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Dayton Metro Library, in partnership with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), is offering patrons a chance to receive free tickets to two upcoming performances of The Black Tour at the Victoria Theater on Saturday, February 4, 7:30-9 pm, and Sunday, February 5, 4-6 pm. The Black Tour presents a holistic journey through art and culture by way of four performance narratives. This event will premiere in Dayton and features the new work of Tommie-Waheed Evans, a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow. Twenty-five tickets per show will be available on a registration basis, with a maximum of two seats per party. Seat locations will vary and can be picked up at the box office prior to each performance. Tickets have no cash value and cannot be exchanged for other seats or performances. Online registration for the Saturday, February 4 performance begins Wednesday, January 4, at 8 am, and for the Sunday, February 5 performance on Thursday, January 5, at 8 am. Additional questions may be directed to the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Kwanzaa occurs annually, between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. The Swahili saying, which translates to "How are you?" is the popular greeting for the celebration known as Kwanzaa. The week-long holiday honoring African culture, heritage and tradition occurs annually between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, with celebrations taking place across the country. How did Kwanzaa be-gin? According to USA TODAY, Maulana Karenga, an Africana studies professor at California State University, founded Kwanzaa in 1966. Karenga added an extra letter to the last word of the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits," in honor of the seven children who at-tended one of the first Kwanzaa celebrations, Encyclopedia Brittanica reports. The decades-old holiday is inspired by African harvest festivals. It's mainly celebrated in North America and the Caribbean, and is a nonreligious, secular holiday. How is Kwanzaa celebrated? Kwanzaa, the holiday that honors African culture, heritage and values, occurs annually between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Seven principles represent each day of Kwanzaa: Umoja or unity. Kujichagulia or self-determination. Ujima or collective responsibility. Ujamma or cooperative economics. Nia or purpose. Kuumba or creativity. Imani or faith. Seven candles in shades of red, green and black correspond with the days. They are held in a kinara, which is a candle-holder used specifically for Kwanzaa. Other symbols typically included in Kwanzaa celebrations are fruits, nuts, vegetables, a straw mat, a communal cup and a Pan-African flag. Kwanzaa can be celebrated in family gatherings, communal settings or alone. As long as you reflect on its principles, light the candles and have a karamu, or feast, you are celebrating the spirit of Kwanzaa. The karamu, typically held Dec. 31, usually includes gumbo, okra, plantains, couscous and other diasporic dishes.

The African American Male Top 10 Awards celebrate the achievements of 10 Greater Dayton Area African American Males who have contributed to the community through leadership and positive influence. Since 1994, Parity Inc. has selected and recognized exceptional African American males in our community at the Top 10 African American Males Luncheon. Parity Inc.’s mission is to serve and advocate for socioeconomic equity within the African American Community through collaborations and partnerships. The Top 10 African American Male Luncheon aligns with this mission. The purpose of this honor is to celebrate the accomplishments of African American males who stand tall as role models for the younger generation and the community. Since its inception, the honoree list has grown to over 280 African American males, continuing to serve as positive role models and men from all walks of life and professions. Do you know of an African American male who has made tremendous contributions to their family, community, and/or profession(s)? If yes, Parity Inc. invites you to submit a nomination form by email. The nomination form is available on the Parity Inc. website at https://www.parityinc.info. The list of honorees will be revealed in December 2022. If chosen, the honoree will convene with other Top 10 African American males, and their guest, at the recognition ceremony held Thursday, February 16th, 2023, at Sinclair Community College. More details will become available as the event draws near. At this time, nominations are open and welcomed. Parity Inc. appreciates your time in nominating someone worthy of this honor. Please feel free to forward the nomination form to others for submission on, or before, Wednesday, November 30th, 2022. Completed nominations may be returned via email (see nomination form for instructions). To ensure that nomination content is legible, please submit typed nominations only. Your cooperation is appreciated. Questions about the event and the nomincations should be directed to Ms. Osley via phone at 937.818.2241 or email at c.osley.parity@gmail.com. Dollars raised at this event also support programs such as Youth Development for Success and the Black Leadership Development Program . To learn more about these programs or Parity Inc., please visit https://www.parityinc.info/. Parity Inc. has been in the forefront of the fight for diversity and equity in the Greater Dayton Area for more than three decades. During that time, our community has been faced with many different challenges, some of which threatened our very existence. Our primary focus has been on the areas of Education, Health, Economic/Community Development, and Public Policy the loss of industry and jobs to the rebuilding of an educational system. We have addressed these issues at both the policy level and though grass roots initiatives.

When Rep. Karen Bass is sworn in as Los Angeles mayor next month, Black people will be leading the four largest cities in America. (CNN) - When Rep. Karen Bass is sworn in as Los Angeles mayor next month, Black people will be leading the four largest cities in America. "As Black mayors continue to win elections this cycle, we are excited that, for the first time, the four largest cities – New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago & Houston – are each led by an African American mayor,” the African American Mayors Association said on Thursday. Bass, a six-term congresswoman who represents south and west Los Angeles, will be Los Angeles’ first female mayor. She will be sworn in on December 12. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a retired New York Police Department captain, took his oath earlier this year. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was elected in 2019 and is currently running for reelection. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has been in office since 2016 and his current term concludes at the end of next year. The four of them are members of the Democratic party. Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of the African American Mayors Association , said Black mayors bring a different perspective to public office and can identify not only problems they have experienced, like the need for public housing and food insecurities, but solutions to those issues. She believes having the four cities led by Black people will have a positive impact locally and nationally. “When you have the top four cities at the table, with the administration, I think that the conversation is definitely going to land where it needs to be,” Dickerson said. There are seven Black women serving as mayors of the nation’s largest 100 cities, according to the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University, which tracks the progress of Black and other women of color in elected office. They are Lightfoot in Chicago, Vi Alexander Lyles in Charlotte, North Carolina, London Breed in San Francisco, Muriel Bowser in Washington, DC, LaToya Cantrell in New Orleans, Tishaura Jones in St. Louis, Missouri, and Elaine O’Neal in Durham, North Carolina. But that number will reach nine with Bass and Pamela Goynes-Brown, who was elected mayor of North Las Vegas. There has been a wave of Black women running for office in all levels of government in recent years. There were 145 Black women who filed or indicated that they were running for Congress in the midterm election, CAWP told CNN – a record after 130 Black women filed to run in the 2020 election. Higher Heights for America , a political action committee that works to elect Black progressive women nationwide, applauded Bass’ win, saying it signaled a win for representation. “Today’s long-awaited election results reaffirm the notion that when given the opportunity, Black women have the ability and power to lead,” Glynda Carr, president of the group, said in a statement. Carr said Bass’ win was among many wins to be celebrated but more are needed. A Black woman has never been elected as governor, and it’s a role that holds incredible power, she said. “If Americans truly want to see advancements in progressive policy and diverse representation in our government, we have to invest in Black women running in gubernatorial races, but investing doesn’t just mean money. We have to invest our time, energy and talents if we want to get Black women candidates across the finish line,” she told CNN. By Nicole Chavez , CNN Published 5:51 PM EST, Thu November 17, 2022 by Cable News Network https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/17/us/black-mayors-large-cities-karen-bass-reaj/index.html

In 1962, the Human Relations Council became a leader in civil and human rights enforcement. The Dayton Human Relations Council (HRC) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Throughout its history, the HRC has worked to ensure a culture of fair treatment, inclusion, and equal opportunity. As the HRC reflects on 60 years of work in the community, the HRC recognizes that the enforcement of civil rights has changed, but the necessity of protecting Dayton from discrimination has not changed. The organization celebrates its achievements this past year and looks forward to continuing to support and uplift the community for years to come. The HRC celebrates many accomplishments from the past year, namely a sold-out Fair Housing Symposium with over 100 attendees in October, several Know Your Rights sessions that connect the community to the police, the introduction of Your Home is Your Right to inform tenants and landlords of their rights and responsibilities, and the reinstatement of PEP certified Passport to Success program which equips small businesses in a variety of areas to expand capacity building opportunities and to ensure their success. Erica Fields, Executive Director of the HRC, knows the HRCʼs work is increasingly important, remarking “In 1962, the Human Relations Council became a leader in civil and human rights enforcement. Now, 60 years later, we have expanded our enforcement authority and role in ensuring that Dayton is a welcoming place for all residents and visitors. While we still have challenges to overcome, we can be proud that over the past 60 years, Dayton has taken a leadership role in passing ordinances that ensure fairness and equity.” The HRC honors its history, achievements, and goals for 2023 and invites the community and organizations to celebrate and connect with the HRC. The City of Dayton established the Human Relations Council in May of 1962 to keep peace, order and harmony among the residents and visitors of Dayton, Ohio. The HRC promotes peace, goodwill, harmony and works to ensure equal treatment and opportunity for all. The HRC’s mission is carried out by a full-time staff, and a ten-member Board of Directors. The HRC enforces civil rights; provides business and technical assistance to minority-owned, woman-owned and small disadvantaged businesses; and administers community relations initiatives that promote and maintain peace, goodwill and harmony; assists in reducing inter-group tensions, and ensures equality of treatment and opportunity to all who live, work, play, and gather in the City of Dayton. The services and advice of the Council are available to individuals, corporations and organizations in the Greater Dayton area. Call 937-333-1403 or or visit http://daytonhrc.org/ .

DAYTON, OHIO —The Dayton Dragons are conducting auditions for several professional entertainment positions with the team. The Dragons are holding auditions for the “Green Team,” on-field entertainment hosts, and mascot performers for the 2023 season. The Dragons are seeking fun, energetic, and enthusiastic performers for these positions. SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS What is the Green Team? Green Team members facilitate all in-game entertainment skits and entertain fans during home games and special events at Day Air Ballpark. Other duties include: selecting contestants, welcoming fans as they enter the stadium, preparing contestants for skits, assisting mascots and hosts, dancing on the dugouts, shooting t-shirts to the crowd, and creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. The Host with the Most The Dragons on-field hosts serve as the emcees of the entire entertainment show that takes place during inning breaks throughout Dragons home games. The hosts introduce contestants, skits, and contests; provide personality and enthusiasm; and deliver witty commentary. Mascot Performers The Dragons’ two primary mascots, Heater and Gem, are the central characters and most visible entertainers at the ballpark. They dance, are part of nearly every skit, and constantly interact with fans as they visit various areas of the ballpark. Mascots also make appearances within the community outside of Dragons games. Candidates must be at least 16 years old by January 1, 2023. They must be able to work nights and weekends; have strong communication skills; an outgoing personality; and be reliable, responsible, and confident performing in front of large crowds. Individuals can audition for any or all of these three positions. Interested individuals can visit daytondragons.com/greenteam for more information. Applicants should submit a résumé with references and an introduction video to Jamie.Penwell@daytondragons.com by December 16, 2022 to begin the audition process. the Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Deposits on 2023 season tickets are being accepted now. For information about season tickets including the new Business Club and Family Club, contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com , or go to daytondragons.com . Information is also available regarding group tickets, lawn tickets, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker.

A year into the pandemic, Black veteran entrepreneurs were asked to take stock of their experiences. What they said may surprise you. By Malik Keith and Linda Miller , Elevate Dayton COVID-19 has exacted a heavy toll on the nation's 2.5 million veteran entrepreneurs. A survey conducted by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military families found that, barely a year into the pandemic, 39% veteran-owned businesses had closed due to COVID-19, and more than 41% were operating at 20-40% capacity. But the study also revealed some encouraging signs, especially among Black and African American entrepreneurs. For instance, we know that COVID-19 has disproportionately harmed minority-owned businesses as a whole. Yet veterans responding to the Syracuse survey were not any more likely to anticipate closing their businesses than White entrepreneurs. In addition: 90% of Black and African American respondents said they were able to adapt their business during the pandemic; 83% were able to accommodate (themselves or employees) to work from home; And 78% believed their business/venture would survive the pandemic. Two years later, the road to veteran entrepreneurship is still paved with obstacles, especially for women and people of color. In this story, the last installment in our COVID Can’t Stop Us editorial campaign, Elevate Dayton explores some of those barriers and what is being done to address them. Source: Maury, R.; Tihic, M., Almissalati, N. (2021). Data Brief: Black & African American Veteran Entrepreneurs . Syracuse, NY: Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University. © 2021, IVMF at Syracuse University ‘Vetrepreneurship’ declining In the past, creating a business was the norm for nearly half of U.S. veterans who returned home from major conflicts. According to Syracuse University , nearly 50% of veterans who served in World War II started their own businesses, and roughly 40% of soldiers from the Korean War started businesses. But this is a trend that has dropped dramatically in recent years. A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics says less than 5% of the more than 3.6 million people who have served in America's armed forces since September 11, 2001, created a company. One reason for the dropoff is a change in the types of available jobs. In the past, vets would come home, work on an assembly line, and climb the ladder into management positions, which would ultimately teach them the skills needed to be a business owner. In recent years, those manufacturing jobs have vanished, forcing veterans to acquire those skills in other ways. Another factor has to do with the resources available to veterans returning from active duty. The G.I. Bill of World War II guaranteed loans for veterans who borrowed money to purchase a home, business or farm. The modern-day version does not. Another factor could be that Americans with lower family incomes are more likely to join the military than those with higher family income, meaning they may have fewer financial resources with which to start a business. In fact, access to capital remains the top-cited barrier for businesses owned by women and minority veterans. According to the most recent Syracuse University survey : 63% of Black entrepreneurs and 55% of women entrepreneurs say the capital they need is not readily available, compared to 44% of Whites and 41% of men; Black entrepreneurs (57%) and women (51%) were more likely to be turned down by a creditor or lender than Whites (52%) or men (36%); Black and women entrepreneurs also were less likely to apply for another loan after being turned down; And 50% of Black veterans and 44% of women were not able to secure any funding to expand or grow their business, compared to White veterans (25%) and men (27%). Source: Maury, R.V.; Tihic, M., Feng., R. (2022). Data Brief: Black & African American Veteran Entrepreneurs . Syracuse, NY: Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University. © 2022, IVMF at Syracuse University Despite these barriers, the number of women military entrepreneurs continues to rise. Between 2007 and 2012, according to U.S. Census Bureau data , the number of women veteran-owned companies almost quadrupled, to about 383,000 from just 97,000. One Daytonian who has successfully made the transition from veteran to businesswoman is Juanita Darden, owner of Third Perk Cafe and soon-to-be-owner of a new soul food kitchen. Darden weathered the challenges of running a business during the COVID-19 pandemic and is positioned to open a new restaurant in part because of assistance from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and resources from the city of Dayton. “The help was very important,” Darden said, “The money we received from the city was very instrumental.” SEE RELATED STORY: Local business owner embarks on new business despite the pandemic Another local Black woman entrepreneur who is expanding her business footprint in Dayton is Air Force veteran Charlynda Scales, founder and CEO of Mutt’s Sauce, LLC. Scales, who has an MBA in Strategic Leadership, started the company after inheriting a secret sauce recipe from her grandfather, Charlie “Mutt” Ferrell Jr., who also served in the Air Force, in Vietnam and the Korean War. Recently, Scales teamed up with two other Black women entrepreneurs to co-found a large-scale commercial and training kitchen. The 6888 Kitchen Incubator (pronounced “six-triple-eight”) will be a two-story, 10,000-square-foot commercial kitchen, retail space and classroom situated inside the Dayton Arcade when it opens late next year or in early 2024. Veterans often credit the leadership skills and other lessons from their military service for preparing them for entrepreneurship, and more recently , for helping them survive COVID—lessons like don’t accept defeat, utilize the resources you have, and always have a contingency plan. But making that initial leap to business owner isn’t for the faint-hearted. SEE RELATED STORY: Collaboration helps Dayton entrepreneurs build resilience and foster collective responsibility “The steady paycheck of the military — the stability of a full-time job — is a stark contrast to being a small business owner,” Scales told CNBC in a 2019 interview. “At every point, you’re trying to save on overhead, and there’s no part of your day that isn’t involved with saving money.” One telling insight from the Syracuse studies is that while community development finance institutions (CDFIs) were instrumental in funneling much-needed federal COVID relief dollars to small businesses, they are rarely if ever utilized by veteran entrepreneurs. Just 1% of survey respondents tapped CDFIs in 2020 and 2021, making it one of the least utilized sources of capital. Given that about half of veteran entrepreneurs require $50,000 or less for startup and growth, and that a primary purpose of CDFIs to invest in small businesses in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, increasing awareness and access could pay big dividends for some minority-owned veteran businesses. SEE RELATED STORY: The ABC’s of CDFIs Source: Maury, R.; Tihic, M., Pritchard, A. (2022). Data Brief: Women Veteran Entrepreneurs . Syracuse, NY: D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University. © 2022, IVMF at Syracuse University Motivation and Mentorship In 2020, 88 veteran-owned businesses received aid through the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act in Montgomery County, according to the county’s website . One of those businesses is Creek Technologies (CreekTech), a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that specializes in delivering innovative information technology solutions, educational services, and management consulting. The company was named one of “Dayton’s Fasted Growing Businesses” in 2019 and “Small Business of the Year'' by the Dayton Biz Journals. Creek Tech CreekTech’s president and CEO, Lea Culver, served in the U.S. Army as part of the Army Space Program Office from 1983 to 1992. He specialized in engineering satellite imaging intelligence R&D systems and aerial reconnaissance systems supporting the Department of Defense and an array of federal agencies. For Culver, being a fulltime businessman is a process that happened over time. “When I came out and started Creek Technologies it was a type of a side gig,” Culver said. “When I made the shift over to be full-time in my businesses, I self-funded the company from 2007 through 2016.” Source: Maury, R., Tihic, M., Pritchard, A., McKelvie, A., Euto, L. (2022, Jan). 2021 National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs . Syracuse, NY: Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University. © 2022, IVMF at Syracuse University In addition to funding, other challenges faced by aspiring veteran business owners include a lack of social capital, inadequate mentorship, and difficulty maintaining a positive work-life balance, according to the 2016 report Operation: Vetrepreneurship . In fact, the opportunity to be financially independent consistently continues to rank among the top motivations for minority veterans starting a business, along with maintaining personal freedom and a desire to support their community, according to the 2021 Syracuse study . Culver says it often takes veterans later in life to secure the resources and knowledge to start a business and he believes that can be having an impact on the decline in the number of veteran entrepreneurs. It is not that they have no desire to start a business. It just might take longer for them to reach that goal. “Veterans are trained to be mission-oriented, but very few are trained to be business leaders,” Culver said. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy , small veteran-owned businesses employ more than 5 million people across the United States. Additionally, they create revenue of more than $1.4 trillion a year, and a yearly payroll of $195 billion. Fewer veteran business owners has a ripple effect because employers who once served in the armed forces are 30 percent more likely to hire other veterans, according to a 2012 study from the International Franchise Association. “To continue service to this country, I’m doing it as a disabled service veteran that focuses on hiring veterans,” Culver said. Licensing and Training Another veteran-owned business in Dayton is The Next Wave , a marketing and advertising agency owned by David Esrati, who served in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1987. In 2004, Esrati helped start VOB 108, a group of veteran business owners in Dayton whose mission is to support and help one another acquire skills, grow small businesses and win government contracts. The federal government seeks to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) each year. “We found that most contractors require a General Services Administration Schedule (GSA),” Esrati said. “If you are selling professional services, it gets more complicated.” Esrati said if business owners aren’t able to obtain a certain level of contracts within a certain time period, they risk being taken off of the schedule, which ultimately puts their business at risk. “There have been a lot of organizations that have tried to crack the code and get representation in federal contracting,” Esrati said. “To get past performance within the government system, the contract has to be $250,000 or bigger. It is not set up for very small businesses.” Esrati also notes that transitioning to a volunteer force has led to fewer people with military experience. “In World War II, Korea and Vietnam there was a draft,” said Esrati. “At one point a large majority of people in Congress all had military service. Now it is less than 10%. The military population is way smaller now.” In response to the drop in veterans starting businesses, there has been a proliferation of courses, programs and incubators that help veteran entrepreneurs. One of them is Boots to Businesses , run through the U.S. Small Business Association It involves training via military installations around the world through the U.S. Department of Defense Transitions Assistance Program (TAP). There is also the Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (WVETP), which offers training to women veterans and women spouses of service members as they grow their businesses. In addition to funding and education for veterans who are aspiring businesses owners, both Culver and Esrati say much of the support will have to come from those who have already successfully made the transition, and the skills they learned in the military are qualities that are needed for those who want to start their own company. “I can tell you that the discipline, the structure and the accountability is absolutely unheralded,” Esrati said. “Most veteran business owners I know would hire a veteran any day.” Culver says he always keeps his door open for veterans who have questions or need a place to get started. He owns an office suite that he gives veterans access to for a full year without charge so they can establish a presence in the community. The space also gives new veteran business owners access to phones, internet and other essential tools. Culver says the shared experiences people have when they serve in the military is a special type of relationship, and he is committed to passing on his knowledge to fellow soldiers. “I still mentor other smaller veteran business owners in common business practices,” Culver said. “Veterans are really a part of a fraternity and a brotherhood. It is a bond that transcends any type of relationship that we can form in life.” More resources for veteran entrepreneurs This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

The holidays are in full swing, and scammers are doing everything they can to spoil all the fun. Each year, thousands of people fall victim to holiday scams targeting their hard-earned money and valuable personal information. Although fraud isn't 100% preventable, you can help protect yourself and catch fraud quickly by knowing the latest tricks and schemes. Take a look at this list of 12 common scams to avoid during the holidays: #1: Look-alike Websites Scammers are targeting online shoppers more than ever, especially during the frantic holiday shopping season. Many times, scammers “spoof" popular brands with phony websites designed to capture payment information. Double-check the web address for extra words or misspellings. Before making a purchase, look for the lock symbol and “https" in the URL, which indicate a website is secure. #2: Phishy Emails As the holidays approach, stay vigilant -of suspicious emails. In a phishing attack, scammers pose as legitimate sources in hopes of tricking people into handing over personal information like their passwords and account numbers. These emails are often urgent or even threatening in tone. If an email seems fishy, don't click on any links, or open any attachments. Instead, contact the source directly to verify if they're really trying to reach you. #3: Phony Social Media Ads When scrolling through social media during the holidays, don't be duped by highly-targeted ads from unfamiliar retailers. All too often, shady brands promise irresistible offers on trendy gifts to trick shoppers into buying a low-quality (or counterfeit) item that looks nothing like the advertisement. In some cases, victims have paid for something they never receive at all! Play it safe, read reviews and stick with well-known brands you can trust. #4: “Secret Santa" Social Media Gift Exchanges An invitation to participate in an anonymous holiday gift exchange on social media may seem harmless, but beware — it can expose your private information to strangers looking to steal your identity. These gift exchanges are actually illegal pyramid schemes that rely on recruiting people to keep the scam going. Chances are, you'll end up buying gifts for someone and receive nothing in return! #5: Seasonal Employment Scams Scammers know that everyone can use a little extra cash around the holidays, which is why they post phony seasonal jobs designed to steal your hard-earned money. In the classic “secret shopper" job scheme, fraudsters will send you a check to buy products, then tell you to deposit it in your account via ATM or mobile deposit channel, and wire part of the money back to them for “fees" or “taxes." But there's a catch — the check was fake, so any funds you send are your own money. Always steer clear of any jobs that ask you to wire money or pay an upfront fee. #6: Delivery Scams Holiday shopping typically brings a flurry of package deliveries, and scammers are ready to take advantage. Posing as delivery companies, scammers will send urgent text or email alerts claiming you need to click a link or provide personal information to receive your package. To protect yourself, always track the packages you order so you know exactly when to expect them. If you receive an unexpected shipping alert, call the delivery service directly to verify. #7: Puppy Scams Thinking about getting a puppy as a gift this season? Be careful about buying puppies (or any pet) online, especially around the holidays. Scammers are known to lure victims in with cute puppy photos and ask for an upfront deposit paid via pre-paid gift card or wire transfer. In the end, the scammer won't give you a puppy at all — it was just a trick to steal your hard-earned money. #8: Bogus Charities The holidays are a great time to give back to others, but make sure you know where your donations are really going. Fraudsters may contact you pretending to be a made-up charity or even a well-known organization. Take your time to research, and don't let anyone pressure you into making a donation. This is a classic scammer technique! #9: Sketchy Payment Methods Scammers love any form of payment that's hard to trace, such as wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards and even peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo and CashApp. If you're shopping for gifts and someone only accepts an unusual form of payment, that's a red flag. In most cases, using a credit card for online purchases is a more secure option. #10: Fake Travel Giveaways Dreaming of a winter getaway? Watch out for holiday travel offers that seem too good to be true — they probably are! If someone contacts you out of the blue offering a steep discount on vacation packages, airfare or lodging or even claiming you've won an all-expense paid trip, be suspicious. Always do your research before booking a trip, and remember, you can't win a contest you never entered in the first place. #11: Card Skimmers If you're planning a holiday road trip, you may end up visiting unfamiliar gas stations and ATMs. Keep an eye out for skimmers, tiny devices thieves place over actual card readers to steal data from credit and debit cards. Look for signs of tampering with the card reader, including the card slot and PIN pad. Likewise, keep a close eye on all your account statements and report any suspicious activity. Scammers will often test stolen cards with small transactions, hoping their victims won't notice. #12: Sneaky Holiday-themed Apps From Christmas countdowns to “chat with Santa" games, there are countless holiday apps aimed at children. Before you download a new app for your kids, read reviews and set permissions (such as in-app purchases) accordingly. For example, some free apps are designed to capture personal data. Others may have misleading ads that children can unknowingly click on and spend real money. Keep Your Holidays Fraud-Free! As always, Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) is here to help you protect your personal financial information and avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Looking for more fraud prevention tips, tools and resources? Visit our Fraud Prevention page . Happy Holidays! This article originally appeared at

A moderated conversation with 2022 and past winning authors of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize discuss how their works promote peace through the written word on Saturday, November 12 at 4:00 pm. Doors will open at 3:00 pm and panel will begin at 4:00 pm. The following individuals will attend: Wil Haygood, 2022 Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award Winner Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, 2022 Fiction Winner, The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois Clint Smith, 2022 Nonfiction Winner, How the Word is Passed Joanne Tompkins, 2022 Fiction Runner-up, What Comes After Andrea Elliott, 2022 Nonfiction Runner-up, Invisible Child Alexander Starritt, 2021 Fiction Winner, We Germans Jordan Ritter Conn, 2021 Nonfiction Runnerup, The Road from Raqqas Susan Southard, 2016 Nonfiction Winner, Nagasaki Life After Nuclear War Gilbert King, Host, Pulitzer Prize-winning au-thor, Devil in the Grove Clarence Page, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Chicago Tribune The conversation will take place at the Victoria Theater, 138 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402 and will be graced by the winners of the 2022 Dayton Literary Peace Prize and winners from years past, a group of national and international authors whose works have been recognized as advancing the cause of peace. The panel of authors will be moderated by Gilbert King, Dayton Literary Peace Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Devil in the Grove and will be followed by an interview with Wil Haygood, the 2022 winner of the Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award, by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and Dayton native, Clarence Page. The event will also feature the premiere of the newly-formed Dayton Literary Peace Prize chorus, under the direction of Mr. William Henry Caldwell. Send questions for any of the authors to Sharon Rab at sharonrab@woh.rr.com. Tickets range from $20 to $250 and can be purchased at https://www.daytonlive.org/events/dlpp. Group sales are available by calling or emailing Crystal Flippin at Dayton Live: 937.684.4969 or crystal.flippin@daytonlive.org. The Dayton Literary Peace Prize honors writers whose work uses the power of literature to foster peace, social justice, and global understanding. Launched in 2006, it is recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious literary honors and is the only literary peace prize awarded in the United States. As an offshoot of the Dayton Peace Prize, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize awards a $10,000 cash prize each year to one fiction and one nonfiction author whose work advances peace as a solution to conflict and leads readers to a better understanding of other cultures, peoples, religions, and political points of view. Additionally, the Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award is bestowed upon a writer whose body of work reflects the Prize's mission; previous honorees include Margaret Atwood, Wendell Berry, Taylor Branch, Geraldine Brooks, Louise Erdrich, John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wu-Dunn, N. Scott Momaday, Tim O'Brien, Marilynne Robinson, Gloria Steinem, Studs Terkel, Colm Tóibín, and Elie Wiesel. For more information visit the Dayton Literary Peace Prize media center at http://daytonliterarypeaceprize.org/press.htm.

The distinguished educator, activist, and author will speak on bridging the divide between schools and the community to break the cycle of poverty. DAYTON, OHIO, OCTOBER 17, 2022 — Omega Community Development Corporation (CDC) has announced that Geoffrey Canada, Founder and President of Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) and co-founder of William Julius Wilson Institute at HCZ in New York City, will deliver the keynote address at their Hope Rising! Gala. Celebrating Omega CDC’s 25 years of service to the Dayton Community and the Hope Center for Families' first year of operation, the event, with a fundraising goal of one million dollars and an anticipated 500 attendees, will take place November 14 at Sinclair Community College. A distinguished educator, activist, and author, Canada is renowned as a thought leader and passionate advocate for educational equity. Under Canada’s visionary leadership over three decades, the Harlem Children’s Zone became a national model of place-based innovation. HCZ started with one ambitious and audacious mission: end intergenerational poverty in Central Harlem and lead the way for other long-distressed communities nationwide and worldwide to do the same. The New York Times called HCZ “one of the most ambitious social-policy experiments of our time.” This innovative work aligns with Omega CDC’s and the gala theme of Hope is Rising. Canada has become known nationally for his work, appearing on shows as diverse as Oprah and This American Life. The recipient of the first Heinz Award in 1994, Canada was named one of "America's Best Leaders" by U.S. News and World Report in 2005, and, in 2011, he was listed as one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. Canada and Harlem Children’s Zone figured prominently in the 2010 documentary Waiting for Superman. President Barack Obama’s Promise Neighborhoods program was modeled after HCZ, offering grants to programs in 21 cities across the country to try and emulate its success. “Omega CDC is honored to have Geoffrey Canada deliver what is sure to be a memorable keynote address on the topic of bridging the divide between schools and the community to break the cycle of poverty,” said Vanessa Ward, President of Omega CDC. "Mr. Canada is an unparalleled innovator regarding educational equity, and I believe his message will be exactly what Dayton has been waiting to hear.” “Schools alone cannot achieve the kind of equity we are seeking for our young people,” said Geoffrey Canada, President and Founder of Harlem Children’s Zone. “We need communities working in collaboration with schools to create cradle-to-career support so that our young people can access the resources they need, both in and out of the classroom. That’s the only way we can ensure underserved communities have a shot at achieving the American dream.” The Omega CDC Hope Rising! Gala will take place on Monday, November 14, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Sinclair Community College. For TICKETS or go to omega-cdc.org. About Omega Community Development Corporation (CDC) The Omega Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established by the Omega Baptist Church in 1997. With over 25 years of active involvement in the community, Omega CDC has developed a strong presence in Northwest Dayton, Ohio, and built a unique level of trust and familiarity with thousands of residents and numerous community organizations. Omega CDC's mission aims to equip individuals, families, and children with the resources, tools, and opportunities to break the cycle of generational poverty and achieve self-sufficiency through education, employment, economic development, and advocacy. omega-cdc.org About Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Harlem Children’s Zone breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty with on-the-ground, all-around programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life. From early childhood, education, and career programs to community outreach and wellness initiatives, HCZ opens pathways to mobility and prosperity. hcz.org.

The Central State University Board of Trustees approved the renaming of the College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture to the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture, on June 3, 2022. A celebration of the new name will take place during Homecoming Week, 2022. President Emeritus John W. Garland, who served as the President of Central State University from 1997 to 2012, will be on campus on Friday, October 7 to speak about the honor at noon, in the Joshua I. Smith Center for Education and Natural Sciences Rotunda. He was instrumental in obtaining the designation of Central State University as an 1890 Land-Grant institution, which provides more federal resources to the University. The 1890 Land-Grant designation allows for innovative teaching and research capacity in areas of science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math, and improves outreach and support to the surrounding area. “I have a passion for this university. I know what it can do in terms of producing some of the finest leaders in the country.” Garland said in the July 11, 2007, publication of Diverse Issues in Higher Education. According to University records, 2012 enrollment increased 165% and incoming student enrollment increased 700%, since 1997 when Garland started as President of Central State University. In 2018 the John W. Garland and Carolyn Farrow Garland Non-Endowed Fund to provide financial support for Central State University was established for students with academic financial needs. “Alumni support is critical as it creates a giving point of reference for current students, sets the example for alumni and supporters, and provides financial backing for academic and non-academic activities that are not financed by the state,” Garland said in a Feb. 26, 2018, Dayton Daily News article written by Max Filby. A 1971 Central State University Alum, Garland also led the University through two cycles of reaffirmation of accreditation by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, oversaw the complete rebuilding of the University’s financial and administrative systems, initiated the development of a facilities master plan for four residence halls, the Center for Education and Natural Sciences, and College of Engineering and Natural Sciences. Prior to becoming University President, Garland served for four years as the director of Legal Services of the Coastal Plains, a legal services program that served 14 rural counties, some with majority African American populations, in northeast North Carolina. He represented Black farmers who were losing their farms because of the racially motivated actions of local Farmers Home Administration officials. In this capacity, he filed numerous discrimination complaints with the USDA on behalf of Black farmers, challenging the overtly discriminatory acts and practices of the local county FHA Office; these efforts were prominently featured and cited in the "The Decline of Black Farming in America", A Report of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, 1982, on pages 92, 180, and 181. Resolution 2022-30 read in part, “…in grateful recognition of the significant contributions that President Emeritus Garland has made to Central State University, and the advancement of the African American agricultural community at large, the Board of Trustees at Central State University seek to name the College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture for President Emeritus Garland.” “The Mission of Central State University is to become a premier community-based outreach and educational program leader that provides a holistic Extension approach to improve the overall conditions facing families in rural and urban communities and addressing agricultural issues in rural and urban locations”, Central State University President Dr. Jack Thomas said. “This tribute to President Emeritus Garland is a testimony to the extraordinary, distinguished contributions he has made to expand the opportunities for the University to build an inclusive environment where everyone participating in our programs will reach their full potential,” he added. Currently, Garland is a Lawyer, Higher Education Administrator, and Senior Consultant for Academic Search. Professional affiliations include: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Advisory Board, Former Board of Directors of American Council on Education, Chairman of Commission on Minorities in Higher Education, The National Conference of Black Lawyers, former Board of Visitors of the Marine Corps University by appointment of the Secretary of the Navy, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, and the NAACP. About Central State University Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with a 135-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. Central State ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s best colleges in five categories, including Best Undergraduate Engineering Program and Top Public Schools. 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.