Woman dancing

Saturday, June 17, 12-6pm
Mt. Vernon Avenue between 17th Street and St. Clair
Juneteenth is celebrated annually, usually on the 19th of June to mark the date when some of the last enslaved people in the Confederacy were notified of their freedom following the Civil War. Juneteenth on the Ave is set to take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm in the heart of Bronzeville Columbus with a the city-wide, family-friendly celebration and commemoration of Freedom.

Man in T-shirt saying Peace, Justice, Freedom, Dignity for all

You need to get involved.

Members of the Black Mauritanian community – in Ohio and beyond – have been opening their homes to young men and women applying for asylum in the US. The situation in their native country is growing worse, and more young people are making the dangerous journey to the US.

Immigrant Mauritanians in the US like to debate what Ohio city has the largest Mauritanian community in the US, and while Columbus won out not too long ago, a growing number are calling Cincinnati home.

As Abdoul Mbow wrote in the Columbus Dispatch: “What future is there, when you have no present?”

Man with voting sticker on shirt

Desiree Tims, President/CEO of Innovation Ohio announced the official launch of the Ohio Voter Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to empower voters for the upcoming August 8, 2023 special election. 

This tool gives voters the ability to learn about Ohio Issue #1, check and update their voter registration, provide early vote options, and allow Ohioans to sign up for election reminders. This initiative is part of Innovation Ohio’s ongoing commitment to foster informed and engaged citizenship in Ohio.

Issues going on the ballot

The freedom of reproductive choice in Ohio. Legalizing recreational marijuana in Ohio. Ending Qualified Immunity in Ohio.

Those are all citizen-led ballot initiatives currently seeking to amend the Ohio constitution, and one initiative that may someday be jumpstarted by (progressive) Ohioans is ending the sales of Army and mass shooter guns.

As many know, the GOP-besieged Statehouse is trying to stop these citizen initiatives with Issue 1, which will be put to a statewide vote in August. If Issue 1 passes a 60 percent supermajority will be needed to change the Ohio constitution instead of a simple majority rule of 50 percent (among other changes making it more difficult to get a citizen initiative on a ballot). 

This author became a firm, unwavering supporter of Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s run for President of the United States of America after I learned he understands and opposes NATO's war against Russia, via Ukraine. The last President who advocated for peace was his Uncle, John F Kennedy, who's American University peace speech in June of 1963 likely resulted in his assassination at the hands of the National Security State. Although Jimmy Carter started no wars, he was not openly antiwar. Independent candidates, Jill Stein for example, have been antiwar but the system is stacked against independent candidates. Since my first vote for President, I have never had the opportunity to vote for a candidate who opposed war and had a chance to win.

Woman holding No Rate Hikes sign

Thursday, June 15, 2023, 7:00 PM
AEP is jacking up electricity rates while they reap billions in profits. Join us for a community meeting to discuss AEP’s greed and what we can do to fight back.  June 14th-16th marks the one-year anniversary since AEP power outages devastated the central Ohio community during some of the hottest days of 2022.  

Now, flash forward a year later, the company is requesting an increase in rates for its customers, which will only continue to hurt marginalized communities the most. During the meeting we will: review AEP’s proposed rate increases and timeline of Public Utilities Commission of Ohio decision, provide an opportunity to share attendees’ AEP experiences, learn about what we actually pay for on our utility bill, discuss how to take action against the rate hikes, and review resources to help lower your utility bills and get payment assistance.  

Partners:  Columbus Stand Up, Black Environmental Leaders Association, Sierra Club, 350.  

The Israeli government is at it again, actively discussing the construction of thousands of illegal settlement units as part of a massive settlement expansion scheme known as E1.

 Though Israeli construction in the East Jerusalem area has supposedly been halted under international pressure, the Israeli government has found ways to keep the plan alive.

Pages

Subscribe to ColumbusFreePress.com  RSS