Here to serve
By Kristopher Jackson For Kwesi Kambon, service is not a slogan. It is the thread running through his life, from a childhood on Columbus’ east side to decades of work in schools, mentoring and community leadership. Kambon grew up in Windsor Terrace, the second oldest of five. His father was absent, but the neighborhood stepped in. “Had it not been for Black men who mentored me, I wouldn’t have made it,” he said. “Even without a dad at home, I felt blessed.” At East High School, he was elected student
Vivian Anderson Jackson: A Life of Vision and Value
By Kristopher Jackson Vivian Anderson Jackson has built her life on a simple but profound principle: service is not optional — it is necessary. A native of Georgia, she has spent more than four decades transforming communities across Ohio through health advocacy, education, and unwavering leadership. Her journey, marked by resilience, compassion, and conviction, reflects a legacy of lifting others as she climbs. Jackson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Norfolk State University, with a minor in psychology. Determined to expand her expertise,
The Honorable U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty Receives Who’s Who In Black Columbus 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Who's Who in Black Columbus at a signature event on Nov. 20, 2025. The award recognizes her extensive career in public service and advocacy for Black communities. Who's Who In Black Columbus is part of the national Who's Who In Black series that celebrates Black excellence across America. Since 2013, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty has served as a powerful voice for Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District in Franklin County, which includes much of Columbus. On Capitol Hill, she has fought
Karen Morrison Named Foreword Writer for 19th Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus
Date: August 6, 2025 COLUMBUS, OH — Who’s Who In Black Columbus is proud to announce Karen Jefferson Morrison, President of the OhioHealth Foundation and Senior Vice President at OhioHealth, as the official foreword writer for the publication’s upcoming 19th edition. With more than 30 years of leadership at OhioHealth, Morrison is a respected healthcare executive, lobbyist, and philanthropist whose influence spans local, state, and national platforms. She leads strategy for external relations, overseeing community health, government affairs, and corporate reinvestment for one of the nation's top ten
Derrick R. Clay to Write Introduction for 2025 Who’s Who In Black Columbus
COLUMBUS, OH — Who’s Who In Black Columbus is proud to announce that Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, will author the introduction for the 19th edition of the annual publication. A respected civic and business leader, Clay brings decades of experience in public affairs, economic development, and strategic leadership. His message will open a publication that honors Black excellence and showcases individuals shaping the future of Columbus. “Derrick Clay represents the leadership, innovation and commitment to equity that aligns with our mission,”
U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Columbus, OH – Who’s Who In Black Columbus is proud to announce that U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in its upcoming 2025 edition. This honor recognizes Beatty’s exceptional legacy of leadership, public service, and lifelong advocacy for civil rights and equity. “It’s an honor to be recognized by Who’s Who In Black Columbus with this prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside so many brilliant Black changemakers in our community,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “I’m grateful for the recognition of my commitment and passion for the
Shayla D. Favor Delivers on Promises to Better Quality of Life for Columbus, Ohio Residents
Columbus City Councilmember Shayla D. Favor has been serving on the City Council since she was appointed to fill an unexpired term on January 14, 2019. She was elected to a full term in November 2019 and re-elected in November 2023, where she received more votes than any candidate on the ballot in Columbus. Most recently Favor has been named a Real Times Media Who's Who In Black notable for her work on behalf of the residents of Columbus Ohio. "On behalf of the Who's Who In Black
Gene Smith named Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree for ‘Who’s Who In Black Columbus’
Gene Smith, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director, The Ohio State University, has been named the Who’s 'Who In Black Columbus' 18th edition’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Smith will be honored during the edition’s networking reception and book reveal on Nov. 21, 2024, at The Ohio State University’s Archie Griffin Ballroom. “Our team at 'Who’s Who In Black Columbus' is excited to name Gene Smith as our Lifetime Achievement Honoree,” says Dr. Carter D. Womack, Chief Operating Officer, 'Who’s Who In Black.' “He is known
Nationwide’s Vinita Clements to Pen Introduction for 18th Edition of ‘Who’s Who In Black Columbus’
'Who’s Who In Black Columbus' set for Nov. 21st reveal Nationwide Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Vinita Clements will pen the introduction for the upcoming 18th edition of 'Who's Who In Black Columbus.' This edition's networking reception and book reveal will be held on Nov. 21, 2024, at The Ohio State University's Archie Griffin Ballroom. "Since its inception, 'Who's Who In Black' has been a celebration of Black excellence and a catalyst for empowerment," says Clements, who is responsible for leading Nationwide's human resources, diversity, equity and
Attorney Alex Shumate to pen foreword for 18th edition Who’s Who In Black Columbus
Who’s Who in Black Columbus 18th edition set for Nov. 21st reveal Squire Patton Boggs Senior Partner and attorney, Alex Shumate will pen the foreword for the upcoming 18th edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus. This edition’s networking reception and book reveal will be held on Nov. 21, 2024, at The Ohio State University’s Archie Griffin Ballroom. “For more than three decades, Who’s Who In Black has been at the forefront of elevating Black culture, Black achievement and Black people in America,” says Shumate. “I am honored