Supreme Court of Ohio Observes Black History Month

By Stephanie Beougher - February 27, 2014

The annual Black History Month Celebration was held on February 26 at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

In his keynote speech, Curtis Moody of the Columbus architectural firm Moody Nolan, discussed the continued need for legislative initiatives, such as affirmative action, to ensure racial inclusion and diversity in business.

"There are times in which the laws that are created, quite frankly, are what begin the basis of helping a good individual be a good individual," Moody told the audience.

To counter any negative attitudes about his minority-owned business, Moody said they strive to be the most qualified for the job.

"My goal for our firm is that we are going to design buildings in a way for the clients we do have, that the others who don't want us wish they did. They will absolutely wish they had hired us," he said.

The celebration included a performance by Urban Strings, a group of young musicians from various public and private schools throughout the Columbus metropolitan area.

James Oram, a kindergarten student at Fifth Avenue International School, presented his winning speech from the 2014 City of Columbus Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest.

"Because of Martin Luther King, I can go swim every Thursday with kids of all races," Oram recited.

This is the sixth year for the Ohio Supreme Court's Black History Month celebration. To view the complete program, visit The Ohio Channel.