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In 2008, the newspaper opened the Truth Gallery in its
offices in the downtown area. The 2,000 square foot gallery
features the works of local and African artists.
Word is a native of New York and was reared in the
Washington D.C. area. He attended Harvard
College, graduating with a degree in government. The father
of two currently serves on boards of the Toledo Federal
Credit Union and the Center of Hope Family Services.
In addition to the Sojourner' Truth, Word is a frequent
contributor on local television shows as a political
analyst.
Word is an unsung hero in the world of journalism. His
passion to report information correctly and factually is
one of the reasons the newspaper became “The Truth"
reflecting a time in history when Sojourner Truth was an
abolitionist who spoke on many rights. Her poem, "Ain't I a
Women" talks about not just being a women, but black women
and their right to vote. His vision started 18 years ago.
Many groups and organizations from the community came
together to honor Word. He was presented with plaques from
the Toledo Club of the NANBPWC; a proclamation from Toledo
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz (by Marquita Scott Chong);
resolutions from Toledo City Council via Councilmen Larry
Sykes and Tyrone Riley; NANBPWC North Central District
Governor LaTaunya V. Conley, PhD; Rhonda Sewell on behalf of
the Toledo Public Library and the Black Media Association;
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and Suzette Cowell
from the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union.
Program participants were Chrystal Harris Darnell - mistress
of ceremony; Frances Collins, PhD, Toledo Club president; La
Taunya V. Conley, PhD, North Central District
governor; Denise Black-Poon 1st vice president, program
chairman and NCD Protocol chairman; Jada Collins - Youth
Club vice president; Clara Brank, Fundraiser
co-chairman; Wanda Terrell Galloway- Leadership; Alexii
Collins- 2nd vice president, NCD Youth Leader,
and Technology chairman.
Inez James, president of the Lorain Club, was a featured
guest artist who did a wonderful portrayal of Sojourner
Truth that captured the audience's attention. She talked
about the times when Sojourner Truth gave one of the
most famous abolitionist and women's rights speeches in
American History, "Ain't I a Woman?"
Denise and Larry Cardwell catered and served dinner to the
special guest in attendance. .
Other club members in attendance were Donna Todd, Mary
Dawson, Delores Bates, Deborah Carlisle, Beverly Tucker
Barbara Tucker, BJ Tucker,
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