Freedom Center starts the shmoozing

The Rev. Jesse Jackson will be the star attraction Sept. 18 when the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus hosts a reception at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. TaKeysha Sheppard Cheney, executive director of the caucus, said the lawmakers want to draw public attention to the Freedom Center.

"We have been wanting to have an event there for some time," she said.

She said the event is not related to the center's quest for public funding to cover its deficits. State Rep. Tyrone Yates, D/Evanston/East Walnut Hills, who is also an officer of the caucus, recently asked for nearly $3 million out of this year's state building budget for the center. He also called for the state to come up with $10 million over five years for operating expenses.