By ColumbusBlack.com Staff
The Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom at The Ohio State University was filled with energy, pride, and purpose as the 19th edition of Who’s Who in Black Columbus was unveiled. Leaders from business, government, health care, education, faith, and the arts gathered to honor Black excellence and recommit to advancing the Columbus community.
A Powerful Opening: Music, Culture & Celebration
The evening began with the African American Voices Gospel Choir of The Ohio State University leading the audience in Lift Every Voice and Sing. Their stirring harmonies transformed the ballroom into a place of reflection, unity, and cultural pride.
NBC4 Today morning co-anchor Matt Barnes served as host, blending humor with hometown gratitude.
He encouraged guests 
to share the moment using #WWIBColumbus, ensuring that the story of Black excellence in Central Ohio reached far beyond the ballroom.
“Black excellence is not just a moment — it’s a movement.”
— Derrick R. Clay, CEO, Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Honoring the 2025 Leaders of Today & Tomorrow
This year’s edition features more than 500 honorees across multiple sectors. Leadership contributors included:
- Karen Jefferson Morrison (OhioHealth) – Foreword Writer
- Derrick R. Clay (Columbus Chamber of Commerce) – Introduction Writer
Clay’s message underscored the depth of innovation, leadership, and vision within Central Ohio’s Black community.
Living Legends & Game Changers Recognized
Two groups received special recognition for their impact:
2025 Living Legends
- Vivian Jackson-Anderson – Celebrated for decades of leadership and advocacy with organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women.
- Kwesi Kambon – Honored for championing equity and access through Columbus’ Metro Parks system.
2025 Game Changers
Honorees included dynamic leaders in media, philanthropy, mental health, higher education, entrepreneurship, and public service—each applauded for pushing boundaries and opening doors that expand opportunity across the region.
Delta Dental Highlights Health Equity & Honors Black Nurses
Presenting sponsor Delta Dental of Ohio emphasized a critical health equity gap: more than 14% of Americans identify as Black, yet fewer than 4% of American dentists are Black. The organization spotlighted its scholarship and loan repayment initiatives supporting aspiring Black dentists, including Doctors Kimani and Jelani Hollivan.
Delta Dental then presented the 2025 Vibe Award to the Columbus Black Nurses Association. Described as “small but mighty,” the group spoke passionately about serving the community through health screenings, first-aid support, and education.
“Nurses are like diamonds — under pressure, they don’t fall.”
— Columbus Black Nurses Association
Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute to Congresswoman Joyce Beatty
The emotional highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. Through video tributes and live remarks, national and local leaders praised her decades of service in civil rights, economic empowerment, and public leadership.
Beatty reflected on her journey from “a little Black girl from Dayton, Ohio” to a national figure and delivered a powerful message:
“We are not going back.”
She urged attendees to defend Black history, support Black businesses, uplift youth, engage civically, and vote.
Investing in the Future: James & Cathy Mock Annual Golf Classic
Dr. Carter D. Womack announced that beginning in 2026, Who’s Who in Black Columbus will officially support the James and Cathy Mock Annual Golf Classic—an event dedicated to raising scholarships and strengthening youth programming throughout Central Ohio.
A Night of Celebration & A Call to Action
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of this year’s cover featuring Congresswoman
Beatty and the message “We Are Better With Beatty.” Guests enjoyed a dessert reception and received their copies of the 19th edition.
More than a celebration, the evening served as a reminder that Black excellence in Columbus is ongoing—and the responsibility to build, uplift, and advance the community belongs to all of us.
#WWIBColumbus #BlackExcellence #ColumbusBlack #HonorTheLegacy #BuildTheFuture #BetterWithBeatty
Photo Cred: Ira Graham III Photography
