Over 500 Local High School Students Attend UT Human Trafficking Conference

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September 27, 2019

UT Human Trafficking Conf 2019 — Members of the Young Women for Change student organization at Toledo Early College High School.

By Leah Williams

The University of Toledo hosted over 500 local high school students from public and parochial schools on Wednesday, September 18 as a part of their Annual International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference.

The conference, which celebrated its 16th year, has welcomed high school students to campus for the last six years. Anna Schramm, Research Assistant at the University’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute, said that conference organizers were purposeful in creating an opportunity to address teenagers.

Educator Leah Hudson, center, with students from Jones Leadership Academy attending the conference.

“Six years ago, when we decided to start the high school day, we realized that these were the people we were really needing to get in front of because they’re the ones who are confronting this issue; their friends might be dealing with it, they might come in contact with it,” Ms. Schramm said. “So, we really wanted to make them aware of [human trafficking] and then hopefully they learn something and take it back to their schools and spread the word.”

The day for the high schoolers started en masse with a Human Trafficking 101 session presented by Kizzy Williams, a Toledo area social worker and victim advocate, who provides legal advocacy services to victims of sex and labor trafficking. During the session, Ms. Williams spoke to the students about relationship warning signs, victim grooming, and how predators use social media to target vulnerable youth.

Kizzy Williams presents Human Trafficking 101 during the conference.

Among the sea of students and teachers in the Thompson Student Union Auditorium was Community Activist and Educator Mona Al-Hayani, who attended the conference, with nearly 50 students from Toledo Early College High School. This included members of the Young Women for Change student organization who will be presenting along with Al-Hayani in November at the Ohio State House for the Ohio Human Trafficking Prevention Youth Summit.

“It’s so important to have students come to conferences talking about human trafficking and the risk factors and how social media plays into tracking vulnerable youth,” Ms. Al-Hayani said. “Our students think that they’re invincible. Conferences like this makes them see that they are vulnerable.”

Sarah Sahmarani, senior student and president of Young Women for Change at Toledo Early College, said it was important for students to attend the conference especially for those who identify as female. Ms. Sahmarani said that young women needed to be active in the fight against human trafficking.

Mona Al-Hayani poses before the morning breakout sessions begin.

“It’s really important to empower women and girls to stand up and realize that they have a voice and can make a difference. They can make a change and stand up for themselves,” she said.

Following the opening group session, the high school students’ day rounded out with pre-selected breakout sessions, lunch, and the naming of winners from both the spoken word and visual art contest.

Art contestant and Maumee High School junior Jadyn Greisiger wrote that her digital art piece was meant to highlight the misconceptions that all human trafficking victims are female and victimized by strangers. She said that many victims are males and most people being trafficked were manipulated and abused by people they had come to be in relationship with on some level.

“Sadly, things such as ‘You have nowhere else to go’ or ‘No one else will love you’ and even physical abuse are used to keep the victim captive and vulnerable,” Ms. Greisiger wrote. “I tried my best to show that sex trafficking and abuse isn’t always as black and white as many people view it to be.”

The final two days of the conference were sold out and the University of Toledo saw nearly 1200 people attend 75 breakout sessions that focused on diverse topics including research, direct services, legal and law enforcement, and survivor stories. Dr. Celia Williamson, Distinguished University Professor and director of the University’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute said the following in a statement to the press.

“We are proud so many people want to learn about human trafficking. Our conference brings sex and labor trafficking out of the shadows and helps end abuse. More than ever before, we have the opportunity to educate, collaborate, and save lives,” Dr. Williamson said.

Annual 50+ Sports Classic Draws Hundreds of Northwest Ohio Athletes

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The Toledo Journal Admin

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September 20, 2019

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By Leah Williams

The 25^th Annual 50+ Sports Classic sponsored by the Area Office on Aging and YMCA of Greater Toledo took place on Saturday, September 14 across multiple venues in Toledo and Maumee. The opening ceremony was held at the Wolf Creek YMCA.

Athletes and their families gathered bright and early at the flag pole in front of the YMCA to celebrate the upcoming day’s events. Mr. Cole spoke of the power of healthy living and community as he emceed the program that included brief speeches, a youth hip hop dance, and the lighting of the torch by Area Office of Aging Director/CEO, Billie Johnson and Wolf Creek YMCA District Vice President Melanie Grohowski.

Stephanie Marable, far left, leads the pack during her 100-meter dash heat

According to event organizer Justin Moor, Vice President of Planning and Program Development at the Area Office on Aging, the Sports Classic was the vision of Director Billie Johnson and an incredible testament to aging well.

“This is a really inspirational day where we see positive images of aging – shattering a lot of myths people have about what it means to be age 50 and better,” Mr. Moor said. “In the past, we’ve had 50-year-olds dunking, 90-year-olds running the 100-meter dash, and everything in between, so it’s a really great day.”

An athlete leads the pack in his heat during the track and field competition

Over 200 athletes, ages 50 plus, participated in the classic on Saturday. The participants competed in over 10 sports including bowling, tennis, golf, track and field, swimming, pickle ball, and basketball. Each sports competition was divided into age groups and awards were given to the winners within each age grouping.

When asked about the importance of the event to the athletes and community at large, Ms. Johnson said that, the event was so important in motivating retirees to engage in activities that improve their overall health.

“We are delighted to promote health and wellness and this is what this is all about – to get our 50 plus population out here to be a role model for other retirees in our community so that, we can be healthy, live long, and be as independent as possible,” Ms. Johnson said.

From left to right: Justin Moor, Tom Cole, Melanie Grohowski, Billie Johnson, and Henry Johnson.

While the organizers had their reasons for sponsoring the event, the participating athletes each had their own reasons for competing as well. Terri Wolf, age 60, received a flyer in the mail about the event and said she saw it as a great opportunity to challenge herself at the precipice of a new decade in her life.

“I had a hard time turning 60 so I decided I’m going to go do this. This looks really fun, and I love being active. And so that’s what got me into it, and I’m doing it again in Albuquerque, New Mexico as well.”

Stephanie Marable, 52, said her youngest daughter was the catalyst for her participation. “My daughter forced me. She bullied me,” laughed Ms. Marable who won her heat in the 100-meter dash.

Pickle Ball partners get ready to receive serve during their tournament
Men run the 100-meter dash during the track and field competition
Renard Oliver Sr. who competed in honor of friend Charlie Ollie poses at the Maumee H.S. track after competing in his events.

“My daughter runs at University of Cincinnati, and I always used to push her so she said ‘Oh, you’re going to do this mom’ so I did,” Ms. Marable said.

Renard Oliver Sr. woke up nursing a hamstring injury but pushed himself to compete to honor his childhood friend whom he reconnected with at last year’s 50+ Senior Classic.

“I came today in honor of my friend, who passed away 6 months ago, Charlie Ollie who the last time we were here had a great day. He earned 6 or 7 medals, and I hadn’t seen him in about 15 years so I had to be here today for him,” Mr. Oliver said.

The competition started at 8:00 a.m. and continued well into the afternoon. Interested athletes 50 years and older are encouraged to begin training for next year’s competition now, which participant Stephanie Marable said is a great way to stay fit, have fun, and meet others in the same age range who are doing the same.

Toledo host to fifth Annual Great Lakes Jazz Festival

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The Toledo Journal Admin

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September 13, 2019

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By Michael Daniels
Journal Staff Reporter

On Saturday, September 7, 2019, the weather was impeccable as was the setting for an outdoor concert and one last summer season fling. On that day deep in the woods at 11:00 am, in The Ottawa Park’s Amphitheater, the 5th Annual Great Lakes Jazz Festival got underway with a ten-hour jazz concert.

Relaxing and enjoying the warm sunny day and live Jazz were (L-R) Dennis and Jackie Springs with Dorothy and Ronnie Weathers.

The audience was exposed to several types and styles of jazz music and it was like the old saying, ‘How time flies when you’re having fun.’ This evidently was the motto for the majority of the audience, who attended the concert, the bulk of the audience stayed for the entire ten hours. It was like a mini version of the Woodstock concert in Toledo, only with a different genre of music and different kind of audience.

The musicians on the roster were all accomplished, polished, professionals, a fact that would be very evident doing their performance. Also, if you got hungry, there were vendors selling food and beverages at the door. Again why leave, it was the perfect event on a perfect day.

Audrey Northington (AKA SCAT DIVA) lights up the crowd at The 5th Annual Great Lakes Jazz Festival

The show kicked off with The Skip Turner Band featuring vocalist and recording artist, Deborah Gardner. She has also performed here in Toledo with Rev. Dr. Derrick E. Roberts (deceased), the Sir Kalvin Hughes Trio, The Jamm Band and many others all around the United States.

Skip Turner also granted a guest spot in his set to Toledo’s self-taught musical child prodigy Gregory Buchanan Jr., who sings, plays the piano and the organ, several types of guitars, and the drums. He’s only just beginning and we are sure to hear more from him in the future.

Skip Turner started playing trumpet as a teenager here in Toledo. He went on to become the lead trumpeter playing tradition jazz standard at Toledo area clubs.

(L-R) Trina McCoy, Samuel Peoples, and Caroline Lewis enjoying the atmosphere and the music at this years Jazz festival.

Next up was from Detroit, MI. was Jerome Clark and Friends featuring Dave McMurray on Sax and vocalist Audrey Northington. Guitarist Jerome Clark is well known in the Detroit, MI music scene and he has performed at Bakers Keyboard Lounge for the past two decades as well as many other engagements in the area. In 2009 he completed ‘Water’ his first CD.

Audrey Northington (AKA the Scat Diva), who is currently appearing at Bakers Keyboard Lounge, has been referred to as the female Al Jarreau or little Ella Fitzgerald because of her sassy approach to the blues.

Jazz Festival raffle winners were (L-R) Bruce Cock, Mark McBee, and Marlene Davis shown here with Brandy Jackson and show producer Hugh Ross.

They were followed by the Latin Jazz Players a group from Lorain, OH. They call it the Latin infused Jazz Sound and currently have a CD available.

Next came the Mike Fageros Quartet. Guitarist Mike Fageros is a headliner at Bakers Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, which is the oldest jazz venue in America. His style of playing is best described a cross between postmodern bop, soul jazz, acid jazz straight ahead and the avant-garde without belonging to any the above categories.

Special Guest Performer Toledoan Gregory Buchanan Jr., a multi-talented musician who performed early in the shows displays his raffle tickets during the Jazz Festival show raffle.

Appearing last but not lease was the headliner of the show, Dean James of Houston TX., who is both an alto and soprano saxophonist, and he is about to release his filth solo project entitled ‘GROOVEY SAX’,. Here he introduces another level of original compositions, combined with all the elements that make up a diverse and exciting listening experience. This project is a unique blend of Smooth Jazz, R&B, Latin and Popular music that sets apart his own signature style and sound. Born and raised in San Francisco, Dean James began to play the saxophone at the age of fifteenth.

Toledo musical prodigy Gregory Buchanan Jr. (back right in white shirt) and. his family at the 5th Annual Great Lakes Jazz Festival

Somewhere between all the music the Great Lakes Jazz Festival committee took care of business and awarded the’ Great Lakes Jazz Enthusiast Award’ to Toledo’s own Clifford Murphy of the nationally recognizes Jazz Club, Murphy’s Place in downtown Toledo. They also awarded the ‘Great Lakes Jazz Festival Scholarship Fund’ to the Central Academy of Ohio. Monies for this educational scholarship are derived from a portion of the ticket sales of the Great Lakes Jazz Festivals itself. In addition, three audience member won cash prizes in the raffle that was going on during the show. They were Marlene Davis, Bruce Cock, and Mark McBee.

The 5th Annual Great Lakes Jazz Festival was produced by Jazz Enthusiast, Radio Host, and DJ, Hugh Ross, who is also known as, The H-Factor. He said, “My dream was to have a festival in Toledo with four or five different genres of jazz, and here it is today. I’m glad the weather cooperated with us and hopefully, this will continue to grow. Toledo has a rich history of jazz such as Art Tatum Jr. and others. My goal is to reach everybody and turn them on to the world of jazz.”

This group having a good time at The 5th Annual Great Lakes Jazz Festival.

He went to say, “Toledo has all other genres of music on the radio except jazz, so soon I will have the H-Factor Jazz Show online @ hfactorjazzshow.com. Hugh Ross also said, “Keep your eyes open because we have more Jazz Events coming in the near future!”

Hackley Family Reunion Celebrates 50th Anniversary

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The Toledo Journal Admin

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August 14, 2019

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By Leah Williams

The Hackley Family Reunion 50th Anniversary was held on July 26-29 in San Diego, California. Nearly 75 direct descendants and extended family members of Archibald and Hazel Mae Hackley converged on the city from Maryland, Georgia, Ohio, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, and Texas to celebrate and fellowship together for three days of planned family events and activities.

Family members relaxing in the shade during Beach Day at La Jolla Shores in San Diego, California.

Originally established in Toledo, Ohio in 1969 by Glaudius Hackley Hudson Stewart, one of the seven children born to Archibald and Hazel Mae Hackley, the Hackley Family Reunion now occurs every other year and rotates cities and chairpersons. The 50th Anniversary reunion was chaired by Archibald and Hazel Mae Hackley’s great-granddaughter Chanel Fields.

When asked about the importance of the reunion, Ms. Fields said, “There’s something about being in a room filled with people that you like and love, who also like and love you. The love and laughter continually flows and pours into our spirits, filling us up until the next time we meet and have the opportunity to love on each other once again.”

Married on October 24, 1913 in Toledo, Ohio, Archibald and Hazel Mae Hackley built a lasting legacy of faith, family, and hard work. Mr. Hackley was born in Jolliet, Illinois in 1886 and later attended the Michigan Conservatory of Music. He was the church organist and a member of the famous Abyssinian Quartet at Third Baptist Church. Mr. Hackley was also among the first black U.S. Postman in Toledo. Born in 1896 in Dayton, Ohio, Mrs. Hackley was described by her daughter Glaudius (now deceased) as a consummate stay at home mother who possessed a “quiet, yet forceful set of principles.” The Hackleys had seven children: Evelyn, Glaudius, Archibald, Athalstine, Melvin, Phyllis, and Ursula. It is their descendants who carry on the reunion tradition.

Co-chairperson Edvelyn Webster (great-granddaughter) said that the reunions were a blessing and “treasured legacy” initiated 50 years ago by her great Aunt Glaudius. Another great-granddaughter of the Hackleys, Julianne Banks-Pearson said, “Our family reunions are life-giving! Coming together and experiencing the love we have for each other makes my heart smile.”

Events and activities during the Hackley Family Reunion weekend included a rooftop Meet and Greet, Beach Day, Bowling Night, Trolley Tour, Family Program and Banquet, and Farewell Breakfast. The Family Program and Banquet was emceed by the Hackley Family Chaplain Jason Banks who delivered a stirring family address encouraging all, but especially the young attendees, to continue the tradition of gathering together for generations to come.

From left to right. Croquette Hudson, Alayna Pearson, Julianne Banks-Pearson, and Hackley Family Chaplain Jason Banks before the Trolley Tour.

2019 Reunion Chairperson Chanel Fields, left, with husband Michael, right, holding their son Michael.

“It doesn’t matter where we go, I always enjoy the family reunions! These are God-given special moments that can’t be replaced,” Mr. Banks said. “To quote my late father, ‘I can’t afford to attend family reunions; but I can’t afford not to.”

Mike Colbert spearheads 100 book bag giveaway, with supplies

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The Toledo Journal Admin

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August 14, 2019

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BY Jurry Taalib-Deen
Journal Staff Writer

Mike Colbert, and Franklin Park Lincoln, aren’t strangers to the community. Over the years they’ve sponsored events that either provided free haircuts to children, or made sure families received gifts and food at Christmas time.

On Saturday, August 10, Mr. Colbert, and Franklin Park Lincoln, struck again, when they hosted their third annual book bag, and school supply giveaway. Held at Tabernacle of Faith, 701 Central Avenue, their goal was to outdo the number of children they served the previous year.

Twenty-three children from Grace Community Center got a jump on school supplies, thanks to the charitable contribution of Mike Colbert and Franklin Park Lincoln.

A salesman at Franklin Park Lincoln, Mr. Colbert told, The Toledo Journal, he’s giving back to the community because so many of people have purchased cars from him over the years, and he felt that sponsoring a charitable event would be a good way to show his appreciation.

The charitable cause didn’t stop at the book bags. Each one was filled with schools supplies, and hygiene products such as a toothbrush, and toothpaste.

Further, each child was treated to free hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips, and a drink.

Fresh off the grill are hamburgers, and hot dogs, being served by, Shawn Oates, front, and Mike, and Irma Colbert.

“Look, if anyone is in a position to do host some type of charitable cause, then they should, because many of the kids are in need,” Mr. Colbert said. Pulling in to the giveaway, which was held in the parking lot of the church, was a bus filled with 23 children from Grace Community Center. Jay Shavers, youth, and facility director, said once he found out about the event, and knew he had to make sure some of the children at the center could obtain those supplies.

“We selected many of the children who were already attending our summer program, to come today and receive those supplies. Something like this really helps the parents,” he said.

Mr. Colbert extended a thank you to those who helped make the event successful. Those sponsors included, The Toledo Journal who provided the hamburgers, buns, and chips, Dr. Frankel Dentistry, who provided toothbrushes, and toothpaste, and Rudy’s Hot Dog on Monroe St., who supplied the hot dogs. Two of the managers were in attendance, helping to fire up the grill, and get the hot dogs started.

Brittany Tyner said, “It feels good to be a part of helping others, especially children.”

“It’s been our pleasure to help out over the past three years,” said Melissa Wyman. “When it comes to community outreach, we try to help as much as possible,” she said.

Calvary Baptist Holds Third Annual Book Bag Give Away

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The Toledo Journal Admin

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August 14, 2019

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Calvary Baptist Holds Third Annual — Students show off they’re brand new free Book-Bags with supplies at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church’s Third Annual Book Bag Give-Away.

By Michael Daniels
Journal Staff Reporter

On Saturday, August 10, 2019, more than 200 central city students and their parents participated in Calvary Missionary Baptist Church’s Third Annual Book Bag Give-Away at the church located at 702 Collingwood Blvd.

The giving away of book bags was really only a small part of what was a much larger community event. However, providing the students with book bags with supplies, so they could be prepared for the first day of school was the main objective of the day.

(L-R) Calvary’s Pastor Rev, Floyd Smith Jr. with Lana Pearson and her sister Japzery and her new Book Bag, TPS CEO/Superintendent Dr. Romules Durant, with Tyler Jackson and his new Book Bag, and Mascot The Black Panther: Mr. David Miles and Deacon Willie Tucker: Book Bag Give Away Chairman at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church’s Third Annual Book Bag Give-Away.

Dr. Romules Durant, CEO/Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, who was present for the activities, explained why students having a book bag on the first day of school is so important. He said, “Kids really don’t own much in life, unlike adults who when they buy their first house or car, have pride in the ownership. For kids, on the first day of school, their pride in ownership is their book bag and supplies. It is something they own and they do a show and tell with the other kids”.

“The worst scenario is when on the first day of school the teacher says ‘let’s get started, take out your pencil and write this down,’ and one kid doesn’t have any supplies, while all the rest of the kids do. This can lead to anxiety and depression for a student on the first day of school because they don’t have their proper school supplies to get started with the class. Having their own supplies brings about a sense of anatomy and a sense of pride and ownership,” he said.

Beside free Book-Bags, there were free clothing give away, free face painting, free horseback riding, and free food. There was also entertainment from the Party Crashers (a Character for Hire Service) they brought along a Mascot the famous comic book character, The Black Panther (David Miles). He mingled with and amused the kids, while passing out Super Hero stickers, to all of the young people. For spiritual uplifting there was Gospel music from the Glass City Disciples.

Glenwood Elementary student D’Marria Johnson found a pretty brand new dress at the clothes giveaway and a book bag at the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church’s Third Annual Book Bag Give-Away.

Also, all the free Book-Bags came fully stocked with all the needed school supplies and were ready to go. All you had to be is a school-aged student and you qualify for a free book-bag!

Deacon Willie Tucker, the church chairman for the Give-Away explained, “This whole thing started when we used to have a community picnic and we gave away five bicycles. There was a little boy who really wanted a bicycle but he didn’t get one, and he was so disappointed. So, one of our sponsors suggested we give away something where a lot more kids could benefit from our events, and he suggested a book-bag giveaway. So that’s what we did and this is our third year doing so, and it’s been very successful. This year, we will give away over 200 book-bags with supplies”.

“That sponsor, Williams Homes, who suggested we give out book-bags is still with us today, along with some of our other sponsors. As, we as a church, reach out to serve the community around us. We are grateful to our sponsors for their help and donations. God has blessed us and we are just passing that blessing on”, said the Deacon.

Invited to attend by Calvary Baptist Church The Members of The Party Crashers (a Charter for Hire Service) enjoy the Church’s Third Annual Book Bag Give-Away.

Rev. Floyd Smith Jr., the pastor of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church commented about the giveaways saying, “Our title is Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, and what missionary means is that we must reach out beyond these four walls into the community and try to bring people to Jesus Christ. We also try help with their spiritual needs as well as with their physical needs”.

Providing soulful Gospel music for the Book-Bag Give Away were the Glass City Disciples.

Not only did the kids get free Book-bags they also enjoyed free horseback rides at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church’s Third Annual Book Bag Give- Away.

(L-R) Calvary’s Sister Sheilatt Green, Sister Jewel Parker, and Herb Gabriel enjoy freshly grilled hot dogs served by Calvary’s First Lady Robin Wilson-Smith at the Book-Bag Give-Away.

“I believe with this give-away, we touching some lives and we are giving the kids what they need to be successful. If we can plant that seed, even a little bitty mustard seed will grow into a great big giant tree. That’s is what we are trying to do today, plant those seeds,” said the pastor.

Books 4 Buddies Hosts Back to School Block Party

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The Toledo Journal Admin

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July 26, 2019

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By Leah Williams

Books 4 Buddies [B4B] with special participation by the Toledo Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted a Back to School Block Party on July 17 in the Birmingham Terrace LMHA community.

A volunteer serves lunch during the Back to
School Block Party.

The Back to School Block Party provided families with free school supplies, vision screening, and a cookout lunch as well as arts, crafts, and face painting. Community partner Toledo Public Schools was also on hand to offer kindergarten and Head Start registration to attendees.

As a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy and reading, Books 4 Buddies collects new and gently used books for disadvantaged youth. The brainchild of Toledo native, Touré McCord II, B4B has several media/community partnerships and receives support in the form of new and “gently used” donations from local businesses, bookstores, and the general public.

Bob Mendenhall, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction in Toledo Public Schools and B4B Board Member said that the event was in line with the school district’s commitment to literacy.

Smiles all around for these girls after getting their school supplies and books.

We’ve been doing these community events for the last 5 or 6 years. We go to various LMHA sites along with community partners to bring awareness to their programs as well as bring awareness to what we do in Toledo Public regarding early childhood, Head Start registration, kindergarten registration and information about the district,” Mr. Mendenhall said. “The main piece of this is that we promote literacy. At the end of last school year, we had our Chromebook giveaway to promote literacy and to help combat summer slide. And this is another program that we do in which we giveaway gently used books to help families build their own libraries in the home.

Books 4 Buddies Board Members and Book Ambassadors. Back row from left to right: Bob Mendenhall and Richard Jackson. Front row from left to right: Christopher Smith, Dorian Myers, Laneta Goings, John Dolsey, and Justin Teamer.

Along with all the other activities, the B4B Book Ambassadors dressed in bright orange shirts read children’s books to the Block Party’s youngest attendees. As the program’s public face, Book Ambassadors act as reading role models to the community and are all high school age young men from across Northwest Ohio.

When asked why he wanted to be involved with B4B, Book Ambassador John Dolsey said a friend recommended the program and guaranteed a positive experience.

Books 4 Buddies Founder and President Laneta Goings, left, speaks with Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter Vice President John C. Jones, right.

“He said this is something I would love to do, and he was right. I love it,” Mr. Dolsey said. “[B4B] resonates with me. I’m actually dyslexic so I love reading to kids. I love seeing the impact it has on kids, and I love giving away books.”

The next Books for Buddies Back to School Block Party will be held at the Weiler Homes on July 31 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. All LMHA families are invited to join Books 4 Buddies for free books, school supplies, and lunch.

Uniforms on the runway fashion show hosted by W.E.S. & I Inc. with U.S. Army personnel modeling

Events

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The Toledo Journal Admin

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July 12, 2019

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W.E.S. & I Fashion Show — Center from left are Laurie Sanders, Marian Idell Watson, and Aronda Thomas, and Louvenia Foster, both board members, standing proudly with member of the United States Army.

By Jurry Taalib-Deen
Journal Staff Writer

Widows Empowered Strengthened & I, Inc., W.E.S. & I, Inc., hosted their second annual, “Uniforms on the Runway,” fundraiser. Held on Sunday, June 23, in the Great Hall of the Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd, servicemen and women, of the United States Army, modeled various types of attire.

In addition, there was a keynote address by a member of the organization, Maryanna Oien, regarding the tragic loss of her husband, and how she dealt with that incident. There was live music from the “Intuition,” band featuring “Lady K,” and dinner served by The Club 300.

The men and women who defend the United States dressed in formal wear.

Nine men and two women from the United States Army modeled for three scenes; casual wear, after five wear, and uniform wear.

The purpose of the event, according to Laurie Sanders, fundraising chairperson, is to help support women, financially, emotionally, academically, whose husbands passed away.

“Not only does the loss of a husband is emotionally devastating, but financially as well,” she told The Toledo Journal.

Sgt. First Class, Brent Riley, models the latest and tuxedos. He’s accompanied by his daughter, Mara.

“Society is used to seeing those who defend us in their uniforms. But we wanted people to see them without the uniforms, to kind of show the human side of those in the army,” Ms. Sanders said.

Marian Idell Watson is the founder, and CEO of the organization. She formed the organization shortly after the passing of her husband, Wesley J. Watson in 2014. Further, Mr. Watson was a 20 year veteran of the Toledo Police Department, who was also the motivation of their first fundraising event, in 2018 that, had members of the police, fire, and Sheriff’s Department serving as the models.

“Many women develop Heartbreak Syndrome after the passing of their husband,” Ms. Watson said. “It’s real, and unfortunately many women pass shortly after the passing of their husbands. So our organization seeks to add comfort to those women in any way we can. We don’t want to see them lose their life,” she said.

Third Baptist Church hosts appreciation for Mothers Louise James and Ophelia Williams

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The Toledo Journal Admin

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June 14, 2019

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Third Baptist Choir Members — From left are, Mick Collins, choir director, Sarah Lee, past retired honoree, Mothers, Louise James, and Ophelia Williams, current retired honorees, and Frances McFarland, past retired honoree.

By Journal Staff Writer

Over 108 years of combined vocal experience between Mothers, Louise James, and Ophelia Williams, has officially ended for Third Baptist Church, 9775 Angola Rd, choir.

Sunday, June 23, at the church, both long standing vocalists hung up their choir robs, to sit amongst the parishioners they faced for many years.

Besides honoring the two Mothers of the church, the adult, men’s and youth choir were all honored, as they have been, for the past seven years, during Third Baptist Church Appreciation Day, with the theme, “Singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Started by Mick Collins, director of music, he told The Toledo Journal that, holding an appreciation celebration for the choir may not be considered the norm, but he felt it was long overdue.

“I thought it would be a nice gesture for all the work that they do,” he said.

Each member of the three choirs received a gift, Mr. Collins said. But the focus of the day was directed on the two retirees.

Mother James said she has been singing in the choir for 50 years, and said it helped keep her young. But due to health related issues, she said it’s time for her to step aside.

“It’s time for me to step aside, and let the young folks take over,” she said. “I really appreciate the honor I’m receiving today, and the fact they said they’ll miss me,” Mother James said. Although she won’t be officially in the choir, Mother James said she knows she’ll feel as if she’s supposed to be singing with them.

“I won’t let my retirement stop me from singing amongst the congregation,” she added.

“I’m old, and can’t hit those high notes like I used to,” Mother Williams bluntly explained. “I will miss the structure of preparing, and singing, as well as just learning new songs,” she said.

“It has been a wonderful 58 years, and I am going to miss it,” Mother Williams said.

Second Baptist Church hosts Sixty-Seventh anniversary

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The Toledo Journal Admin

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June 14, 2019

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Second Baptist Church 67th — Dr. Willie Perryman, left, senior Pastor at Jerusalem Baptist Church, and Dr. Jerry Boose, of Second Baptist Church, share a moment following the service.

By Jurry Taalib-Deen
Journal Staff Writer

For 67 years, Second Baptist Church, 9300 Maumee Western Rd, Monclova, Ohio, has been serving God, and those who worship Him.

Established by the late Rev. Frank Bowen in June of 1952, on Irwin Rd, the humble beginnings of the church stem from members having to use an outhouse, outdoor bathroom, to taking turns filling a heater up with coal, both of which, according to current members, have helped strengthen Second Baptist.

Two services, one on Sunday, June 2, and Sunday, June 9, helped commemorate the early years of the church.

Guest speaker, Pastor Cris Allen, and the members of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Chicago Illinois, celebrate with Second Baptist on June 2. While Dr. Willie Perryman, and the members of Jerusalem Baptist Church of Toledo, help conclude the celebration on June 9.

Elder Terrence Pounds, committee member for the anniversary, told The Toledo Journal the theme for the celebration was, “Second Baptist is good ground,” taken from the Biblical scripture of Matthew 13:8.

A six year member of the church, Elder Pounds said he and his wife were searching for a church family. He said his wife, Michelle heard Rev. Dr. Jerry Boose, senior pastor at Second Baptist delivering the Word of God, and instantly knew Second Baptist would become their home.

In addition to the church celebration, there was a renaming of their fellowship hall, to the “Bowen-Brown Fellowship Hall.” The name bared the founder, Rev. Frank Bowen, and the longest serving Pastor, Rev. Eddie Brown, who served for 23 years.

“We decided to rename the hall because we wanted to make sure the past beacons of light, which have helped pave our future would not be forgotten,” said Rev. Boose.

“The past 11 years, since I’ve been in leadership, have been mind blowing. And during that time, I’ve seen the great influence of both Rev. Bowen, and Rev. Brown, and I wanted to make sure we honored them and their family by renaming the hall,” Rev. Boose said.

Emma Brown, widow to the late Rev. Brown, said, “It feels so good to see my husband honored. It lets me know how much he was really loved.”

Deborah Roberts is the granddaughter to Rev. Bowens. She said she remembers when the church was first established, and they had to use an outhouse. “This is really a great honor. It shows how much the members care about my grandfather’s works,” she said.

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