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Lack of access to technology emerging as top concern; high schoolers remain concerned about rising higher education costs

After two uncertain and often stressful years, high school students are worried about their financial futures, prompting more than half (54%) of teens to say they feel unprepared to finance their futures according to new research from Junior Achievement and Citizens. The findings of the fifth annual JA Teens & Personal Finance Survey indicate wide-ranging concern among teens regarding financial anxiety and the future, highlighting the need for additional resources to assist them in making financial decisions that impact them over the long term. 

• More than two-thirds of teens (69%) say that rising education costs have affected their plans for additional education after high school.  

• While nearly a third of teens (31%) don’t expect their plans to be impacted, almost as many (28%) say they are now only considering in-state schools, while around a fifth (22%) plan to live at home and commute to college, and one-in-ten (10%) are considering getting a two-year degree versus a four-year degree.

 “Empowering students and families financially can help them for the rest of their lives,” said Peter Camilleri, Retail District Branch Manager, Ohio, Citizens. “In order to ease uncertainly  and ensure that teens have the confidence to make sound financial decisions, it’s critical to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need through increasing access to educational resources and providing hands-on training.” Teens said some of these concerns could be addressed with a better understanding of how student loans work (39%), knowing how education ties to jobs (38%), or having access to lower-cost alternatives (32%). A significant portion of respondents (41%) said they have had no financial literacy classes in school, further highlighting the need for educational resources that would address these concerns.  

The digital divide became even more apparent at the outset of the pandemic, exacerbating digital literacy and technology equipment gaps. Of those teens planning to pursue a four-year degree, two-thirds (66%) expressed some level of concern about having the technology needed to complete a degree. Factors that contribute to this concern include the cost of devices (52%) and poor Wi-Fi access/connectivity (28%). This lack of access becomes an inhibitor to young people to learn, work and even go to college.  “Based on the survey results, it appears the rising cost of higher education is having an impact on the way teens plan to pursue higher education,” said Joe Faulhaber, President of Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland.

“The data also suggest teens find it important to develop a deeper understanding of how to finance higher education through student loans.That’s why Junior Achievement works with partners like Citizens to provide this type of information through our learning experiences for middle and high school students.”

Cecil Fidram says college costs are prohibitive, so the Austintown Fitch High School junior is thinking of staying at home and commuting to Youngstown State University. While he has spoken with his parents a lot about finances, he doesn’t think all of his classmates are financially prepared for the future.  “My advice to people who are worried about finances is to look at your goal of going to college,’’ said Cecil. “Think about what you want to do. Maybe you could consider going to a trade school or getting a two-year degree.’’ Both Junior Achievement and Citizens have prioritized the issue in their community outreach work and remain committed to supporting underserved communities through technology, education, and digital literacy initiatives to ensure that all have an opportunity to be part of the workforce of the future. Citizens’ commitment to financial literacy has included partnering with Junior Achievement to support the implementation of financial literacy programs in communities where Citizens has a presence. Citizens also helped Junior Achievement enhance different implementation models, such as virtual volunteering and remote learning, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Additional interesting findings from the survey include:

• 62 percent of teens use mobile or online applications to assist with money management, compared to 48 percent from a similar survey in 2019.
• 38 percent of teens say cash is still their preferred payment method, compared to 2 percent who prefer apps.
• 57 percent of teens say their parents use cash when giving them money, down from 71 percent in 2019, while 20 percent say their parents use apps, compared to 9 percent in 2019.
• There has been a decline in the use of traditional financial tools by teens, specifically debit cards (59% today vs. 62% in 2019), credit cards (24% today vs. 30% in 2019), and checkbooks (9% today vs. 18% in 2019), over the same period.

 More information and an executive summary of the survey are available at this link. 

Today the City of Cleveland’s Office of Sustainability announced the lineup of events and activities to celebrate Earth Month throughout April. The city will host and participate in several in-person and virtual events that focus on the urgent need for sustainability, environmental justice, and climate solutions by highlighting the local organizations, businesses, artists, and initiatives that support the acceleration of climate progress in our region. 

“The City of Cleveland is committed to advancing climate action in our community,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “I encourage all of our residents to take part in the activities and resources available not only throughout the month of April, but year-round.” 

The city celebrates the environmental successes over the past year, including the launch of the Circular Cleveland initiative, a comprehensive plan to transition Cleveland to a more sustainable economy, The Cleveland Tree Plan Equity Focused-Approach and Cleveland’s Clean and Equitable Energy Future that provides pathways to achieving 100% clean and renewable energy while generating millions of dollars in public benefits, green jobs, and reducing energy burden for residents. 
 

On a regional level, Mayor Bibb recently joined The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative–a binational coalition of 128 U.S. and Canadian mayors and local officials working to advance the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Adding Cleveland to the membership means that the large cities in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin are all active members of the organization.   

In conjunction, the City of Cleveland and partners (Sustainable Cleveland & Cleveland Water) are participating in the 2022 Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation from April 1-30. The challenge is to promote the development of positive water conservation behavior in our residents. Clevelanders are encouraged to challenge themselves by making water-friendly lifestyle changes for a chance to win prizes including $3,000 towards household utility bills.  

Learn more at SustainableCleveland.org/Earth Month 

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Mayor Justin M. Bibb has appointed Delanté Spencer Thomas, Esq. as the City’s Chief Ethics Officer and Assistant Director of Law, Tyson T. Mitchell, JD/LL.M as Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) and Karen Dettmer as Senior Strategist for Lead.  

As the City’s first-ever Chief Ethics Officer, Delanté Spencer Thomas will be responsible for actively promoting and maintaining a strong culture of ethics awareness and compliance within the Executive Branch of city government and will serve as chief ethics advisor to the Mayor and the Law Director.  

He will also guide all employees and members of boards and commissions that report to the Mayor on ethics and conflicts of interest, serve as the liaison between the City and the Ohio Ethics Commission and develop and proactively train elected City officials and City employees on compliance with ethics laws and ethical conduct. 

“I welcome the appointment of the city’s first Chief Ethics Officer,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “This role is key to advancing our mission of a modern, responsive and transparent City Hall. Delanté’s leadership and expertise will help us make sure we are working at the highest standards of accountability and integrity.”  

The City’s new OEO Director, Tyson Mitchell, is responsible for administering, monitoring, and enforcing overall contract compliance goals and requirements and serves as an advocate for business inclusion and resident employment within the community. Reporting to the Mayor and the Chief Legal Officer, Tyson will develop and implement programs that increase opportunities for equity and inclusion in City contracting and providing wealth-building opportunities to residents. 

As the new Senior Strategist for the Lead Safe Program, Karen Dettmer will work with city departments, external partners, and community members to prevent lead exposure and address the impact of such exposure with a particular focus on children, including programming, services, and investments related to primary prevention and early intervention of lead exposure. Karen has an interdepartmental purview and will convene and coordinate leadership from departments of Building and Housing, Public Health, Community Development, and other entities and personnel within the City on matters related to lead exposure. 

“We continue to focus on filling key positions to reimagine how city hall operates, break down silos and better connect departments,” Mayor Bibb said. “We have great new talent in both Tyson and Karen and I am looking forward to working with them toward our vision for a more equitable and healthier Cleveland.” 

By Tonya Sams 

Once someone has been incarcerated and paid their debt to society, they should not be repeatedly punished for their past actions. Unfortunately, many reentrants feel as if they are still being punished because they lack access to the medical care that they received for chronic illnesses while they were incarcerated. 

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Health Equity for Reentering Ohioans (HERO) project is addressing this issue and analyzing how systemic racism within the criminal justice system plays a role.

“Reentrants feel like this is a part of their never- ending sentence; they can’t find homes, jobs or healthcare,” says Jennifer Kinsley Smith, Senior Attorney for Health & Opportunity at Legal Aid and the HERO project manager. Correctional facilities are supposed to provide reentrants information about accessing a number of critical resources, including healthcare, to prepare them for life outside of prison.

For example, Ohio policy states that Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction facilities are required to educate Medicaid-eligible inmates on how to connect with Medicaid benefits and programming prior to release (either for first-time coverage or to reinstate suspended benefits). Unfortunately, Jennifer says, many reentrants are not being provided access to this programming. Additionally, many Medicare-eligible individuals miss deadlines to receive these benefits because correctional facilities do not provide the necessary information and/or the internet or telephone access necessary to complete the application process. Furthermore, when some reentrants who have chronic illnesses leave prison, they are also leaving behind steady medical care – and they cannot afford to pay the large premiums or penalties for missing enrollment windows. 

State guidelines require that facilities work with Medicaid to teach inmates about pre-enrollment, and help those scheduled for imminent release choose their managed care plan. Facilities are required to establish a plan for reentrants with chronic illnesses to continue to manage their healthcare upon release. This plan should be created by their managed care plan. 

“Even with all of these guidelines in place, what we’re seeing in the community – people who come to legal aid or local hospitals – what we’re seeing is that the health care needs of reentrants are regularly not being met,” Jennifer says.

With no access to healthcare, jobs, or transportation established prior to release, many reentrants have struggled to successfully return to the community. According to a 2007 article in The New England Journal of Medicine, during the two weeks following release from prison, the mortality rate among released prisoners is 12.7 times the rate of the general population. 

Legal Aid’s HERO project (a collaborative effort among attorneys, doctors, and researchers) hopes to encourage a post-release health care option in Northeast Ohio modeled after the program created in Franklin County. Franklin County partnered with community organizations to create a safety net for reentrants. Immediately upon release, reentrants are provided with information and brochures to help guide them towards a true fresh start. They can apply for Medicaid, set up appointments, and get referrals to organizations that provide comprehensive supports for reentrants. They also receive bus passes to help them get to medical appointments, fill medical prescriptions, and go to job interviews. 

If you are a reentrant and want to know more about your health care rights, please call Jennifer at 216-861-5443.

To apply for free legal assistance, call Legal Aid at 216-687-1900 or visit www.lasclev.org.

Tonya Sams is the Development and Communications Assistant at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.

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The City of Cleveland has launched a targeted campaign in partnership with Enterprise Community Partners and The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition to help eligible residents claim the expanded 2021 Child Tax Credit.  

The expanded Child Tax Credit provides $3,600 for each eligible child 5 and under and $3,000 per child aged 6-17. Individuals and families who earn less than $58,000 are eligible to receive free tax preparation services and support filing through the EITC Coalition. 

Families who filed 2019 or 2020 tax returns (or non-filers who received IRS stimulus payments) receive this credit automatically, but recent data suggests there are approximately 3,450 eligible families in Cleveland that may not be receiving this benefit. This could translate to approximately $13 million in tax credits going directly to the families who need it most.    

“There are millions of dollars on the table for families and children in Cleveland and it’s our job as a City to highlight what resources are available to residents. We’re launching a targeted campaign and outreach to make sure residents claim their benefits, giving low-income families a cash boost at tax time,” Mayor Justin M. Bibb said. “It helped my family growing up with household expenses and unexpected costs. It won’t end poverty overnight, but it can make a difference.”  

  

As the poorest big city in America, with more than half the city’s children living in poverty, the City of Cleveland is committed to assisting residents to claim the Child Tax Credit to get the support they deserve.   

“These tax credits help families establish greater financial stability, offset high housing costs, pay for medical care and help fund education,” said Ayonna Blue Donald, vice president, Ohio market for Enterprise Community Partners. “Families can use these dollars however they are most needed, and we are pleased to partner with the City of Cleveland to get the word out about the credits and the services we provide throughout Cuyahoga County.” 

Eligible residents are encouraged to make an appointment for free tax preparation services or get help claiming the Child Tax Credit at refundohio.org or by calling 211 and dialing 2 for information on free tax preparation. Services are available at 14 tax sites located throughout Cuyahoga County through April 18, 2022. 

  

Mayor Bibb is encouraging residents to consider if they are eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit and make an appointment at the nearest tax site today. 

About the Child Tax Credit:  

Part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), the expanded Child Tax Credit has already provided payments to the families of over 61 million children. The credit amount for children 5 and under is $3,600 per child and fully refundable (previously $2,000 per child / $1,400 refundable). The expanded credit also increases the age for a qualifying child to 17 and no income is needed to qualify. Those not required to file taxes may register with the IRS to receive payment. Additionally, the Earned Income Tax Credit has also expanded for the 2021 tax year and will reach as many as 17 million more workers this year.  

About The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition: 

Formed in 2005, and with ongoing support from Cuyahoga County and other funders, the Cuyahoga EITC Coalition is part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. With hundreds of volunteers and in partnership with many community-based organizations, the Coalition has been helping hardworking families and individuals in Cuyahoga County make use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC) and other asset-building programs. The EITC is the largest, most effective anti-poverty program in the country designed to supplement the income of people who are struggling to make ends meet. Individuals or families earning less than $58,000 a year qualify for free tax preparation. Translation services are available in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and American Sign Language. Learn more at refundohio.org. 

By Jerry Masek

Ukraine is more than 3,700 miles from West Park, but for Jonathan Hejnal, it’s as close as his computer.   

Hejnal, a third-generation American who lived in Ukraine for about a year (2018-19), has not slept much since the Russian invasion began.

He wakes up 3-4 times each night to check various Internet news sites and social media, to see if his cousins and “very close” friends are still safe.

He shares news quickly with his family. He returned to that nation in July 2021 for a visit.   

So far, his friends and relatives are safe, but that could change quickly. They have moved to safer areas in Western Ukraine, or into Poland, but they are all working to support the resistance.   

One cousin helps direct and care for refugees in Poland, and two others work to keep Ukrainian fighters supplied with essentials. Many male friends have stayed and are fighting.

One friend has gone from dancing to learning how to shoot a gun   

TV news reports “are incredibly hard to watch,” Hejnal said. “But I have to. It’s on my mind 24/7.”    

“What Russia is doing is absolutely horrendous. They are demolishing the country, and raping and erasing the Ukrainian culture. There is no rhyme or reason to where they are bombing, or how they are bombing. The US has not done enough to help them.”    

On the other hand, he noted, “Social media has been a huge asset to relief efforts.”   

Hejnal, 35, is a teacher and American citizen, but notes “I have been part of the Ukrainian community since birth, as a singer and a dancer. I have extremely close ties to Ukraine. Using Instagram and Facebook, I am in daily contact with them.”    Getting through with a cellphone is “challenging,” for several reasons. “They are all incredibly busy. They are committed to staying there and protecting their homeland.”     

“My friends are willing to fight and die for their homeland. It is an overwhelming fear of mine that I will wake up one day and learn that they are no longer with us. It’s a very hard time for us.”   

“I despise Putin on a new level. He is an absolute maniac. He created a war, and we never asked for war. He is upset that we are a democracy.”   

A lifetime resident of West Park, Hejnal now lives in the same house where his grandmother lived for 50 years.   

“I ask people in West Park to stand with us. Don’t put the war on the back burner. We appreciate their support.”

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Parade steps off at 1:04 p.m.

Tomorrow the Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade will return downtown following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The parade begins on Superior Avenue at East 18^th Street and travels west into downtown. The City of Cleveland is excited to welcome parade participants and thousands of spectators back to the city for the festivities!

Things to know:

Road Closures and Traffic

Parking restrictions will go into effect at 9:00 a.m. and run through 5:00 p.m. Traffic is expected to be heavy prior to and following the parade. The Division of Police will supplement their customary allotment of traffic officers with additional staff. Officers from both the Division of Police and partnering law enforcement agencies will be detailed to the event for added security.

Parking

As this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade occurs on a week day, those intending to attend the parade or enjoy the day at a downtown restaurant or establishment are reminded that parking will be at a premium and many lots and garages may be full early on. Attendees are encouraged to consider riding RTA. Bus and rail services and routes can be viewed here.  Be mindful of signage indicating road closures as violators will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. Towed vehicles may be retrieved from the City of Cleveland’s Impound Unit at 3040 Quigley Road.

Parade Route

The Parade Route for the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at Superior Avenue at East 18^th Street. The parade travels west on Superior Avenue to Public Square, north on West Roadway and east on Rockwell Avenue, ending at Rockwell Avenue and Ontario Street. Roads crossing Superior Avenue throughout the route will be closed at Superior Avenue before and throughout the parade. The entire parade route is closed, meaning that observers are not to enter the parade route at any time.

Safety

Parade goers who bring small children are reminded to be mindful of children’s whereabouts at all times. Small children can disappear into a crowd quickly and become lost. Attendees should remind children to find someone in a uniform if they become separated from parents or caregivers. There will be many uniformed safety personnel on site, as well as members of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance who can keep children safe and help to reunite them with loved ones in the event of a separation incident. The Child Reunification Center will be located at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower at 1360 West Mall Drive. Members of the Bureau of Community Policing will care for lost children until reunification is established. Members of the Cleveland Division of Fire and Emergency Medical Service will be on hand for emergencies.

Impaired Driving

The Cleveland Division of Police will have an overall heightened awareness for offenses involving OVI offenses both on city streets and on highways. Persons found to be driving impaired will be arrested and their vehicles impounded. Celebrators who intend to consume alcohol are urged to plan ahead by utilizing RTA or ride share services.

Additional Tips

·         Arrive early to your destination.  Leave home early enough to allow for ample travel time and parking.

·         Become familiarized with downtown parking garages and surface lots – understand that the lots closest to the parade route will fill up first.

·         Be aware of increased pedestrian traffic in downtown Cleveland.

·         Plan for the weather.  At this time, the forecast does not call for inclement weather, however, remember, this is Cleveland.  

·         If you see something, say something!  Report suspicious or criminal activity to law enforcement.  Call 216-621-1234 for non-emergencies.  Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.  Anonymous information can be provided by calling Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME. 

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Mayor Justin M. Bibb today moved forward with legislation to authorize the removal of temporary barriers from Public Square and replace them with modern and removable bollards. The proposed legislation provides up to $1.5 million in funding from the capital budget for removal, repair and redesign work.  

“Public Square should be the people’s park but for too long, jersey barriers have got in the way. Today, my administration is taking the first step towards removing these barriers and restoring Public Square to its original intent – to serve as a meeting place in the heart of our city,” Mayor Bibb said.

The proposed legislation authorizes the removal of the jersey barriers and replacement with bollards that will ensure safety, enhance the City’s ability to open and close the square for public events and authorize the Group Plan Commission to enter into a contract to start the design and construction of the improvements.

“I applaud the Mayor for taking quick and decisive action to remove the jersey barriers from Public Square. These unnecessary and intrusive barriers have compromised the beauty and function of the people’s square. This legislation will ensure our Public Square thrives as a welcoming place for all Clevelanders for many years to come,” Ward 3 Councilman Kerry McCormack said. 

The preliminary estimated cost of the project to replace the concrete barriers and repair the Superior crossing is approximately $3.0 million. In addition to funds previously set aside by the City, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority will be considering an investment.  The Group Plan Commission will have an opportunity to evaluate cost effectiveness and pursue additional funding through private and philanthropic investments. 

The Group Plan Commission held the original contract for the design, construction and reconstruction of Public Square in 2015 and will be authorized to commence a redesign, upon City Council approval. 

The Group Plan Commission is the project team responsible for delivering the project on behalf of the City and consists of the original architects, engineers, contractors and project managers who understand the complexities of constructing permanent barriers, with knowledge of the significant underground existing infrastructure. Removal requires surgical precision to ensure utilities below the surface are not damaged.

”Group Plan Commission applauds Mayor Justin Bibb’s expedient introduction of legislation to improve the safety, security and aesthetics in Public Square by removing the jersey barriers in Superior Avenue and planters at the corner entryways into Public Square with an attractive, removable bollard system,” said Group Plan Commission Chairperson Tony Coyne. 

“Additionally, RTA’s commitment allows us to begin the process as soon as legislation is passed. We will connect with our funding partners in hopes of closing the gap, finishing the job we started, and making Superior what it was intended to be for the enjoyment of our community.”

Display of work by Black artists who embrace and challenge art history

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Currents and Constellations: Black Art in Focus  features nine thematic groupings of works by Black artists, five in the Julia and Larry Pollock Focus Gallery and four in the permanent collection galleries. The exhibition places Black American art and artists at the center of discussions about the relevance of art history to contemporary practice. Works from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s (CMA) permanent collection and significant loans are presented in conversation, exploring the ways emerging and mid-career Black artists embrace and challenge art history. On display are works by Sanford Biggers, Elizabeth Catlett, Richard Hunt, Dawoud Bey, Lorna Simpson, Jack Whitten, Darius Steward, Kenturah Davis, Mario Moore and Torkwase Dyson, among others. Currents and Constellations, a free exhibition, is on view through June 26, 2022.

“Currents and Constellations features a series of thematic vignettes that emphasize how Black artists have drawn from conventional art historical narratives to generate new ones,” said William M. Griswold, director of the Cleveland Museum of Art. “The exhibition creates conversations among contemporary art and historical objects in our encyclopedic collection, inviting visitors to bring their own interpretations to these multifaceted objects.”

In the exhibition, “currents and constellations” is used as a navigational phrase that helps visitors explore the meanings of complex artworks, especially those that engage histories suppressed or erased from conventional narratives. The phrase marks both direct art historical links, or currents, which represent connections supported by written or recorded archival research, and indirect connections, orconstellations, which represent what’s missing from an archive or account. Together, “currents and constellations” describes the interpretive potential of an artwork. The exhibition’s nine thematic groupingsilluminate some of the ways that Black artists address essential perspectives, questions and ideas.

“Through multiple, overlapping themes, visitors are encouraged to consider the vast network of relations borne of a single artwork, to experience the ways that Blackness, broadly speaking, may impact an artist’s process or content and to see challenging artworks as an invitation to delve more deeply,” said Key Jo Lee, director of academic affairs and associate curator of special projects.

The thematic groupings in the focus gallery include Black Cartographies, where each artwork uniquely maps Black experiences and histories; Turning Away and Turning Toward, both of which engage the history of portraiture; The Sacred Mundane, featuring works by artists who show how what they cherish might seem common or mundane; and Resistance in Black & White, where artists address different forms of oppression.

The four groupings in the permanent collection galleries generate new conversations with works in other parts of the CMA’s collection, including American painting and sculpture, Abstract Expressionism, German Expressionism and contemporary art.

Companion Publication

Perceptual Drift: Black Art and an Ethics of Looking is a companion publication written by Key Jo Lee, director of academic affairs and associate curator of special projects, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and PhD candidate, Yale University; Christina Sharpe, professor, Department of Humanities, York University, Toronto; Robin Coste Lewis, poet laureate of Los Angeles; and Erica Moiah James, assistant professor, art history, University of Miami.

The publication offers a new interpretive model drawing on four key works of Black art in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. Each chapter is a case study for leading Black academics in different disciplines to challenge the limits of canonical art history rooted in social and racial inequality. The publication seeks to transform how art history is written, introduce readers to complex objects and theoretical frameworks, illuminate meanings and untold histories, open new entry points into Black art and publicize content on Black art acquired by the CMA. 

Perceptual Drift: Black Art and an Ethics of Looking is published by the CMA and distributed by Yale University Press. It will be available for purchase this summer online or at the Cleveland Museum of Art store for $45.

Complementary Programming

Write-In with Literary Cleveland: Writing Inspired by Black Art 

Saturday, March 26, noon–4 p.m.

Meet in the Ames Family Atrium

FREE; ticket required

Fuel your writing with inspiration from Black art. 

Explore the works in Currents and Constellations: Black Art in Focus through a variety of writing prompts and activities with Literary Cleveland. CMA curator Key Jo Lee will be on hand to answer questions.

Open Call: If you are interested in participating in “Represent: Writing Inspired by Black Art,” Literary Cleveland and the CMA are accepting submissions through April 11. Submit your writing here. 

Represent: Writing Inspired by Black Art

Friday, May 20, 7 p.m.

Gartner Auditorium

FREE; ticket required

Spend your evening at the CMA with Literary Cleveland, as writers share work that reflects on Black art and its expansive possibilities. 

Enjoy readings inspired by the key themes of and the works in Currents and Constellations: Black Art in Focus, which puts art from the CMA’s permanent collection in conversation with a vanguard of emerging and mid-career Black artists who explore the fundaments of art making, embracing and challenging art history. 

Open Call: If you are interested in participating, Literary Cleveland and the CMA are accepting submissions through April 11. Submit your writing here. 

For more information about and images for Currents and Constellations: Black Art in Focus, please view the press kit.

Currents and Constellations: Black Art in Focus is made possible with support from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

All exhibitions at the Cleveland Museum of Art are underwritten by the CMA Fund for Exhibitions. Generous annual support is provided by an anonymous supporter, Dick Blum* and Harriet Warm, Dr. Ben H. and Julia Brouhard, Mr. and Mrs. Walter R. Chapman Jr., the Jeffery Wallace Ellis Trust in memory of Lloyd H. Ellis Jr., Leigh and Andy Fabens, Michael Frank in memory of Patricia Snyder, the Sam J. Frankino Foundation, Janice Hammond and Edward Hemmelgarn, Eva and Rudolf Linnebach, William S. and Margaret F. Lipscomb, Tim O’Brien and Breck Platner, Anne H. Weil, and the Womens Council of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

*Deceased

About the Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 63,000 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The museum is a significant international forum for exhibitions, scholarship and performing arts and is a leader in digital innovations. One of the top comprehensive art museums in the nation, recognized for its award-winning Open Access program and free of charge to all, the Cleveland Museum of Art is located in the University Circle neighborhood.

The museum is supported in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and made possible in part by the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically. For more information about the museum and its holdings, programs and events, call 888-CMA-0033 or visit cma.org.

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HB 572 promotes volunteering as a poll worker

State Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) and Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) announced the introduction of House Bill (HB) 572, bipartisan legislation to designate Jan. 25 as “National Poll Worker Recruitment Day.”

“Poll workers are essential to our democratic process, working on the front lines of our elections to safeguard our sacred right to vote for all Ohioans,” said Rep. Sweeney. “The bipartisan nature of this bill allows us to look past the divisive nature of today’s politics and come together to recruit the next generation of poll workers and strengthen the bedrock of our Republic.”

In the past, our nation’s poll workers have disproportionately been from older generations. Given that they are at a higher risk to COVID-19, Ohio has seen a significant decrease in poll worker participation. According to Healthy Elections, Ohio reported that for every poll worker that registered to work during the March 2020 primary, three poll workers were lost due to concerns over public health. Designating this day will promote participation in this important component of our election process. 

“I encourage everyone to take a turn participating in the Democratic process so they can see firsthand how elections work in Ohio,” said Rep. Ray.

Poll workers are a vital part of our elections, and the designation of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day emphasizes finding poll workers from all political backgrounds. 

HB 572 now awaits referral to a committee for consideration. 

By Tonya Sams, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

Unpaid debt can be a huge burden that creates a constant cycle of worry and fear. 

Do you know what to do if you are sued by a debt collector, if your car is repossessed, or if you are a victim of identity theft? Legal Aid has answers.

Car Repossession 

Your car can be repossessed by the lender if you fail to make a payment (also known as going into default). The lender can even take your car away without your knowledge – whether it is parked in your driveway, a parking lot, or on the street. 

One thing that a lender cannot do while repossessing your car is “breach the peace.” This means the lender cannot threaten or use physical force to retrieve the car or take your car from your closed garage without permission. If there is a breach of peace, you should call the police. Do not threaten or attempt to stop the repossession of your car. 

Any personal items in the car must be returned to you. It is important to call the lender to find out where to get your items, but beware – there may be a small storage fee from the lender. 

It is important to remember to write down the date in which your car was repossessed and save all notices that you receive from the lender. If the lender fails to notify you during the repossession process, makes a mistake, or gives you incorrect information, that can be used in your defense if you are sued.

The lender must notify you within five business days to explain why the car was repossessed and the steps you need to take to get it back. If you cannot pay to get the car back at that time, the lender must notify you if they are selling the car. You will usually receive a notice at least ten days before the sale of the car. Even if the car is sold for less than what you owed, the lender can take you to court for something called “deficiency.” 

Legal Aid can help if you have been sued to collect the deficiency

Legal Aid and the Cuyahoga County Court of Common have created a Consumer Debt Defense Program, which is a free program that helps people who are being sued because of an unpaid debt. 

For more information, call the Court Resource Center at (216) 443-8204 or email courtinfo@cuyahogacounty.us.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office can also help if you have any issues regarding the process in which your car was repossessed. You can file a complaint at its website, ohioattorneygeneral.gov. 

What happens if you are a victim of identity theft?

Legal Aid can also help if your personal information (such as your name, social security number, or credit card information) has been stolen. Stolen information can be used to make purchases, open new lines of credit, create new utility accounts, or receive medical care. It can also be used to steal tax refunds – and, the thief can use your name if arrested.

If you are a victim of identity theft:;

• Contact the companies that were affected and close accounts that were open in your name.
• Go to annualcreditreport.com to create a fraud alert through the credit bureaus and request a copy of your credit report.
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission to inform them of the theft. 
• Contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section.
• File a report with your local police department.
• Go to annualcreditreport.com to find out how to correct your credit report.
• Contact the credit bureaus to add a fraud alert or credit freeze.

It may be necessary to contact the Social Security Administration, a lawyer (to clear criminal charges in your name, if there are any), and/or debt collectors (so you will not have to pay debts that you are not responsible for). You may also have to get government-issued IDs replaced.

If you need help regarding debt, car possession or identity theft, call Legal Aid at (216) 687-1900 or seek help 24/7 at www.lasclev.org.  

Tonya Sams is the Development and Communications Assistant at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.

SUBMITTED

Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Chief Director of the Department of Public Safety Karrie D. Howard and Interim Police Chief Wayne Drummond announce that the City of Cleveland, Department of Public Safety, Division of Police has requested the assistance of the Cleveland Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation after an internal investigation revealed possible patterns of inappropriate conduct by members of the Cleveland Division of Police. The Cleveland Division of Police Internal Affairs Unit conducted an internal review of departmental reports, information, body worn camera footage and data and opened an investigation after that review indicated potential patterns of police use of force incidents, involving several detectives in the Division. The actions of the detectives’ direct supervisor at the time of the alleged incidents are also under review.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently reviewing information provided by Cleveland Police.

In an effort of full transparency, information will be released when appropriate while maintaining the integrity of this review and any possible proceedings. The officers who are the subjects of this review were assigned to an investigative unit and have been reassigned to administrative duty positions with no contact with the public during this time. 

“The City of Cleveland takes matters of alleged police misconduct seriously and expects officers to conduct their duties constitutionally and in accordance with the laws. The City of Cleveland, Division of Police will cooperate fully with the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” said Interim Chief Drummond.

PRESS RELEASE

LORAIN- Horizon’s Lorain Community Center located within the Constellation-Lorain Community School was awarded a 5 Star Quality Rating under the State of Ohio’s Quality Child Care rating system known as “Step Up To Quality” under the direction of Heather LaMore, Center Director for Horizon’s Lorain Community Center.  A 5 Star rating is the highest rating under the rating program.  Horizon now has six Lorain County centers that are at a level 5 Star Step Up to Quality with the rest above a level 4 rating.  The base level for high quality in Ohio is 3 stars. 

Horizon formed a collaboration with Constellation-Lorain Community School back in 2019 to offer a preschool along with their currently after-school program within Lorain Community.  Horizon’s main goal for their preschool program is to provide 20 slots for children enrolling and provide them with a high-quality kindergarten readiness program. 

Horizon Education Centers has had a nine-year partnership with Constellation Schools through the 21st Century Learning Grant from the State of Ohio in which Horizon operates an after-school program at Lorain Community School already. Studies have shown that children who attend after-school programs benefit from: increased academic efforts, fewer emotional and behavioral problems, increased physical activity, and help create healthy learning habits. 

According to Horizon’s Executive Director Dave Smith, “Horizon’s strives to prove high-quality care and education for children 6 weeks of age to 12 years old.  We are proud to be one of Lorain’s top-rated programs.  All twelve of Horizon Education Centers are rated high quality under Ohio’s Step Up To Quality Rating System. This rating ensures that your child will experience:  qualified teachers, a proven curriculum, family engagement, developmental screenings, and electronic access to your child’s individual learning.”  

Horizon Education Centers is a leader in quality early care and education, preparing children and families for life since 1978.  Horizon is a mission-driven nonprofit making sure all families have access to high-quality programs regardless of income or where they live.  

Horizon Education Centers is in the build process of its thirteenth center, which is being built near the Detroit Shoreway, Cleveland.  Horizon hopes to open this new center which will serve children 18 months to 12 years in the fall of 2022.

Horizon offers toddler, preschool, and afterschool/summer camp programs Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.  For more information, call 440-779-1930 or www.HorizonOhio.org  

PRESS RELEASE

Citizens is partnering with EVERFI to raise awareness and provide educational opportunities focused on Black experiences as well as award eleven student scholarships. The Black History Month Challenge – a unique competition taking place throughout February – uses EVERFI’s African American History courses to help high school students better understand the Black experience through education that highlights Black perspectives, successes, and struggles.

The month-long challenge, created by social impact education innovator EVERFI, features four digital lessons and a capstone essay contest in which students will share a plan for maintaining a year-round conversation about Black history in their community. Eleven winners across Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, New York, and one national winner will each receive a $2,500 scholarship and a brand new Apple MacBook Pro, courtesy of Citizens Pay.

“Citizens is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive world for all,” said Jim Malz, Ohio President for Citizens. “We are proud to sponsor the Black History Month Challenge and hope it will elevate history as a lens to understand current events and encourage meaningful dialogue about race and social justice.”

The Black History Month Challenge is designed to inspire today’s students by sharing stories about the Black experience in America; empower students by amplifying Black perspectives across generations; elevate history as a lens to understand current events; and transform students’ perception of the world around them. Students will explore both historical and current events and learn about the many “firsts” that Black leaders have accomplished in the business and medical fields while also showcasing Black professionals who have blazed trails and made significant contributions to their respective sectors.

In addition to supporting the Black History Month Challenge, Citizens works with EVERFI to support schools and teachers in providing students with knowledge around financial empowerment, financing higher education, digital banking safety, and early literacy to help them succeed in and outside the classroom. 

To learn more about the Black History Month Challenge, visit www.citizensbank.com/EVERFI

SUBMITTED

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 – Cleveland, OH – Mayor Justin M. Bibb today announced several key appointments to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Board and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) Board.

Cleveland residents and riders Lauren Welch and Jeffrey Sleasman are appointed as trustees to GCRTA Board and Marjorie Chambers is appointed to serve on the NEORSD Board.

Effective March 3, 2022 Ms. Welch will complete the final year of a three-year term that concludes on March 3, 2023.  Mr. Sleasman will begin a three-year term effective March 3, 2022 through March 3, 2025. Ms. Chambers will begin a five year term. 

“Today’s appointments reflect my administration’s commitment to elevating the lived experience of residents and a diversity of voices to key boards and commissions,” Mayor Bibb said. 

“Both Lauren and Jeff are residents and riders. They bring over 15 years’ experience in advocacy and the technology sector respectively and will play an important role in continuing to advocate for equitable public transit policies, funding and innovation,” Mayor Bibb stated. “Marjorie is a respected labor leader and will serve as a critical voice for workers and unions in the delivery of essential services.”

About the Board Appointees:

Jeffrey Sleasman is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Boussole, a consumer goods startup and previously served as Director of Strategic Partnerships at Compass Biomedical. He lives Downtown with his family and is car-free. Jeff has been a dedicated transit rider for 30 years in four cities across two continents. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University and earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Strategy from Ohio State University.

Lauren Welch resides in the Edgewater neighborhood and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Communications at Say Yes Cleveland. She is the founder of Laurel Cadence, a marketing and advocacy firm and brings over 15 years of expertise in marketing, communications, and advocacy. She has used public transit since high school and continues to take transit regularly today. Lauren earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University and is currently undertaking a Masters of Nonprofit from Case Western Reserve University. 

Marjorie Chambers is the Chairperson of the Northeast Ohio Community Action Program Council (NEO-CAP) and member of the United Auto Workers Union. She is a skilled tradesperson and has worked at General Motors for over 40 years. Marjorie is a two-time graduate of Cuyahoga Community College and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Labor Relations from Cleveland State University.

Cohort to assist Mayor Justin Bibb’s new administration

SUBITTED

The City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Foundation today announced a partnership that will place a cohort of the foundation’s 2022-23 Public Service Fellows at City Hall to assist with Mayor Justin M. Bibb’s administration.

“Cleveland has a pipeline of talent in our civic sector,” said Mayor Bibb. “We are excited to welcome the cohort of Public Service Fellows to the City and look forward to partnering with the Cleveland Foundation to create new pathways to engage young people in local government.”

Launched in 2016, the fellowship immerses talented, emerging leaders from across the country in the work of Cleveland’s public sector, providing them an opportunity to develop their skills, enhance their networks, and jump-start a career in public service while contributing to the day-to-day workings of the city’s government.

“With November’s election marking the first mayoral change since the inception of our Public Service Fellowship, we saw this as a unique opportunity for this group of rising leaders to work with the new administration,” saidRonn Richard, Cleveland Foundation president & CEO. “This is a wonderful chance for a cohort of recent college graduates to lend their skills and experiences, while having a marked impact in our city as they receive mentorship from the talented professionals at City Hall.”

The fellowships are 12-month, full-time paid placements that include a $40,000 salary with health benefits. To be eligible, candidates must be college graduates who have earned their undergraduate degrees between spring 2019 and spring 2022. A wide range of degrees and areas of study are welcomed.

The application period is open now through Monday, March 7, and offers will be extended by the end of April. To learn more or to apply, visit ClevelandFoundation.org/student-resources/fellowship/.