Black History Month Events
Celebrate Ohio’s rich African American history and culture.
February 4
Black History & Culture Walk – Troy
Learn more about Black history during Troy Main Street’s First Friday.
February 5
Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution – Dayton
Celebrate Black History month by discovering African American heroes of the Revolutionary War during this special movie presentation narrated by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
February 6
Columbus Black History Book Launch – Columbus
Join the book launch party for Rita Fuller-Yates’s newest book, Columbus Black History: Images from Our Past, Vol. 1. The book covers 200 years of Black history in Columbus, telling stories of the recent and distant past through images.
The History of the Union Baptist Cemetery: Leaders, Legends, & Legacy – Cincinnati
Established in 1865, Union Baptist Cemetery is one of the most important African American cemeteries in this region. It is the resting place of Underground Railroad leaders, artists, inventors, athletes, musicians, Civil Rights leaders, and at least 150 veterans of the Civil War. We will hear stories of this place, and of some of the people buried here.
February 10
Black Wall Street Athens County – Virtual
Celebrate Black History month by learning about some of the Athens figures and iconic structures that are included in the documentary, “Black Wall Street Athens County,” produced by Dr. Trevellya Ford-Ahmed, the Mount Zion Baptist Church Society, and Bent Street Films.
Hidden Figures Revealed: Dynamic History of Black Mathematicians from The Ohio State University – Virtual
Did the popularity of the 2016 film, Hidden Figures make you wonder about other Black Mathematicians in your community? Learn more about the history of Black math students and professionals during Nearly 200 mathematicians that identify as Black have earned degrees from the Department of Mathematics at OSU, yet their stories and legacies remain untold.
February 12
Black History Month Celebration – Virtual
Organized by soprano, educator, and community organizer Margaret Barron and visual artist and educator Yusuf Lateef, this year’s annual Black History Month Celebration will be presented in a special online program. This year’s program features community leader Dr. Donald L. Perryman, artist Alice Grace in conversation with the TMA’s Associate Curator of American Art Lauren Applebaum, poet Ophelia Thompson with the Toledo School for the Arts creative writing team, and the photography of James Dickerson.
Shedding the Shame: How Social Issues Disproportionately Impact the Health and Wellness of African Americans – Virtual
As the American political climate has shifted in the last few years, social issues such as racism, poverty and violence have impacted the livelihood and future of the Black family, most notably youth.
In an effort to highlight and eradicate these systemic barriers, we will host an intergenerational discussion in partnership with The Cincinnati (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated featuring medical experts and youth in the community on how to extend life expectancy against the backdrop of social issues to prevent illnesses such as chronic kidney failure, diabetes and high blood pressure.
February 15
From the Heart, So Much to Discover: The Heritage of Ohio’s Black Voices – Columbus & Virtual
Experience the heritage of promise, strength, humor, and hope in the lives and words of a few of Ohio’s Black voices, shared by one of the state’s Affrilachian storytellers and authors, Lyn Ford.
February 17
Grant: The Civil Rights General & President – Cincinnati
Historian Christy S. Coleman examines Ulysses S. Grant’s role in liberating American’s enslaved people, his battle to abate the terror of the Ku Klux Klan and the influence of his upbringing in the abolitionist hotbed of Brown County, Ohio.
February 19
Exploring Black Stories – Hale Farm
Commemorate the histories and lives of Black residents and figures who have impacted the Northeast Ohio community, specifically through the 19th century. This event will feature living history programs as well as presentations amplifying Black stories. Guests will have opportunities to interact with community partners and explore their own individual and family stories.
The Tea Room – Columbus
The Tea Room is a contemporary version of the African American Tea Ceremony which began in the mid 19th century. Annually held on February 15, enslaved people were given the left over teas, food and china from Valentine’s Day celebrations. This tradition evolved into gatherings held at churches and later black owned tea houses. Designed to create an environment of fellowship and empowerment, the Tea Room will be a forum for participants to network and learn about the achievements of African Americans in Ohio.
February 21
A Critical Conversation About the History of Ownership in the Black Hair Care Industry – Virtual
The Black hair care industry has been in existence since the 1900s with the likes of Annie Turnbo Malone, Madam C. J. Walker, and Garrett Morgan. These entrepreneurs set the standard for successful Black owned hair care businesses. However, for more than 100 years that success has been continually threatened by non-Blacks profiting off of products they created catering to the Black community. Join Ladosha Wright, Goldie Jenkins, and Dr. Tameka Ellington discuss this phenomenon along with the life of Christina Jenkins, inventor of the hair weave and a hair care industry business woman in the 1950s.
February 22
Of Memory and History: An Affrilachian Storyteller Speaks – Columbus & Virtual
Humor and heart are rooted in our families’ storytelling traditions. Culture, stories and folktales are shared by one of Ohio’s Affrilachian storytellers and authors, Lyn Ford.
Food for Freedom – Virtual
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a widespread disparity of access to not only quality healthcare, but to quality food that negatively impacts outcomes for Black communities. The root of these issues run deep, and back centuries beginning with slavery and, later, a lack of opportunities based on racial discrimination. This meaningful discussion with change agents seeks to incite a greater vision of social and economic justice; improved nutrition and health; and community activism while addressing the disproportionate burden of social barriers to healthy foods. Panelists include:
- Mona Jenkins, Founder of Queen Mother’s Market Cooperative
- amaha sellassie, Founder of Gem City Market
- Michaela Oldfield, Director of Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council
We will also explore the culinary history and culture of foodways within the Black experience with Andre L. Taylor, an oral historian at the College of William & Mary. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University (BA in history) and NC State University (MA in public history), Andre has focused his research on foodways from the African diaspora and how recipes have been shared throughout families to preserve their cultural heritage. He also focuses on the origins of foods used in recipes from the African American community. A native of Philadelphia, Andre has conducted research in South Carolina examining how climate change and sea level rise impacts coastal communities of color who struggle to retain land and cultural heritage.
February 23
Constellations & Storytelling in American American History – Warrensville Heights
Join the Cuyahoga County Library for storytelling, hands-on activities and music inspired by Jeanette Winter’s picture book, Follow the Drinking Gourd.
February 26
Vanishing Communities: Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Photography – Columbus
Hear local photographers Shellee Fisher, T. Graves, and James Reid discuss the changing dynamics of neighborhoods due to urban renewal. They’ll talk about how photography is one method for preserving the essential stories of Black communities.
Happening Later This Year
Researching Black Women in Aviation: Barriers & Breakthroughs – Cleveland
“Dinner with a Slice of History” returns w/ historian Monica Smith who shares her mission to document African American women in aviation.
Have an event to share? Contact us at info@heritageohio.org with the details and link!
Ohio Arts Council Programs and Grants
Wednesday, January 19th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. OAC has many programs and grants that enhance the arts experience for all Ohioans.
In this webinar, get to know your state arts council! OAC staff will provide a spotlight on Ohio Arts Council grants available to organizations, artists, and schools. They will outline programs, and resources available to the general public, and answer your questions.
This funding is available to every county in the state, to make your community a better place.
Speakers:
Jim Szekacs – Organizational Programs Coordinator for Western and North Central Ohio
Brianna Dance – Organizational Programs Coordinator for the Central and Southeast Ohio.
Patrick Roehrenbeck – Organizational Programs Coordinator
Tax Incentives for Fire Safety Improvements
Wednesday, December 1st – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Did you know there are very generous federal fire safety equipment tax incentives available for existing commercial properties?
This is a financial opportunity to upgrade buildings in your downtown, making them safer for the entire community. This is a path for putting underutilized buildings into more productive use. These incentives enable commercial businesses to expense the full cost of fire safety equipment in one year, rather than depreciating over a long term.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was passed in December 2017 and allowed small commercial businesses to accelerate the cost recovery of fire safety equipment by increasing Section 179 expense limitations. The TCJA also eliminated several 15-year asset categories and consolidated them into Qualified Improvement Property (“QIP”).
The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act corrected a drafting error related to the TCJA that stopped larger businesses from the accelerated cost recovery benefits. The CARES Act assigned a 15-year MACRS depreciation recovery period to QIP and also made them eligible for 100 percent bonus depreciation for property placed in service after September 27, 2019 and before January 1, 2023.
You will learn:
- What improvements qualify as fire safety improvements.
- Which buildings qualify.
- Though you can’t claim historic tax credits while also utilizing the accelerated cost recovery incentives available for fire safety equipment at the same time, you will need to understand each incentive’s strengths and how to determine which is best for your project.
Join Ron Ritchey from the National Fire Sprinkler Association and Tom Boccia and Nick Gerhardt from Novogradac & Company LLP as they explain this opportunity and answer your questions.
This webinar has been approved for 1.0 HSW AIA continuing education credits.
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
Rescheduled to Wednesday, December 15th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Learn how this federal small business loan program supports small businesses’ recovery from the COVID-19 disaster’s economic impacts by providing accessible and borrower-friendly capital. Loans are direct from SBA that must be repaid; low-interest (3.75% business /2.75% non-profit) fixed-rate, 30-year long-term loan to help overcome the effects of the pandemic by providing working capital to meet operating expenses. Use may go toward working capital to make regular payments for operating expenses, including payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, and other ordinary business expenses, and to pay business debt incurred at any time (past, present, or future).
Presenter
Terry A. Bolden serves as the Deputy District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Central and Southern Ohio District Office, managing the delivery of the agency’s financial assistance, technical assistance and government contracting activities to customers and stakeholders throughout 60 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
Bolden is a dedicated public servant with over 25 years of an exemplary track record in leadership, business development, infrastructure, and heavy highway transportation. Bolden is recognized as an effective collaborator, creating strategic alliances across the state of Ohio.
In 2020, Bolden joined the SBA after serving in key roles with Federal, State and local government agencies throughout Ohio. Bolden’s previous roles include: Manager for the City of Columbus Mayor’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion; Administrator at the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT); Business Advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce; Compliance Officer with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District; and Construction Inspector with the City of Cleveland Water Department.
A native Clevelander and graduate of Cleveland State University, Bolden has a passion serve his fellow Ohioans achieve prosperity.
Epic Experiences
Wednesday, November 17th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Ohio Travel Association has done its research on elevating experiences to a transformative level and is launching an Epic Group Experiences designation program for businesses throughout the Midwest. Learn more about this program to attract groups to your downtown.
Presenter
Melinda Huntley is the executive director of the Ohio Travel Association (OTA), a nonprofit organization that provides support for museums, attractions, visitor bureaus, retail shops, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses wanting to attract travelers. OTA advocates for smart policies that increase travel in Ohio and helps businesses. With career experience in public relations at Cedar Point, running a CVB along Lake Erie and helping communities develop heritage and outdoor experiences, she has a unique understanding of opportunities for businesses and communities of any size.
Legacy of Colonel Charles Young and the Buffalo Soldiers
Thursday, October 14th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join us for an overview of the story of the Charles Young and the Buffalo Soldiers National Monument located right here in Wilberforce Ohio. Charles Young was born to enslaved parents in 1864. He entered West Point military academy in 1884. In addition to a distinguished military career, he was professor of military science at Wilberforce University. Overcoming great obstacles he was revered by thousands, and buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in 1923. Join the webinar to learn more about this illustrious American.
Presenters
Our presenter will be Robert Stewart, the current Superintendent of the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. He has worked with the National Park Service at sites in: Baltimore, Tuskegee, Selma, and Vicksburg. He has a bachelor degree from Coppin State University and a master degree from University of Baltimore. He is a member of various civic and social organizations, including Black Pilots of America.
Bring Back Main Street with Small-Scale Manufacturing: The Who, the Why, and the How
Wednesday, September 15th – 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Too many places are stuck in a default model of economic development strategies left over from the 80’s. People and places are being left behind. It doesn’t have to be that way. Attend this webinar to learn about how we can flip the model on economic development and do it in a better way. One that invests in people and places. One with a focus on action now and not just long-term plans. We’ll discuss how to build a strong and resilient economy through concrete steps to include all types of talent in your entrepreneurship efforts, why (and how) to focus on small-scale manufacturing businesses as a catalyst, and how new real estate models for main street (and downtown) can be essential to your success.
Special bonus: We’ll be giving away a few copies of Ilana’s new book, Recast Your City, to webinar attendees.
Presenters
Ilana Preuss is the Founder & CEO of Recast City, author of the new book, Recast Your City, and co-author of Discovering Your Maker Economy and Made in PLACE: Small-scale manufacturing & neighborhood revitalization. Through Recast City, she partners with local leaders to bring main street back to life, bring business back to downtown, and build an inclusive and resilient economy. She is passionate about making great places and sees that small-scale product businesses are a missing piece in today’s mixed-use development, commercial property repositioning, and local economic development strategy. Preuss’ passion for great places grew out of her experience working with big and small cities all over the country when she led the technical assistance program at the U.S. EPA Smart Growth Program, and as the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Smart Growth America.
2021 Annual Preservation & Revitalization Conference
Registration Agenda Presenters Sponsorship
Scholarships Hotels FAQ
We’re excited to welcome everyone to historic downtown Springfield on October 18-20th, 2021!
This year’s conference has everything for historic preservationists, community revitalizationists, community leaders, professionals and those looking to get started.
We can’t wait for you to join us in Springfield!
Preservation Shorts
Thursday, August 19th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join Heritage Ohio Staff for a series of 4 interviews about current preservation activities in Ohio.
Guests:
1. Lindsay Jones, Owner of Blind Eye Restoration, will discuss how she built her business and what priorities she focuses on.
2. Eric Van Renterghem, a historic preservationist and developer of the Jones Mansion, a historic tax credit project in Findlay, which converted a Victorian mansion into a popular event center
3. Jessica Lucas, a volunteer working to rehabilitate the historic Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, an important site of the Underground Railroad, outside of Burlington, OH.
4. Matt Wiederhold, the executive director of Main Street Medina, will be speaking about his personal adventures in serial home rehabilitations.
Heritage Ohio Announces Newest Ohio Main Street Community
Heritage Ohio, Inc. announced Coshocton has been selected as the newest community to join the Ohio Main Street Program. Our Town Coshocton has been participating in Heritage Ohio’s Downtown Affiliate Program since 2011, building the capacity needed to be successful in revitalizing downtown. Heritage Ohio hosted a member selection committee over zoom on May 27th. During the community review process the Our Town Coshocton board had the opportunity to present their program of work as well as answer questions put forth by the selection committee. Coshocton will join an elite group of 22 additional communities dedicated to a comprehensive and highly successful trademarked Main Street revitalization strategy.
Current Ohio Main Street Programs include: Cambridge, Cleveland, Delaware, Kent, Lebanon, Marietta, Medina, Middletown, Millersburg, Mount Vernon, Painesville, Piqua, Portsmouth, Ravenna, Tiffin, Tipp City, Troy, Van Wert, Vermilion, Wadsworth, Wellington, and Wooster.
Main Street communities receive intensive training and technical support needed to restore their central and neighborhood business districts to centers of community activity and commerce. The assistance includes volunteer and program manager training, marketing and promotion, business recruitment, market analysis, design, historic preservation and fundraising. The Heritage Ohio Main Street Program will also conduct on-site visits to help each community develop its work program and plan for success.
“Coshocton has demonstrated a local commitment to establishing a downtown revitalization program as well as the procurement of stable funding for a sustained revitalization program. We are looking forward to seeing what Coshocton will do next!” commented Joyce Barrett, Director of Heritage Ohio.
The Heritage Ohio Main Street Program is modeled after the Main Street America’s comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization. The Main Street movement grew out of a recognition that a community is only as strong as its core. In an era when many people had given up hope about the commercial and cultural viability of downtown, and when suburbs, shopping malls, and big box retailers were dominating the American landscape, this seemed like an unlikely proposition. But, over the last four decades, the Main Street movement has proven that downtowns are the heart of our communities, and that a community is only as strong as its core.
Heritage Ohio began as Downtown Ohio, Inc., organized in 1989 as a statewide non-profit corporation that encouraged the development, redevelopment, and improvement of downtowns and neighborhood commercial district areas throughout Ohio. Heritage Ohio works as a catalyst for downtown and neighborhood district development by gathering together revitalization organizations, conducting statewide seminars and conferences and providing a network of members to share knowledge, common experiences and challenges concerning downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. Heritage Ohio is dedicated to assisting self-motivated communities through technical assistance, training and networking in all facets of downtown and commercial district development. Heritage Ohio advocates for revitalization and historic preservation issues at the state and federal levels. Additionally, the organization publishes Revitalize Ohio, a quarterly statewide preservation/revitalization magazine. Membership in Heritage Ohio is available to any community, organization, corporation or individual interested in comprehensive downtown or commercial district revitalization.
For more information regarding the Ohio Main Street Program or assistance available to communities, contact Heritage Ohio at 614.258.6200 or visit www.heritageohio.org.