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What does it mean to be a Black man in Central Ohio in 2026? In Central Ohio, Black men face a unique and often underexamined set of challenges — and opportunities — shaped by generations of systemic inequities and the evolving dynamics of a rapidly growing region. Black men continue to be disproportionately affected by disparities in health, education, income, and incarceration. We’ll explore the realities of navigating mental health stigma, economic exclusion, and public safety concerns — while spotlighting the resilience, innovation, and leadership that define the community.
From grassroots wellness initiatives and cultural entrepreneurship to academic research and policy advocacy, our panelists will share lived experiences and forward-looking strategies. We’ll examine what resources are still missing, what systems need to change, and what strengths offer hope for a more equitable future.
Featuring Jason Jenkins, Chief Diversity Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, City of Columbus; Duwain Pinder, Partner, McKinsey & Company; Marshall Shorts, Founder and Design Principal of Artfluential™ and Creative Director, Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC), with moderator Corey Favor, Senior Director of Community Engagement, Orange Barrel Media.
If you would like to dive more deeply into this topic, our friends at the Columbus Metropolitan Library suggest checking out The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power, by Courtney B. Vance, 2023.
Photographs by: Ian Alexander Photography