Key Findings from the Report
The OLBCF’s “State of Black Ohio: Voters’ Voice – Pilot Brief,” released in late 2025, focuses initial insights from Cleveland’s Central neighborhood while launching a statewide survey to shape policy agendas. Executive Director Shayla L. Davis noted that roughly 603,000 Black voters abstain in typical midterms, often due to unawareness of Black lawmakers’ efforts amid Republican supermajorities in the Statehouse. Board Chair Clifton R. Williams III emphasized elevating community voices to strengthen democracy and accountability.
Outreach Initiatives Launched
In response, OLBCF is spearheading new programs, including hosting community sessions and a survey to convert lived experiences into legislative priorities like advocacy tools and direct impact measures. Davis stressed breaking the disconnect where Black-led organizations’ work fails to resonate locally, urging voter education on primaries and midterms to challenge GOP dominance, which has controlled the Ohio House since 1994 (except 2009-2010) and Senate since 1983. The group invites organizations to contact office@olbcfoundation.org to participate.
Broader Context and Implications
Recent coverage predicts a potential “blue wave” nationally but warns Ohio’s Black turnout could mute this locally without intervention. Past trends, including drops in urban counties like Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton from 2018-2022 midterms, compound issues like flawed voter databases and purges for inactivity. As midterms approach, these efforts aim to mobilize the “missing” votes, potentially reshaping Ohio’s political landscape.
