Justice Denied “Akron 8” Face No Charges Protesters Question Verdict Reporter News Team Special Report (Akron, OH) -- The eight Akron police officers who collectively fired nearly 100 rounds at an unarmed 25-year-old Jayland Walker last summer won’t be facing any criminal charges in connection with his death now that a Summit County grand jury voted earlier this week not to indict them. The ”no bill” decision raised the ire of many in the Akron Black Community sparking protests, demonstrations, and prayer vigils all over the city. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost hastily announced the decision Monday afternoon, saying the officers were justified in shooting Walker, who in the early morning hours of June 27 led police first on a car chase, and then a foot pursuit before they opened fire on him alleging that he appeared to be drawing a weapon from his waistband. Walker, who was unarmed at the time of the shooting had recently purchased a handgun, which was later found on the driver’s seat of his car next to its dislodged magazine and his wedding band. “It’s unusual to have this many officers firing their weapons at the same time at a single suspect,” said Yost. “It amplifies the use of force exponentially. But it’s critical to remember Mr. Walker had fired on the police. He shot first.” Jury Results Explained According to investigative reports posted online by the attorney general’s office, the following narrative emerged: A week before the shooting, Jayland had purchased a handgun from Range USA in Akron. He had not previously been a gun enthusiast but had gone to the range with a friend just a month or so before his death, the documents show. That friend, a Summit County sheriff’s deputy, told investigators that Jayland at one time or another had asked him about conditions under which police would use lethal force against a suspect. The friend also said Jayland seemed forlorn over the death of his fiancée, Jaymeisha Beasley, who had been killed in a car accident in May of last year. Just days after her death, the sheriff’s deputy said Jayland called to say, “I love you. I’m like, ‘Iove you, too. I said, ‘What’s going on? Then he would like cry for a while; he was like, ‘They took my girlfriend from me.” The online reports also allege that during May and early June of last year, Jayland performed several internet searches on topics like – “the quickest way to die,” and “what happens when you drink bleach.” The night before the shooting, New Franklin police spotted Jayland’s 2005 Buick with a blown taillight and tried to pull him over. A chase ensued, but the New Franklin police soon abandoned the chase once the car crossed over the Akron city line, saying a minor traffic violation wasn’t worth the pursuit. Twenty-four hours later Akron police spot the same car with the same busted taillight, and eventually a chase ensues. During the chase, police say a flash of light – presumably a gunshot – appears from the driver’s side window. Officers immediately radio for help. One by one other Akron police officers join the pursuit, some blocking off roadways and others following behind the lead officers. With the officers in hot pursuit, eventually Jayland exits his vehicle from the passenger side, but leaves the car in gear so that it is slowly rolling forward as he’s running away. During the foot chase, a few officers attempt to tase Jayland but the tasers are ineffective they said. The documents contend that Jayland then does a 360-degree turn to face the officers, who by now have been joined by numerous other Akron officers on the scene. They say Jayland’s hands are near his waistband, and he suddenly lifts his arm as if he’s wielding a weapon. To a person, the eight officers say they felt threatened by Jayland’s movements. One officer told investigators he actually thought Jayland had turned and fired at them, but later learned the initial gunshot was from one of the other officers. Jayland was unarmed when he was killed. “The grand jury concluded that the officers were legally justified in their use of force,” Yost concluded. But U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes said she won’t rest until justice is done. “I can’t understand how a young man has 46 bullet wounds, and that’s justified,” she said. “We can all agree that over 90 shots in seven seconds hitting a human being over 40 times, is excessive. I will formally request the Department of Justice to begin an investigation into the patterns and practices of the Akron Police Department. The federal government can and should take up the mantle and investigate … to ensure that there is justice for Jayland.” The officers contend, according to their online statements, that they are trained to use lethal force when a suspect is an imminent threat to police or others. They say they are trained to use that force until the threat “has been neutralized.” Immediately after the shooting, the eight Akron officers were placed on paid administrative leave. Last October, however, Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett brought the officers back on the force doing desk duty instead of patrolling the streets. He said Monday they would remain on desk duty while the city does its own investigation into whether the officer violated department policies. He still refuses to release the names of the officers to protect their safety. COMMUNITY REACTIONS The Walker family, which has advocated for peaceful protests since the shooting first occurred, seemed crestfallen that the shooters won’t be held to account for Jayland’s death. “Our hearts are hurting,” said Rev. Robert DeJournett, pastor of St. Ashworth Church of God in Christ and member of the Walker family. “(The city) talks about peace. We’re not at peace now. We’re not advocating violence, but we don’t feel peaceful. How can we be calm when an injustice has happened. This is a sad day for our family, and for our community.” At the family’s press conference just hours after Attorney General Yost announced the grand jury results, Walker family attorney Bobby DiCello also expressed his dismay at the decision. “I am extremely disappointed in the manner in which this (grand jury) presentation walks right past the legal principles this family has been required to follow,” DiCello said. “I wish you could have been there when I broke the news to the family. I wish you could have heard the screaming. There was screaming.” The Akron Urban League, the Akron chapter of the NAACP and other community leaders also issued statements expressing disbelief at the grand jury’s findings and calling for peaceful protests. Demonstrations are being planned in the days ahead, while the city officials, even before the grand jury results were released, began boarding up downtown buildings in anticipation of mob violence. “As the mother of a Black man, I cannot imagine the anguish the Walker family must be feeling as they continue to mourn and heal from the loss of their loved one, and I extend to them my deepest condolences,” said St Rep. Tavia Galonski. “As many of us continue to grieve and make sense of Jayland’s death, I ask for everyone to be peaceful and calm. Once the findings from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation are made public, then we will all have a better understanding of this tragedy and how we can work together as a community to make sure that it never happens again.” “The grand jury’s decision is not the end of Walker’s case,” said St. Rep. Galonski. “ The “no bill” decision simply means that the officers involved will not face criminal charges from the state. The Akron Police Department is currently conducting an internal investigation on the shooting to determine whether the officers’ actions violated internal policies and procedures.” “We need to make change, real change,” said Akron Urban League President and CEO Teresa R. LeGrair, “But let’s not do it by tearing up our community. Let’s protest, let’s speak our mind – shout it to the rafters – but let’s not be violent and tear up our own community.” US Congresswoman Emilia Emilia Sykes summed it up this way: “Justice has not been served,” Sykes said. “A future has been cut short. Once again, a routine traffic stop ends in death, and a community mourns the loss. We find ourselves yearning for a justice system that protects all of us.”

By Nate Dillard, Elevate Dayton The big picture: Despite the economy's volatility and layoffs, 93% of Black and Latino employees are optimistic about their employment prospects. According to experts, businesses should diversify their senior leadership in order to shift their emphasis from recruitment to retention, reports The Plug. What's next: To recruit and keep Black talent, businesses must make investments in employee resource groups, people managers, and professional growth. In order to balance increased pay bands for diverse tech talent, alternative hiring models like short-term contracts and remote work may be used. Between the lines: Due to competitive pay, a lack of career advancement, and a desire for transparency in DEI initiatives, black professionals are leaving their present positions. Focusing on skill development and networking, they view their current positions as stepping stones toward more ambitious professional objectives. By the numbers: Black professionals won't achieve talent parity at all levels in the private sector for 95 years, according to McKinsey. Teams with diverse leadership perform better monetarily and in terms of hiring new employees. The community angle: The importance of businesses supporting efforts promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion for BIPOC and underserved communities of color in Dayton, Ohio is highlighted by this narrative. By establishing inclusive cultures and diversifying their leadership, businesses may better promote and retain local talent, which supports a more equal job market in the region. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

By Zack Frink, Elevate Dayton Governments and local nonprofits are investing billions of dollars in initiatives that tackle gaps in availability, digital devices, affordability and online skills to deliver broadband internet access to millions of Americans, reports the Dayton Daily News. The Big Picture: Through the allocation of federal funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, & Deployment (BEAD) Program ($42.45 billion), the Digital Equity Act ($2.75 billion), and the Affordable Connectivity Program ($14.2 billion), the U.S. government is working to narrow the digital divide that leaves low-income and rural communities without high-speed internet. What's Next: State and regional organizations, such as Broadband Ohio and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, are striving to refine mapping and identify the specific requirements for internet infrastructure. Local initiatives in Greene and Montgomery Counties are focusing on enhancing infrastructure and gathering data. The Bottom Line: Key challenges include efficiently allocating resources, raising awareness of federal initiatives and devising long-term solutions that tackle the root causes of broadband disparities. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

By Zack Frink, Elevate Dayton The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $850,000 in grants to two organizations in Ohio to enhance fair housing opportunities and tackle discriminatory practices in the area, reports Dayton 24/7 Now. The Big Picture: HUD has provided $425,000 each to the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center of Dayton and Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Greater Cincinnati. These grants are part of the Fair Housing Initiatives Program and are designed to improve housing accessibility for all residents of Southwest Ohio, irrespective of their race, disability, or background. What's Next: The grant funds will be used for implementing enforcement measures against biased housing practices, offering support to individuals reentering society after serving time in prison, addressing disparities in homeownership and assessing the effects of environmental hazards on minority communities. Why It Matters: This financial support emphasizes the government's dedication to ensuring equal housing opportunities and preventing discrimination. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

By Zack Frink, Elevate Dayton Queens Village Dayton is teaming up with Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County to commemorate Black Maternal Health Week 2023, reports Dayton 24/7 Now. The Big Picture: Black Maternal Health Week, established by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, takes place from April 11 to April 17, with the goal of giving a platform to the voices and experiences of Black mothers. This year's theme is "Our Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy." Local Impact: In cooperation with Public Health’s Local Office of Minority Health, Queens Village Dayton will organize events that concentrate on learning, advocacy and offering a supportive environment for Black women to rejuvenate. By the Numbers: In 2020, Black women in Ohio had a 2.5 times greater likelihood of dying due to pregnancy-related causes compared to White women. Zoom In: The mortality rate for Black infants was over three times higher than that of White infants in 2021. What's Next: Queens Village Dayton will host three events in collaboration with Public Health’s Local Office on Minority Health and the EveryOne Reach One Maternal and Infant Vitality Task Force, register here. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

By Nate Dillard, Elevate Dayton The big picture: As the Black unemployment rate fell to 5% in March, the lowest level since the early 1970s, the difference between the Black and White unemployment rates has shrunk to its smallest level ever. The disparity has grown to 1.8 percentage points, while the 3.2% unemployment rate for White people has remained constant, according to Bloomberg. Why it matters: This trend emphasizes how minority workers, who have historically been underrepresented in the workforce, now have more options. By the numbers: For Black women over the age of 20, the employment-to-population ratio has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, pointing to a more favorable job environment. In comparison to White and Hispanic males, Black men have made tremendous strides but still have the lowest employment-to-population ratios. Between the lines: Employers continue to report trouble hiring workers, indicating a tight employment market that advantages minority workers, despite certain signs pointing to a cooling labor market. Zoom in: Asian Americans' labor force participation rate for workers in the prime working age range (25–54) increased to 83.9%, the highest since records began to be kept in 2000. The community angle: For BIPOC and underrepresented communities of color in Dayton, this narrowing gap in unemployment rates signals progress in combating employment disparities. As opportunities increase, these communities can benefit from a stronger labor market, improving their overall economic well-being and contributing to a more inclusive workforce. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

By Nate Dillard, Elevate Dayton The big picture: According to a recent Goldman Sachs study, generative AI could affect up to 300 million jobs globally, with two-thirds of them potentially subject to partial automation. The most impacted industries include those in law, architecture, and engineering, as well as office and administrative assistance, reports CNBC Make It. By the numbers: In the US, 25% of work could be automated, while in Europe, it's 24%. Top five most affected countries are Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Sweden, and the US. The least affected include China, Nigeria, Vietnam, Kenya, and India. Between the lines: AI's impact on the labor market will depend on its capability and adoption timeline. Although AI can disrupt jobs, it can also create new opportunities and boost global GDP by up to 7%. The bottom line: AI's influence on the labor market is undeniable, but the extent of its disruption remains uncertain. The community angle: For underrepresented communities of color in Dayton, Ohio, AI's impact on jobs could present both challenges and opportunities. Job displacement in affected sectors may disproportionately impact BIPOC workers, necessitating upskilling and reskilling efforts. At the same time, the emergence of new job opportunities in AI-driven industries could provide avenues for economic growth and social mobility if access to training and resources is made available. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

By Zack Frink, Elevate Dayton This week, early voting starts for Ohio's May 2 election under new regulations that mandate photo identification for in-person voting, while voting absentee continues to be possible without photo ID, reports the Dayton Daily News. The Big Picture: The new voting law in Ohio, enacted in January, has introduced substantial modifications to the voting system. Changes include mandating photo ID for in-person voting and making changes to voter registration. Need to Know: Valid photo IDs for in-person voting consist of unexpired driver's licenses, state ID cards, military IDs, and U.S. passports. Voters are still able to submit absentee ballots by providing only the last four digits of their Social Security number. Between the Lines: Critics argue that the new law in Ohio is among the most restrictive voting laws nationwide, potentially affecting disadvantaged groups like the homeless, survivors of domestic violence, senior citizens, and LGBTQ+ people. What's Next: With Ohio State ID cards becoming free for residents over 17 years old starting April 7, organizations such as VoterRiders are stepping up to assist people in obtaining the required identification to vote and in understanding the modifications in the law. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

By Zack Frink, Elevate Dayton Aiming to diminish the number of distracted driving incidents and associated deaths, Ohio has introduced a new law permitting law enforcement officers to stop drivers who appear to be using their cellphones while on the road, reports the Dayton Daily News. Setting the Scene: Law enforcement officers can now stop Ohio drivers who engage in prohibited activities such as texting, making a phone call, or operating a phone while driving. For the initial six months, officers will hand out written warnings for such violations, and further penalties will be applied for recurring offenses. The Fine Print: Ohio Senate Bill 288 imposes a $150 fine and adds two points to the driver's record for the first offense. Penalties become more severe for subsequent violations. What We’re Hearing: Although the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has raised concerns about a potential rise in profiling, local law enforcement agencies stress that they do not condone such behavior. To address possible issues, the ethnicity of the drivers receiving citations will be submitted to the Ohio Attorney General's Office each year. Why It Matters: The new law aims to improve driver safety and decrease preventable accidents, as over 62,000 distracted driving crashes and 1,800 severe and fatal injuries have been documented since 2018. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

By Zack Frink, Elevate Dayton Homefull, a nonprofit organization in Dayton, has initiated a $50 million endeavor to tackle the food desert in west Dayton and improve healthcare accessibility for the local population, converting 16 acres of unused land into a flourishing community, reports the Dayton Business Journal. Setting the Stage: The two-stage project aims to introduce housing, food, and employment opportunities to the area, addressing the fundamental problems of food shortage and housing instability in the region. The Specifics: The first phase involves the construction of a 48,000-square-foot facility that will accommodate Homefull Grocery & Marketplace, a regional wholesale food center, a primary care practice by Kettering Health, and Ziks Family Pharmacy. The second phase will see the development of up to 144 affordable housing units and an experimental/educational farm in collaboration with Sinclair Community College's Agricultural Department. Crunching the Numbers: Supported by $5.7 million from the City of Dayton and American Rescue Plan Act funds, the project is anticipated to generate 380 temporary construction positions and 200 long-term jobs. The Big Takeaway: This initiative seeks to provide not only essential services such as food, healthcare, and job assistance to residents but also empower them to lead prosperous and satisfying lives. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

A startup that aims to offer low-cost, self-pay ultrasound services took first prize last week at the culminating pitch night for the Entrepreneur Rising Academy winter 2023 cohort. Eryion Bolden is the founder of Affordable Imaging. She already has the imaging machine, and she is now looking for a location. Currently, Dayton’s hospital systems are the only option for medical imaging services. If someone needs medical imaging not covered by insurance, the self-pay option is typically $1500-1800. Affordable Imaging will be able to provide that service for less than 10 percent of that cost. A typical customer for elective medical imaging is pregnant moms, Eryion explained. Typically insurance only covers two ultrasounds during a pregnancy, but moms often want to see their baby more than twice. Second place in the pitch competition went to Jerome Scott Jr., founder of Fiduciary Details, a company offering ala carte car detailing services. Eryion took home $1,000 and Jerome took home $500. Thank you, Wright Patt Credit Union, for sponsoring the pitch prize for this winter 2023 cohort! Tap into the Academy Entrepreneur Rising Academy is a free, 10-week, business-building bootcamp managed by Launch Dayton partner Parallax Advanced Research. The next cohort kicks off April 12! Participants complete Kauffman FastTrac coursework from the nationally-renowned Kauffman Foundation, receive pitch coaching and hands-on mentoring, weekly discussions with successful entrepreneurs and experts, & access to Dayton’s business resource providers. The bootcamp helps early-stage founders and business owners build the foundational knowledge needed to launch and grow successful businesses. OTHER WINTER 2023 COHORT GRADUATES INCLUDE: Shannon Perry, founder of UVC Stylus, offering a patent-pending self-cleaning stylus; Corinne Brion, founder of Turtle Up, an ecotourism startup that aims to save sea turtles while impacting communities in Ghana; Sean McKinney, founder of glass art studio Silica Dreams; Elyse Sevi, founder of Telegenic Queen, offering on-camera coaching to pageant contestants; Christopher Campbell, founder of S.I.L.C., offering custom-made men’s jewelry; Leslie Klenke, founder of LocalHaus, a retail playground offering affordable booth space to small businesses and a fun experience for customers (coming to Front Street this April!) Latoya Jones, founder of All Thingz Girls, a self-care brand for young girls; E. Marie Moore, founder of Kool Beanz Cafe, an inner-generational coffee shop. Curious if Entrepreneur Rising Academy is a fit for you? Learn more & apply for our next cohort, kicking off in just a few weeks! Our entrepreneur and small business coverage is powered by Launch Dayton, an organization that seeks to connect entrepreneurs to peers, resources and supporters while telling the story of the region's thriving entrepreneurial community. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.

By Zack Frink Dayton Realtors is nearing completion of a $3.5 million renovation project to transform a 40-year-old building into a multi-functional space with environmentally-friendly features, reports the Dayton Business Journal. Important details: The renovated building will provide more rentable space for the community, along with facilities for educational programs and events. Energy-efficient upgrades aim to save the association up to $15,000 per year in operating costs. What's next: The building is expected to be completed later this spring or summer, with three floors of offices, classrooms, meeting spaces, and lounge areas. Zoom in: The renovated space will facilitate community dialogue, town hall meetings, and partnership opportunities with local organizations like Sinclair Community College and Miami Regional Planning. The bottom line: Dayton Realtors' renovation project highlights its commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and enhancing opportunities for its 3,300 members. This article originally appeared on Elevate Dayton and republished through its partnership with the Dayton Weekly News.