Kimberley Mason: Bridging Gaps and Championing Reform in Columbus City Schools

Aleena Starks of Ohio Working Families Party and guest host Jasmine Ayers join us on the podcast for a conversation on progressive politics statewide. They explore the challenges of running as progressives, the flaws in traditional and establishment Democratic strategy and the importance of bringing in Black voters. They also talk about their personal journeys to progressive politics, building community power and the pressing need for authentic candidates. Subscribe to Columbus Can't Wait on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ for video.Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Dr. Jermaine Kennedy, in our final Columbus City School board candidate interview, discusses his personal journey from being a troubled student to an education leader.We cover his background, the critical role of mentorship played in his life, and his work in community and educational organizations. He also shares his thoughts on school closures, budget issues and building partnerships for student support and success.Please note: We reached out to all candidates in the Columbus City School board race.Hosted by Taijuan. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Our next school board candidate is Dr. Antoinette Miranda. She joins us on the podcast to discuss her vision for improving Columbus City Schools. She talks about her background in education and psychology, the importance of behavioral interventions, the role of leadership in schools, raising children and being married to a teacher at CCS, and her commitment to building trust and transparency between the school board and the community.Hosted by Taijuan Moorman. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Our next Columbus City School board candidate on the podcast is Janeece Keyes. We talk about her experience as a first-time candidate, her organizational background, connecting with voters and her vision for the future of the school district.A parent of four children who attended Columbus City Schools, she emphasizes the need for parental engagement, transparency in board decisions, and support for both student and teacher needs through innovative solutions and community involvement.Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Kimberley Mason, candidate for Columbus City School board, joins us on the podcast to discuss her background in mental health and higher education and how that shapes her vision for CCS. A CCS parent and former PTO president, her focus is on improving how the district communicates with families and shows up for students.She also discusses school closures, budget cuts, and the need for the board to reflect community voices. She also calls for more workforce development, additional support for student mental health and creative solutions for absenteeism that keep kids engaged.Subscribe to Columbus Can't Wait on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ for video.Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Mounir Lynch, candidate for Columbus City Schools, shares his candidacy experience and how he’s working to engage voters and build trust. Raised on the importance of social justice and shaped by his time at CAHS and CCS, Lynch discusses his work as a health educator serving disenfranchised groups, his motivations for running, and his promise to hold the system accountable.He weighs in on district leadership, funding risks and creative solutions, the fight with charter schools over transportation, and state bills affecting students. Lynch also talks about improving communication on the board, supporting trans and immigrant students, expanding the Columbus Promise, and strengthening ties with teachers. Subscribe to Columbus Can't Wait on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ for video.Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from southeastern Ohio to city leadership, the challenges of public service and the future of Columbus. We discuss his background, his shift from Republican to Democrat, his battles with state and federal governments and lawsuits against the Trump administration. Later we get into his office's work on nuisance property laws, as well as Marcy's Law and police use of the law. We also dig into policing protests, the influence of social media and what's next for his political future. Subscribe to Columbus Can't Wait on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ for video.Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

To close Black August, Jordyn Close, deputy director of the Ohio Women’s Alliance, joins us to share how she went from considering cosmetology school to helping lead abortion advocacy in the state. She opens up about her own abortion story, testifying at a young age and challenging stigma around abortion access. We discuss centering Black and Brown reproductive justice as an umbrella term, the 2023 right to reproductive freedom campaign, and why the fight continues beyond its passage. (Note: Tareya serves on the OWA Action Fund’s Board of Directors.)Subscribe to Columbus Can't Wait on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ for video.Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

In this long-awaited conversation, Aramis Sundiata, Executive Director of the People's Justice Project, joins us to talk about the experiences and ideas that have shaped his organizing work. He reflects on the influence of his parents, his early studies of revolution and resistance and how the 2020 protest landscape helped shape a new generation of organizers.We discuss the endurance required in movements, the value of political education and the relational strategy behind effective community organizing. Aramis also unpacks imposter syndrome, concepts like "white supremacy" and power, and gives us insight into how language shapes movements and how definitions of freedom can vary. Plus, we touch on the role of Black women in the work, the biggest challenges facing the Black working class, and, of course, his favorite rap albums.Subscribe to Columbus Can't Wait on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ for video.Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Columbus City Council candidate Jesse Vogel joins us on the podcast to reflect on his legal work in eviction defense and what led him to run for office. He talks about the challenges families face raising kids in Columbus, and his priorities around housing, education, transportation and labor.Jesse also shares how working with immigrant communities has shaped his approach to public service and addresses the significance of the District 7 seat, and shares how he hopes to advocate for communities through policy and direct support, regardless of whether he reflects their identity.00:00 The State of Public Education03:32 Background, The Decision to Run for Office06:11 Working in Eviction Defense and Advocating for Residents08:43 The Challenge of Navigating Systems12:15 Growing Up in Bexley, Coming Back to Columbus16:47 Why Volunteers are so Engaged21:07 Housing Policy and Tenant Protections32:09 Transportation Vision for Columbus34:50 The Importance of Unions39:38 Supporting Children, Universal Pre-K and Childcare47:37 Police Accountability and Non-Police Response51:15 Advocating for Immigrant Communities, Jewish Heritage01:00:43 Representation and Earning Trust01:07:42 Engagement in His CampaignSubscribe to Columbus Can't Wait on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ for video.Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.