OLBCF Monthly Newsletter: The People's Brief

EMPOWERING BLACK OHIO. DRIVING EQUITABLE CHANGE.

We Must Save Ourselves: Why OLBCF’s Mission Matters Now More Than Ever

OLBCF exists to build power and progress for Black Ohioans. Since taking over the Foundation just two years ago, we have worked tirelessly to elevate and bring awareness ensuring our communities are not only seen but heard through research that reflects our realities and advocacy that drives equitable policy.

Right now, that work is more critical than ever. Across Ohio, Black families are navigating rising unemployment, systemic underinvestment, and policy decisions that too often exclude us. These challenges shape our schools, our neighborhoods, and our futures. And in this moment, when the political and economic climate threatens to widen disparities, OLBCF is the infrastructure that ensures Black voices remain at the center of the conversation.

This is why your support matters today not tomorrow, not next month, BUT NOW. Your partnership fuels the data that informs legislation, the leadership development that prepares the next generation, and the advocacy that holds decision-makers accountable. Every contribution whether from an individual or an organization strengthens the foundation for equity and justice in Ohio.

If you believe in our mission, if you believe in building power and progress for Black Ohioans, act now. Partner with us. Invest in us. No amount is too small and every commitment matters. Together, we can ensure that Black Ohioans have the power to shape policies that impact our lives.

Because the truth is simple: No one is coming to save us. We must save ourselves. And when we do, we change everything.

OLBCF Giving

Yours In Service,

Shayla L. Davis

OLBCF Welcomes New Board Member: Monica L. Womack

We are thrilled to welcome our new board member, Monica L. Womack!

Monica L. Womack is a respected strategic advisor and advocate for economic equity with over two decades of experience advancing inclusive economic development. She is the Founder and CEO of MLW Solutions LLC, where she leads innovative initiatives that address the structural and financial barriers faced by historically under-resourced businesses.

Prior to launching MLW Solutions, Monica served as the Chief of the State of Ohio's Minority Business Development Division, where she led statewide efforts to expand business certifications, increase access to capital, and deliver robust technical assistance - changing thousands of entrepreneurs across Ohio.

A results-driven and community-centered leader, Monica is known for building cross-sector partnerships that empower both public- and private-sector ecosystems to drive measurable, lasting change. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management and a Master of Public Administration, both from Franklin University.

Thank you Board Member Womack! We look forward to working with you.

SNAP is at Stake: Help us fight back!

Due to the federal government shutdown, Ohio families are at risk, more than 1.4 million Ohioans depend on SNAP benefits. Food security is not a partisan issue. Ohioans deserve access to nutritious meals. Call your legislators and Governor DeWine today, demand they protect SNAP and keep food on our tables. Find Republican legislators here and demand action.

State of Black Ohio Advocacy Survey

Your voice matters and we want to hear from you! Take 7–10 minutes to share your experiences and priorities to help shape the State of Black Ohio Report and a statewide policy agenda that reflects our communities. Your responses are confidential. As a thank-you, participants will be entered for a chance to win a cash prize.

In this section of the newsletter we'll keep you updated on new policies, legislature and OLBCF updates!

Ohio’s political maps are being redrawn right now and our future is on the line

When maps split our neighborhoods, it steals our voice, our resources, and our power. Gerrymandering is modern voter suppression. But we can fight back. The map is the message. Let’s demand fair maps that keep Black communities whole and our voices strong. To submit your testimony, click here

OLBCF Congratulates Ohio's 26th House District New State Representative: Ashley Bryant Bailey

Representative Bryant Bailey brings more than 16 years of experience at the intersection of politics, community, and social impact. Her career spans Procter & Gamble, President Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign, and national leadership roles advising organizations such as Planned Parenthood, SEIU, MoveOn, and the Ford Foundation.

She also co-founded Win Black, a coalition combating disinformation targeting Black and Latinx voters. Today, she serves as Senior Advisor to Higher Heights for America, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to building Black women’s political power.

We are thrilled to celebrate and send a LOUD and PROUD Congratulations to Representative Bryant Bailey. Black electeds matter!

CBC ALC: Ohio Party is a success

This year, The Ohio Leadership Party returned to D.C. during CBC-ALC 2025 for its second year and we showed up bigger, bolder, and with intention.

We honored Ohio’s incredible Congresswomen Joyce Beatty, Shontel Brown, and Emilia Sykes. We celebrated our culture with none other than Cleveland’s own Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

And we brought together Black power from the Statehouse to Congress, from community leaders to creatives.

We are extremely grateful to the OLBCF Board, our partners: Vestige Strategies, OLBC, and Taft Law, our amazing sponsors, and the community that continues to look to the OLBCF for trusted policy and advocacy in these uncertain times.

This was a reminder that this work is hard yet fulfilling. Tiring and joyful. Personal and political.

We are seeking sponsors for the 2026 Ohio Party, interested parties can contact us at office@olbcfoundation.org

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