Dear Groundwork Friends, This week, we celebrate the life of Linda Brown, the brave student at the center of the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education. In 1951, Linda Brown’s father, along with the NAACP and several other parents, filed a class-action lawsuit against the Board of Education of the City of Topeka, Kansas that called for a reversal of the district’s policy that allowed “separate but equal” schools. After three years of arguments, the case was eventually heard by the Supreme Court, which determined that establishing separate schools for black and white students was unconstitutional. More than half a century later, we are still fighting to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to succeed. In Ohio, only 40% of children enter Kindergarten ready to learn each year. Upon deeper analysis, we find that a mere 23.9% of black students and 23% of Hispanic students demonstrate kindergarten readiness—and these gaps persist throughout K-12 schooling and into the workforce. Brown’s victory in 1954 was an invaluable first step toward creating equality for students, but child advocates today must work to ensure equity for those students who continue to be left behind. In Groundwork’s Ohio Early Childhood Race and Rural Equity Report, which will be released late in the spring of 2018, we hope to raise awareness around this problem, so that we can begin to close these gaps and ensure all children, regardless of race and geography, have a promising future. Warm personal regards, Shannon Jones Executive Director, Groundwork Ohio
Engaging with Gubernatorial Candidates
This week, Groundwork was excited to meet with gubernatorial candidate Representative Dennis Kucinich and his running mate City Councilwoman Tara Samples to discuss the importance of prioritizing early childhood education and healthcare. We thank Congressman Kucinich and Councilwoman Samples for their support of our important work! In the coming months, Groundwork is working to engage with all of the candidates to ensure that Ohio’s next governor prioritizes investments in our youngest learners. Check out www.voteforohiokids.org to learn more about our campaign with Ohio Children’s Hospital Association to put kids front and center during this year’s gubernatorial election. Be sure to join the coalition or donate to the campaign to show your support for Ohio kids!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Invest in Children's Annual Meeting
Tuesday, May 22nd | 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Holiday Inn, Rockside in Independence, OH
As a Federal Reserve Economist, Featured Keynote Presenter Art Rolnick conducted groundbreaking research on the economic impact of early childhood programs and help change the conversation on the benefits of investment in programs for young children. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.
HPIO's Social Determinants of Infant Mortality Webinar
Tuesday, April 10 | 11:30 am.
The Health Policy Institute of Ohio is hosting a webinar on key findings and recommendations from their report, A New Approach to Reduce Infant Mortality and Achieve Equity: Policy Recommendations to Improve Housing, Transportation, Education and Employment.
Voices for Ohio's Children is hosting Celebration for Ohio's Children!
April 13, 2018 | 8-9:30 AM
Jerry Sue Thornton Conference Center 2500 E 22nd St., Cleveland, OH 44115
The Voices Team and a supportive cross-section of children’s advocates, policymakers, and community business members will gather in Voices’ hometown of Cleveland for this special annual breakfast event, where we highlight Voices' successes and recognize Champions for Children. Click here to register.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Two promising approaches in Ohio
April 3, 2018 | 12 pm CT/1 pm ET
The Health Resources & Services Administration Region 5 Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Workgroup invites you to register for a webinar on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Two promising approaches in Ohio. The webinar will highlight Maternal Opiate Medical Supports (MOMS) and The Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnant Women Collaborative. Click here to register.