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For the past year, AAI chairwoman and community
leader Jacqueline Rivers, an account executive for Adams
Street Publishing, has led the group’s renewed efforts. She
spent a year creating a strategic leadership plan and has
been tremendously successful in recruiting top
African-American leaders to lead the group toward a more
effective agenda.
“I chose to be a part of the African American Initiative
because of the positive, progressive and focused effort that
is visible within the group and its overall mission,” Rivers
said of her willingness to go from an active member of
AAI to serving as its chairman. “I truly can see us
gaining momentum and increasing our impact within education,
income, and health.”
When asked why she feels AAI has been so successful
in their efforts recently, she credited those who helped
found the Initiative. “We would be remiss not to
mention the community-minded individuals who began AAI.
Without their vision, we would not be able to have this
discussion about our progress and success.”
Some of those founding members include a wealth of
African-American leaders and community advocates such as
Charles Rice, Melvin Womack, Deborah Barnett, Edna
Robertson, Jimmy Gaines and others.
When the group began, it was members of the faith community
who really helped get the Initiative going, not only
with volunteers but also financially. Those institutions
include Reverend John. E. Roberts of Indiana Baptist Church,
the late Reverend Robert P. Wormely of Southern Missionary
Baptist Church and Bishop Duane C. Tisdale of Friendship
Baptist Church.
Each of these groups gave to the Initiative at the
leadership giving level of $1,000 each for a period of time.
Other supporters include Lucas County Common Pleas Judge
Charles Doneghy and his wife Lera, Rodney Eason of Fifth
Third Bank, Tamara Williams of Owens Community College and
longtime supporter and retired Toledo Public Schools
administrator Beverly A. Tucker.
As the United Way gets ready for its annual campaign
kickoff, Rivers wants everyone in the community, regardless
of their race or ethnicity, to designate a portion or their
entire gift to the United Way African American Initiative.
“The most important reason you should give to the
Initiative through the annual United Way Campaign is to
be a part of the solution. You have the opportunity to join
with others who are playing a part in solving problems that
are facing African-Americans in our community and all kids
as it pertains to childhood obesity. Together, we can make a
big difference and impact the lives of our family, friends,
and neighbors. Now, who wouldn’t want to do that?” said
Rivers.
This is the first in a series of four articles highlighting
the United Way African American Initiative. |
