Ohio a$er at that basic level that decisions [in public schools they don’t ning to represent you for the the Governor. ten permission. get made that can have both a always teach that these are not next two to four years. Su%ce to say, elections have !e mission of the Real Deal more immediate critical im- the same systems], politics, !e easy road is to dismiss consequences that a#ect your Press is to attract, articulate pact on quality of life as well as like race and gender issues, next month’s vote because it’s wallet, your environment, your and amplify civic intelligence contribute to the political cli- are present in all kinds of only the primary, and vow to health, your neighborhood, mate that shapes who wins the ways and places we don’t ex- educate yourselves about issues your grandchildren’s schools, and community good will in electoral college vote in a presi- pect. So it pays us to be alert and candidates before the gen- your quality of life. So get your- our coverage area and beyond. dential campaign. to our surroundings, and not eral arrives in November. Like self out to a candidate forum, We welcome letters to the edi- !is is especially obvious to surrender absentmindedly the Julia Roberts character said visit candidate and issue web- tor. Please include your name, in a swing state such as Ohio, or haphazardly whatever con- in Pretty Woman to the jaded sites, speak with your neigh- address, and your best phone which still retains outsized trol we have over those who sales clerks on Rodeo Drive bors, and get ready to vote. number. We reserve the right power as a battleground state. are elected as our representa- who were ignorant of her buy- Carl B. Stokes is not returning But what is generally less rec- tives. ing power, “Big Mistake!” to earth to electrify the electorate to edit for clarity and space. ognized is that when voters ei- As of April 1, we can start Cuyahoga is pretty solid Dem- again. But have you done your Email: [email protected] ther fail to go the polls, or go voting for the candidates and is- ocratic Party territory, in part be- homework to see who has earned Fax: 216.672.4304 vote only the top of the ticket sues of our choice. Many of you cause Republicans have crossed the right to follow the path he Phone: 216.282.5111 and skip “the less import- may already have decided who eastern, western, and southern blazed? Or who has forfeited it? ant races” down towards the to vote for and will be quick county lines, leaving behind Or who has placed landmines on Coming soon: bottom, they are o$en shoot- out of the gate to complete your problems they helped create and it? Or just maybe, who might be www.therealdealpress.com ing themselves in the foot. ballots from top to bottom and feeling superior because those blazing a new trail?

BALLOT continued from page 3 the Shaker Public Library are that di#erent from fellow Dem- graphically. But she embraces rensville Heights. fundraiser. Some say he is an co-sponsors of that campaign ocrat Bill Patmon of District 10, diversity, sits on the board of County Executive excellent legislative colleague forum. Barnes is far less adept at de- the Urban League, has a good !is race reeks of money, and but in public he o$en appears fending the merits of his maver- relationship with many in&uen- House District 12 the smell comes from only one ill at ease, especially when sur- ick tendencies, and less likely to tial members of the black com- !is contest stands in marked corner. basical- rounded by the hoi polloi. Still, stand where you can "nd him. munity, and is unafraid to go contrast to the county council ly has a castle full of dough, and with his sizable bankroll, even Barnes’ opponent is Jill Miller anywhere in the district to meet race to succeed Connally. !ere his rivals — former Bedford City a combination of bad dental Zimon, who served one term as with anyone concerned about are only two candidates in the Manager and County Sheri# Bob work, halitosis and the aroma of Democratic primary, and while Pepper Pike councilman before the district’s welfare. !is gives Reid, and longtime state legisla- a stevedore a$er a double shi$ the John Barnes is technically stepping down and opting to her a decided edge over the in- tor, Sen. Shirley Smith — have, wouldn’t be enough to derail the incumbent, this District has challenge Barnes. She bene"ts cumbent, who would need a despite enviable records of public this primary campaign. been almost totally reconstitut- from the favorable realignment GPS device to navigate some of ed, meaning that many District of this seriously redrawn district, the areas that have been added service, neither a pot nor a win- State Senate District 25 members will be seeing his name which added several communi- to the district. dow between them. An air of in- has held this seat on the ballot for the "rst time. ties that are less likely to embrace District 12 now encompass- evitability has hung over this race since 2008 and is eligible to run Barnes has also distressed many Barnes’ sense of privilege. es Bedford, Bedford Heights, since last year, and it has been for another term. She opted not in his own party for what they Zimon is a licensed social Cleveland Ward 1, Highland completely spiritless as a result. to stand for reelection but to see as his penchant for playing worker and a lawyer. She is also Hills, Maple Heights, May"eld Budish is a former Speaker run of Secretary of State, a perch footsie with the Republicans. Jewish, a white woman in a Heights, North Randall, Orange of the Ohio House, a success- from which the GOP has worked While his voting record is not district that skews black demo- Village, Pepper Pike, and War- ful attorney, and a prodigious CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 APRIL 2014 ! VOLUME ONE ! NUMBER ONE 5 Six Questions for Chris Nance

The success of this effort is infinitely more vital to the success of our community and our region than any glossy re-branding efforts Positively Cleveland can dream up.

What's the history behind ties to promote CBAs as a pre- Cleveland’s CBA? ferred method and policy for !e e#ort of establishing major developments within the the policy of CBA’s converged city. !e parties also agree to from three separate e#orts, study the demand for construc- Contractors Dominic Ozanne, Lonzo Coleman, John W. Todd, and Josh McHamm were sparked by a meeting hosted by tion, creating both high school recognized for their e!orts at 2014 annual meeting of Urban League. Photo Credit: RDP Photo the Commission on Econom- and adult training programs for ic Inclusion – a programmatic pre-apprenticeship as well as cre- Christopher B. Nance was re- into the local outpost of what transformations is in the arena strategy of the Greater Cleve- ating mentor protégée relation- cruited about two months ago is already a globalized econo- of our physical infrastructure land Partnership - on March 17, ships for minority and female by the Greater Cleveland Part- my requires several things of and the resultant construction 2011. !is meeting was called contracting. Further the parties nership Director to direct the African Americans in Greater boom associated with those ac- to examine the historical ex- agree to set goals for: pre-ap- Construction Diversity & In- Cleveland. Foremost among tivities. Consequently, an urban clusion of minority worker and prentice and apprenticeships; lo- clusion Program of its Commis- these demands is that we edu- redevelopment strategy called a contractors in the construction cal hiring; female hiring; and mi- sion on Inclusion. cate ourselves about where the community bene"t agreement trades in the midst of a $6 bil- nority hiring. Finally, the MOU !e GCP and its Commis- opportunities are and will be. has been identi"ed and now lion construction boom. directs the parties to identify and sion are integral to the success Next is that we prepare our- being used as a key component From this meeting, a group of implement a working committee of major e#orts to address the selves to seize them. of driving the economic success to engage the community and chronic inequities in our local It is for these reasons that we four black contractors convened for the Northeast Ohio region. report its results. economy, most notably — but put some questions to Nance and engaged former Congress- certainly not exclusively — in shortly a$er he started in his What is a Community man Louis Stokes to develop a Who’s responsible for the im- the construction and building new job. Here are the questions Bene"t Agreement? recommended path to reme- plementing and monitoring trades. !ese injustices extend and his answers, mildly edited A Community Bene"ts Agree- dy the exclusion. Also, Mayor the MOU and Community back past the memories of any for considerations of space. ment (CBA) is a collaborative Frank Jackson directed the City Bene"ts Agreements? living person and have a lot to model that is designed to de- of Cleveland to study the practic- !e Construction Diversity & do with the deplorable condi- velop e#ective workforce equity es in other major cities towards Inclusion Committee will facili- tions of many neighborhoods strategies with real community better inclusion in the industry. tate the process for establishing and school systems, and direct- input on inclusion goals. One of !e Commission on Econom- community goals. !is commit- ly support the prison pipeline. the core objectives of an e#ective ic Inclusion engaged Richard tee will be supported by a sta# !anks to an initiative pow- CBA is to create both job and Pogue former managing partner director within the Commission ered by the Cleveland of Cleve- wealth creation (contracting) of Jones Day and Dennis La#erty on Inclusion - a programmatic land and several of the city’s larg- opportunities for women and for to study several areas of the cur- strategy located at the Greater est minority contractors, includ- communities of color on speci"c rent industry to make recom- Cleveland Partnership - - North- ing Ozanne Construction, JWT, public and private construction east Ohio’s Chamber of Com- ColemanSpohn and [Perkins], a mendations. A memorandum of projects. Moreover, the CBA is merce. !e focus for the board more inclusive local economic understanding (MOU), signed an urban redevelopment strate- and sta# will be to help ensure environment may be dawning. a$er 18 months of planning and gy used in major cities to de"ne !e Real Deal Press believes Chris Nance, Commission negotiation, was a merger of all a collaborative approach going the elements of a “major con- forward. Its members will in- that the success of this e#ort on Economic Inclusion three e#orts in a groundbreaking struction project” which will be clude representatives from var- is in"nitely more vital to the Photo Credit: RDP Photo Public/ Private partnership. success of our community and initiated to ensure the project ious sectors involved in the con- our region than any glossy Give us an introduction to what’s produces positive impact to the What is the Memorandum of struction industry. In addition re-branding e#orts Positively going on in our local economy. community in which it resides. Understanding that was signed to goal-setting, objectives will Cleveland can dream up. But !e economic transformation !e agreement is most o$en be- in Cleveland, February 26, 2013? include recruiting owners (de- we also believe that the success of Cleveland, Greater Cleve- tween a developer and a repre- !e MOU signed by nine or- velopers) and projects; develop- of well-meaning e#orts to inte- land and indeed the Northeast sentative community organiza- ganizations in Cleveland is a ing mentoring relationships for grate people of color and black- Ohio region continues on a tion, which will ensure account- document that creates a shared minority business enterprises owned businesses in particular variety of fronts. One of those ability to the public. responsibility among the par- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 VISIT US AT WWW.THEREALDEALPRESS.COM

NANCE continued from page 5 (MBEs); developing recognition On March 13, 2014, ten stu- Employment provided referrals “hands-on” opportunities. Towards Employment, El Barrio, and awards for success; sup- dents successfully completed the and "nancial support to launch A second Pre-Apprenticeship and the Spanish American Com- porting and encouraging capac- Pre-Apprenticeship Training at this pilot e#ort. Each of these class Training class begins June 2, 2014. mittee, are recruiting people for ity-building for organized labor Tri-C. E#orts are underway to members successfully completed !ere will be more opportunities up to 20 training slots. assist these graduates to get into both a so$ skills program and an for contractors and apprentice- To reach Nance for information on and MBEs; and providing sup- apprenticeship programs. Inter- 8 week curriculum. In addition to ship programs to o#er opportuni- training or contracting opportunities port to businesses and develop- ested contractors have stepped the classroom training held at the ties of construction career paths associated with the CBA process or ers that pursue a CBA. up to help with the process. Orga- state of the art Tri-C Advanced for future graduates of the pro- the Construction Diversity & Inclu- What’s happening with nized Labor, the Urban League of Technology Training Center the gram. Referral partners, the Ur- sion Initiative, call 216.592.2383 or the CBA now? Greater Cleveland and Towards students also had a number of ban League of Greater Cleveland, email [email protected].

Don't get shut out of graduate school because you struggle with math. GRE Math Simplified focuses on explaining concepts rather than teaching gimmicks, and addresses the ways in which a single concept can be tested in multiple ways. Available in bookstores & at amazon.com APRIL 2014 ! VOLUME ONE ! NUMBER ONE 7 Emery Woods project gearing up for relaunch By R.T. Andrews Congresswoman, . Editor !e upscale development stalled a$er an impressive start !e Chateaux of Emery when the Great Recession of Woods development sits quietly 2008 dropped the bottom out in the southeast corner of War- of the housing market. Other rensville Heights. It was con- developments in the city were ceived as the city’s signature resi- stopped in their tracks as well. dential piece more than a decade When Sellers ran for mayor in ago, at a time when the city’s 2011 he pledged to restart some current mayor Brad Sellers was of those projects, including Em- serving as community liaison ery Woods where he now lives. director under then-mayor, now CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 Cell Phone Leon Bibb selected as Black Ban in Shaker Professional of the Year Heights A ban on using hand-held cell phones to talk or text while driving is now in ef- fect in Shaker Heights. Police will issue warnings to drivers in violation until Memorial Day, when they will start issuing tickets.

!e Black Professional Association Raised primarily in Glenville area, he Charitable Foundation has selected TV has called Cleveland home ever since. 5 news broadcaster Leon Bibb has been Bibb will be feted at BPACF’s annual selected as the Black Professional of banquet, which usually takes place in the Year. !e honor was announced at the fall. No date has been set for this BPACF’s annual meeting on March 26. year’s event. Bibb is one of the longest-serving BPACF raises and distributes schol- television journalists in Cleveland his- arship funds every year. Its endowment tory. He was born in Alabama but mi- fund is housed at the Cleveland Foun- grated north to Cleveland in the 1940s. dation. 8 VISIT US AT WWW.THEREALDEALPRESS.COM BOLD launch for new Young Professional Minority Women’s Group

Cleveland Young Professional Minority Women’s Group, the latest arrival in the lineup of area “I was completely unaware organizations for young people. !e group is the brainchild that there was a community of Lauren R. Welch and Jazmin Long, two emerging leaders on of successful, educated young the Cleveland young profes- sional scene, who saw a need women of color.” for young women of color to connect, to celebrate their ac- complishments, and — perhaps color representing public, pri- nue streetscape. most importantly — to provide vate, and nonpro"t sectors, and Several of Cleveland’s fore- (L to R, Front) Shaina Munoz, Jazmin Long, Lauren R. Welch support and professional de- included both recent college most women of color — some of and Ashley Hawthorne. (L to R, Top) Isharon Reynolds, velopment grounded in their graduates to upper manage- whom serve as mentors to many Ashley Hawthorn, Devon Marbuary, and Ashleigh Johnson unique perspectives. ment executives. !e prevailing of the group’s members — were Photo Credit: McKinley Wiley, the Dark Room Company !e inaugural event, “BOLD: vibe seemed one of celebration invited to the launch, and came the Launch Party”, held March and discovery as new friends to express their support for the By Mordecai Cargill land’s best and brightest young 21 in the sleek o%ces of the Ro- and comrades connected over new group. Notable among this RDP Reporter women gathered downtown setta Marketing Group at 629 spirits, a choice spread of "nger group were Barbara Danforth of a$er work on a recent Friday Euclid, witnessed the gathering food, and memorable &oor-to- Ratli# & Taylor, Sheila Wright Almost one hundred of Cleve- to celebrate the launch of the of a wide range of women of ceiling views of the Euclid Ave- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 APRIL 2014 ! VOLUME ONE ! NUMBER ONE 9

BLACK PHILANTHROPY continued from page 1 over the past several years from Hutchins Center for African and Like so much else in the black black women who were coming churches, businesses, ethnic af- African-American Research at community, African American north in the "rst Great Migra- TICKET INFORMATION "nity groups of all types, as well Harvard, Gates is the author of philanthropy o$en seems to tion of southern blacks &eeing as by many individuals. sixteen books and twelve docu- &y under the radar. In a town domestic terrorism and seeking For more information or Hill-Johnson, who grew up mentaries, including the recent where the expansive plans of the opportunity during and a$er to purchase tickets, visit Cleveland’s Glenville area and PBS series, !e African Ameri- major hospitals and universities World War I. Her passion to help www.ow.ly/surJ4 graduated from Collinwood cans: Many Rivers to Cross. He result in new buildings adorned and serve led to the establish- High School and Case West- is the recipient of more than 50 with the familiar names of some ment of a home for single work- ern Reserve University, said honorary degrees and numerous of the area’s wealthiest families, ing girls that in time became the spondents reported contributing this year’s Summit is designed awards, including the MacAr- even the term African Ameri- Phillis Wheatley Association. money to religious, social, educa- to help people realize that you thur “genius grant.” can philanthropy sounds oxy- Despite the perception that the tional and political groups. don’t have to have Oprah-like !is year’s forum, “Inspiring moronic to some. black community is not as phil- In recent years a movement has resources to be a philanthropist. 100 Acts of African-American !e reality is actually quite anthropic as others, nearly two- been developing in Cleveland to “You don’t need a lot of mon- Philanthropy”, is designed as both di#erent than such perceptions thirds of African-Americans do- systematize this pattern of giving ey,” she said, pointing out the a celebration of existing philan- however. Greater Cleveland nate, giving $11 billion each year, symbolized by Bryant and Hunt- existence of more than 50 Af- thropists and a call-to-action for blacks have a long history of according to a 2012 report from er, and carried on throughout the rican American donor-advised aspiring ones. Attendees will be looking out for others less for- the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, cit- city in churches and fraternal or- funds that have been established able to choose two educational tunate. Eliza Bryant, the daugh- ed by the Cleveland Foundation. ganizations, and in myriad infor- at the Cleveland Foundation. sessions during the morning. ter of a freed slave, came to !is is consistent with data re- mal ways in even the most deso- Member organizations or do- Pastor R. A. Vernon of !e Cleveland as a young woman in ported by the Joint Center for Po- late parts of our community. nor circles established several of Word Church will speak at the 1858. Her family in short order litical Studies [now known as Joint !e African-American Philan- these funds. Donor circles are opening session. became well known for their Center for Political and Economic thropy Committee was created a growing trend, and Hill-John- Terri Eason, the Cleveland humanitarian e#orts on behalf Studies] as far back as 1986. Eu- as an advisory committee of the son said they would be an im- Foundation’s director of gi$ of “people of color.” Her legacy gene Carson, then a JCPS research Cleveland Foundation in 1993 portant topic at the Summit. planning, is coordinator of this endures today in the Eliza Bry- associate, wrote in !e Charita- under the leadership of former Harvard professor to keynote year’s Summit. ant Village, founded the century ble Appeals Fact Book, of black Cleveland Foundation Execu- !is year’s Summit will feature Corporate College East is lo- before last as “!e Cleveland Americans “long and rich history tive Director Steven A. Minter. prominent Harvard University cated at 4400 Richmond Rd. in Home of Aged Colored People”. of donating money for benevolent It has served as a national model professor Dr. Henry Louis Gates Warrensville Heights. Early bird !e name Jane Edna Hunter is purposes, dating back to dues-pay- in community engagement. !e Jr., who will deliver the luncheon registration [$30] is open until probably best known because it ing mutual aid and fraternal orga- summit was launched in 2010 as keynote. !e keynote will ac- April 11. Ticket information fol- adorns the county social services nizations formed by free blacks a signature event to educate and tually be a moderated discus- lows this article. building on Euclid Avenue and before the Civil War.” Joint Center engage the African-American sion with WKYC news anchor Cleveland Black Philanthropy East 40th St. She saw a need to research indicated that more than community on the various ways Russ Mitchell. Director of the has rich history provide housing for the single 70% of its 1986 survey of black re- to give back to the community.

BALLOT continued from page 4 to increase the di%culty of vot- sion too many black politicians of the present footprint of this !ese races fall into the same once made the same mistake. ing with single-minded fervor. have about campaigning for the newspaper. Sandra Williams has category as House District 11: in- Patmon lost his Glenville coun- Turner’s decision helps to ac- votes of white constituents proba- represented this district credi- triguing but beyond our immedi- cil seat and too quickly thereaf- celerate the likelihood that this bly make it inevitable that the seat bly for the past eight years. She ate reporting jurisdiction. ter ran for county commissioner, seat will counter typical represen- will revert to a white candidate in is now the prohibitive favorite In House District 10, incum- losing decisively. One can only tational patterns and pass from 2014. !e Republican redistrict- to succeed Sen. Shirley Smith in bent Bill Patmon squares o# imagine Patmon’s eagerness to a black representative to a white ing of 2012 extended this district Senate District 21. Smith is term against former Cleveland coun- impress that lesson upon Miller. one. !is may be partly due to from Maple Heights all the to limited as and is running for cilman Eugene Miller. Miller, In House District 9, Cleveland a reported agreement reached Painesville in Lake County. county executive. you may recall, put his foot so Heights councilwoman Janine between the late US Congress- !e May primary will see two Williams’ move to the upper deep in his mouth during a series Boyd is seeking to win elec- woman former state legislators, Ed Jerse house thus creates an open race of recorded calls to a Cleveland tion to a seat that her mother and Armond Budish that saw and vying for the for her seat much like the one police dispatcher that not even held for two runs of eight years Budish stay in the state repre- Democratic nomination, along created by Connally’s retire- the criminally insane gerryman- each. Boyd shows considerable sentative ballpark and allow her with long time politico, science ment. Six Democrats, including dering of his district was enough potential as a legislator, but she protégé Lance Mason, to take the teacher and current Bedford some with very fresh but capa- to get him re-elected. Soundly may be damaged by the negative seat. When Mason, now a county Heights councilman !addeus ble faces, are vying to succeed defeated by fellow councilman publicity her mother drew last judge, resigned the seat because Jackson. Williams. We will have more to Je# Johnson, Miller is now turn- year when a series of physical of the wear and tear the travel im- House District 11 say about this race in our next ing to a broader electorate to ailments, punctuated by a fall, posed on his family, Turner was We are following this race issue, which comes out the week seek quick redemption. made the incumbent’s visits to appointed. although save for portions of before the primary. In Patmon, however, Miller legislative sessions about as rare Demographics and the aver- Gar"eld Heights, it is largely out House Districts 9 and 10 faces a veteran politician who as sightings of Halley’s Comet. 10 VISIT US AT WWW.THEREALDEALPRESS.COM United Black Fund gala set for May 3 !e United Black Fund of be held at the InterContinental Lattimore. !e evening will cul- 216.566.9263. For more infor- ming in the areas of basic needs; Greater Cleveland will cele- Hotel, beginning at 6PM. minate dancing to the music of mation and updates, visit www. workforce development; chil- brate 33 years of service to the !e gala will feature an up Cleveland’s own DJ Johnny O. unitedblackfund.org. dren, adult and senior services; community at its annual gala on close and personal performance Tickets are $150 per person, UBF funds over 80 non-pro"t as well as cultural education and Saturday, May 3. !e event will by Grammy nominee Kenny and can be purchased by calling agencies that provide program- arts programs. Race, Food & Justice Confab at Case, April 4-5 Conference will look examine urban food movement through lens of social justice Environmental Health Watch, a Social Justice Lens. Conference and race factor into economics, University’s Allen Memorial Li- Park. Saturday’s presentations Rid-All Green Partnership, and will be held at Case Western Re- land use policies, land ownership, brary. It is sold out. will be given at the University the Case Western Reserve Uni- serve University and University health, jobs, community pro- Saturday’s schedule features Circle United Methodist Church versity Social Justice Institute are United Methodist Church on grams, and decisions that impact Mistinguette Smith with the Black on 107th and Chester. co-sponsoring a two-day con- Chester Ave at East 107 St. our most vulnerable communities Lands Project , Malik Yakini with For more information about ference on April 4-5 in Univer- !e goal of the conference is to and communities of color. the Detroit Black Community the conference please contact Kim sity Circle. Race, Food & Justice create a space for dialog and dis- !e Friday evening portion of Food Security Network and Jona- Foreman at 216-961-4646 x104 or Conference 2014: Analyzing the cussion about social justice issues, the conference begins at 6:00pm than Ferrer with the United Puer- [email protected] or Shelley Urban Food Movement through how the history of farming, culture in the Case Western Reserve to Rican Organization of Sunset at 216-368-7568 or [email protected].

WOODS continued from page 7 !e "rst weekend in April will area real estate broker, will han- homes would be o#ered through mark the renewal of the devel- dle marketing of the new devel- First Federal Lakewood. opment when a grand opening opment. Cartwright is excited The pictures on this page of sorts will take place. Details about the prospect of marketing show a model in the develop- on the opening are not available the new homes, whose design, ment. Kucia said in a phone at press time but we have spo- quality and park-like setting call that there are several basic ken with Tony Kucia of Blos- make them rare products in plans from which buyers can som Homes, a well-respected Cleveland’s "rst-ring suburbia. choose, and a variety of op- area builder who is preparing to Cartwright, who recently com- tions are available to custom- build homes on the remaining pleted a term as president of the ize their homes. Prices have available parcels. National Association of Real not set been firmed up for the Julius Cartwright of Dream Estate Brokers, said in an inter- various models but may start Team Realty in Solon, a leading view that "nancing for the new in the low to mid-$200s.

READING GUARANTEE continued from page 1 to raise third graders’ reading coming up April 12 – May 16. the summer. “Our ultimate goal school year?” she asked. ing to show us whether or not our levels would be to use proven Those who remain in third grade is that our students can read at In addition, Jefferson said, district is on top of the reading strategies such as funding pre- must receive 90 minutes of read- grade level,” she said, stressing “The school district has an ‘F’ curriculum,” she said, “whether school, all-day universal kin- ing instruction at school every that the district won’t promote rating,” [from the Ohio De- they are teaching the children dergarten and smaller classes. day. They can take other fourth students who can’t. partment of Education]. She phonics and reading comprehen- While these suggestions were grade subjects if they are ready About a dozen audience wondered why, in the fall, be- sion.” She also sees the guarantee ignored, the guarantee was revised and they can enter fourth grade members attended Warrens- fore students took the OAA, as a way to test teachers. “It’s go- in 2013 to allow more flexibility in in the middle of the school year if ville’s school board meeting on the school board renewed Su- ing to show whether or not we’ve terms of who was qualified to be a their reading levels improve. March 29. During the public perintendent Jones’s contract got good teachers who are doing reading teacher for students who Warrensville will take advan- comment session, Mrs. Gloria for three years. According to their job.” scored too low on the test. tage of being able to promote Jefferson, a senior citizen who Jefferson, OAA scores should M. LaVora Perry has been The guarantee requires that students mid-year, said Ward. tutors at Eastwood Elementa- have been a factor in the board’s a columnist and reporter for students, except those with spe- The district is also set to prepare ry, read from a prepared list decision to retain Jones or not. Neighborhood Voice newspaper cial needs, must have scored at students who didn’t pass the fall of questions and suggestions. Recently retired school board and is launching The East Cleve- least 392 in reading on the OAA test or who fail the upcoming “In September, why not give member Dorothy Blackmon also land Narrator newspaper in May. given in the fall and on the one one to take optional retests over OAA practice sheets to start the believes in the guarantee. “It’s go- Learn more at ecnarrator.com. APRIL 2014 ! VOLUME ONE ! NUMBER ONE 11 BUSINESS CALENDAR HEALTH CALENDAR

Two local organizations sponsoring week-long programming in early April Northcoast Minority Media LLC is hosting Business Summit Week from March 31 through April 4 at various venues in Cleveland and Lorain. Session topics range from diversity issues to developing relationships with "nancial institutions to politics. For more information, visit NorthCoastDiversity.com or call 216.394.0772. !e Cleveland Realtists Association will celebrate National Realtist Week continued from page 7 April 6-12 all over town. !e week starts with a worship service at New WOODS Community Bible Fellowship in Cleveland Heights and culminates with a program at Mt. Pleasant Development Corporation on Saturday, April 12. In between the CRA has scheduled events at Eliza Bryant Village, Shaker Heights, Solon, Warrensville Heights, Slavic Village and downtown. Call 216.926.5644 or visit clevelandrealtist.org for more information. • • • 2014 NE Ohio Entrepreneur Expo is April 7 !e 2014 Northeast Ohio Entrepreneur Expo takes place Monday, April 7, at the Cleveland Museum of Art. !e annual gathering, which is open to Young men in middle and high school are invited to attend the 2nd Annual the public and usually attracts 1000+ people, celebrates entrepreneurship Boys to Men Health Summit on Saturday, April 5th at Cleveland State in the region and gives select companies the opportunity to share their University's Main Classroom Building, 1899 E. 22 St. ideas and businesses with investors, entrepreneurs, community members, media, civic and foundation leaders and educators attending the event. Check-in and breakfast start at 9:15 am. Summit programming begins at 10 am For more information: http://www.neoexpo.org sharp and will end by 3 pm. Lunch is also provided. • • • !e event is free, but space is limited. Youth and the adults they count on can register now at allaboutyourhealth.org. Warrensville Heights Chamber of Commerce luncheon April 16 Roxanne Kaufman Elliott, founder and president of ProLaureate Ltd., will be Participants will attend workshops in three rounds designed to inform and the featured speaker at the monthly luncheon at the Warrensville Marriott. empower them. Topics include "nancial literacy, violence prevention, wellness, Register at http://www.whacc.org/. resilience and emotional strength, self-love, leadership, and spirituality. !e • • • summit is a grassroots event presented by volunteers with the support of MyCom and Neighborhood Leadership Institute. Bus passes are available, call ODOT o#ering DBE Workshop on April 17 (216) 658-1356. Parking meters in the area are free on Saturdays. !e Ohio Department of Transportation is sponsoring a workshop on !ursday, April 17 from 10AM until noon for businesses wishing to be • • • certi"ed as DBE [Disadvantaged Business Enterprise]. 12th Annual Minority Men's Health Fair set for April 24 !e workshop will be held at the Hispanic Business Center, 3104 West 25 !e Minority Men's Health Fair o#ers free screenings and information on a St., at the corner of Clark Ave., Cleveland Ohio 44109. range of topics including diabetes, dental screening, glaucoma, heart disease, Certifying agents will be on hand to guide you through the online hepatitis, HIV, kidney function, lung health, prostate cancer, sickle cell, skin application process and to receive the supporting documentation. cancer, stress/depression, and wellness. Registration is required. If you wish to attend, call 614.466.3957 or email [email protected]. !is free health event runs from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the main campus of the • • • Cleveland Clinic. got pets?

DR. EVAN M. MORSE WARRENSVILLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL • 216-491-9333

BOLD continued from page 8 of the Cleveland NAACP, LaToya Smith of Fi$h !e overall feeling among many of the at- !ird Bank, and Teleangé !omas of Sisters of tendees at the end of the event was overwhelm- Charity Foundation. ingly positive. One young woman, a Cleveland Following a robust networking session, the native and recent Emory University graduate, group’s co-founders introduced the board, the talked about the need for an organization to upcoming slate of members-only programming, connect smart, ambitious young women and and the organization’s mission. !e group’s web- present the wealth of talent that exists to the site describes this mission as an inclusive e#ort larger community. “to provide a supportive community for women “Other than me and the women I have of color through networking initiatives, commu- come to associate with since returning to the nity engagement, and leadership development” area,” she said, “I was completely unaware (cleypmwg.com). that there was a community of successful, In the spirit of that community engagement, educated young women of color. Being able invited representatives of Sankofa Fine Art to see so many of them in one place was in- Plus were on hand to talk about the impor- credible.” tance of supporting community arts initiatives !e group’s inaugural event in its Women in and the artists whose works being auctioned Action series is !ursday, April 3 at 5:30PM at o# that night. the Case Western Reserve University Alumni Recently installed District 10 County Coun- House, 11310 Juniper Rd. on the Case campus. cilman Anthony T. Hairston was on hand to It will feature Dr. Marilyn Mobley, the Univer- present the newly minted group with a certi"- sity’s Vice President, O%ce of Inclusion, Diver- cate of recognition from the Council. sity & Equal Opportunity.