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Chris Scott, the executive director of
the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, then addressed the
attendees about how the Caucus’ local organizations function
and what their main challenges are.
“How do we get people to know what we
are fighting for?” he explained about issues that were
raised during the restructuring of the Caucus. “And how do
we develop better cohesion?”
With respect to Toledo, he recounted
how Hicks-Hudson arrived in Columbus not very many months
ago to begin her term and almost immediately said that such
an off-shoot of the Caucus was needed in her home town. That
concern, of course, sparked the Caucus focus on bringing an
organization to Toledo.
As Scott further explained to the
group, going forward their challenges would be “how are you
organized and how are you using your collective strength?”
A discussion among the invitees
followed, led by the guidance of Scott and Hicks-Hudson.
Hicks-Hudson emphasized that the focus of the group should
not be directed by partisan concerns. Some persons invited
to the discussion, she noted, were not Democrats.
“The two operative words here are
‘legislative’ and ‘black,’” she said.
Hicks-Hudson closed the first session
with an admonition to the group about the seriousness of
their purpose.
“This group isn’t for everybody,” said
Hicks-Hudson. “We need people who are committed and can
check their egos at the door and can focus n the advancement
of the African-American community. Don’t come in here
thinking about yourselves or thinking of this as an addition
to your resume – it should not be about you but about the
benefit to this community. We have a serious opportunity to
make a difference so – thank you.”
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