Title
To recognize and honor the Ray Miller Institute for Change and Leadership for its outstanding service in the arena of workforce development in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, The Ray Miller Institute for Change & Leadership was founded by State Senator Ray Miller, James N. Upton and Carla J. Wilks, and is named in honor of Senator Miller who has built a reputation as a strong advocate for those who historically have not had access to levers of power. And;
WHEREAS, The Ray Miller Institute for Change and Leadership was founded on the premise that the Black community has been and continues to be faced with a number of issues that if allowed to persist will reach epidemic proportions not only for the state of Ohio, but for the country as a whole. And;
WHEREAS, The Ray Miller Institute cultivates the skills necessary for effective leadership. The Black community needs leaders who exhibit a sense of social and political consciousness. It is impossible to engage in effective leadership if one is not aware of (or has seemingly forgotten) the historical role that people of African descent have played in the development of America. And;
WHEREAS, the ten-week course is currently offered twice a year, in the autumn and spring, and provides its participants training in areas of African American history and politics, ethics and values, effective communication, media relations, and business development; And
WHEREAS, The Ray Miller Institute for Change and Leadership is co-sponsored by The OSU Department of African American and African Studies Community Extension Center, The OSU Office of Continuing Education and the Center for Urban Progress; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize and honor the Ray Miller Institute for Change and leadership and commend its leadership for their commitment to the City of Columbus in the area of Workforce Development.