Diversity + Inclusion
As a member of the South Dakota-based Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, lifelong Clevelander, and chairperson of the Lake Erie Native American Council (LENAC), Marlys Rambeau is accustomed to area organizations approaching her when they need a Native American to play a role in a theatrical production, but she says people usually just want someone who can play a stereotypical part. They’re not always interested in depicting the true Native American cultural story.
Cleveland’s feminist chorus, Windsong, is celebrating an anniversary almost as old as modern-day feminism itself. This little-known cultural gem began 40 years ago with just a few members and has grown into a thriving arts mainstay since becoming official in 2002.
Your spirits will be instantly uplifted within mere seconds of sitting down with Karen McAlpine. The 38-year-old mother of three radiates a positive energy that is no less than supremely infectious. Currently, McAlpine is seeking an opportunity to channel her gift of an inspiring personality into a career where she can help people, make a difference, and somehow give back. Her ever-present smile only falters when she reflects on her experiences trying to secure such a job.
From its perch atop a hill in Shaker Square-Buckeye, the Benjamin Rose Institute for Aging boasts an expansive view of Cleveland and its skyline that makes it easy to feel like anything is possible—and that was exactly the vibe at the conclusion of the Early Childhood Equity Forum, held there last Friday, April 12.
After going dark last summer, Night Market Cleveland returns to Rockwell Avenue and E. 21st St. on Friday, June 21, for an all-new season of food, music, and family entertainment—and even more opportunities for visitors and locals alike to get to know this small, often insular, community.
When Kent Whitley talks about environmental issues, he doesn’t start with words like “sustainability” or terms like “carbon footprint."
“It’s so hard to talk with these big words. You have to go to the dictionary,” he says with a laugh.
Instead he brings the issues down to earth, to air, and to water.
“I say, ‘The lake is dirty...and it’s affecting you.’”
That kind of bluntness is how Whitley and others plan to convince African Americans that they have a stake in environmental policy.
“It’s so hard to talk with these big words. You have to go to the dictionary,” he says with a laugh.
Instead he brings the issues down to earth, to air, and to water.
“I say, ‘The lake is dirty...and it’s affecting you.’”
That kind of bluntness is how Whitley and others plan to convince African Americans that they have a stake in environmental policy.
Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz is quoted as saying, “The only sustainable prosperity is shared prosperity.” Northeast Ohio still has a long way to go on that front, though the region is working diligently to decrease the gap. FreshWater's new "CLE Means We: Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Cleveland" series will highlight innovative programs and emerging leaders driving equity and inclusion in Cleveland. Click here to learn more about it.
When Lakewood resident Katie Tackett started her Muse Room podcast in late 2018, fellow podcaster Katie Dalebout shared some sage wisdom: “Podcasting is the new networking.” This assertion rings true for just about every podcaster—affording the chance to curate a dream lineup of interviewees—and we listeners get to go along for the ride.
Though minority business owners comprise just 29 percent of the overall economy, minority restaurateurs make up 40 percent of that sector—with that number steadily rising. Cleveland’s own culinary scene has also made strides in supporting minority food business owners, with Latino Restaurant Week and Quicken Loans Arena's Launch Test Kitchen. A new dinner series, Culture.CLE, is the newest local initiative aimed at bringing Cleveland’s ethnic restaurateurs to the forefront.
Auden & Company's Janae Bryson is changing the media game by starting a stock photography business aimed at promoting positive images of people of color.
Bullying doesn’t stop at school—workplace bullying is on the rise, with more than 60 million U.S. workers affected. Yet the U.S. is the only industrialized Western nation not to have laws against abusive workplace conduct. In light of that reality, Lauren Welch and Bethany Studenic are making it their mission to combat toxic workplace culture with The Scarlet Letters Project.
Each year, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage sponsors a “Stop the Hate Youth Speak Out” essay writing contest—designed to empower youth in grades six through 12 to confront issues such as racism, homophobia, ableism, and xenophobia. This Thursday, March 14, this year's winners will be announced at a special ceremony that is free and open to the public.
As part of our editorial calendar for FreshWater, we select a different theme to highlight each month in line with our 15 focus areas (which range from social change to technology). For February, we're turning our lens on Diversity + Inclusion—find out what's on the FreshWater team's radar right now.
It’s never easy when a loved one is hospitalized—often, the family caregivers forget to care for themselves. With more than 2,000 Orthodox Jewish families living in the Cleveland area—the majority of whom live in Cleveland Heights, University Heights, and the Green Road area of Beachwood—the tenets of their faith can make a hospital stay particularly hard. The new Bikur Cholim room at MetroHealth's Cleveland Heights campus is helping to make the experience easier for all.
When Julia Gramenz and Abbey Markiewitz started Fetch & Co. boutique in October 2017 in Markiewitz’ basement with just a couple of clothing racks and a fitting room, they had one mission in mind: To offer unique clothing in a range of sizes that would fit every woman.
In March, Lake County’s Deepwood Dancers are set to compete in the 2019 Special Olympic Games in Abu Dhabi—with a little help from Northeast Ohioans. The trip is being made possible entirely via donations, and they're currently running a GoFundMe fundraising campaign to make it happen.
Starting today, YWCA Greater Cleveland will distribute posters to those participating in the 2019 Women’s March taking place this Saturday, January 19, in Public Square. Signs are available for pick up at the YWCA administrative offices (4019 Prospect Avenue) before 7:00 p.m. today, Thursday and Friday, as well as from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday.
When Mark and Bill Corcoran laid eyes on an elegant ballroom stage in their new senior living community at Judson Manor, Bill got a glimpse of the retired couple’s "second act"—bringing professional theatre to University Circle.
Fifty “strong, stylish and successful women of Northeast Ohio” gathered inside the Heyday Collective (a sprawling lofted sanctuary of self-care nestled above Forest City Shuffleboard) on Sunday, November 4, to toast the launch of Modern CLE—the new digital magazine created by award-winning journalist Jillian Kramer.