A Letter from Publisher RoShawn Winburn The Dayton Weekly News Ownership Transition: Same Mission. Bigger Responsibilities. To our readers, advertisers, contributors, community partners and friends: This week marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Dayton Weekly News. I'm pleased to share that I have acquired the Dayton Weekly News and will serve as its Publisher. For more than three decades, DWN has occupied an important place in our community. Don G. Black founded the newspaper in 1993 because he saw something missing. Dayton’s African American community needed a publication that would tell our stories more fully and would cover not only our challenges, but also our businesses, churches, schools, families, leaders, accomplishments and everyday lives. That mission matters just as much today. I did not acquire the Dayton Weekly News simply because I wanted to own a newspaper. I acquired it because I believe institutions like this matter, and the Dayton Weekly News is a community asset. A community is stronger when it has the ability to tell its own stories, recognize its own accomplishments, discuss its own challenges and connect people with the information and opportunities they need to improve their ability to act. That is the role I believe the Dayton Weekly News can continue to play. Honoring What Came Before With new ownership comes a responsibility to recognize the people who made it possible for us to be here. Don G. Black built this newspaper and devoted much of his life to ensuring that Dayton’s African American community had a voice of its own. Following his passing in 2020, his son, Donerik Black, carried that responsibility forward. I am grateful for the opportunity Donerik has given me to become the next steward of what he and his father created for our community. There will be changes ahead, but those changes will not require us to abandon the foundation upon which DWN was built. We intend to build upon it. Meeting the Community Where It Is Today The way people consume information has changed dramatically since the first Dayton Weekly rolled off the press in 1993. Today, a newspaper cannot exist only on paper. Our readers are on their phones. They’re opening email newsletters. They’re watching videos. They’re following conversations on social media. They’re searching online for information about businesses, events, schools, government, health, jobs and opportunities. DWN must be there too. Print had been, and will again be, an important part of who we are. However, it will become one part of a larger Dayton Weekly News platform. First, we will strengthen our website and newsletter, expand our digital and social presence, introduce new voices and contributors, and create more ways for the community to participate in the stories we tell. Most importantly, we will remain focused on news you can use —information that helps people understand what’s happening around them and what they can do with that information to become more empowered. Building Community, Not Just an Audience I want DWN to do more than accumulate readers, followers or page views. I want it to help build community. That means connecting people with organizations doing good work. It means introducing readers to businesses they should know. It means giving experts, community leaders and residents a place to share what they know. It means celebrating accomplishments that might otherwise go unnoticed. It also means asking difficult questions when our community needs answers. Our job is not to tell the community what to think. Our job is to make sure people have the information, perspectives and connections necessary to participate in shaping the places where they live. That’s how I think about the next chapter of the Dayton Weekly News. We Need You None of this works without the community. Over the coming months, you’ll see us asking more questions and listening more intentionally. What should we be covering? Whose voices are missing? What information would make DWN more useful to you? What organizations, businesses and people should more of Dayton know about? What would make you read, share, subscribe to or financially support local journalism? We want to hear from readers. We want to hear from businesses. We want to hear from community organizations. We want to find writers, photographers, storytellers, subject-matter experts and residents who have something valuable to contribute. This newspaper belongs in conversation with the community it serves. One Brief Pause As we complete the ownership and operational transition, we are combining two weeks of coverage into this edition and will pause printing for one publication cycle. This brief pause gives our team time to complete important transition work behind the scenes. Then we get back to work. There is much more to come! For more than 32 years, the Dayton Weekly News has helped tell the story of our community. My responsibility as Publisher is to protect what made this institution important while building what it needs to become next. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m excited about what we can build together. As the legacy continues, the importance of our work grows. Stay engaged. Stay Inform. Build Community.

By Wanda Haynes, Certified Sommelier The Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the Western Hemisphere. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, it spans 5.6 million square feet and has over 520 stores. Indoor theme parks, a fantastic vacation destination, drawing millions of visitors annually. If you’re a shop until you drop type personality, Mall of America will be a paradise. The Mall does not charge sales tax on clothing and shoes on all four floors. I did a little shopping as this rare incentive was irresistible! However, they do charge for the theme parks, aquariums, wheelchairs, electric scooters, plus a refundable deposit for these vehicles. A valid ID is required to rent the mobility vehicles. There is a 7-minute walk from the entrance to the area where the mobility vehicles are located. I'm wild for indoor aquariums and have visited some of the country's biggest and best. Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is a 1.2-million-gallon aquarium featuring a 300-foot underwater glass tunnel surrounded by exotic fish, sharks, sea turtles, and much more. There is an interactive virtual attraction, where you put on a headset and virtually go deep in the ocean! Oh, my goodness it seemed real with sharks, star fish, and the vastness of the sea. Maze of Mirrors is an interactive experience and takes about 10 minutes to complete; you have to wear plastic gloves in order not to smudge the glass. The maze is located on the 3rd floor, near the food court, and there is a fee to enter. The JW Marriott Hotel is attached to the Mall of America and offers direct access to world‑class shopping, dining, and entertainment. Complete with a sleek modern elegance with several suites and rooms to choose from. Guests with Platinum Elite status or higher receive complimentary daily breakfast on the hotel's 15th-floor. I was told the rooms were updated a few months ago. Big bathtubs and showers. Reading material and books were available in the suite. The mattress offered a blissful night's rest. Smooth high quality bed linens and bold artwork to inspire the senses. The hotel doesn’t offer a free shuttle from the airport. Cedar+Stone is the hotel’s restaurant and offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Vegan Chorizo Hash with vegan chorizo sausage, roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, with avocado salsa was incredible. Lunch was a big smoked turkey sandwich with aged white cheddar, watercress, apple slices, and garlic aioli. The wine list was to my liking and I enjoyed a few glasses. A rosé from France, a California merlot, Oregon Pinot noir, and a sweet Sauternes from France. The zero-proof cocktail was charming as well “Aunt Rosemary” with cranberry juice, grapes, pineapple, and rosemary syrup. I had dinner in my luxury suite, salmon with a kale salad. Cedar+Stone allows guests to customize entrees, and I fully appreciated this gesture. Experiencing the Mall of America and its vast shopping options was fun. JW Marriott offered me total relaxation and a bit of glamour. Mall of America - Bloomington, Minneaplis

Dayton Wolverines Track Club sent 68 qualifiers to the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa, where athletes earned national championships and All-American honors. By RoShawn Winburn DAYTON, OH — Sixty-eight Dayton Wolverines Track Club athletes qualified for the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa. By the time competition ended, Wolverines athletes had collected national championships and All-American honors in hurdles, sprints, combined events and relays. Ask some of the young athletes what they remember about the experience, though, and they don’t start with their medals. They talk about learning from races that didn’t go their way, trusting teammates, setting higher expectations for themselves and discovering they could compete with some of the best young athletes in the country. 68 Wolverines Qualify for Nationals The 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games marked the 60th edition of the national competition, with track and field events held at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. For the Wolverines, getting 68 athletes to qualify was an accomplishment in itself. “It’s always a blessing to take any athletes to Nationals,” Coach Keith Ways said. “To have 68 athletes qualify for the National J O’s is huge, but we expect that year after year. Nationals is our goal.” The Wolverines then turned those opportunities into national titles and All-American performances. 14-year old Damare Smith clocked a wind-legal 13/19 to take his heat in the boys' 100m hurdles at the AAU Junior Olympics. (Video by FloTrack.org) Fourteen-year-old Damare Smith led the Wolverines’ individual performances, winning national titles in the boys pentathlon and 100-meter hurdles, where he ran 13.2 seconds. He finished second in the high jump at 5 feet, 10¾ inches and second in the 200-meter hurdles in 25.04 seconds. His pentathlon victory made him a back-to-back AAU Junior Olympic champion. Te’Yone Strodes won the 13-year-old girls 100-meter hurdles in 14.7 seconds, finished fourth in the pentathlon and sixth in the 200-meter hurdles with a time of 28.32. Faith Brown won the 17–18 girls 400-meter hurdles in 59.5 seconds and finished third nationally in the 100-meter hurdles in 14.2 seconds. Twelve-year-old Kaniyah Taylor finished fourth nationally in the 200 meters in 25.5 seconds and seventh in the 100 meters in 12.5 seconds. Aliyah Walker finished seventh in the 12-year-old girls pentathlon and third in the 80-meter hurdles in 12.91 seconds. Taylor and Walker joined Zion Payne and Vivian Meyer on the Wolverines’ 12-year-old girls 4x100-meter relay team, which finished fourth nationally in 51.1 seconds. Ni’Zyah Dunson finished eighth nationally in the 13-year-old girls 200-meter hurdles in 30.0 seconds, earning All-American recognition. The 12-year-old girls 4x800-meter relay team of Reina Reynolds, Elizabeth Honaker, Ayshia Lewis and Claire Searcy also earned All-American honors with a seventh-place national finish. Those results show what the Wolverines accomplished in Iowa. Conversations with the athletes offer a look at what it took to get there and what they brought home from the experience. Te’Yone Strodes Strodes: “I Belong With the Best” Strodes’ schedule required her to compete in multiple events while dealing with the different outcomes that come with each competition. “Competing in multiple events has taught me how to stay focused and keep pushing, even when things don’t go the way I want,” Strodes said. “I’ve learned that disappointment is part of competing, but it doesn’t define me.” She said she tries to learn from each race, whether the result is good or bad. “I try to learn from every race, celebrate my successes, and use both the good and bad experiences to become a better athlete,” she said. The national competition also gave Strodes a different perspective on where she stands among athletes her age. “Competing nationally showed me that I belong with the best athletes in the country,” Strodes said. “It gave me more confidence in myself and made me believe that I can accomplish bigger goals than I once imagined.” “Now I know that if I work hard, stay focused, and believe in myself, I can compete at the highest levels.” Faith Brown Brown: Starting Strong and Finishing Stronger For Brown, one of the biggest tests in Iowa came before she won the 400-meter hurdles championship. Her position after the preliminary rounds wasn’t what she expected. “Going from first place to sixth place after the preliminary rounds was definitely unexpected,” Brown said. She turned to her coaches and the work she had already put in. “After talking with my coaches, I remembered how hard and how long I had been working for this track meet,” she said. Brown knew the physical race plan: attack the first five hurdles. The bigger adjustment was mental. “Mentally I had to believe that I was capable of starting strong and finishing stronger,” Brown said. She did. Brown won the national championship in the 17–18 girls 400-meter hurdles and added a third-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles. But when Brown talks about what being a Dayton Wolverine has given her, she doesn’t limit the answer to racing. “Being a Dayton Wolverine has taught me that I really value being part of something bigger than myself,” Brown said. “Through volunteering and working with my teammates to give back to our community, I’ve realized how much I enjoy helping others and being able to make an impact outside of track.” Taylor Sets Her Sights Higher Fourth place in the country might be enough for some young athletes to celebrate for a while. Taylor is already thinking about what comes next. “Finishing fourth nationally really affected the expectations I have for myself because now I would expect to do better and make it to a better ranking next year,” she said. Taylor said racing has also changed how she responds when things don’t go as planned. “Track has taught me that having confidence is key to a good race,” she said. “It also taught me to take mistakes as lessons on the next race and to take successes as someone saying you did everything right but you can still improve.” Taylor’s national meet wasn’t limited to her individual races. She was also part of the fourth-place 4x100 relay team. “Being responsible for teammates has taught me that you have to trust them to do their part to bring the relay together,” Taylor said. Walker Learns Her Attitude Matters Walker competed individually in the pentathlon and hurdles before joining Taylor, Payne and Meyer in the 4x100 relay. Her third-place finish in the 80-meter hurdles showed her something about her own ability. “It taught me that I can push myself past my limits,” Walker said. Her experience at the national meet has also raised her expectations. When asked whether competing nationally had made her dreams or goals bigger, Walker didn’t need many words. “It has. My goal is to get 1st place.” Running on a relay taught her a different lesson. “It taught me that my attitude affects the other girls on the relay team, so I needed to keep a positive attitude,” Walker said. Dunson Leaves Iowa an All-American Dunson’s eighth-place finish in the 200-meter hurdles earned her AAU All-American recognition. She said getting there required learning to deal with more than winning. “Track has taught me how to handle pressure, disappointment and success all at the same time,” Dunson said. “Also I have learned that every race doesn’t go the way I want it to.” “Although I may have some failures, as well as some successes, each race I learned from it.” Competing at the Junior Olympics gave Dunson an opportunity to measure herself against athletes from around the country. “Being there showed me that I can compete with talented athletes like me and better,” she said. “Competing nationally showed me that I could accomplish more than I thought I could as an athlete.” Dunson said the experience made her believe in herself more and reinforced the connection between the work she puts in and the opportunity to compete nationally. “This big accomplishment taught me to believe in myself more,” she said. “Also to keep doing the hard work to get me there again in the near future! As well as to never give up!” She now has something tangible to show for that work. “Every race makes me stronger and helps me become a better athlete,” Dunson said. “I am even more proud of myself, because now, I am an AAU All American in the 200m hurdles.” More Than the Results Ways said one of the most gratifying parts of coaching is watching athletes mature over the course of a season. National competition can accelerate that process. “I do know that the majority once they see the ‘bling’ for the first time, they come back ready to work,” Ways said. For Strodes, Iowa showed her that she belongs alongside the country’s best young athletes. Taylor came home expecting more of herself. Walker learned that her attitude can influence her teammates. Dunson returned as an All-American with greater confidence in what she can accomplish. Brown expects her memories of Iowa to extend well beyond winning a national championship. “Traveling to Iowa, competing alongside my teammates, and being surrounded by athletes who had worked just as hard to get there made me appreciate how special the experience was,” Brown said. “It gave me a better perspective on how much goes into reaching this level and made me more appreciative of the people who helped me get there.” The results document what the Dayton Wolverines accomplished in Iowa. The athletes’ own words show what those results cannot: how competing on a national stage is shaping what these young people expect from themselves, what they learn from setbacks and how they understand their responsibility to the people around them. The Dayton Wolverines Track Club was formed in 2009 with Head Coach, Keith Ways, with the initial purpose of providing an avenue for youth to learn the fundamentals of running track and staying healthy. To get involved or to support their mission, visit them online at daytonwolverinestrackclub.com/ or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

This is your community. These are your opportunities. Read. Share. Act. By RoShawn Winburn, Dayton Weekly News June in the Miami Valley doesn't slow down, and neither does the work of keeping our community informed, resourced, and ready. This edition of the Dayton Weekly News Community Brief arrives at a pivotal moment, when a historic aviation company is planting 2,000 jobs in our backyard, our region's HBCU is offering free workforce training that could change someone's career trajectory this summer, and the city is quietly rewriting zoning rules that will shape our neighborhoods for a generation. From Juneteenth celebrations stretching across the surrounding counties to scholarship funds for students, it's all here, all actionable, and all yours. Read it, use it, and pass it on. Grants & Funding Dayton Foundation Discretionary Grants — Up to $75,000 Deadline: June 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM Montgomery · Miami · Greene · Preble · Warren counties The Dayton Foundation’s Discretionary Grant cycle closes June 29 at 4:00 PM. If your nonprofit hasn’t applied, you have days — not weeks. The Dayton Foundation offers flexible grants from $7,500 to $75,000 for 501(c)(3) organizations launching new solutions to pressing regional needs — social services, healthcare, arts, education, and more. Apply now at daytonfoundation.org/grant-opportunities or call Tania Arseculeratne at (937) 225-9966. Who should act: Nonprofit executive directors, community organizations, faith-based social service providers, arts and culture groups. City of Dayton Community Engagement Grants — Up to $1,000 for Your Block Rolling deadline · Closes October 2, 2026 Your block club, neighborhood association, or priority board can apply for up to $1,000 to fund community events, beautification, and organizing. Simple application, real impact. Apply at daytonohio.gov/communityengagement — funds will run out before October. Who should act: Block captains, neighborhood association leaders, priority board members, faith communities. Up to $10,000 for Black- and Brown-Owned Businesses — ARPA Micro-Grants Call to confirm current availability Miami Valley Urban League · City of Dayton The City of Dayton committed $7.6 million of its federal ARPA recovery funds specifically to grow Black- and Brown-owned businesses. Micro-grants of up to $10,000 are available for operational emergencies, certification, and business growth. More than 23 Dayton businesses have already received funding. Call Miami Valley Urban League at (937) 461-6740 to confirm current availability. Who should act: Minority-owned and women-owned small businesses in the City of Dayton — especially those in trades, food service, retail, and professional services. JobsOhio Small Business Grant — Up to $50,000 for Expansion Ongoing quarterly applications JobsOhio offers grants covering equipment, training, real estate, software, and operating costs up to $50,000 for small businesses with a clear growth plan. Contact the Dayton Development Coalition at daytonregion.com for local guidance. Who should act: Existing small businesses with revenue looking to expand, hire, or buy equipment — especially minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses. Jobs & Workforce Two thousand jobs. That’s what Joby Aviation is bringing to Dayton. The question isn’t whether those jobs are coming — it’s whether our community is positioned to get them. Joby Aviation’s Second Dayton Facility — 2,000 Jobs Planned Hiring underway now Vandalia / Dayton International Airport area Joby Aviation — the electric air taxi company building the future of flight in the birthplace of aviation — has acquired a second Dayton-area facility exceeding 700,000 square feet. They’re planning up to $500 million in investment and 2,000 high-quality manufacturing jobs. Propeller blade production is already running. Current openings include manufacturing planners, production technicians, quality control supervisors, and supply chain roles. Apply at jobyaviation.com/careers. Who should act: Machinists, engineers, quality inspectors, supply chain professionals, skilled trades workers. Also: small business owners who can serve Joby as a supplier. FREE Workforce Certificates at Central State University — Advanced Manufacturing & IT Space limited to 30 per course — enroll now CSU-Dayton + Wilberforce · Clark, Greene & Montgomery counties Central State University — our region’s HBCU — received a $3.58 million federal grant to create 30 completely free certificate programs in advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, information technology, and data management. These credentials feed directly into the Joby Aviation hiring pipeline and the region’s growing tech and manufacturing economy. If you live in Clark, Greene, or Montgomery County, this training costs you nothing. Contact CSU-Dayton: oobayanju@centralstate.edu or (937) 376-6009 Who should act: Anyone who is unemployed, underemployed, or looking to move into manufacturing or tech. This is one of the most powerful free resources available in the region right now. Dayton Hybrid Career Fair — Engineering, Tech & Defense June 24, 2026 · 2:00–5:00 PM EDT Register at TalentAlly A focused career fair for engineering and technology candidates with strong representation from defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Particularly relevant for Wright-Patterson-adjacent workers and STEM graduates from Central State, Wright State, and Sinclair. Who should act: Engineers, technologists, veterans with tech backgrounds, STEM graduates, defense-sector professionals. Greene County Defense-Tech Facility — 101 New Jobs Greene County · Wright-Patt Ecosystem A new defense technology facility coming to Greene County adds 101 jobs to the already-booming Wright-Patterson Air Force Base corridor — creating new pathways for technically trained workers across the Miami Valley. Who should act: Veterans, defense-industry workers, STEM students at Central State and Wright State. Juneteenth 2026 — Celebrate Across Southwestern Ohio Our freedom is worth celebrating from one end of this region to the other. Here’s where to be: June 14 — For Dayton, By Dayton (4DBD) · Levitt Pavilion A free community music festival celebrating Dayton’s local talent across genres. Food trucks, family-friendly activities, and the creative energy that makes this city home. 4dbdayton.com June 19–20 — Troy Juneteenth Celebration · Race & McKaig Park, Troy Troy-Hayner Cultural Center hosts a Friday evening concert followed by Saturday festivities including a community walk, live music, games, and free food for families. The growing presence of Juneteenth celebrations in Miami County tells a story about where our community is going. June 20 — Springboro Juneteenth Jubilee · Springboro, Warren County Springboro holds a documented place in Underground Railroad history, and this annual celebration honors that legacy. Live music, food trucks, craft vendors, blood drive, Jubilee Dinner, community symposium, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. springborojuneteenth.com Civic Affairs & Government Action AdaptDayton: The City Is Rewriting Its Zoning Code — Your Voice Is Needed Now Public comment closes mid-summer · Workshops throughout June The City of Dayton is conducting a comprehensive overhaul of its zoning ordinances — and the decisions being made right now will shape our neighborhoods for decades. Where affordable housing gets built. How historic Black corridors like West Third Street are protected or exposed. What development is allowed near our communities. This is the kind of policy process that happens quietly while people are busy — and then communities wonder later how things changed. Show up to the June workshops. Submit public comment at the city’s AdaptDayton portal. Who should act: Everyone — especially West and North Dayton residents, neighborhood leaders, renters, homeowners, and anyone who cares about affordable housing and historic preservation. Montgomery County Commission — June Public Sessions June 2, 9, 23, 30 · Work Session 9:30 AM · Public Session 1:30 PM 451 W. Third St., Dayton — 1st Floor Hearing Room Decisions on infrastructure, health equity, ARPA closeout allocations, and public safety funding are made here — and residents can speak. You have the right to comment. Use it. Full agendas at mcohio.org. Get on the City’s Bid List — Minority Contractor Certification Is Free Ongoing · daytonhrc.org The City of Dayton sets participation goals of 5% or more for certified Small Business Enterprises (SBE), Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), and Women Business Enterprises (WBE) on all city contracts. If you own a business and you’re not certified, you’re leaving city contracts on the table. Certification is free through the Dayton Human Relations Council. Visit daytonhrc.org and click “PEP Certification.” Who should act: Black-owned, women-owned, and small businesses in trades, construction, cleaning, landscaping, logistics, and professional services. Scholarships & Community Events Dayton Foundation — 300+ Scholarships, Including Funds Specifically for Black Students Next application cycle opens December 2026 The Dayton Foundation’s ScholarshipCONNECT platform offers over 300 scholarships — most exclusively for Greater Dayton students. Among the active funds specifically for African-American students: Waverly Glover Scholarship — business/accounting at CSU or Wilberforce Golden Thirteen Naval Scholarship C.J. McLin Jr. Scholarship Doris H. Wilson Scholarship — Montgomery County seniors Deloris Winslow Scholarship — social work and political science This year’s awards are being distributed now. The next application cycle opens December 2026 — mark your calendar and tell every student you know. daytonfoundation.org/scholarships African-American Community Fund Annual Fundraising Breakfast June 17, 2026 · Registration 7:30 AM · Program 8:00 AM Sinclair Community College · Building 12 · Charity E. Earley Auditorium The African-American Community Fund of the Dayton Foundation is one of the most important Black philanthropic institutions in our region. Its annual breakfast brings together donors, scholarship recipients, nonprofit leaders, and civic voices to celebrate what our community has built — and invest in what’s next. New 2026 initiatives were announced earlier this year. If you want to be in the room where the giving is being done, register now. Search “AACF 2026 Breakfast” on Eventbrite to register. Your June Action List ✅ Call CSU-Dayton TODAY about free manufacturing and IT certificates: oobayanju@centralstate.edu or (937) 376-6009. Space is limited to 30 per course. ✅ Apply for the Dayton Foundation Discretionary Grant before June 29 at 4:00 PM — daytonfoundation.org/grant-opportunities. ✅ Call MVUL at (937) 461-6740 to confirm whether the ARPA micro-grant fund (up to $10K for minority-owned businesses) has current availability. ✅ Register for the AACF Annual Breakfast on June 17 at Sinclair — search “AACF 2026” on Eventbrite. ✅ Visit daytonhrc.org and start your free PEP/MBE certification if you own a business that does contract work. ✅ Look up the AdaptDayton initiative and attend or submit comment at a June workshop ✅ Mark December 2026 on your calendar for Dayton Foundation scholarship applications, and tell every college-bound student you know. ✅ Forward this briefing to someone who needs it — that’s how community works. Read. Share. Act.

The Art of Work introduces The Masterpiece Experience, a curated evening of private dining, wellness, parking, entertainment access and optional transportation for theatergoers in downtown Dayton DAYTON, OH — For couples, individuals or small groups looking to elevate a night at the theater into an unforgettable luxury experience, The Art of Work is introducing The Masterpiece Experience, a curated private evening that includes a show at the Schuster Center. Located at Performance Place in the heart of downtown Dayton, The Art of Work offers guests a seamless pre-show experience that brings together private dining, wellness, premium parking and personalized hospitality before the curtain rises. Each evening is customized around the guest’s preferences, with options that may include a seated chef-curated dinner, access to spa amenities, sauna or steam room experiences, massage or facial appointments, transportation arrangements and other personalized touches. “The goal is to transform a night out into something truly memorable,” said Keith Jenkins of The Art of Work. “Guests should not have to worry about parking, rushing to dinner, getting across town or coordinating the details. We curate the evening so they can simply arrive, relax and enjoy the performance.” Two curated options are available. The Signature Experience, which includes parking, dinner and show access, starts at $1,000 per couple. The Masterpiece Experience, which includes parking, dinner, spa access and show access, starts at $1,400 per couple. Experiences are customized based on guest preferences, party size and requested enhancements. The offering is especially suited for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays, client entertainment, holiday performances and anyone looking to make a night out feel like a complete luxury occasion. Space is limited for each experience to preserve an intimate, high-end environment. To explore options for an experiential Masterpiece package, contact Keith Jenkins at keith.jenkins@sosmartwork.com. About The Art of Work The Art of Work is a private luxury venue located at Performance Place in Dayton, Ohio, offering curated experiences that combine hospitality, wellness, private dining and elevated gathering spaces for individuals, couples and small groups. Media Contact: Keith Jenkins, The Art of Work Email: keith.jenkins@sosmartwork.com Phone: (937) 312-4468 Website: https://sosmartwork.com/special-offerings

The Flock Problem Solar-powered security camera mounted on a pole. By Imari Burton, Dayton Weekly News A recent police review in Dayton, Ohio has uncovered roughly 7,100 search requests for flock camera data with the claim cited, regarding “immigration-related purposes”. This revelation has risen serious questions and concerns locally about who all exactly has been accessing the cities surveillance data, how that information was being shared, the outside enforcement agencies involved, what safeguards were put in place to protect residents, and lastly; just how much of our data and information did those searches actually return? Dayton’s Flock Investigation Raises Serious Questions The recent findings prompted the city to suspend (not cancel) its Flock Camera Program while officials continue to investigate how the data sharing occurred along with finding the answers to many of the pressing questions that remain on Dayton locals minds at this time. Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the suspension on May, 1st 2026 after an internal investigation found that the former commander of the Support Services Division had failed to implement safeguards that he himself had helped develop and presented to the Dayton City Commission. Dayton first approved the ALPR program back in July 2022 when Jeffrey Mims Jr. was mayor. Mims, along with Commissioners Matt Joseph and Chris Shaw, each voted in favor of the technology, while Commissioners Shenise Turner-Sloss and Darryl Fairchild voted against it. This technology began its use in Dayton in 2023, in which shortly after in October of 2025, police noticed an unusually high spike in the number of data sharing which prompted the audit and investigation. Beyond Dayton But Dayton is far from the only city in the U.S. facing questions about Flock cameras (Automated License Plate Readers/ALPR) growing surveillance network, overall public safety implications, and potential overreach of our civil liberties. Interestingly enough, Ohio seems to be at the center of this growing controversy. As just a couple hours north, Ohio’s capital Columbus is currently facing its own questions about Flock Cameras after another recent audit found they had been searched from outside agencies at least 15,577 times since November of 2023. Unlike Dayton, Columbus has not suspended its Flock Camera Program even temporarily as it is still active today. Though Columbus has taken steps to restrict how its data can now be accessed and shared. In June, Columbus police disabled the nationwide network sharing function on its Flock cameras, and Mayor Andrew Ginther also ordered police to stop statewide sharing of the city’s Flock data to all “unvetted agencies”. The Columbus audit examined nearly 19.6 million searches of the cities Flock system. Of those, more than 15,000 were identified as searches for “possible immigration-related purposes” making up less than 1%. But the number in itself is still striking. At more than 15,577 searches, Columbus, Ohio currently represents the highest publicly reported number of flock camera searches with the reason for said searches being “potentially immigration-related searches” in the nation at this time. The broader issue still remains: The data collected on Ohio’s streets were made searchable and accessible beyond the agencies that originally were intended to collected it. All across the country law-enforcement agencies have gained access to data collected by flock cameras in communities far beyond their own legal jurisdictions, raising further concerns about how easily information is being collected from ordinary citizens, how it can be accessed, shared, and searched outside of where it was originally gathered or even intended for. Flock data has notably also been used recently in abortion cases, residency verification, protests, monitoring activists who were not suspected of crimes, noise complaints, and even several cases of police misuse of license plate data that led to multiple firings, resignations, and criminal investigations in the states of Texas, and Georgia. With the other major incidents in the states of California, Virginia, Illinois, and Ohio that we know of. The Infrastructure Behind the Surveillance Moreover, flock cameras don’t just simply store the information captured, as all information collected are transmitted into cloud infrastructure, particularly through Amazon Web Services (AWS) meaning the surveillance data collected from public streets ultimately enters the same cloud-infrastructure that houses enormous amounts of digital data across the country. Flock surveillance systems depend on the digital infrastructure which is held inside the rapidly expanding data center projects going on all around the U.S. An interesting overlap is that the same six states listed for these controversies and misuse are the same six states who are the biggest players in Americas growing data center infrastructure, with the highest amount of data centers in said states. Ohio is home to what the U.S. Department of Energy calls ”The world’s largest planned AI data center” . A massive 10-gigawatt project at the former Portsmouth nuclear site. The broader development has been discussed as a potential $500 billion investment with proposal discussions providing as much as $250 billion in financing guarantees to OpenAI to build. Making this the single largest data center in size as well as projected total cost should it come to fruition. As the government continues to deploy more cameras in order to collect more information about where Americans travel, private companies are simultaneously investing in, and building the infrastructure capable of and needed for storing and processing unprecedented amounts of digital information. The result of this is a rapidly expanding ecosystem in which surveillance technology and data infrastructure increasingly depend on one another. The question now isn’t simply who’s watching us. But also where that information is being stored, who controls the infrastructure holding it, who can access it, and how far that information can travel once it leaves the camera on your local street. Those are all important questions Ohio, and other states seemingly with a saturation of ALPR’s and Data Centers are currently grappling with. And soon, the rest of the country before the surveillance infrastructure itself already in place becomes even larger. The thousands of searches identified in Dayton, along with the far larger number uncovered in Columbus demonstrate how quickly a surveillance system designed for local public safety can actually become part of a much broader covert information sharing network.

Media trailblazer Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders and public affairs CEO Donnica Hawes-Saunders team up to share wisdom, challenge perspectives, and amplify opportunity. Raised by Her hosts Donnica Hawes-Saunders and Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders DAYTON, OH — In a world where generational divides often dominate the headlines, one Dayton-born mother-daughter duo is proving that connection, legacy, and shared wisdom are the ultimate keys to growth. Donnica Hawes-Saunders, a millennial founder and corporate affairs executive, has teamed up with her mother, Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders, a highly respected executive leadership coach and former CEO of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), to launch Raised By Her. The video and audio podcast is a candid, heartfelt, and humorous exploration of leadership, identity, and the lessons passed down through generations. For the hosts, the podcast is more than a creative outlet, it is a continuation of a family legacy of leadership and media in the Miami Valley. Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders made history as one of fewer than ten African American women in the United States to build and own a successful radio broadcasting company before leading DCDC through 18 years of global acclaim. Donnica, a former Capitol Hill staffer, national lobbyist, and the Founder and CEO of public affairs firm The Averity Group, represents the next generation of leadership, shaping national conversations on equity and policy. Now, they are sitting down at the same microphone to unpack the stories and culture that shape us. "We wanted to create a space where millennial drive meets seasoned executive wisdom," says Donnica Hawes-Saunders. "Raised By Her is about the wisdom we inherit, the beliefs we challenge, and realizing that every generation has something vital to teach the other." While the podcast has quickly garnered national and international listeners, its heart remains in Dayton. The co-hosts are using their new platform to broaden opportunities for others in the region. "Dayton has always been a city of innovators and community builders," says Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders. "We’d love to be able to collaborate with other local businesses, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to help the region continue to be heard, celebrated, and remembered." To foster deeper engagement, Raised By Her is inviting Miami Valley business owners and organization leaders to submit proposals to join the podcast as guest interviewees. Interested parties can submit their proposals and social media links directly through raisedbyherpodcast.com.

A Dayton Weekly News Legacy Interview with Ohio State Senator Willis Blackshear, Jr. Ohio State Senator Willis Blackshear, Jr. By RoShawn Winburn Every Thursday, a father would bring lunch to his son. It wasn’t anything extravagant, usually just hot dogs from the stand near Dayton’s federal building, but to a young boy it became a tradition that spoke louder than words. There were basketball games in the driveway, races around the block, afternoons cutting grass side by side, and even a toy lawn mower that let a son imitate the man he admired most. Those moments would become far more valuable than either of them could have imagined. Today, Ohio State Senator Willis Blackshear Jr. serves thousands of constituents across the Miami Valley. He advocates for economic development, education, housing, mental health, and workforce opportunities. Yet when faced with difficult decisions, his thoughts often return to those early memories, and to one simple question: “What would my father say?” For Blackshear, public service did not begin in the Statehouse. It began at home. The Man Before the Public Office Long before he became Montgomery County Recorder, Willis Blackshear Sr. was simply a young man from Dayton determined to build a different future. Growing up in a large household and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1979. Dunbar was the city’s only historically African-American high school, named for the Dayton-born poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. At that time, the expected path after graduating was straightforward: get a good job at General Motors. For a generation of Black families in Dayton, a Dunbar diploma and a steady job on the GM line were the recognized road to a secure life. Willis Blackshear Sr. wanted something different. “He wanted to leave his mark on the world,” Blackshear Jr. recalled. With little more than determination, he traveled to Nashville. He stepped in the footsteps of leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois and Congressman John Lewis by attending Fisk University, the historically Black college in Nashville. He had no money, and for nearly two weeks, he was effectively homeless while trying to enroll. “The story sounds crazy,” Blackshear Jr. said with a smile. “But he literally just went down there, because that’s where he wanted to be.” Eventually he met university leadership, was admitted, became a manager for athletic teams, earned his degree in political science, and returned to Dayton in 1983. His original dream was law school in Michigan, but life had other plans. When his mother fell ill with lung cancer, he chose family over ambition. Remaining in Dayton to help care for her, he accepted a position in the Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office. He steadily worked his way through county government before being appointed Montgomery County Recorder in 2006. He would faithfully serve in that role until his death in 2018. His greatest accomplishments, however, weren’t titles. They were the examples he set. “He showed love through action, not just words,” Blackshear Jr. said. He described a father who could always be counted on, who would “give you the shirt off his back,” who never complained, and whose integrity remained constant whether anyone was watching or not. “He always told me to be the same person in private that people see in public.” The Nine Months In May 2017, everything changed. Doctors diagnosed Willis Blackshear Sr. with an aggressive form of cancer. Nine months later, he was gone. “I was there from literally the beginning to the end,” Blackshear Jr. said quietly. The loss was devastating. “There was definitely a lot of pain. There was shock. One minute you’re here… the next minute you’re gone.” At just twenty-five years old, he found himself navigating grief, while the responsibilities of public office continued around him. His father’s memorial, the transition of county leadership, and countless family obligations left little time to process what had happened. “When I finally had time to sit and think about it,” he said, “I realized my father had dreams that he wasn’t able to fulfill.” That realization stayed with him, and so did the questions. Life suddenly felt fragile. “It makes you think about mortality,” he said. “It makes you realize how precious life is.” Even today, years later, he doesn’t pretend grief disappears. “The void is still there,” he said. “It hasn’t gone anywhere. Some days are better than others.” Willia Blackshear Sr. and Willis Blackshear Jr. More Than Politics Many people assume public office was always the plan. It wasn’t. “Being a politician was my father’s dream,” Blackshear said. “My dream was simply to serve.” Originally, he envisioned becoming an attorney, helping people from behind the scenes rather than standing behind a podium. Blackshear highlights an important distinction that still shapes how he approaches leadership today. “Politics wasn’t the destination. Service was,” Blacksher countered. Whether helping a constituent resolve an issue with a state agency, securing resources for communities, supporting small businesses, or advocating for legislation, Blackshear believes elected office is temporary. “The titles are vanity,” he said. “But the work we do has an everlasting impact.” He measures success less by bills passed than by lives improved. “The bread and butter of being elected is constituent services,” he explained. “When someone calls the office needing help, and we’re able to solve that problem. That’s what matters.” Eternal Guardrails Perhaps the most revealing moment of the conversation came when discussing how his father continues to influence his decisions. “I always wonder what my father would say,” Blackshear admitted. Would he approve? Would he challenge this decision? Would he think his son was still living according to the values he taught? Those questions have become an internal, eternal compass. “He becomes my guardrails.” It’s a striking description, not because his father is remembered only through photographs or memories, but because his principles continue guiding decisions years after his passing. Blackshear often thinks about what his father was able to witness before he died. He saw his son become president of the Montgomery County Young Democrats. He saw him become active throughout the community. He watched him grow into leadership. “He envisioned everything I’m doing now,” Blackshear said. At the time, his son didn’t fully believe it. “I’d laugh,” he recalled. His father wasn’t laughing. He saw something his son had yet to recognize. The Rock That Remained Following his father’s death, another steady voice helped carry him forward. His grandfather, Claude White, became an even greater source of encouragement. “He was that rock that kept me level-headed,” Blackshear said. White reinforced the lessons that had already been planted: faith, prayer, humility, service. “He reminded me to seek God first.” It was the kind of faith handed down in Black households across Dayton for generations, where Sunday lessons became weekday habits and prayer was treated less as ritual than as a compass for daily life. His grandfather would live long enough to watch his grandson be elected to public office, a moment Blackshear treasures. Looking back, he realizes how both men shaped him differently. While one cast the vision, the other helped sustain it. A Legacy Still Being Written When asked what he hopes people remember long after his time in public office has ended, Blackshear doesn’t mention legislation. He talks about inspiration. “I want people to be more engaged,” he said. “I want them to believe that change is possible.” He hopes young people see leadership as service rather than status. He hopes communities understand government well enough to participate in it. He hopes ordinary people realize they have the ability to make extraordinary differences. Above all, he hopes his life encourages someone else to step forward. “If I’m better today than I was yesterday,” he reflected, “that’s success.” There is still work to do. There are still dreams to fulfill. There are still people to serve. And somewhere along the way, a son who once followed his father around the yard with a toy lawn mower quietly became the kind of leader his father always believed he could be. As the interview came to a close, one answer summarized the journey better than any other. If his father could see him today, what accomplishment would make him most proud? Blackshear didn’t hesitate. “I stayed the course.” Ohio State Senator Willis Blackshear, Jr. Lessons My Father Taught Me Six lessons Willis Blackshear Sr. lived out, in the words and example his son still carries. ● Be the same person in private that people see in public. ● Show love through action, not just words. ● Give people the shirt off your back, and never complain about it. ● When the people you love need you, choose family over ambition. ● Go where you are called, even with empty pockets. ● Leave your mark on the world. Editor’s Note: This story is the first installment of My Father Would Be Proud, a Dayton Weekly News series exploring the lives of community leaders whose parents shaped their character, values, and commitment to service. Future installments will include reflections from mentors, colleagues, and family members of each interviewee.

By Imari Burton, Dayton Weekly News As someone who constantly scrolls through job listings via LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, etc., regardless of my job status, I couldn’t help but notice the same thing over and over on the majority of job listings I saw: a four-year bachelor’s degree has now seemingly become the new entry-level degree requirement for most jobs. It’s also as if associate’s degrees have disappeared entirely from the relevancy scale, and two years of “equivalent work experience” is now being used as an equivalent trade-off to a bachelor’s and is being traded like currency in a system that doesn’t even make sense anymore, all while the value of all other degrees simultaneously gets diminished as a whole as well. What we’re seeing today isn’t just a new hiring trend—it’s credential inflation, and it’s quietly redefining what it means to be “qualified” here in America. The New Starting Line The thing is, two years of “equivalent work experience” is not the same as four years of college receiving your bachelor’s. Yet companies now list it as if it’s interchangeable. Meanwhile, those with associate’s degrees—the people who have also invested time and skill into real, practical education, two years of it to be exact—are being overlooked entirely, as they are never even mentioned as requirements for most jobs. The baseline has shifted. A bachelor’s degree is no longer a mark of advanced study or specialization; it’s the new starting line. This isn’t just about education either. It’s about opportunity, and about a system that keeps moving the goalposts for current and future generations to come. Credential inflation is quietly shutting doors for capable and experienced workers while simultaneously inflating what counts as “entry-level.” Associate’s degrees, once a meaningful marker of skill and effort, are now treated like they don’t even exist, as they’re typically not the minimum educational requirement for job listings. Meanwhile, the “starter degree” has seemingly become the bachelor’s, an otherwise second-level degree that many thought was above and beyond. For those who earned an associate’s, it can feel like years of work now fall short and money was wasted, like their efforts have been overlooked or even erased. At the same time, the sheer number of degrees now being granted is actually devaluing the degrees themselves on top of the job market itself, undermining the very promise that going to school and working hard would secure a good career in that field, delivering the “American Dream.” If the system continues like this, what counts as “qualified” will be less about skill or experience and more about arbitrary checkboxes. Those paying the price? Not the corporations, but the workers who are left fighting for a moving target that seemingly keeps getting further away from them. When Experience Isn’t the “Right” Experience Skilled workers without degrees or with more primary-level degrees like associate’s are also increasingly being marginalized, even when they have years of practical, hands-on experience or even trade expertise. Likewise, many workers now find themselves conveniently blocked from positions they are fully capable of performing simply because their experience isn’t in the “right” industry. For example, someone with finance experience in one industry may be denied a finance role in another, or a skilled operations manager in one field may not be considered for a similar role elsewhere in another field without years of experience in that industry. This goes for those with or without degrees. AI Is Changing What It Means to Be Qualified Couple all this with the fact that automation and AI are reshaping industries faster than anyone can adapt. Jobs that once required human skill are being replaced, outsourced, and automated, all while the “qualifications” keep inflating. AI, interestingly enough, is also reshaping what it means to be “qualified.” It’s not just about credentials or experience anymore either, but soon about which skills are irreplaceable and which are not. Which roles can be automated, and who brings value that a machine simply can’t replicate? AI is forcing companies to reassess their workforce in a way that’s reminiscent to me of COVID-19, when the line between “essential” and “non-essential” workers became a thing, glaringly clear at the time but possibly to be conveniently redefined. Suddenly, the definition of a “valuable” employee isn’t just who has the right degree or training, but who can adapt, lead, solve problems, and apply critical skills in ways technology can’t replace. The result of this simmering pot of disruption is a generation that followed all the rules—went to school, studied hard, earned degrees, and gained experience—only to find the system redefining what counts as “qualified.” The American Dream we were once promised—to work hard, earn your degree, get a career—is no longer guaranteed, and perhaps never was. Instead, we’re now left navigating a job market where credentials are both inflated and devalued, where experience can be dismissed, and where the baseline keeps climbing, leaving even capable, prepared workers scrambling. How Did We Get Here? For decades, the system has silently shifted what it means to be “qualified” to control the narrative, labor market, and maintain profit. During the Industrial Era, for example, education mattered very little, as you could live comfortably off just a high school diploma. Manufacturing jobs were abundant, and unions were strong. Back then, what employers needed were disciplined, reliable workers who could handle repetition. Education wasn’t the gatekeeper then, but opportunity itself. As the economy soon after modernized and globalization took hold, corporations began outsourcing labor, and knowledge-based work became the new essential norm and goal. That’s when the degree boom emerged. Credentialism. Yet the purpose wasn’t fully educational. Employers began using degrees as filters, not because they proved real skill, but because they were an easy way at the time to reduce applicant pools in white-collar, corporate jobs. Corporations likewise capitalized off a competitive workforce, and universities capitalized by marketing college as the only way to success, receiving record numbers of students enrolled in recent decades. With this, student loans were also conveniently deregulated in the ’80s, leading to a massive surge in debt and tuition costs alike, making education itself a business. From there came another change, one where credential inflation came into play full stop, where the system came to the consensus that too many people now have degrees, but not enough high-paying jobs existed to match them. As a result, employers further continued to raise requirements to screen for “higher quality” candidates with even more college education criteria to meet for consideration. Yet salaries still did not rise along with the education; they actually stagnated. Now the pendulum is swinging again, as companies are starting to realize degrees don’t guarantee competence, but skill, adaptability, and problem-solving do. And now, in the new age of AI and automation, companies are in need of agile workers and unique problem-solvers, not credentialed ones who may cost more and/or require more training. Credentials, Economics and Control If you zoom out and look at the big picture, the constant shifting of educational value as it relates to the workforce serves many systemic purposes. One is economic control, where by changing what it means to be qualified, the system can also control labor supply and suppress wage growth. Another example is social control, where they can use things like degrees to separate people further into classes, and perpetual dependency, where each new qualification people chase seemingly keeps them occupied, indebted, and compliant rather than self-sufficient or entrepreneurial. And lastly, of course, is for profit’s sake. The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring With all this being said, no one really knows where all this is headed, but what feels clear to me is that the weight of a degree isn’t what it used to be, and the definition of “qualified” is changing fast, as well as ever-changing. Maybe the future belongs less to those who choose to collect credentials and more to those who choose to collect skills. We’re already seeing companies shift toward what they call “skills-based hiring,” where certifications, trades, licensing, and real-world experience matter more than traditional degrees. It’s not that education is now becoming irrelevant, but credential inflation has devalued degrees, and the form of education itself is evolving. Certifications, online boot camps, specialized training courses, and licensure are all increasingly being valued over four-year programs and other degrees that can’t keep up with changing industries. For example, states like Maryland and Utah have launched “skills-first” hiring initiatives for government jobs, and major corporations like Google, Amazon, IBM, and Tesla, among many others, have publicly removed degree requirements from numerous roles. The shift toward skills-based hiring isn’t just a theory either; it’s happening right now. A survey found that about 45% of companies eliminated bachelor’s degree requirements for several positions in 2024, signaling a growing consensus that skills, experience, and certifications can be just as, if not more, valuable than formal degrees. Another report shows 53% of employers say they have already eliminated degree requirements for some roles, demonstrating that this is not merely a future possibility or trend but an active change in hiring practices. These numbers make it clear that organizations are increasingly willing to evaluate candidates based on proven abilities, practical knowledge, and real-world experience rather than relying solely on traditional academic credentials. Additionally, 85% of companies are now using skills-based hiring practices over traditional hiring practices where the qualifications were typically college degrees. This has increased year after year. A New Kind of Meritocracy? What we’re witnessing may be the start of a new kind of meritocracy, one that could reward competence over credentials. But that system will only work if employers truly follow through and don’t sell us another dream, trading one form of gatekeeping for another. No, degrees won’t disappear, as they shouldn’t, but their dominance likely will in the years to come, and the focus is slowly now shifting toward more tangible skills, work experience, certifications, and licensure. It sounds like a positive step forward. Certificates, trades, licenses, and other credentials still require time and money, however, but significantly less than a traditional four-year college degree or higher. That in itself can be a good thing, opening doors to people who might have otherwise been excluded. It allows them to achieve the same goals with less time and money spent and more hands-on experience. Yet it also highlights how unfortunate it is for the current generation—those who went through college, amassed tens of thousands in debt, and invested years of their lives—only to find themselves still struggling, navigating a rapidly changing system that is now increasingly valuing alternate forms of proof over the degrees they’ve earned. Even as degrees continue to hold symbolic value to many, the reality for many graduates tells a different story. In fact, over 50% of U.S. college graduates are working in jobs that don’t even require a degree. Even ten years after graduating, about 45% of those same graduates remain employed in roles that don’t require a degree. My Own Experience Speaking from my own experience, these issues are very real. I currently don’t have a career in either of the fields I studied in college for my degrees, yet I’ve still been able to build a successful career in another industry altogether. On the other hand, people I know with four-year degrees or higher in the same field as the one I’m in now are struggling to even get a foot in the door themselves with a related degree, yet here I am in that industry and role with a completely different, unrelated degree. It’s almost cynical how the “rules” of success don’t apply to everyone the same way. Truth is, the system’s rules aren’t as rigid as they like to lead you to believe. There are loopholes everywhere. And at the end of the day, higher education isn’t for everyone, nor is it the key to success. Further, it’s unfortunate that the idea of college was pushed on so many of us in the past as the “only path” to success, only for reality to look so different for many college graduates after it’s all said and done. However, my biggest frustration with the college-educated mindset is how many seem to equate their degree with some kind of superior intelligence or preparation, when in reality it just often reflects years of indoctrination and theory without practical application. What’s more, you truly don’t grasp something until you’ve done it, put it into action, and experienced it firsthand, not just studied it in a classroom. Many don’t even realize that with certifications, licenses, or hands-on experience, they could have gained similar knowledge and achieved success in their desired fields without college and spending those tens of thousands of dollars and years of their lives chasing a piece of paper that’s losing value. The jobs themselves are currently proving this, as employers are now prioritizing hands-on experience and demonstrable skills over degrees alone. Moreover, I can truthfully say I learned far more outside the classroom than I did inside one. Not because I think college is useless, but because experience is the greatest teacher and doesn’t come with a syllabus. The world doesn’t hand out grades in the real world; it tests you in real time. Many may disagree with this depending on which field they choose to pursue, and that’s valid. However, that’s not to negate what the experience of every job, every risk, every skill learned, and every initiative taken to apply yourself can do for one’s career. Most of what’s advanced my career didn’t come from my education, as employers have even said this to me themselves. It came from my self-education, my curiosity, my ambition, and putting myself in real-world situations. I learned more from failure, training, mentorship, books, research, and trial and error than from structured curriculum. Don’t Wait for the System to Define Your Worth The lesson is clear here. Don’t wait for the system to define your worth. Invest in skills, embrace adaptability, and prove your value in the real world with practical competence and skill. Focus on developing entrepreneurial skills and choosing future-proof industries. Remember, if everyone has something, then it loses its value over time. Industries will continue to evolve, hiring practices will continue to shift, AI automation is on the rise, and what counts as “qualified” will continue to keep moving. Success will belong to those who can continually learn, apply themselves, prove their value in real-world ways, and stay agile in an economy that is forever in flux. The future will soon belong less to those who collect credentials and more to those who collect skills, continuously learn, and put knowledge into action. After all, education and growth aren’t things you stop. They’re lifelong pursuits. Editor’s Note: This commentary was submitted to Dayton Weekly News by Imari Burton and was previously published on her Substack. The views expressed are those of the author. Sources & Further Reading U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — “Education Pays” Burning Glass Institute & Strada Institute for the Future of Work — “Talent Disrupted” Harvard Business School & Burning Glass Institute — “Skills-Based Hiring: The Long Road from Pronouncements to Practice” TestGorilla — “The State of Skills-Based Hiring 2025” Intelligent.com — “Nearly Half of Companies Plan to Eliminate Bachelor’s Degree Requirements in 2024” Intelligent.com — Employer Survey on College Degree Requirements State of Utah Department of Human Resource Management — Skills-Based Hiring Opportunity@Work — Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) Opportunity@Work / Indeed — Rewiring the Future of Hiring U.S. Government Accountability Office — Federal Student Loan Program Research

Grants, free concerts, and a decision that will shape Dayton for a decade! Monthly Community Intelligence Brief · July 2026 · Dayton Weekly News Editorial Team July arrives with a full hand. A once-in-a-decade decision about which Dayton neighborhoods get federal investment closes on July 10, and most of our community doesn't know about it yet. Free concerts are running all month at the Levitt. The Montgomery County Fair is back. Grant portals are open. And a free job training program at our HBCU still has seats. This is your complete July briefing — everything actionable, everything verified, everything yours. JULY 10 DEADLINE Ohio is redrawing its Opportunity Zone map for the next ten years — and the nomination window closes July 10, 2026. Separately, the state's 10% Opportunity Zone Tax Credit application window also opens July 10 and runs only through July 17. These two processes share a date but serve different audiences. Both matter deeply to Dayton's Black neighborhoods and investors. If your block, your project, or your community isn't in front of the state by July 10, you are not in the next decade's conversation. See the full entry below under Funding & Economic Development. THIS MONTH AT A GLANCE July 4 — Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival · Ohio's largest single-day July 4th celebration July 4 — Levitt Pavilion: Honoring Our Veterans with Eric Jerardi Band · 7 PM · Free July 9 — Levitt Pavilion: Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears with opener Khrys Blank · 7 PM · Free July 10 — Ohio Opportunity Zone Tax Credit application window opens · Closes July 17 July 10 — Ohio OZ 2.0 Nomination Form deadline · Shapes Dayton-area designations through 2037 July 14–19 — 174th Montgomery County Fair · Arthur O. Fisher Park, Jefferson Township · ⚠️ Verify dates — see note below July 16 — Levitt Pavilion: Larry McCray · 7 PM · Free August 7 — Greater Dayton Conservation Fund grant deadline · Coming up fast August 13 — Dayton Foundation Basic Human Needs grant deadline · Portal opens mid-July October 2 — City of Dayton Community Engagement Grants close · Apply now while funds remain ──────────────────────────────────────── FUNDING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ──────────────────────────────────────── Ohio Is Redrawing Its Opportunity Zone Map — Dayton Neighborhoods Have Until July 10 ⏰ Deadline: July 10, 2026 — OZ 2.0 Nomination Form ⏰ Deadline: July 10–17, 2026 — State Tax Credit Application Window Organization: Ohio Department of Development Details: development.ohio.gov In July 2025, Congress made the federal Opportunity Zones program permanent and launched a redesignation cycle running through 2026. Ohio's Governor has a 90-day window — opening July 1 — to nominate up to 258 eligible census tracts for new Opportunity Zone designation. Designations take effect January 1, 2027 and lock in place through 2037. The Ohio Department of Development opened its community input portal on June 10 and is seeking recommendations from local governments, developers, community organizations, and residents on which tracts to prioritize. The form closes July 10. There are currently 18 Opportunity Zones in Montgomery County — 17 inside the City of Dayton and one in Harrison Township. These designations direct private capital into underserved communities through federal and state tax incentives. Ohio layers its own 10% nonrefundable state tax credit for investments made through Ohio Qualified Opportunity Funds — one of the most meaningful incentive stacks in the country for attracting development to low-income neighborhoods. Separately, the Ohio OZ Tax Credit application window for investments made January 1 through June 30, 2026 opens July 10 and closes July 17. Credits historically sell out during the first week. Who should act: Community development organizations, neighborhood association leaders, city officials, developers, CDFIs, and any organization working in low-income Dayton-area census tracts. Submit the nomination form at development.ohio.gov. Investors should contact Ohio Department of Development Business Incentives Administrator Patrick Conley at Patrick.Conley@development.ohio.gov about the tax credit window. Greater Dayton Conservation Fund — $100,000 Available · Deadline August 7, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: August 7, 2026 Organization: Greater Dayton Conservation Fund of The Dayton Foundation Apply: daytonfoundation.org/grant-opportunities The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund has reopened its 2026 grant cycle after a one-year pause, offering $100,000 total to nonprofit organizations and community partners working to protect and enhance natural environments across the Great Miami and Little Miami River watersheds. This is a 19-county Southwest Ohio program. For communities along the Great Miami River corridor — including Trotwood, Miamisburg, Hamilton, and Franklin — this is a meaningful capital source for greenway, cleanup, and environmental education projects. Who should act: Environmental nonprofits, parks organizations, watershed groups, neighborhood beautification coalitions, and youth environmental education programs. Dayton Foundation Basic Human Needs Grants — Portal Opens Mid-July · Deadline August 13 ⏰ Deadline: August 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM Organization: The Dayton Foundation Contact: Alexis Norman, Program Officer · (937) 225-9928 Apply: daytonfoundation.org/grant-opportunities — portal opens 30 days prior The Dayton Foundation's quarterly Basic Human Needs grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food, shelter, healthcare, and clothing across Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Preble, and Warren (north) counties. The application portal opens in mid-July. This is a lifeline for Black-led social service organizations in West Dayton, Trotwood, Huber Heights, and surrounding communities. If your organization hasn't applied before, this cycle is the time to start. Who should act: Food pantries, emergency shelters, free health clinics, clothing assistance programs, and nonprofits providing direct services for basic needs in the five-county region. City of Dayton Community Engagement Grants — Apply Before Funds Run Out Deadline: October 2, 2026 — or until depleted Award: Up to $1,000 per organization Apply: daytonohio.gov/communityengagement Up to $1,000 is available for neighborhood associations, block clubs, priority boards, and business associations within the City of Dayton. Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before your planned event — so if you're planning a late-summer or fall block party, you need to apply in July. Funds will not last until October. Who should act: Block captains, neighborhood association presidents, priority board members, and faith communities with neighborhood programs. Montgomery County MicroEnterprise Grants — $2,500 to $25,000 for Minority-Owned Small Businesses Ongoing — contact to confirm current availability Organization: Montgomery County Community Development Contact: (937) 225-4326 · selectmcohio.com Montgomery County's MicroEnterprise Grant Program was built specifically for small businesses owned by women, veterans, and minorities with five or fewer employees and annual revenues under $500,000. Awards from $2,500 to $25,000 can be used for equipment, facility improvements, and working capital. This is one of the most direct wealth-building tools available to Black small business owners in Montgomery County — and one of the most underutilized by the communities it was designed to serve. Who should act: Black-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses with storefronts in Montgomery County — trades, food service, professional services, retail, and health and wellness. ──────────────────────────────────────── WORKFORCE & JOBS ──────────────────────────────────────── FREE Workforce Certificates at Central State University — Seats Still Available This Summer Ongoing enrollment — space limited · Act now Location: CSU-Dayton and Wilberforce campus Contact: oobayanju@centralstate.edu · (937) 376-6009 Central State University's Workforce Training and Business Development Center continues to offer 30 completely free certificate programs in advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, information technology, and data management — funded by a $3.58 million federal Department of Commerce grant. These programs are free for residents of Clark, Greene, and Montgomery counties and feed directly into hiring pipelines at Joby Aviation and the region's expanding manufacturing and defense-tech sectors. Each course is capped at 30 participants. Summer enrollment is open now. Who should act: Anyone who is unemployed, underemployed, or ready to move into a higher-paying career in manufacturing or tech. Share this with your church, your neighbor, and your network. OhioMeansJobs Montgomery County — Free Job Search, Career Coaching, and Employer Connections Location: The Job Center, 1111 Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Dayton Hours: Monday–Friday · (937) 225-JOBS (5627) Website: ohiomeansjobs.com Montgomery County is home to the nation's largest One-Stop Workforce Center — and it is completely free. OhioMeansJobs serves over 500,000 clients annually with resume help, interview coaching, job posting access, career counseling, and direct employer connections across healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, IT, and professional services. If you are in a job search or planning a career transition this summer, the Job Center is your first stop. Who should act: Job seekers at every career stage — recent graduates, returning citizens, veterans, career changers, and anyone displaced by a layoff or industry shift. ──────────────────────────────────────── EVENTS — JULY 2026 ──────────────────────────────────────── Levitt Pavilion Dayton — Free Concerts All Month Location: 134 S. Main St., Downtown Dayton All concerts free · No ticket or RSVP required Full schedule: levittdayton.org/concert-schedule The Levitt Pavilion's 2026 Eichelberger Concert Season runs through September. The lawn opens at 6 PM on Thursdays for Happy Hour. Bring a blanket, bring the family, and bring someone who has never been. Every show is free. July highlights: Thursday, July 2 — Ernie Johnson from Detroit (Jazz Series) with opener MelinaMarie · 7 PM Friday, July 3 — Honoring Our Veterans with Eric Jerardi Band · 7 PM Thursday, July 9 — Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears (Blues Series) with opener Khrys Blank · 7 PM Friday, July 10 — Steep Canyon Rangers with opener The Shady Pine · 7 PM Saturday, July 11 — Angie K with opener Ali Auburn · 7 PM Thursday, July 16 — Larry McCray · 7 PM Friday, July 17 — J2B2 (John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band) with opener Berachah Valley · 7 PM Saturday, July 18 — Shakespeare! (Gem City Groundlings) · 7 PM Who should act: Everyone. 174th Montgomery County Fair — "Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights" July 20–25 — Verify Before Attending Location: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Road, Jefferson Township Official site: montcofair.com · (937) 224-1619 The 174th Montgomery County Fair celebrates America's 250th birthday under the theme "Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights." The fair features rides, live entertainment, livestock shows, demolition derby, 4H and junior fair competitions, a rodeo, acrobatic circus, tinsmith demonstrations, fair food, and added free attractions this year. Kids 6 and under are always free. We recommend visiting montcofair.com or calling (937) 224-1619 to confirm before you go. Who should act: Families across Montgomery County. Black-owned vendors and food entrepreneurs should contact the fairgrounds directly about vendor and sponsorship opportunities. Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival — July 4, 2026 Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Location: Centerville, Ohio Details: americanafestival.org Ohio's largest single-day Fourth of July celebration draws 85,000 visitors and features a 5K run, parade, street fair, classic car show, live entertainment, and family activities — celebrating hometown pride since 1972. A major vendor opportunity for Black-owned food and craft businesses in the region. Who should act: Families across Southwestern Ohio. Black-owned business owners interested in vendor opportunities for future years should contact organizers at americanafestival.org. ──────────────────────────────────────── SCHOLARSHIPS ──────────────────────────────────────── Dayton Foundation ScholarshipCONNECT — Award Checks Mailing This Month Next application cycle opens: December 2026 Details: daytonfoundation.org/scholarships If a student in your life was awarded a Dayton Foundation scholarship for the 2026–27 school year, their check is being mailed to their institution this month. The 2026–27 application cycle is now closed — but the 2027–28 cycle opens December 2026. Now is the right time to identify a student who should apply next cycle and help them prepare. Active scholarship funds specifically for African-American students include: Waverly Glover Scholarship — business/accounting at CSU or Wilberforce Golden Thirteen Naval Scholarship — African-American students pursuing a U.S. Navy career C.J. McLin Jr. Scholarship Doris H. Wilson Scholarship — Montgomery County graduating seniors Deloris Winslow Scholarship — social work/political science, Clark or Montgomery County minorities Pearl A. Dale and Audrey Parker Scholarship Alexander-Bickley Scholarship — female Dayton Public Schools graduates in STEM Who should act: Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, pastors, and mentors. Mark December 2026 on your calendar and keep a student on track. ──────────────────────────────────────── CIVIC AFFAIRS ──────────────────────────────────────── AdaptDayton Zoning Overhaul — Public Comment Window Still Open Public comment closes mid-summer 2026 Organization: City of Dayton Planning Division Details: daytonohio.gov The City of Dayton's comprehensive zoning overhaul — AdaptDayton — remains in active public comment. Decisions made in this process will determine where affordable housing gets built, how historic Black commercial corridors are protected, and what development is allowed near existing neighborhoods. July is your last clear window to weigh in before the comment period closes. This is the kind of policy process that reshapes cities quietly while people are busy with summer. Who should act: All Dayton residents — especially those in West and North Dayton, Trotwood, and historically underinvested corridors. Montgomery County Board of Commissioners — July Public Sessions Location: 451 W. Third St., Dayton — 1st Floor Hearing Room Work Sessions: 9:30 AM · Public Sessions: 1:30 PM Agendas: mcohio.org The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meets bi-weekly through the summer. July sessions are important for monitoring ARPA closeout allocations, infrastructure approvals, and mid-year budget amendments. Public comment is accepted at the start of each public session — register to speak 15 minutes before the session opens. Who should act: Community advocates, nonprofit leaders, business owners, and residents with concerns about county-level investment priorities in the second half of 2026. ──────────────────────────────────────── YOUR JULY ACTION LIST ──────────────────────────────────────── 1. Submit the Ohio OZ 2.0 Nomination Form before July 10 if you represent a neighborhood or community organization that wants investment directed to a specific Dayton-area census tract. Visit development.ohio.gov. 2. Apply for the Dayton Foundation Basic Human Needs Grant when the portal opens in mid-July — deadline August 13 at 4:00 PM. Start preparing now at daytonfoundation.org/grant-opportunities. 3. Apply for the Greater Dayton Conservation Fund grant before August 7 if your organization does environmental, greenway, or watershed work — $100,000 available. daytonfoundation.org/grant-opportunities 4. Call Montgomery County Development Services this week about the MicroEnterprise Grant: (937) 225-4326. Up to $25,000 for minority-owned small businesses — confirm availability now. 5. Call Central State University about free workforce certificates before summer seats fill: oobayanju@centralstate.edu or (937) 376-6009. 6. Apply for the City of Dayton Community Engagement Grant now if you're planning any fall neighborhood event — apply six weeks ahead: daytonohio.gov/communityengagement. 7. Take a student to the Levitt this month. Black Joe Lewis (July 9) and Larry McCray (July 16) are both free. levittdayton.org/concert-schedule 8. Confirm Montgomery County Fair dates before you go — call (937) 224-1619 or check montcofair.com directly. 9. Submit public comment on AdaptDayton before the window closes — visit daytonohio.gov. 10. Mark December 2026 on your calendar right now for ScholarshipCONNECT applications — and identify a student who should apply. ──────────────────────────────────────── The Dayton Weekly News July Opportunity Brief is produced from verified public sources including the Ohio Department of Development, The Dayton Foundation, Levitt Pavilion Dayton, Montgomery County Development Services, OhioMeansJobs Montgomery County, Central State University, WDTN, WYSO, and the City of Dayton. All information verified as of July 13, 2026. Deadlines and event details are subject to change — confirm directly with the hosting organization before acting. DWN does not receive compensation for listing any opportunity in this brief.

MVHO CEO Debbie Watts Robinson and TOC Asst. Bldg. Dir. Mark Davis June 4, 2026 Dayton, Ohio — Miami Valley Housing Opportunities, Inc. (MVHO) and The Opportunity Center are proud to announce that the historic Fifth Street Branch YMCA building, located at 907 W. Fifth Street in Dayton’s Wright-Dunbar Village, has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places—the nation’s premier program for recognizing sites of historical, architectural, and cultural significance. The designation, granted by the National Park Service, recognizes the Fifth Street Branch YMCA for its significance as a center of recreation, entertainment, and civic life for Black Daytonians throughout the twentieth century. Today, it stands as the last remaining landmark along West Fifth Street—once known as “The Nickel,” a thriving African American commercial corridor—and a rare physical link to that legacy. “The Fifth Street YMCA has long stood as a symbol of hope, dignity, and opportunity in Dayton’s African American community, strengthening generations through fellowship, leadership, and service,” said Dale Brunner, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Dayton. “Today, through the stewardship of Miami Valley Housing Opportunities, this historic landmark continues its legacy as The Opportunity Center—serving as a place where individuals and families can access support, stability, and pathways to a brighter future.” “This designation highlights the significance of preserving the community’s shared history,” said Leah Konicki, who prepared the nomination. “As the only remaining structure connected to ‘The Nickel,’ the Fifth Street Branch YMCA represents an essential chapter in Dayton’s story. This recognition helps ensure that its legacy is honored and protected for generations to come.” Constructed in 1928, the Fifth Street Branch YMCA is a notable example of Classical Revival architecture, distinguished by exterior stonework honoring prominent African American leaders. It served as Dayton’s Black YMCA until 1977, providing housing, recreation, and a vital social and civic hub for the community. The building hosted events, meetings, and lodging for Black men relocating to Dayton and was listed in The Green Book, a guide for African American travelers in the mid-twentieth century. After standing vacant and deteriorating for years, the building was rehabilitated in the 1990s and became home to the Dayton Urban League in 2005. In 2012, MVHO purchased the property and established The Opportunity Center, which now houses its headquarters along with offices for community-serving organizations—continuing the building’s long tradition of service. Listing on the National Register: Recognizes the building’s historical and architectural significance Raises awareness of the importance of preserving culturally significant places Makes it eligible for preservation incentives, including federal and state historic tax credits. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make this designation possible,” said Debbie Watts Robinson, CEO of MVHO. “What makes this recognition so meaningful is that the building is not just preserved—it’s still serving its purpose. From providing lodging and connection decades ago to supporting individuals and families today, it remains a place of opportunity, stability, and hope.” Robinson added her appreciation for those who contributed to preserving the building’s legacy. “We extend special thanks to David Pigford and William Gillespie. Pigford has been instrumental in efforts to recognize and preserve the Fifth Street Branch YMCA, as well as other sites significant to Dayton’s Black community. Gillespie, a local historian, has worked tirelessly to ensure the history of this building is documented, shared, and preserved.” The Opportunity Center is headquarters for Miami Valley Housing Opportunities, Inc. and is home to many community serving organizations. For more information about The Opportunity Center and ongoing preservation efforts, please contact: Leah Konicki Technical Advisor Miami Valley Housing Opportunities, Inc. lkonicki@mvho.org 937-430-0836 “This material was produced with assistance from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior."

The Contemporary Dayton, in partnership with the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, is proud to present Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi, a landmark solo exhibition celebrating the extraordinary career of award-winning artist, historian, curator, and activist Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. On view from June 12 through September 12, 2026, the exhibition highlights Mazloomi's powerful black-and-white pictorial quilts honoring the lives and legacies of African American freedom fighters and cultural leaders. Now an octogenarian, Dr. Mazloomi remains one of the most influential voices in contemporary quilting and a pioneering advocate for African American quilt traditions. Through striking imagery and layered narrative, her quilts preserve stories of resilience, resistance, and remembrance while positioning quilting as both fine art and historical record. Originally trained as an aerospace engineer, Mazloomi shifted her focus in the 1980s to champion the work of African American quilt artists whose contributions had long been overlooked. As founder of the Women of Color Quilters Network, she has reshaped the cultural landscape through decades of scholarship, mentorship, curatorial work, and community building. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship, a United States Artists Fellowship, and an American Craft Council Honorary Fellowship. Her work is held in major collections including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Art Museum. Figures included in Dr. Mazloomi's quilts in the exhibition include Ahmaud Arbery, Ruby Bridges, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Frederick Douglass, George Floyd, Fannie Lou Hamer, Henrietta Lacks, John Lewis, Richard and Mildred Loving, Elijah McClain, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Harry and Henrietta Moore, Huey P. Newton, Black Panther Party, Bobby Seale, George Stinney, Sojourner Truth, Breonna Taylor, Emmett Till, Malcolm X, and The Little Rock Nine. Historical events illustrated in her work include Black Wall Street, Brown v. Board of Education, The Green Book, and The Voting Rights Act. In conjunction with the exhibition, The Contemporary Dayton will present a series of free public programs designed to deepen engagement with Mazloomi's work and its broader cultural and historical themes. Programs include an opening reception and meet-and-greet with the artist, and a public lecture and discussion led by scholar and curator Dr. Sharbreon Plummer, examining cultural histories and the role of art and craft in democracy, particularly in relation to the current political climate and Mazloomi's work within U.S. history. Additional programming will include an activation of Yellow Springs-based artist Migiwa Orimo's People's Banner Workshop, a community protest banner-making workshop. Inspired by the bold visual language and narratives within Mazloomi's quilts, Orimo's ongoing project provides free visual aids including banners, signs, and props, for direct action, protest rallies, picket lines, and other street actions supporting social justice. "As Dayton's contemporary art center, we are honored to present the work of Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi and celebrate her transformative contributions to American art and cultural history," said Heather Jones, Curator and Director of Programs and Engagement. "Threads of History reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusion, access, and presenting exhibitions that foster dialogue, reflection, and community connection." Joni Doherty, Senior Program Officer for Democracy and the Arts at the Charles F. Kettering Foundation states, "The foundation is delighted to be partnering with The Contemporary Dayton during their season of celebrating freedom of expression. The Threads of History exhibition of quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is one example of this gallery's recognition of the role of the arts in an inclusive democracy and of acknowledging our complex and complicated struggle to realize those freedoms for everyone." All exhibitions and public programs at The Contemporary Dayton are free and open to the public. Public Programs Opening Reception Friday, June 12, 2026 | 6–8 pm Welcome remarks by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, 6:15 pm Remarks by the artist, 6:30 pm Free and open to all. Quilts as Witness: Carolyn Mazloomi and the Power of Cultural Memory Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 6:30 pm Dr. Sharbreon Plummer is a public scholar, curator, writer, and interdisciplinary artist whose work explores Black art history, craft and material studies, southern folkways, and cultural memory. In this lecture, Dr. Plummer will examine cultural histories and the role of art and craft in democracy, particularly in relation to the current political climate and Mazloomi's work within U.S. history. A native of South Louisiana, she has spent more than fifteen years developing programs and initiatives that support artists and communities of the global majority whose work advances freedom, liberation, and social change. Dr. Plummer's latest publication, Stories in the Seams: A People's History of Black Quilts and Their Makers, will be released in October, 2026. Free and open to all. Also on View: Rhythm of Change at Troy-Hayner Cultural Center The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center will join forces with I.D.E.A. Troy and community partners for a special exhibit, Rhythm of Change: The Transformative Power of Black Art, 1619–Present. The exhibit maps the visual flow of cultural change in America from 1619 to the present day and explores how Black artists, religious leaders, and activists worked within their spheres of influence to transform Ohio and our nation. Drawing on deeply rooted African traditions, interpreting contemporary challenges, and painting a way forward into a better future, Rhythm of Change explores some of the voices who laid down the beat of change. We will explore the epic of music, art, literature, dance, the pulpit, the stage, the screen and so much more. An exhibit opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 3:00 PM–5:00 PM featuring refreshments, music, and an opportunity to experience the exhibit together as a community. Rhythm of Change will be on display at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center from June 12 through August 9, 2026 and will be available free of charge during regular open hours. The graphic panels in this exhibit were researched and designed by the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center (NAAMCC) and a class of graduate students from Wright State University's Public History concentration. NAAMCC is located in Wilberforce, Ohio and is part of the Ohio History Connection's site system. Its mission is to help preserve and present Black history with regularly changing history, art, and cultural exhibits. The NAAMCC opened to the public in April 1988 and is the permanent home of one of the nation's largest collections of African American material culture, with over 9,000 artifacts and artworks, 350 manuscript collections, and thousands of photographs. Items include Alex Haley's typewriter and his final draft of Roots, Brigadier General Charles Young's uniform, Gregory Hines's tap shoes, an extensive art collection representing the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s, and a vast number of Black dolls, including the recently donated Lillian Bartok Collection. Learn more about the NAAMCC at the Ohio History Connection website. This exhibit is primarily sponsored through a grant provided by America 250-Ohio with support from the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center and community partners. As part of Troy's Juneteenth celebrations, the community is also invited to gather for additional events throughout the month. A free kickoff concert featuring the Deron Bell Band will take place at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center on Friday, June 19, with light hors d'oeuvres and hibiscus punch beginning at 6:30 PM and music at 7:00 PM. Celebrations continue on Saturday, June 20 with the Juneteenth Community Celebration at McKaig & Race Park from 3:00 PM–6:00 PM, following a community walk from First Place Christian Center. The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is proudly supported by the citizens of the Troy City School District through a local tax levy and generous gifts to the Friends of Hayner. Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is located at 301 West Main Street, Troy, OH 45373. Hours of operation are Monday 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. The Hayner Center is closed on holidays. For more information, visit our website at troyhayner.org or call (937) 339-0457.