Statement in Support of the Families of Casey Goodson Jr. and Andre Hill

As 2020 comes to a close, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all who transitioned this year. Our community has been hit hard by the global pandemic of COVID-19 and the endemic of structural and systemic racism that exists in communities across Ohio and the nation.

All eyes are on Columbus this month. There have been two tragedies in the past few weeks where Black men have been executed at the hands of law enforcement. Before 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr. who was killed by Jason Meade was even laid to rest, 47-year-old Andre Hill was murdered by Adam Coy. While some city officials called for and carried out the firing of Adam Coy, we support both families in their demands for full accountability.

Jason Meade must be fired and along with Adam Coy, never allowed to work in law enforcement.
Jason Meade and Adam Coy must be immediately arrested.
Jason Meade and Adam Coy must be immediately interrogated. To date, neither of them have been questioned, so both have been afforded the opportunity to shape their narratives in their favor based on what has been shared publicly or shared with them through colleagues on the inside.

The heartbreaking news that no federal charges will be filed against the officers involved in the murder of Tamir Rice confirms the reason that Black people in America are unsafe. When the cold-blooded killing of a 12-year old playing in the snow near a recreation center can be justified, we have no faith in the “justice” system’s ability to protect us. We recognize that until there is accountability, the law enforcement officers that commit these crimes have no reason to think twice about killing us.

The Ohio Black Expo was founded to support and bring exposure to Black businesses. Strengthening Black businesses creates jobs and paves the way for generational wealth in our communities, addressing many of the issues that we continue to face. As we reflect on Nia (purpose) during this Kwanzaa season, our mission is to improve the quality of life for Black citizens in Ohio. We remain committed to that mission and we will continue to amplify organizations around the state that are also committed to this work.

May God bring comfort and peace to the individuals and families who are suffering.

Ohio Black Expo is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life, success and well-being for African-Americans in Ohio. Our initiatives focus on and address several areas that include: health, education, business and youth to name a few.

The founder of the Ohio Black Expo, Rhonda D. Robinson, was initially inspired to create the Columbus Black Expo after successfully registering 70 plus vendors for the Columbus Black Convention in 1980. The Columbus Black Expo was held at the Focal Point of Mt. Vernon Plaza from 1981-1987. After seven (7) years, realizing that the event was drawing people and vendors from around the state and beyond, she changed the name to the Ohio Black Expo to reflect what was happening.

The first Ohio Black Expo took place at Veterans Memorial in downtown Columbus. It was held there from 1988 through 1991, peaking at almost 300 exhibitors and over 30,000 attendees.