To the Editor:

In recent weeks, some misinformation about The Ohio State University African American and African Studies Community Extension Center (CEC) was published and broadcasted in the media and I want to take this opportunity to set the record straight.

First, let me reaffirm my commitment as the chair of the Department of African American and African Studies (AAAS) and the commitment of The Ohio State University to the building of a new Community Extension Center, which will be located at Mt. Vernon and Monroe. It is true that two years ago an alternate plan included a proposal for a new location at Mt. Vernon and Champion, but that plan was immediately rejected.

For the past two years, I have been talking to anyone and everyone who would listen about the “OSU Triangle” on the near eastside as my vision for growth and development in the Bronzeville/King-Lincoln District.

Let me explain. The PACT (Partners Achieving Community Transformation) geography consists of 800 acres with I-71 at its western boundary; Taylor Avenue to the east; I-670 to the north; and Broad Street to the south. The OSU Triangle sits inside these boundaries with the CEC at the apex; OSU East Hospital in its southeast corner; and OSU Carepoint East in the northeast corner. I believe, as do others, that the expansion of the CEC at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Monroe will incentivize growth and development from 17th Street eastward. Similarly, the new Poindexter Village Development Project, proposed by PACT, will incentivize growth and development from Ohio Avenue westward. The ultimate goal is for the two projects, the expanded CEC and the new Poindexter Village, to spark new development that will extend the whole length of the Mt. Vernon corridor. Under this scenario, we also envision opportunities for renovating existing residential and commercial properties in the area around Mt. Vernon as well.

Because I believe that people who do good deeds deserve credit for the things they do, I want to clear up another piece of misinformation. I’m talking about the $1 million that has been provided by the State of Ohio for the building of a new African American and African Studies Community Extension Center. This expression on the part of the state recognizes the important role that the CEC and the university play in the local community. The acquisition of these funds was not the result of a fund-raising effort.

The $1 million from the State of Ohio was the result of a legislative action due largely to the leadership of former State Senator Ray Miller and his successor, State Senator Charleta Tavares. Under the leadership of former Senator Miller, the CEC received $750,000 in capital development funds from the state in 2011 and recently, in 2014 under the leadership of Senator Tavares, another $250,000 was allocated by the state legislature. We are truly grateful for the efforts of these two leaders. It is now up to AAAS and the CEC Advisory Board to make friends and raise funds so that a new CEC will be more than another good idea—it will be a reality.

As to concerns expressed regarding center leadership, Dr. Judson Jefferies has recently been reassigned to full-time duty on campus to further build on his strong teaching and outstanding scholarship. I am currently serving as the acting center director and anticipate the naming of an interim director in the

not-too-distant future. Once that action is taken, I will be working with the center's advisory board, the local community, and the interim leadership to better define the center's current needs, work towards the fulfilment of its mission, and seek out the next full time director for the center.

In closing, I would like to thank the CEC Advisory Board and our friends on the near eastside and throughout the metropolitan community for your continued support of the CEC and the Department of African American and African Studies at Ohio State.

Peace and Love,

H. Ike Okafor Newsum (Horace Newsum)

Chair

Department of African America and African Studies

The Ohio State University