Local
The last time the Freep wrote about Reynoldsburg’s Tierna Oxenreider, in 2017, the then 12-year-old was being hailed as one of the world’s best fencers in her age group. That summer she won the US Junior Championship for those under 12. The following year she placed 3rd at the US Junior Olympics for all age groups (under 20).
The fencing prodigy, who at the age of four insisted to her parents “I want to do a sword sport,” could see gold in her future. How can you doubt her Olympic dreams when an epiphany to pick up a weapon so to compete strikes you before kindergarten?
But no one said life was fair, and there’s never a clear and easy path to the top of the medal stand. Last year she injured her back while competing in Germany. Then the injury was aggravated when she was a passenger in a car rear-ended by a texting driver.
Monday, February 24, 2020, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
This award-winning documentary film spells out the social, spiritual, and ecological costs of today’s global economy. Importantly, the film also highlights the many benefits of a shift towards the local and showcases some of the steps people are already taking worldwide. Simply Living's book club selection, Local Is Our Future, further explains the shift to localization and copies will be available. Q&A discussion after the film will feature local initiatives and how to get involved. Location: Kafe Kerouac, 2250 N. High St., Columbus 43201. Facebook
Sunday, February 23, 5:30-9pm
The Boat House Restaurant at Confluence Park, 679 W Spring St
FIVE YEAR CELEBRATIONS OF AMAZING SERVICES & ADVOCACY
A BENEFIT BANQUET TO PROTECT & EMPOWER COLUMBUS YOUTH & FAMILIES
AN AWARD CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE CENTRAL OHIO'S SOCIAL JUSTICE LEADERS & ACTIVISTS
Please Join Us for an Inspirational Evening with Elected Officials, Interfaith and Community Leaders and our Youth Leaders as we gather to Support and Celebrate Columbus Youth and Families.
In the last five years, MY Project USA has become a mainstream Muslim Social Services & Civic Engagement Organization. We are working hand in hand with our interfaith and social justice partners to bring prosperity and hope to the under-served communities in Columbus. At our annual banquet, we will celebrate our accomplishments. We will also re-energize our base and will raise money to continue and grow our work to the next level. Please join us and bring your family and friends with you.
The proceeds of this dinner:
* will be used to protect and empower Columbus needy and undeserved families.
Fifty-five years ago on February 21, civil rights activist Malcolm X was shot on stage at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. Three men were quickly arrested for the murder. Two of those men — including our client, Muhammad Abdul Aziz (then known as Norman 3X Butler) — have always maintained their innocence.
"Who Killed Malcom X?", a new six-part documentary on Netflix, seeks to answer the question: Did two innocent men spend decades in prison for crimes they did not commit?
Saturday, February 22, 7-10pm
Church for All People, 946 Parsons Ave.
We're celebrating Black History Month with a reading of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye," adapted by Lydia R. Diamond!
Thursday, February 20, 2020, 7:00 PM
Emily Dunlap will provide an in-depth discussion on human trafficking and how we can get involved. Emily an attorney with Advocating Opportunity and she works with trafficking victims. Michael Smalz will present an update on legislation at the State House affecting immigrants. The Immigration Justice Committee is responsible for advancing the immigrant rights mission of the organization by proposing projects, policy statements, and inter-organizational relationships to the board for approval, and for providing ongoing up-to-date information about opportunities for COWC. We will be discussing the Wage Theft Clinic and Immigrant Stories Project. Location: Maynard Avenue United Methodist Church, 2350 Indianola Ave. Facebook.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Columbus has been truly a “Tale of Two Cities” to emphasize the true meaning of this year’s State of the City Address. While Columbus has been touted in success stories and innovations, there is still that one-third of the community that feels like they are shut out of the entire loop. Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther’s State of the City Address was no different, as two protesters made their voices loud and clear early on in the speech.
The theme of Ginther’s Address, held at historic Columbus West High School in Westgate, was centered about equity. Ginther addressed the auditorium at the beginning of the evening by saying, “Tonight, I share to you my ‘Equity Agenda,’ an agenda that calls out racism and discrimination where it exists, and my plans to address it as your Mayor.”
Ginther said, “Equity is the cornerstone of my administration, tonight, I will lay out what we will be doing this year, and over the next four years, to continue to grow this city and also to assure that we stop racism and discrimination, wherever we see it.”