By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
For the past two Sunday mornings, I have listened to my friend Rev. John Coats and a team of Black community advocates on a local radio show. They are spitting fire and truth to power. They have loudly and boldly proclaimed, “Solve Black Problems, Get Black Votes!” I am 100 percent behind this sentiment. For far too long, Black and white politicians have talked different stories than their votes reflect, with very little accountability. They included the candidates for the Columbus City School Board and a proposed tax levy in their comments. They understand the power of the Black vote. The group plans a strong, effective grassroots campaign.
The current Columbus City School Board candidates do not respect Black business owners. I forwarded each candidate a letter asking them about the dismal spending with Black vendors and how they would improve the equity purchasing program. NO ONE RESPONDED.
The incumbents of the elected board voted only to spend 5 percent of their 2021-2022 spend with certified disadvantaged businesses. The district spent $332,130,966.56 last school term. LEDE vendors procured $17,008,371.37 from CCS.
According to the report, white men benefit from the program in the predominately Black school district. Thirty-one white companies received $6,025,297.54 in contracts, while 68 Black firms received $8,141,331.09. Columbus City Schools Board of Education and its administration continue to violate its inclusion policy without penalty.
It doesn’t appear that the elected board and administration are concerned with economic equity for Black vendors. The vote for legislation that doesn’t include LEDE vendors.
The administration and board continue to allow the restrictive vendor registration policy enacted solely by the former purchasing director. The vindictive former administrator filed a lawsuit in federal court against the district, claiming, ironically, discrimination when he wasn’t rehired when he retired. In a sworn deposition, the same white man admitted that he mandated general liability insurance and a w-9 tax form for vendors to register for business with Columbus City Schools to keep undesirables out.
If the Columbus Board of Education continues to vote against the best interest of Black vendors, taxpayers, and children, I will continue encouraging Black taxpayers to hold them accountable with their votes.
Solve Black problems. Get Black Votes!
Just my thoughts…rwb
