By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
This past Thursday, August 8, the Frederick Douglass Community Association was the vibrant backdrop for an inspiring event: the Lunch with Leaders presented by the African American Leadership Council of the United Way of Greater Toledo. The gathering, centered on the theme of community wealth building and attracted a diverse group of attendees eager to explore innovative strategies for fostering economic growth and empowerment within our neighborhoods.
Setting the Stage for Change
The ambiance at “The Doug” was buzzing with anticipation as community members, local leaders, and business professionals convened for a luncheon that delivered rich discussions and actionable insights. The event underscored the United Way’s African American Leadership Council’s commitment to driving positive change and empowering local communities through strategic conversations about wealth building.
The discussion was organized by Jon Dorcely, United Way’s director of Marketing & Engagement, and moderated by Chandler Fitzgerald, financial advisor at Savage & Associates.
Fletcher Word: Leading Excellence in Media
The event kicked off with remarks from our publisher, Fletcher Word. As the owner and publisher of The Sojourner’s Truth, a northwest Ohio journalism cornerstone for the African American community, Word has profoundly impacted both local and national media.
He shared his insightful perspective on how media can drive community development, foster resilience, and advance community advocacy.
“The Truth has been a mainstay in Toledo for over two decades,” Word noted, highlighting the newspaper’s evolution and its significant impact.
Under his leadership, The Truth Toledo has expanded its readership to over 70,000 and has also launched The Truth Art Gallery, showcasing local and African artists. Word’s passion for journalism and his dedication to amplifying voices within our region were evident as he discussed the importance of local media in fostering community wealth and resilience.
Word spoke of The Truth’s involvement in activities designed to promote the growth of area Black-owned businesses. He referenced two sets of studies that have greatly influenced the paper’s involvement.
First, there are number of studies conducted in recent years about the disparity in wealth between Black and white households. Such studies point to a variance of between one to eight and one to 10. That is, on average Black households have accumulated wealth of around $18,000 compared to that of white households of $180,000.
Secondly, he pointed to a study conducted by LendingTree that was released a year ago which measured the financial well-being of Black households in the 100 most populated metropolitan areas of the USA. The study used five metrics to make the comparisons: household income, percentage of households with an income of over $100,000, average attainment of college degrees, homeownership rates and unemployment rates.
The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, for example, boasted the highest rate of financial well-being among the 100 most populated cities. Toledo ranked dead last – number 100.
The Truth, said Word, is involved with three projects in an effort to bring awareness of the impact that Black-owned businesses can have in the community. The first is the creation of the Toledo BlackMarketPlace, a website that is compiling a list of all area Black-owned businesses. The website is up and running and open for comments and updates.
Secondly, The Truth is involved with the efforts of the African American Legacy Project and Executive Director Robert Smith to revive the Dorr Street corridor and its lost history of the Black business district.
Third, The Truth, The Juice 107.3 and Stalwart Magazine – Toledo’s Black-owned media – have formed a Black Wall Street Community Development in order to bring Black business owners together to network, to find opportunities to promote their businesses and to engage with funders.
Carrie Morgan: Navigating Housing Decisions
Next, Carrie Morgan, vice president & Community Development Relationship manager at Huntington National Bank, took the stage.
Morgan brought a practical approach to the topic with her presentation on “Making Housing Decisions.” Drawing from the FDIC’s comprehensive pamphlet, she provided valuable insights into housing options, affordability, and key factors to consider when renting or buying a home.
Her presentation was both informative and interactive, offering us practical tools and resources to make informed housing decisions.
Her discussion vividly illustrated how financial institutions can play a pivotal role in supporting individuals and families in their pursuit of stable and affordable housing at all income levels.
“Understanding what you need and want in a home is crucial,” Morgan emphasized, while highlighting Huntington Bank’s commitment to community development.
“The City of Toledo is making significant strides to transform neighborhoods like Junction and Englewood into appealing areas for mixed-income families, ultimately enriching the diversity and vibrancy of our city’s overall portfolio.”
Kendra N. Smith: Investing in Health and Community
The final speaker, Kendra N. Smith, vice president of Community Health at Bon Secours Mercy Health, brought a powerful perspective on community wealth building from a health and wellness position. Smith, an esteemed leader with a wealth of experience in public health and urban development, shared her vision for integrating health initiatives with community investment.
She shared, “Access to care is something we take very seriously at Mercy medical. We invest in the community the same way we invest in people’s health—by providing resources, support, and creating opportunities for financial stability and growth.”
Smith then asked the audience: “Need help creating a budget to buy a house? Looking to repair your credit? Saving for college? Starting a business? We’re here to assist you.”
Focused on the intersection of health and economic stability, she remarked, “We know that the determinants to health and well-being are extremely multifaceted.”
It’s a well-established fact that financial security is a crucial element of overall wellness. To support this, Mercy operates a Financial Opportunity Center at their Health Clinic on Bancroft Street and Franklin Avenue, offering on-site access to a financial coach, free of charge.
A Unified Commitment to Empowerment
Throughout the luncheon, it became clear that the collective goal was to foster a more inclusive and equitable community. Each speaker, with their unique expertise, contributed to a broader conversation about how various sectors—media, finance, and healthcare—can collaborate to drive positive change.
The event was a testament to the power of community gatherings in sparking meaningful dialogue and most importantly, action.
Reflecting on the Impact
As the luncheon concluded, we departed with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. The discussions underscored the challenges our communities face while showcasing innovative solutions to address them.
The event was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience within our neighborhoods and the critical need for ongoing investment and collaboration.