News and Notes
2023 Asian American Coalition of Ohio’s Internship Award Gala
Incoming Cincinnatus Association President, Rhonda Holyfield-Mangieri represented the Association at the 2023 Asian American Coalition of Ohio’s Internship Award Gala on July 30, 2023.
The AACO Youth Internship Program provides real work experiences for API youth leaders by collaborating with government offices and non-profit organizations.
The various internships were served at the Cincinnati Department of Engineering and
Transportation, Warren County Health District, State Representative Sedrick Denson’s Office, Warren County Auditor, and other offices.
In addition to Rhonda, other guest speakers were: Representative Greg Landsman, Judge Marilyn Zayas, Commissioner Stephanie Dumas, and Representative Sedrick Denson.
Michelle Young serves as Chair of AACO’s Advisory Board.
2022 Education Awards Banquet Canceled
Please CLICK HERE for communication regarding the cancellation of the 2022 Education Awards ceremony.
The Cincinnatus Association appreciates the outstanding contributions of the many teachers, administrators, and volunteers to our Greater Cincinnati community and looks forward to celebrating them at the February 2023 event.
Cincinnatus Guest Editorial On Issue 3
CLICK HERE to see the recent Cincinnati Enquirer guest editorial from Cincinnatus president Connie Roesch about Issue 3.
Our New Focus: The Cincinnati Dream
The Cincinnatus Association has approved a new focus, “The Cincinnati Dream.” It represents our intention to follow-up on our previous focus, “The American Dream,” with greater attention on local needs, as articulated in the purpose statement that accompanies the new focus: “We envision a just and equitable city – one where the benefits of our region are not the privilege of some but accessible to all. We will be citizen crusaders for this cause.” Our panels and committees are now engaged in aligning their work with this new focus and purpose statement.
Spencer Awards Presented
The 2021 Donald and Marian Spencer Spirit of America” Awards were presented to five recipients during our sixth annual banquet on May 12, 2021. Held virtually due the COVID-19 restrictions, the event was nonetheless inspirational and a celebration of the civil rights values that exemplified by Mr. and Mrs. Spencer’s lives. Congratulations to our nonprofit winners: the American Jewish Committee Cincinnati, Franciscan Ministries, and the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati. Also, to our for-profit winners: Fifth Third Bank and JANCOA Janitorial services.
Affordable Housing: An Ongoing Crisis
In keeping with our focus on “The Cincinnati Dream”, the Cincinnatus Association recognizes that the affordable housing crisis is affecting thousands of households in Hamilton County and across the nation. The lack of housing for citizens who are seeking safe and affordable dwellings is a cause for which we will crusade. In the interest of providing awareness of this growing crisis, Cincinnatus Association offers this presentation for the community’s education.
Statement on Attacks Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
The Cincinnatus Association stands with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and other voices raised in anguish over the violent attacks on the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. As the Freedom Center’s statement eloquently declares:
“We implore every American to demand for each other the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness our nation was founded upon. We challenge each other to be curious, to be open and to understand our differences so that we can enjoy the vibrancy that can occur when you see all colors. Above all, we demand compassion and empathy for our fellow human.”
Plans for Equality and Opportunity Needed Locally
In 2020, after the death of George Floyd, the Cincinnatus Association published an open letter to the city in the Cincinnati Herald and the Cincinnati Enquirer, recognizing Mr. Floyd’s death as a clarion calling our community to action. Plans and policies that provide equity and opportunity are needed locally, statewide and nationally.
Urging City Hall To Put People Over PACs
This year is the 100th anniversary Cincinnatus Association, founded in response to rampant corruption at City Hall. Cincinnatus members stood at the forefront of the movement to remake local governance to reduce dysfunction and graft. A city manager and a civil service system took the power of patronage out of the hands of the political bosses. Our city’s charter was born.