Title
To recognize the work of the A Tribute to African American Committee and thank them for their advocacy and outreach to the Central Ohio African-American community.
Body
WHEREAS, the A Tribute to African Americans Committee was founded by A. Jay Pullen in 2011 as an organization dedicated to uncovering the achievements of African Americans in the community; and
WHEREAS, the A Tribute to African American Committee provides services to approximately 75 individuals and families each year - these services include mentoring, employment services, financial assistance, and referral services with partner organizations that include: their business sister organization Family and Community Enrichment, Impact, Columbus Works, OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels Primary Care, Giggles and Blessings Learning Center, North Central Mental Health, the Academy for Urban Scholar and others; and
WHEREAS, research has shown that relationships with caring mentors offer youth valuable support - guide them toward making positive, healthy life choices - more over, mentoring programs offer effective intervention- they improve student attendance, behavior and academic performance, increase High School Graduation rates, and in a significant number of instances culminate in college attendance; and
WHEREAS, the A Tribute to African American Committee has been mentoring young men and helping youth, adults and families in need; and
WHEREAS, 90% of the committee's mentees have completed high school, 70% have attended college, 20% have obtained a college degree, and a number currently own their own businesses; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the A Tribute to African American Committee is to salute and recognize those who are not only talking change but to recognize those who are actively making a difference in the community; and
WHEREAS, each year the tribute to African-American Committee honors community leaders whose work and achievements align with the goals and mission of the committee, some of the previous honorees include: Bishop Timothy Clarke, Jerry Revish, Judge Kim Cocroft, Mike Jackson, John Gregory, Joy Bivens, Michael Bivens, Dee Miller, Al Edmondson, the late Deborah Jackson, Angela Cornelius- Dawson, the late Jenea Harvison and others, now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize the work of the A Tribute to African American Committee and thank them for their advocacy and outreach to the Central Ohio African-American community.