By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
Today marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark legislation that aimed to end segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This historic act was a significant step forward in the fight for equality and justice for African Americans and other marginalized groups in the United States. As we commemorate this milestone, it is crucial to reflect on the progress we have made and acknowledge the challenges that remain. The spirit of the Civil Rights Act compels us to continue advocating for fairness and equity in all aspects of our society, including business and education.
You don’t have a business advocate in Columbus City Schools. Presently, the state’s largest public school district does not have a professional supplier diversity officer on staff. This means you now have the additional responsibility of advocating and fighting for equity for your businesses. With an influx of $60 million dollars a year budget in capital improvements, who is looking out for you? The director of capital improvements openly and boldly called the capital of the Buckeye State a “City of Poverty,” in front of a group of Black people, many of whom probably live in the district and send their children to CCS. With his assessment of the 14th largest city in the US, can he be trusted to reinvest in the community that is footing the tax bill and paying his salary? Capital Improvements and the administration regularly forward legislation to the elected board that doesn’t include contracting opportunities for local and Black businesses.
With the retirement of the Outreach Coordinator and under the leadership of Superintendent Angela Chapman, opportunities available to Black vendors are dwindling. How many of you have received a phone call or personal notification of contracting opportunities? Who is advocating for your participation on projects? The district is stepping backwards.
Under the advice of the Equity Director, who has zero experience in supplier diversity, the district is canceling its contract with B2GNow. B2GNow is software that aids in compliance for diversity programs. The online software tracks certification management, spending, and bid management. It is considered the gold standard for monitoring certification programs and diverse spending. The program is used by the City of Columbus, Central Ohio Transit Authority, and the Columbus Airports. How will CCS monitor its spend with Black and other disadvantaged businesses?
CCS continues to disrespect Black vendors without penalty. Black people are expected to contribute to the tax base, but they can’t get jobs or contracts with the district. This is a practice of taxation without participation. Black taxpayers are funding the lifestyles of the suburbs and rural Central Ohio.
There are people advocating for your success. Besides OhioMBE, there are others fighting for you. We need your help. You can assist monetarily or by your mere presence. The local branch of the Columbus NAACP is vocal in demanding that CCS buy local. Their prediction about the passing of the massive tax levy is coming true. People are paying exorbitant tax increases. Many can’t afford the increases and are at risk of losing their homes. The branch president regularly attends board meetings, pressing elected officials to return tax dollars back to the community. This is a noble and moral fight. Join their battle. Attend a meeting and stand behind her. Write letters and demand that your tax dollars are reinvested in the Columbus community. Demand equity!
just my thoughts…rwb
