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The Dayton Branch National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), in partnership with Kroger, Fuyao, and retired entrepreneur William Pollard, is proud to host its 5th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway for families in need. This community event aims to bless families during the Thanksgiving season with a complimentary turkey and holiday essentials. Event Details Section: Who:  Families in the Dayton Region When:  Friday, November 22, 2024 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM Where:  NAACP Dayton Headquarters, 915 Salem Ave , Dayton, OH Each family is eligible for one turkey, with a maximum of two turkeys per vehicle. Valid ID required. Founded in 1915, the Dayton Unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the city’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the Dayton Region and Montgomery County are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. Their core goals are to Inform , Educate and Empower the Citizenry as they pursue justice and equality for all Americans. For additional information about the event or to learn about the services offered by the NAACP, please contact (937) 222-2172  or visit www.naacpdayton.org . Officers of the Dayton Branch NAACP,   Dr. Derrick L. Foward, President “NAACP Image-Award Winning Activist” Mattie P. White, Vice President Tom Roberts, Second Vice President Willie A. Terrell, Jr., Third Vice President Clair M. Thompson, Secretary Tiwona L. Foward, Treasurer Lauretta Williams, Assistant Secretary Harvey C. Bolden, Assistant Treasurer

By: Ben Jealous With the holiday season approaching, it seems that our country could not be more divided. That division has been perhaps the main overarching topic of our national conversation in recent years. And it has taken root within many of our own families.   Blood may be thicker than water, but for many American families it seems like it is not as thick as politics. Or, if not politics specifically, then the cultural rifts that have been widened and inflamed within our political debate.   Maybe our national healing can start with our families, around the holiday table.   There are mixed views within my own family, just like there are in millions of American families. And within my family there are stories of division and stories of healing.   My family traces its roots in America on my dad’s side back 400 years to Massachusetts – the home of the first Thanksgiving. My mom’s family has also been here the better part of 400 years, but in Virginia and Maryland, tracing back to that area's earliest white settlers and their African slaves.    When my parents fell in love as young civil rights activists in Baltimore and got married, their marriage was illegal in Maryland. Their relationship was taboo at the time. My father’s family disowned him for marrying a Black woman and he lost his inheritance.    So, I grew up on America’s racial fault line. And learning about my own family’s history has provided an important perspective on the nature of division both within the family itself and the country – our big, messy American family.   Using DNA research to trace my own family’s origins, I discovered that like President Barack Obama, I am distant cousins with former Vice President Dick Cheney. That revelation was interesting. But the revelation that I am also distant cousins with Robert E. Lee was a little harder to swallow. I was the youngest ever national president of the NAACP. He was the Confederate general who essentially fought to preserve the institution of slavery.   The Civil War itself was a conflict that famously divided families. “Brother against brother” is a phrase commonly used to describe those divisions that emerged within many American families, especially in the border states like my home state of Maryland.    And after the Civil War, America’s divisions certainly did not go away. But there are inspiring stories of coming together as well that simply have not been told as much as the stories of division and oppression.   My grandmother’s grandfather was at the center of one of those stories. In the years immediately following Reconstruction, Edward David Bland – who had been born into slavery – led Virginia’s Black Republicans into coalition with former white Confederate soldiers to form a third party that took over the Virginia state government.    How many of us grew up learning that freedmen and the same Confederates that had fought to keep them enslaved actually came together to form a winning political party based on the common desire to save their state’s public schools?   Known as the Readjusters, the bipartisan, multiracial movement won all statewide elected offices and controlled the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1881 to 1885. In that time, they abolished the poll tax and the whipping post, radically expanded Virginia Tech and created Virginia State University, and readjusted the terms of the Civil War debt to save the free public schools and take the state from a financial deficit into a surplus.   That is just one story that illustrates how as a country we have managed to work through our divisions and move forward. We have common ground. We just need to look for it. And it should not be that difficult to search for and find that common ground within our own families.   Families can be great composites of many different backgrounds and experiences, just like America itself. And just like America, there can also be room for different viewpoints within families.    Most of us want the same things: a better life for our children, safe communities, good schools, freedom. That we might have different perspectives on what some of these things mean does not make for insurmountable differences. Instead, it begs for conversation and ultimately understanding of why we see things differently. Because whether our ancestors arrived as settlers or immigrants, were enslaved or were among this land’s Indigenous peoples, what we have in common is we are all in the same boat now. Whether we sink or float, it will be together. And to truly thrive, we must heal our divisions. Within our own families is as good a place as any to start.   Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

Learn to Earn Dayton has aligned with community partners to implement a local pilot program that would “level the playing field” for tenants facing eviction, by providing low-income renters with legal representation to help them navigate the complex court system. The new pilot program seeks to provide legal counsel and wrap-around services to 125 tenants who face eviction in northwest Dayton. During the October 23rd City Commission Work Session, Erica Fields, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, shared that the “Without an attorney, tenants are at a significant disadvantage and left to navigate the complex eviction process on their own, demonstrating a critical inequity in the current housing court system.” About 97% of tenants in eviction cases in Dayton Municipal Court are self-represented, according to court data shared during a Dayton City Commission work session last month. In contrast, only about one in 10 landlords and property owners in local eviction cases are self- represented. The vast majority have private lawyers. “Legal counsel helps tenants in eviction cases obtain more favorable outcomes, which could include negotiating a move-out or a repayment plan,” said Debra Lavey, senior attorney with ABLE. Lavey said, “The main goal is to keep people in their homes when possible. Providing tenants with legal counsel should help prevent homelessness and increase housing stability.” The pilot hopes to meet the varied needs of tenants, providing legal representation and social work, education, and empowerment. While the underlying goal is eviction prevention, the outcome could look different depending on the tenant’s needs. The program will pay for a full- time staff attorney with Advocates for Basic Legal Equality Inc. (ABLE) to represent tenants. It also will help cover the cost of services and support from a part-time social worker, a paralegal and an administrative assistant. Supporters say lowering eviction rates has proven to significantly impact family economic mobility, neighborhood stability, and student success. “Our tracked data underscores the critical role of housing in student achievement. Chronic absenteeism significantly heightens the risk of dropout, lower academic performance, and unpreparedness for college or career. Housing instability is by far the greatest predictor of students’ chronic absenteeism from school. This highlights how the housing insecurity crisis disproportionately affects our young learners,” said Fields. According to court data shared by Emma Smales, Director of Data and Impact for Learn to Earn Dayton, more than 3,100 eviction cases were filed in Dayton Municipal Court last year. About half of those filings were associated with residential properties in the 45405 and 45406 ZIP codes, which cover large parts of northwest Dayton. Partners shared that residents have long advocated for an access to counsel program in Northwest Dayton through The Power of Place Plan, a comprehensive community vision for NW Dayton neighborhoods. A key aspect of this pilot is the data tracking and comprehensive evaluation, as the team works to determine how to scale to program to a larger geography and track if eviction prevention now may lead to greater economic mobility. Using the expanded data, the team will review of the challenges and successes in implementation, determine the estimated cost and fiscal impacts of implementing an ongoing eviction right to counsel in Northwest Dayton and in scaling across the region. Partners shared that jurisdictions implementing right to counsel programs have seen cost savings related to housing social safety net responses and in economic value preserved by retaining residency.  The pilot recently launched Nov. 12 and has been designed leveraging the national expertise of Stout, and will be implemented by local legal aid organization, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE). Support for the program has been provided by Blue Meridian Partners and the Dayton Legal Heritage Foundation of The Dayton Foundation , with support from the Wright-Patt Credit Union Sunshine Community Fund. Additional partners include Dayton Tenants Union, Omega CDC Learn to Earn Dayton and others. Tenants facing eviction living in Northwest Dayton (zip codes 45405 and 45406) with a household income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, pregnant or have children living in the home are encouraged to apply directly or through a referral agency for ABLE ’s services through the Legal Aid Line intake line at 1-888-534-1432 or www.legalaidline.org or visit ABLE’s Dayton office a 130 West Second Street, Ste. 700, Dayton, Ohio 45402.

As we move into 2025, businesses must evolve their digital marketing strategies to stay competitive and foster growth. This workshop will explore the latest technologies and trends that will help businesses amplify their digital presence, engage audiences effectively, and drive higher conversion rates. Learning Outcomes: Understand the emerging trends in digital marketing for 2025. Discover strategies to engage your target audience and convert them into loyal customers. Learn how to leverage cutting-edge AI tools to automate tasks and maximize efficiency. Develop actionable steps to boost your brand’s visibility and enhance your bottom line. Click here to register for the event! About the Presenter Whitney L. Barkley, M.S. is a dynamic AI Strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Speakerazzi, a personal branding agency powered by AI. With a mission to level the playing field for business leaders, she combines her expertise in media, AI technology, and content creation to empower entrepreneurs to grow their brand and influence. As the Director of the Greater West Dayton Incubator, Whitney has impacted over 350 businesses and collaborated with organizations like Notre Dame, Elevate Network, and the Urban League. She is also a renowned speaker, having been featured at AI conferences across the Midwest, and has received numerous accolades, including Dayton Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and Diversity Champion.

At 25 years old, Chico Minor Jr. from Dayton, Ohio, has transformed his life thanks to NPower. After feeling stuck in jobs without a future, Chico found a path to success through NPower’s tech training program.   Initially, Chico envisioned a career in education, whether as a teacher or by opening his own childcare center to positively impact young lives. However, as he found himself in a repetitive work routine, he began searching for something more fulfilling. That’s when NPower appeared and helped him shift his mindset and career goals.   Now employed at Reynolds and Reynolds, Chico sees a bright future ahead. "My future after NPower looks like having a never-ending career and continuing to grow wherever I end up for a company," he shares. His advice to both his younger self and others: “Be patient—everything will come together.”   Chico's journey is a testament to the impact NPower can have on young adults seeking meaningful careers in technology. His dedication and perseverance have paid off, and his story serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to make a change.

The Greater West Dayton Incubator is excited to share upcoming events and programs from our office and around our ecosystem. If you have any questions, please contact us at gwdi@udayton.edu .  Looking for business funding? The Greater West Dayton Incubator is proud to partner with Flyer Consulting and CityWide Development to offer microloans between $500-$15,000 for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Click this link to learn how to apply by October 18th! Have you ever wondered how to build authentic relationships in an era dominated by digital interactions? Join us for an evening dedicated to mastering the art of genuine connection-building with the Greater West Dayton Incubator and the National Black MBA Association on October 22, 2024 from 6-8 PM at 31 S. Main Street, Dayton, OH 45402 . Event Highlights: Innovative networking strategies and best practices shared Engaging fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs Dynamic panel discussion on creating lasting professional relationships Discover how personal relationships can fuel your entrepreneurial journey. Learn to cultivate a network that goes beyond likes and shares, opening doors to real opportunities and collaborations. Don't miss this chance to elevate your networking skills and build connections that truly matter. Reserve your spot now and take the first step towards a more connected future. Register for Network Reimagined!

WILBERFORCE, Ohio [Oct. 7, 2024]  — Central State University is gearing up for its highly anticipated Homecoming Week, running from Oct. 7-12. This year’s theme, the Maroon & Gold Experience, invites alumni, students, and community members to celebrate the Marauder spirit with a variety of engaging events.   Tuesday, Oct. 8   6-8 p.m., Student Government Association Inauguration , University Student Center Ballroom  Wednesday, Oct. 9   7 p.m., Central State University Chorus Concert  at 7 p.m., Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center  Thursday, Oct. 10   8 a.m.-4 p.m., Visiting Alumni Day , Central State University  11 a.m.-2 p.m.,  Jammin@Noon  sponsored by Fidelity Investments, University Student Center Game Room   2:30-3 p.m., Unveiling of the Marcella A. Sampson '74 Plaque , Office of Career Services, Second Floor, University Student Center   7-9 p.m.  Mister and Miss CSU Coronation , Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center  Friday, Oct. 11   10 a.m. shotgun start, Ron Cosey Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing , Locust Hills Golf Club  10 a.m.-midnight, Vendor Fair , Madison W. Beacom/Gaston F. Lewis Gymnasium parking lot  1-3 p.m., Athletic Hall of Fame Luncheon *, University Student Center Ballroom honoring inductees Chantel White-Lawrence, Jerry Parker, Bridgette Edwards and Aja Lewis  3-7 p.m., Marauder Athletics Homecoming Day Soiree *, University Student Center Ballroom  8-11 p.m., “Cenchella” Homecoming concert featuring: Kamry, K Stylist, Dreezy, Sada Baby and Skilla Baby, Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium   Saturday, Oct. 12   8 a.m., Annual CSU National Alumni Association Scholarship Breakfast  followed by the National Alumni Association Meeting , Norman E. Ward Center Ballroom   10 a.m.-midnight, Vendor Fair , Beacom/Gaston Gymnasium parking lot  11 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Homecoming parade , campus-wide  1-4 p.m.,  Football game against Clark Atlanta University *, William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium   7 p.m. Last Stomp Greek Step Show *, Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium   For a complete schedule of events and ticket information, visit the CSU Homecoming website at centralstate.edu/student-services/homecoming .   Join us as we celebrate unity, pride, and tradition during Central State University’s Homecoming 2024!  *Tickets are required for select events and may be purchased online at https://www.centralstate.edu/get-event-tickets . No cash will be accepted for ticketed events.   About Central State University : Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with an over 137-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.  EEO Statement:  Central State University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, offers its programs and activities to people of diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, race, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, marital or family status, military status, national origin, political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University is an Equal Opportunity Institution. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or accessibility, please contact the Department of Human Resources at 937-376-6540.

Dayton Live and The Human Race Theatre Company are pleased to welcome the national tour of THE KITE RUNNER at the Victoria Theatre, May 28 - June 2, 2024. Interested in a cast interview or media tickets to opening night? Reach out to Kailey Yeakley at kailey.yeakley@daytonlive.org .   Show Synopsis: Based on Khaled Hosseini’s beloved, international best-selling novel, THE KITE RUNNER is a powerful new play adapted by Matthew Spangler that follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Afghanistan is a divided country, and two childhood friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul and the skies are full of the excitement and joy of a kite flying tournament. But neither of the boys can foresee the incident which will change their lives forever. Told across two decades and two continents, THE KITE RUNNER is an unforgettable journey of forgiveness, and shows us all that we can be good again. How to Get Tickets: Tickets are available online at daytonlive.org/kite-runner , by phone at 937-228-3630, or in person at the Dayton Live Box Office, located in the Wintergarden of the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. The Dayton Live Box Office and phone hours are regularly Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.-4 p.m., and 90 minutes prior to every performance.   Performance Schedule: Tuesday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2 at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m.   Afghans of Dayton Exhibit Visit this special exhibit and learn more about Afghans in Dayton who live, work and contribute to our community. The exhibit will honor Afghan culture and include historical information, artifacts, and a short film about Afghanistan. Open during each performance of THE KITE RUNNER.   Afghan “Talk Back” With Company Members – Wednesday, May 29 After the show, company members (subject to change) will comment on the production and take questions from the audience. Those with a ticket for that night’s performance may attend free of charge. Dayton Live Chief Creative Officer Gary Minyard will moderate.   Afghan Community Celebration – Friday, May 31 Members of southwest Ohio’s Afghan community are invited to attend any performance, but especially this Friday performance to experience the Afghans in Dayton exhibit located in the reception room on the third floor/balcony level of the theatre.   Parent’s Day Out – Saturday, June 1 at 2 p.m. Can’t find a babysitter? Don’t let that keep you from the show! The Human Race Theatre Company is offering a free theatre activity workshop for kids 5-12 in The Human Race Theatre Company rehearsal room during the Saturday, June 1 performance at 2 p.m. of THE KITE RUNNER. Child drop-off is at 1:30 p.m. You must have tickets for that afternoon’s 2 p.m. performance of THE KITE RUNNER.   Age Recommendation THE KITE RUNNER is recommended for audiences ages 13 and up. The production includes scenes depicting violence and strong language. Dayton Live encourages you to do your research on specific titles and decide what is appropriate for you and your party before tickets are purchased. All audience members must have a ticket, regardless of age. For the consideration of all patrons, children on laps and/or babes in arms are not permitted at most Dayton Live presentations.

The Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter has announced the dates and locations for five local 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.   The schedule for Walks in the Miami Valley is:   Darke County, OH      Sat., Sept. 14 Greenville City Park, 108 Ave F Greenville, OH 45331   Miami County, OH      Sat., Sept 21 Courthouse Plaza 215 W. Main St. Troy, OH 45373   Shelby County, OH    Sat., Sept. 28 Sidney Courthouse Square 100 E. Court St . Sidney, OH 45365   Dayton OH                  Sat., Oct. 19 Day Air Ballpark 220 N. Patterson Blvd. Dayton, OH 45402-1567   Springfield/Urbana     Sat., Oct., 26 Wittenberg University   Throughout the Miami Valley service area, thousands walk in memory of mothers, fathers, grandparents and loved ones who are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., more than breast and prostate cancers combined.   Miami Valley communities have a variety of reasons why they Walk: to support nearly 7 million individuals in the U.S. who are living with Alzheimer’s, and the 236,200 in Ohio; to support more than 414,000 unpaid caregivers in Ohio who tirelessly provide care and support; to help reach the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease by finding a cure; to raise funds that help advance worldwide research that bring new treatment and diagnostics for dementia.   “As the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research, the Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support,” said Annemarie Barnett, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley and Greater Cincinnati Chapters. “Our research efforts are a catalyst and convener that unites the world’s leading researchers to drive scientific progress forward in finding a cure.”   “Every step forward strengthens the Alzheimer’s Association vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” said Terri McFarland, director of development at the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter. “Every stride forward brings us closer to achieving that goal. Together, we can raise awareness and the needed funds to enhance Alzheimer’s care and support, and advance critical research. Please register to walk with us at one of our 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”   Registration for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is now open. To register a team, sign up as a Team Captain or register to walk as an individual, visit alz.org/walkmiamivalley .   There are 236,200 Ohioans 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease according to the   Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures . A total of 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at $11.4 billion. To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free support and resources, visit  alz.org/dayton  or call the Miami Valley Chapter at 937.291.3332 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Aug 26, 2024 Learn to Earn Dayton announces the official kick-off for My Voice. My City. My Future. , an initiative in partnership with Mayor Jeffrey Mims and the City of Dayton that gives our young leaders the power to write the plan for their future. The community kick-off event is Monday, September 16, at 4:00 pm at the downtown Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third Street. During this event, community members, students, families, and youth serving organizations will learn more about the initiative, hear student testimonials, participate in a mini data walk, and hear the results of a recent student survey that will be used to set priority focus areas for an action plan.   “Setting our youth up for productive and successful lives is the work of our entire community,” said Mayor Jeffrey Mims. “It’s key that we align our resources and center the voices of our young people in a shared plan for supporting their futures.”   After the kick-off, a series of listening sessions will take place this fall, with two public sessions to be held on October 2 at Thurgood Marshall High School and October 28 at Boys & Girls Club of Dayton. All teens who live or go to school in the city of Dayton are encouraged to attend one of the sessions to be part of the process in creating a stronger community for teens and by teens.   “The first step forward to create a community where teenagers have the opportunity to contribute to building their own future is for adults to step back, to listen and to acknowledge the expertise and brilliance of our young leaders,” said Stacy Schweikhart, CEO of Learn to Earn Dayton. “We are surrounded by greatness - just waiting for their opportunity to shine and to make our city brighter than we could ever imagine.” More information regarding Student Vision for Dayton can be found online at www.learntoearndayton.org/studentvision .   About Learn to Earn Dayton Learn to Earn Dayton is the regional cradle-to-career intermediary organization, leveraging data, policy, and partnerships to improve student outcomes along the educational continuum. Learn to Earn Dayton serves the community as a convener, collaborator, innovator, and incubator, centering youth voices and driving for solutions to improve our local communities.