Black History Month in Action

While driving through a small town displaying banners with the photos of local veterans, Bexley’s Chamber of Commerce Director and BMPA Executive Board Member Bryan Drewry thought, why not do this to celebrate Black History Month? Working together with the Bexley Minority Parents Alliance (BMPA) and the City of Bexley, he made it happen.

Starting this month, the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance and City of Bexley is unveiling the Flag Banners Program. The Flag Banners Program celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of current and former residents and employees who have left an indelible mark on the community. This educational program is a tribute to individuals from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, each contributing in their own way to shape Bexley into the special community it is today.

“We believe in recognizing and celebrating the remarkable stories of individuals who have dedicated themselves to making Bexley a vibrant and thriving community. The Flag Banners Program aims to showcase the rich tapestry of contributions from our African American community members,” Bryan says. “The program will feature flag banners displayed prominently throughout Bexley in February, each telling the story of a resident or employee who has positively impacted the community. These banners serve as a visual testament to the collective achievements that have shaped Bexley.”

It's a good way for people to get to know their neighbors,” Bryan says. “Moving forward there could be a nomination process. So it'll be a nice tradition.”

Camille Seals currently serves as Columbus School for Girls’ Head of School. At an institution that has shown continued commitment to empowering young women from all walks of life, Camille is committed to representing what it means to be a woman of color in leadership today. Reiterating the crucial concept that anyone can be a strong leader, Seals believes in cultivating “windows and mirrors” opportunities in schools, where students can learn of other people’s stories while also seeing their own personal stories celebrated in their school. This year, CSG launched a new signature program called “The Institute for Innovation & Leadership,” which provides dynamic, experiential learning opportunties for students through six centers of academic programming. On the topic of her current position, Seals says “All children benefit from seeing diverse representation in leadership, locally, nationally, and globally.”

As a resident of Bexley since 2005, Cecil Gouke has dedicated much of his time and energy to local advocacy. From his work in nonprofits to serving on the Bexley Community Foundation board, Gouke has worked alongside city residents and officials to make critical changes to our town. As a father of two twin teenagers, Alexander and Nicholas, he felt a responsibility to fight for Bexley to be an accepting place to call home. This goal came to manifest itself it many ways, including working tirelessly with the Bexley Coalition for Equitable Policing to select our current police chief and collaborating with our police department to develop a youth interaction policy. Gouke’s message to all residents is to “Find your passion, find your purpose, and join the chorus of voices weaving a brighter future for our community.”

Manika Williams is a passionate leader In diversity and equality in the Bexley area and beyond. She has made great strides locally as she is a founding member of the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance (BMPA), an organization established to build community among minority families and the school district and staff.

Manika Williams hails from The Queen City, Cincinnati, and is a graduate of Tuskegee University in Alabama.  She is an outgoing, loving and compassionate mother of two kind and talented children, who live here in Bexley.  

Manika works in Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Ohio National Guard Adjutant General’s Office. Manika is a proud Active Duty Air Force veteran and a civilian with the Department of Defense. While on Active Duty, she served with distinction at Air Force bases in Central America, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and South Carolina prior to separating and moving to Columbus.  

In the central Ohio community, she has been an active servant leader in county government, nonprofit leadership, private real estate investment, and has spearheaded successful entrepreneurial ventures.

Manika is the inspiration for and a founding member of the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance (BMPA), an organization established in 2015 to create a healthy community among minority families and the school district. The alliance has been successful in providing positive programming in the city and with the school district to foster an accessible and equitable experience for all families. She is also a founding member of the Columbus Coalition of Communities for DEI, an alliance for collaborative action among communities in Central Ohio. 

She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a member of Jack and Jill of America, Columbus Chapter. Manika blooms where planted and is committed to service for the advancement of all humanity.

Dr. Jenn Kelly currently serves as Capital University’s first Black Dean of the School of Education. On the accomplishment, she says “It gives me a sense of pride. My father passed away in 1991 during my senior year of college and never saw me become a teacher. Education was extremely important in my family, so becoming a dean for the School of Education is truly an accomplishment.” Seals described how rewarding it is to experience the stories of Capital students of color being inspired by her representational leadership. Dr. Kelly has sat on Capital’s faculty since 1999 and perviously served as Associate Dean for Clinical Partnerships for the School of Education.

The inaugural banners celebrate:

David White

Manika Williams

Jonathan Baker

Courtney Baker

Gary Lewis

Dr. Jenn Kelly

Kristen Sharp

Kumi Walker

Camille Seals

Shane Roberts

Thea Barbour Harms

Destiny Ward

Taylor Harris

Rev. Marmaduke Carter

Bowles Ford

Sam Marcellino

Leisan Smith

Natalie Coles

Alissha Mitchell

Cecil Gouke

Bryan Drewry