Initiatives

< Scholarship Programs >

We take immense pride in offering scholarships to African American students aspiring to pursue post-secondary education and vocational training. Collaborating with esteemed local institutions and organizations including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), IUPUC, Ivy Tech, and local churches, we have been providing these life-changing opportunities since 2014. In 2020, we expanded our efforts by launching three additional scholarships to promote diversity among teaching candidates in the BCSC system. Today, we are delighted to provide nine annual scholarships, enabling more students to pursue higher education.

< Supporting Educational Programs >

Since its inception in 2015, the Columbus Enrichment Program (CEP) has been a pillar of support, offering tutoring and academic assistance to Pre-K through 12th-grade students. Our dedicated tutors have guided numerous students to achieve honor roll status, equipping them for academic success. Moreover, the program goes beyond conventional academics, providing engaging cultural and life skills learning opportunities.

< Educational Events & Collaborations >

At AAF, we believe that education encompasses experiences beyond the confines of the classroom. In line with this philosophy, we organize community screenings of educational films like "Selma," "Hidden Figures," and "I Am Not Your Negro." Additionally, we have spearheaded enlightening initiatives such as the American Slave Coast Project and the Library Book Program to deepen our understanding of African American history and culture.

Working in close partnership with various community organizations, we conduct workshops and symposiums addressing racism, while also supporting career guidance programs such as "Life After High School." Our Virtual Speaker Series brings influential figures from the realms of arts, entrepreneurship, and social justice activism to inspire and educate our community.

< Community Projects >

Driven by a commitment to hands-on learning, we have introduced projects like the Lemonade Stand and Captain Cash, designed to teach children about business and financial decision-making. Additionally, our STEM Camps cater specifically to Black and Biracial youth, introducing them to the exciting realms of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Through these transformative initiatives, we not only focus on individual educational achievements but also foster a community of lifelong learners who embrace their history, recognize their potential, and hold the power to shape a brighter future. The African American Foundation proudly supports this educational journey.

AAF strives to uplift the African American community through mentorship programs, fostering positive self-esteem in African American youth, and preparing members for community board positions.

< Empowering Youth through Partnership >

Paths to Success has partnered with the Center for Leadership Development, in Indianapolis, to provide experiences that encourage personal development and educational attainment and leadership. In less than a year we have had 23 students participate in four of their programs, six of which have completed the Self Discovery Course, making most of them eligible to receive significant scholarships to 27 Partner Post-secondary institutions.

< Leadership Development Scholarships >

Our efforts in leadership development began in earnest in 2014 when we provided scholarships to Anthony Blair for the fall 2014 Leadership Bartholomew County Class and Ty Allen for the Dale Carnegie Class. Anthony Blair continued his leadership journey, attending the Coalition for Collaborative Leadership (CCL) in summer 2015 and finishing up the 2015 CCL class alongside Sandra Miles.

< Board Members’ Achievements >

We are proud of the achievements of our board members. In 2016, Anthony Blair and Sandra Miles completed the Coalition for Collaborative Leadership program. Anthony Blair also distinguished himself as the MVP of his class in the Dale Carnegie Leadership Class. In 2017, Wayne DeFritas was another beneficiary of an AAF scholarship, attending the Dale Carnegie class in the fall.

Our board members' dedication to community improvement doesn't go unnoticed. In 2015, two AAFBC members, Lorraine Smith and Gil Palmer, received the Columbus Human Rights Commission's 2015 William R. Laws Human Rights Award, a recognition that highlights their dedication and commitment to the cause.

< Keynote Speaker at Youth Empowerment Summit >

In 2022, we partnered with the Council for Youth Development, Tufuturo, and the Human Rights Commission to host the Youth Empowerment Summit. This event provided a platform for diverse high school students to engage in activities designed to build leadership skills, encourage personal action, and create a more inclusive, supportive community. With inspiring messages from local leaders like Tyshaun Allen, the summit focused on valuable life skills including adulting basics, organization, and fostering a sense of belonging.

The African American Foundation (AAF) is steadfast in its mission to uplift the African American community, with one of our key focus areas being Economic and Career Development. We endeavor to encourage economic opportunities, disseminate career development best practices, and provide valuable support for businesses, including startups.

< Collaborations with Cummins African and African American Affinity Group (CAAAAG) >

Since 2014, we've established a strong partnership with the Cummins African and African American Affinity Group (CAAAAG). Our collaboration began with a dialogue session where our founding member, Tom Harmon, was invited to address the Columbus's Cummins African and African American Affinity Group.

Recognizing the value of networking and sharing ideas, we held our first networking mixer with CAAAAG on October 2, 2014. The event was an encouraging success and led to our decision to make the mixer an annual tradition.

< Annual Networking Mixers >

The following year, we hosted another networking mixer on June 25, 2015. With over 80 people in attendance, the event proved to be a valuable platform for sharing insights, fostering connections, and promoting economic opportunities.

In 2016, we continued the tradition by organizing another networking mixer. The event, held at the Indigo Hotel, drew an impressive turnout of over 80 attendees. The mixer was not only a testament to the growing interest in our initiatives but also proof of our collective commitment to economic and career development within the African American community.

The African American Foundation (AAF) is committed to empowering our community in various ways, with one of our crucial focal areas being Health Awareness. This initiative aims to provide vital health information, encourage the uptake of wellness programs, and establish connections with health coaches. Our efforts over the years demonstrate our dedication to promoting healthier lifestyles within the African American community.

< Promotion of Healthier Eating >

In 2014, we launched an initiative to promote healthier eating habits within our community. Paulette Roberts led a 6-week class at Second Baptist Church, where she taught participants how to adjust the recipes of traditional African American dishes for healthier options. This program had a substantial impact, spurring interest and knowledge about nutrition and health.

< Partnership with Columbus Regional Hospital >

In 2015, our founders Lori Thompson and Gil Palmer attended the Blue Zone presentation hosted by Columbus Regional Hospital. This initiative, along with our ongoing plans for additional cooking classes, signifies our continuous commitment to health education. The same year, Columbus Regional Health sought our support for an experimental program designed to engage the African American community, showcasing our reputation as trusted health advocates.

< A Taste of Africa Luncheon >

In 2016, we built on our successes by hosting the "Taste of Africa" luncheon. Paulette Roberts led this event, offering healthier alternatives to traditional recipes, proving that healthier choices do not have to sacrifice flavor or cultural significance. Through these endeavors, the Health Awareness initiative continues to make strides towards a healthier African American community.

The African American Foundation (AAF) is deeply committed to fostering an appreciation for Afrocentric arts and culture within our community. Our Arts & Culture Initiative is designed to facilitate access to local, regional, national, and international forums, support Afrocentric entertainment, promote speakers on pertinent issues, and offer educational opportunities that broaden cultural awareness among the youth. Our active participation in various activities over the years underscores our commitment to this cause.

< Promotion of Cultural Understanding and Appreciation >

We have consistently sponsored and participated in events that foster cultural appreciation and understanding. In 2014, we presented the history of Underground Railroad quilting to the Foundation for Youth Heritage Fund Program and spoke about the history of Blacks in Columbus at the Bartholomew County Genealogical Society. Similarly, we supported the Arts for AIDS event and organized the Langston Hughes Project 'Ask Your Mama—12 Moods for Jazz' in collaboration with Grannies Connection in 2015, which celebrated Black heritage through poetry and music.

< Advocacy for Social Issues >

Our initiative also advocates for social issues through arts and culture. Over the years, we have supported the MLK Day community breakfast, lunch, and afternoon programs to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We have also consistently recognized World AIDS Day through the Arts for AIDS event, encouraging continuous education and activism.

<Support for Local Talents and Events >

We value and promote local talents and events. In 2016, we sponsored Paula Dione Ingram's show, "Dark Legacy: Bright Lights of Black Broadway," and the Juneteenth Celebration, commemorating the end of slavery. We have co-sponsored various events, such as "Columbus Got Talent" and a cabaret featuring Billy Porter, and supported the National Poetry Month celebration in 2018, featuring Indiana’s Poet Laureate, Adrian Matejka.

< Fostering Philanthropy and Championing Social Justice >

Our efforts also extend to promoting philanthropy and social justice. In 2019, we celebrated the local African-American community's philanthropic efforts through "The Soul of Philanthropy" exhibit. In 2020, we launched a virtual film series in collaboration with community sponsors to foster dialogue around diversity, equity, and social justice, culminating in the Amplify Film Festival. In 2023, we invested in the Black History Columbus initiative, a project aimed at preserving and promoting local Black history, and fostering community healing through education and shared experiences. This initiative amplifies our ongoing commitment to celebrating cultural heritage and advocating for inclusivity. Through these and more initiatives, we continue to uplift and celebrate the African-American community's cultural heritage.