KING-LINCOLN BRONZEVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION (KLBNA)
823 East Long Street Columbus, Ohio 43203 (614) 258-6842
Dr. Gordon Gee
President
205 Bricker Hall
230 N. Oval Mall
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio 43210
September 7, 2009
Dear President Gee,
Neighborhood residents, the CEC’s advisory board, community organization leaders as well the faith-based representatives have expressed extreme disappointment in Dr. Anthonia Kalu’s decision, to remove Dr. Judson L. Jeffries as Director of the African American and African Studies Community Extension Center (AAACEC) effective August 31, 2009. The neighborhood as a whole, believes that her actions have created a fracture in the relationship and expectations between the University and the Bronzeville Neighborhood. Furthermore, Dr. Kalu’s actions are contradictory to your commitment and vision as stated in the university’s strategic plan (accessible on the web). Dr. Jeffries has not only brought new energy to Bronzeville and the Mount Vernon area, but has created a number of well-received programs that have had a profound impact on Columbus residents. Indeed, the CEC is bustling like never before. Removing Dr. Jeffries as Director without consulting the above stated entities, was disrespectful and deceitful to the neighborhood, the CEC’s advisory board, community leaders, as well as the faith community.
In order to begin the process of mending this fracture, we must first, have an urgent open discussion with you and other appropriate university representatives; second, reinstate Dr. Jeffries as the Director of AAACEC with guarantee that he will be permitted to complete his remaining 2 years of his 5 year Directorship and third, we must establish a collaborative written protocol as it relates to the hiring and removal of Directors of AAACEC. These requests must be implemented if the University, AAACEC and the Neighborhood are to work in harmony in order to improve the quality of life of our residents, the caliber of University students and the university’s stature in the area of outreach and engagement where disenfranchised communities are involved.
I look forward to your response within five (5) business days of receipt of this letter. Please contact me if you have any questions (614) 580-4084 or by email, wbrown8858@sbcglobal.net
Sincerely,
Willis Brown
President