Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition Dayton NAACP President Derrick Foward recently reflected on the national and local impact of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the modern era. Rev. Jackson, founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition and two-time presidential candidate, has long been recognized for expanding the civil rights movement into economic justice, voting rights, and corporate accountability. His leadership helped normalize the idea of Black presidential candidacies long before they became politically viable. Foward emphasized that Jackson’s work laid the foundation for broader political representation, opening doors that many leaders walk through today. He noted that Jackson’s presidential campaigns were not symbolic gestures but strategic efforts to demand inclusion at the highest levels of American politics. “Rev. Jackson changed what was possible,” Foward shared. “He challenged systems, built coalitions, and forced conversations around equity that continue today.” Beyond national politics, Foward highlighted Jackson’s ability to mobilize communities at the grassroots level. From economic boycotts to voter registration drives, Jackson’s organizing strategy focused on empowering everyday people. Foward encouraged the Dayton community to study leaders like Jackson—not just to honor them—but to understand the strategy, discipline, and courage required to sustain long-term change. As civil rights conversations evolve in 2026, Foward noted that the lessons from Jackson’s leadership remain relevant: persistence, coalition-building, economic leverage, and civic engagement. “History isn’t something we just celebrate,” Foward added. “It’s something we build on.”

Richard L. Hairston - President, African-American Community Fund The African American Community Fund (AACF), a component fund of The Dayton Foundation, continues expanding its impact across the Miami Valley through strategic grantmaking and community partnerships. In its latest update, AACF highlighted ongoing investments in education, entrepreneurship, youth development, and community-based programming designed to strengthen the Black community in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. The fund’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to addressing disparities while building long-term sustainability through philanthropic collaboration. AACF works by pooling resources from donors and directing funds toward nonprofits and initiatives that align with its mission. Recent grants have supported initiatives focused on: Youth mentorship and academic enrichment Economic empowerment and workforce development Cultural programming and historical preservation Health equity initiatives AACF leaders emphasized the importance of community participation—both through financial contributions and volunteer engagement. By strengthening its endowment and expanding partnerships, the fund aims to increase its annual grant capacity in the coming years. Community members interested in supporting or applying for funding are encouraged to connect through The Dayton Foundation’s website for eligibility requirements and upcoming grant cycles. AACF continues to position itself as a vehicle for collective impact—ensuring that philanthropy directly benefits the Black community in measurable and sustainable ways. For more information on the African-American Community Fund: https://www.daytonfoundation.org/african-american-community-funds

Academy Award Nominee, Hannah Beachler Centerville High School and Wright State University graduate Hannah Beachler has received her second Academy Award nomination for Best Production Design for her work on the film Sinners . The nomination marks her second career Oscar recognition. Beachler previously won an Academy Award in 2018 for her work on Black Panther  and has been credited on several major productions, including Fruitvale Station , Creed , and Moonlight . Downtown Dayton’s NEON Theater will offer a return, week-long screening of Sinners  beginning January 30. The 98th annual Academy Awards will be hosted by Conan O’Brien on March 15.

On Monday, January 19, 2026, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Beta Eta Omega Chapter held their Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service – Honoring Our Community of Champions Without Applause!  The event was held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Free Pike, Trotwood, Ohio 45426. The purpose of the program was to recognize select community leaders who serve daily and often without recognition. A warm welcome was provided by Cynthia Booker-Neilson, President of Beta Eta Omega Chapter. The purpose was shared by Carla Scott, Vice President. An inspirational message was delivered by Ashley Miller of the Beta Eta Omega Chapter. She shared that true service is the act of using our time, talent, and resources to help others. She emphasized that service shapes who we are, not what we receive, noting that service is about impact, not attention, and that service welcomes everyone. Her encouraging words inspired attendees to remember that service to others empowers growth, builds trust, and fosters excellence—not weakness. The honorees consistently and selflessly help improve the well-being of others through unpaid work, acts of kindness, and sharing skills driven by empathy and a desire to make a positive impact rather than personal gain. The honorees’ service reflects altruism, empathy, connection, and action. Their work includes volunteering, mentoring, offering direct help, resource sharing, and community building. Awards were presented by Myra Bozeman and Veronica Dudley, Co-Chairmen of Sisterly Relations, to the following honorees: Sharon Babb, James Crutcher, Sh’ron Henderson, Roberta Lynn Holt, Kim Jarvis, Shawnkekia Pope, Lauri Ridley, Nicole Weaver, Eddie Dudley, and LaShea Smith Lofton. Closing remarks and heartfelt thanks were provided by Cynthia Booker-Neilson. Following the program, attendees enjoyed fellowship and refreshments. The ladies of Beta Eta Omega Chapter continue to embrace the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve,”  remaining steadfast in their commitment to Service to All Mankind.

The Dayton Foundation has launched its 2026–2027 scholarship application process and announced that 25 new scholarship opportunities have been added to its online ScholarshipCONNECT system. Scholarships range from one-time $1,000 awards to $10,000 renewable scholarships and include both need-base d and merit-based opportunities. Students can access ScholarshipCONNECT by visiting www.daytonfoundation.org/scholarships . ScholarshipCONNECT offers more than 300 scholarship opportunities through The Dayton Foundation and its family of educational funds. The system uses a detailed questionnaire to match students to scholarships based on educational interests and background. Students and parents can also access FAFSA resources, application tips, and additional scholarship guidance. The Dayton Foundation encourages students and families to follow its scholarship-focused Instagram channel at instagram.com/daytonfoundation_scholarships for application reminders, volunteer opportunities, resume guidance, and award updates. In fiscal year 2024–2025, The Dayton Foundation and the Dayton-Montgomery County Scholarship Program awarded $3.6 million in scholarships to help 1,497 students advance their educational goals. The deadline to submit a completed ScholarshipCONNECT application for the 2026–2027 school year is Friday, March 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

The Dayton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host a town hall titled “American Griots: Telling Our Stories in Politically Divisive Times.”  The event will take place on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, located at 1001 Harvard Blvd., Dayton. The distinguished panelists include Charles Fox, Ge neral Manager of 88.9 WCSU; KaJeza Hawkins, journalist; Chataun Denis, proposal writer and business coach; and Te’Jal Jarrae, journalist. The moderator will be Mycah Pollard, Chair of the Dayton Branch NAACP Communications, Press, Publicity & Technology Committee. Founded in 1915, the Dayton Branch NAACP is the city’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Serving the Dayton region and Montgomery County, its members are leading advocates for civil rights within their communities. The Dayton Branch NAACP is committed to informing, educating, and empowering the citizenry in the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for all Americans. For more information, please call (937) 222-2172 or visit www.naacpdayton.org .

By Dayton Realtist Staff Dayton, Ohio  — The Greater Dayton Realtist Association (GDRA) is set to kick off 2026 with a dynamic  Real Estate Educational & Networking Meeting  during  Financial Literacy Month , bringing together real estate professionals, public officials, lenders, and title experts for an afternoon centered on education, advocacy, and community solutions. The event will take place on  Wednesday, January 21, 2026 , from  12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  at the  Dayton Realtors® Center , reinforcing GDRA’s mission to empower professionals and protect generational wealth through informed real estate practices. Education Meets Real-World Solutions At the heart of the meeting is a Power Panel Discussion titled “What To Do With Big Momma’s House,” a critical and timely conversation addressing common challenges families face with inherited property. Panelists will discuss: How to avoid probate pitfalls Strategies to protect family property Ways to prevent deed fraud and title issues Understanding what steps to take first when a property owner passes away This conversation is designed to provide practical guidance for Realtors®, homeowners, investors, and community members alike. Special Guest Speaker: Lori Kennedy The meeting will feature a special presentation by Lori Kennedy, Montgomery County Recorder, who will offer insights into the importance of proper deed recording, title accuracy, and how public records play a vital role in property protection and fraud prevention. Power Panel Leadership & Expertise The Power Panel brings together a strong lineup of professionals with firsthand experience across real estate, housing counseling, title services, and deed strategy: Traci Martin , GDRA President (2026) Anita Schmaltz , The Homeownership Center Lisa Scales , Committee Strategies & Solutions, Chair of Deeds Marian Montgomery , PC Title Pros Josh Nalls , Companion Title Each panelist will contribute expertise to help attendees better navigate property transfer challenges and protect family assets. Member Speaker Spotlight: Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) The meeting will also feature a Member Speaker presentation by Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU), highlighting financial tools, resources, and lending solutions that support homeownership, financial literacy, and long-term stability for individuals and families. Added Member Value By popular demand, fresh professional headshots will again be offered free to GDRA members, supporting professional branding and marketing needs. Lunch will be served, allowing additional time for networking and collaboration. Why Attend This meeting is more than a networking opportunity — it is a space to: Learn from trusted experts Build relationships across the industry Strengthen business practices and community impact Engage in real conversations that protect families and neighborhoods Attendees are encouraged to bring a guest, bring a notebook, and come ready to grow. Event Details Date:  Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time:  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Location:  Dayton Realtors® Center Address:  1515 S. Main Street, Dayton, OH 45409 Real Talk. Real Solutions. Real Community. For more inform ation, visit  www.greaterdaytonrealtist.com  or email  info@greaterdaytonrealtist.com .

Dr. Lamata Mitchell, President Kettering College Kettering College marked a historic milestone on January 16 with the inauguration of Dr. Lamata Mitchell as its new president. Mitchell becomes the first woman and the first person of color to lead Kettering College, reflecting the institution’s continued commitment to excellence, inclusion, and forward-thinking leadership. Mitchell emphasized the college’s role in addressing the region’s healthcare workforce shortage through its close partnership with Kettering Health, ensuring graduates have a direct pipeline into employment. Kettering College offers degrees in a range of healthcare fields, including nursing and occupational therapy, and remains focused on advancing the overall wellness of the community. Original Article 07/28/2025 Kettering College Selects New President Following an extensive search and much prayerful consideration, the board is delighted to announce the appointment of as the next President of Kettering College. Dr. Mitchell brings a wealth of experience in healthcare education, academic leadership, and strategic collaboration. Most recently, she served as Chief Learning Officer for AdventHealth, where she led system-wide initiatives to enhance workforce development and education. Prior to her time at AdventHealth, she served as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Student Learning at Pima Community College, where she championed student success, academic innovation, and equity in higher education. Her experience also includes serving as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, contributing to the advancement of quality standards across institutions of higher learning. Adam Maycock, President of Kettering Health Main Campus, and chair of the Kettering College Board of Directors, shared, “Dr. Mitchell brings exceptional leadership, a deep commitment to student success, and experience from academia and healthcare, that will serve her well. The Kettering College Board is confident that under Lamata’s leadership, the college will continue to thrive and grow in service to our students, faculty, and community.” Dr. Mitchell has been deeply involved in initiatives that align with our mission and the broader goals of Adventist healthcare. She worked alongside the president of AdventHealth University to develop an ASN program designed to address the growing nursing shortage within the AdventHealth system. In addition, she collaborated with AHU to identify healthcare certificate programs that helped reskill 1,089 entry-level employees, strengthening the pipeline of healthcare professionals and supporting career growth within the organization. Dr. Mitchell’s leadership style is grounded in service, innovation, and a deep commitment to faith-based education. We are confident that her vision and experience will guide Kettering College into a strong and purposeful future. We look forward to the meaningful impact her leadership will bring to our campus and community. Dr. Mitchell will officially begin her presidency on August 11, 2025, and we are thrilled to have her leading us into this new academic year. About Kettering College Kettering College is a fully accredited, coeducational college that specializes in health science education. A division of Kettering Health, the College is located on the Kettering Health Main Campus in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, and is chartered by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Kettering College offers an Occupational Therapy Doctoral program, a Master of Physician Assistant, Bachelor and Associate of Science degrees, and certificate programs.

By Brenda Cochran, Contributing Writer Often when some have written a list of all the things he/she would like to change when a New Year is approaching, many are placing a list to begin with changing some aspect of their personality or just an aspect that does not seem to be working very well. It seems that today’s world is in the midst of a large historical change. We have seen this in not just our natural environment but also the attitude in reference to our culture, destructive values, but also religious and spiritual changes. There are many questions about how an individual can really make the change, but many have found that there are varying ways in which a person can be able to develop a new you they want. Often some may feel that they do not have enough energy to develop the type of individual they want. Sometimes the circumstances in which he/she is living is preventing the transformation. Often it can just be stress, financial difficulties, a job loss, divorce, or the aging process that is standing in the way of making the change we want. If these things occur, then we realize that we are not able to fix or change all the external changes. When this happens, we find that we need to work on the internal changes. This is when self-transformation can begin. Sometimes it seems that we should take a look at the past and realize just how far we have come and how much we have learned. We may actually discover that we really don’t need a change, but instead remain the same as we are right now. “The New You” now may be perfectly fine. The common understanding about transformation is ‘change in being’ or the ‘act of becoming something else.’ Should we change ourselves or just accept ourselves as we are now? Although self-change acceptance appears to be in opposition, they are two essential sides of the same coin of self-transformation. Often, we have this desperate desire to change into “A New You,” it’s because we feel unhappy at the way things are right now. “The New You” may be perfectly fine. The common understanding about transformation is ‘change in being’ or the act of becoming something else. The question is – should we change ourselves or accept ourselves as we are? How often have you heard a person say – “I’m just being myself” or “This is just the way I am – so don’t try to change me.” What we’re often saying is we want to stay stuck in our rigid places and we are not interested in showing others what is going on inside of us. Think about it – being ourselves means that we are authentic. I think that the key to transforming both ourselves and perhaps our relationships is to learn what it means to accept and embrace ourselves just as we are. If we begin to understand what we are and how we are without trying to change ourselves, then we don’t need to go into a transformation. We can instead, think of our personal growth practice and make sure we are extending ourselves more toward people. The fruits of personal and spiritual transformation show up in ordinary experiences. We can look with kind expressions to the grocery clerk and speak gently to the phone solicitor who is struggling to make a living. Our lives can be transformed when we live in the reality of the present. The past is no more than a thought and the future is an illusion. If we can get rid of the past and future thoughts and just think in the “now” moment, we will no longer be living in a world of thought and illusion, but in the reality of the present moment and our lives will be exactly unrecognizable. We have already made ourselves “New.”

Netta and Fred Martin , Owners of Fast & Neat Services LLC., focusing on residential, commercial, and post-construction cleaning with a foundation of faith. HUBER HEIGHTS, OH  – The City of Huber Heights is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Economic Development Grant Program, awarding a total of $125,000 to local businesses and nonprofit organizations that contribute to economic growth, entrepreneurship, and community representation. The Economic Development Grant Program is funded through the City’s Transformational Economic Development (TED) Fund, which is supported by revenue generated from the sale of city-owned property and lease agreements. No income tax revenue was used to support this program. “The Economic Development Grant Program allows the City to reinvest in the businesses and organizations that help make Huber Heights a strong, diverse, and thriving community,” said City leadership. “These investments support job creation, business expansion, and meaningful community impact.” 2025 Grant Recipients: Matching Grant – Local Match for County & State Grants: HighTec Industrial Services – $15,000 HighTec Industrial Services specializes in water blasting and environmental services. Grant funds will support the relocation and establishment of its new corporate headquarters in Huber Heights. Small Business Grant: TJ Chumps – $12,500 Funds will support front-entrance and property improvements, including landscape restoration and erosion control. Nonprofit Grant: Caterpillars to Butterflies – $12,500 Funding will support a Summer Autism Respite and Job Creation Initiative benefiting individuals and families affected by autism. Women- and Minority-Owned Business Grants (2 awarded): • Huber Heights Floral – $12,500 Grant funds will support business expansion, online sales growth, and employee retention. • Fast & Neat Services – $12,500 Funds will be used to upgrade cleaning equipment and hire part-time staff. Veteran-Owned Business Grants (2 awarded): • Lady J Beauty – $15,000 Funding will support space improvements, signage, and inventory. • Diamond Daiquiris – $10,000 Funds will support the purchase, buildout, and launch of a second food truck specializing in Southern flavors. For more information about the Economic Development Grant Program, visit www.hhoh.org .

The Dayton Foundation Governing Board has approved grants totaling $127,199 to 23 charitable organizations in Greater Dayton as part of the Foundation’s Basic Human Needs Grants process. These grants, which are awarded quarterly, help nonprofit organizations assist Greater Dayton individuals and families in need of basic necessities, such as food, shelter, clothing and healthcare. The following organizations recently were awarded grants. Adaptive Sports Ohio ($5,500)  to create an interscholastic wheelchair basketball team and expand opportunities for youth with physical disabilities in the Miamisburg City School District. Atrium Medical Center ($5,000)  to offer monthly health education, screenings and wellness workshops in Preble County through Premier Community Health’s Mobile Clinic. Crayons to Classrooms ($7,000)  to purchase and stock core classroom supplies not donated by traditional sources. Dayton Diaper Depot ($6,000)  to purchase diapers and pull-ups for infants and children in need. Dayton Fellowship Club, Inc. ($5,500)  to provide meals, bus passes and personal hygiene supplies for underemployed and homeless residents in Greater Dayton. Dayton Urban Young Life ($5,000)  to support Algebra I tutoring for ninth-grade students at Thurgood Marshall STEM and Belmont High Schools. Fairborn United Methodist Church ($7,500)  to purchase food for Fairborn City School’s SnakPak program, which provides students with breakfast, lunch and snack items over the weekends. Fairview United Methodist Church ($7,500)  to purchase food and personal care items for the Fairview Church Food Pantry. FISH Fairborn, Inc. ($3,000)  to provide care boxes with healthy, shelf-stable food, fresh fruit and hygiene products to Fairborn families with children during holiday breaks. Greene County FISH Food Pantry ($5,000)  to purchase food items, specifically canned meats, milk and eggs, to help address the pantry’s expanding needs. Hannah’s Treasure Chest ($5,000)  to assist in purchasing items not typically donated by the community, such as diapers, socks, underwear, car seats, high chairs and bed linens. It’s Time 2! LLC ($2,000)  to help provide Mental Wellness and Self-Compassion Toolkits for middle school students in Greater Dayton schools. LifeCare Alliance ($7,500)  to support the Diabetes Emergency Supply Assistance Program by providing emergency insulin for clients with valid prescriptions. Miami County Dental Clinic ($3,500)  to support uninsured and underinsured patients by offering access to affordable, high-quality dental care. Miami Valley Meals ($6,699)  to purchase essential food ingredients needed to respond to a sharp and sustained rise in community demand. Mission of Mary Cooperative ($7,500)  to support the urban farming initiative in the Twin Towers neighborhood. New City Church Dayton ($4,000)  to expand Sunday breakfasts and monthly outreach meal services by purchasing movable shelving and food ingredients. Our Lady of Mercy St. Vincent de Paul ($5,000)  to assist individuals facing evictions due to financial and life crises. Preble County Council on Aging ($6,000)  to provide home-delivered meals to people aged 60 and older in Preble County. Seeds of Hope OH ($5,000)  to purchase beds, car seats, mattresses and other high-demand items to serve children in foster, kinship and adoptive families. Spectrum New Beginnings ($7,500)  to support Self-Care Labs and wellness programs in schools, correctional institutions and community centers in West Dayton. Westside Club, Inc. ($5,500)  to support the renovation of the Club’s kitchen, which is used to provide free, hot meals to individuals facing food and housing instability. To apply for a Basic Human Needs Grant from The Dayton Foundation, please visit https://www.daytonfoundation.org/grant-opportunities  or contact Karen Gruenberg, program officer, at (937) 225-9928. The next application deadline is February 12, 2026. About The Dayton Foundation The Dayton Foundation has been the trusted charitable giving resource for thousands of individuals, families and organizations of all giving levels since 1921. Ranked among the oldest and largest community foundations in the nation, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants since its founding, with current assets from all funds totaling $1.3 billion. For more information about how The Dayton Foundation can help you help others, visit daytonfoundation.org  or follow the Foundation on Facebook , X  or LinkedIn .

By Shannon Griffith How many times do you hear, “you need help”? How many times have you told someone, “they need help”? How many of you believe that mental health/ or even how we handle it is a choice? Do you say the same about physical issues and the time it takes to “heal” those? Mental issues are just as important, if not more important than physical issues. Those of you that have NEVER experienced mental issues, especially, something as serious as “depression”, will never understand. Depression comes in waves, there are different levels of it and they affect everyone differently just like anything else, depending on the individual and what they have been through in life. If they have had 1 bad thing after another happen to them and people want to keep using, hurting, taking advantage, abusing, bullying and adding onto it, it’s NOT going to get any better for them. They are going to keep thinking negatively, because that’s all they have experienced in life. In turn, they will lose MOTIVATION (it’s a huge symptom of depression)…meaning, no motivation to shower, brush our teeth (in turn, causing tooth loss-DRUGS are NOT the only thing that causes tooth loss), changing clothes, going to work, doing everyday household chores, even something as simple as pressing a button to turn on a T.V./radio, and NOT picking up the phone to even call to “get the help” you say we need. Depression consumes/ controls you, and it’s definitely NOT because we are allowing it to or even want it too (because honestly, who in their right mind would actually “want” that)? It just happens, especially when someone (like myself) can’t catch a break from negative results in life, (abusementally/physically/sexually, job loss, break-ups, additional health issues, family issues, homelessness, etc.). It makes us feel like (if no one else cares, why should we)? That’s what “depression” does! It’s NOT always a choice on how we heal ourselves either, just like physical issues such as cancer, heart issues, anything else that might cause death. Hence, why suicide also occurs sometimes, because just like people can’t always heal from physical issues and die, they can’t always heal from mental issues and commit suicide in return. Instead of telling people, “they need help”, when in fact, there are things you could use help and guidance on as well. Try being more caring, kind, supportive, and understanding. Since most of you seem like you don’t care, you will never care enough to understand what others are going through or have been through already, and you NEVER know when someone might be on their final straw, and you just hit their limit (let’s face it, we ALL have our limits), with your selfishness and lack of care! Please be KIND ALWAYS!