Charity Martin-King, an OSU alum and native of Columbus, Ohio, triumphed over former school board president Michael Cole in a landslide victory for the honor to represent the good people of District 2 (formerly District 26) in the Ohio House of Representatives.
Historically Black and Democratic, the district encompasses areas of Reynoldsburg, Blacklick, Whitehall, the far east side as well as the southeast side. Martin-King took her campaign to the people where it resonated with folks from all walks of life from the average resident to the college educated to directors of agencies and industry executives.
Possessed with a bubbly personality, Martin-King who is elegant in demeanor and professional in her presentation left an imprint on the campaign trail that will serve as a template for those who endeavor to follow in her footsteps. An eloquent speaker in the mode of old school politicians such as former Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan and California congresswoman Maxine Waters, Martin-King is certain to develop a following that will in no time flat far exceed her vote total in the election. District 2 promises to benefit greatly from Martin-King’s presence. Although Martin-King will undoubtedly be focused on the issues that matter to the residents of District 2 this writer believes a bright future awaits Martin-King in electoral politics.
A longtime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and former president of the National Panhellenic Council, Martin-King is no stranger to the machinations one commonly finds in the world of politics. Few of her peers are as familiar with the lay of the land as Martin-King. As the former owner of Urban Spirit Coffee House, Martin-King positioned herself as an innovator who combined education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement long before those concepts became chic.
Currently, a doctoral candidate, Martin-King’s credentials are impressive with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and African American and African Studies and a Master of Science degree in Agriculture Communication Education and Leadership, both earned at the Ohio State University. Among the issues Martin-King envisions herself addressing include housing, equitable funding for public school education and the issues surrounding American Electric Power, to name a few.
Martin-King brings to this office a wealth of experience, both political and otherwise, and a sense of urgency that folks will find refreshing and inspiring. Political junkies and political scientists would do well to keep an eye on Martin-King over the next few years. Something tells me the best is yet to come.
Judson L. Jeffries, PhD, MPH, is Professor of African American and African Studies at The Ohio State University.