Reece calls for action, not more studies

Cincinnati businessman Steve Reece, at his first meeting as a member of the Ohio Commission on African American Males today, said he's tired of studies -- but wants action.

Reece of Monfort Heights said Gov. Ted Strickland didn't propose adding more than $1 million to the commission's budget for more studies and guest speakers. "He increased the budget because he now wants an action program, moving and challenging in these neighborhoods for African-American males."

"We can just have tea and make a report,'' Reece said, but that's not why he agreed to accept the gubernatorial appointment to the commission, as reported here:

High tuition, high unemployment, high incarceration rates, low high school graduation rates and a lack of health insurance for young black males contributes "to the most serious problem in Ohio. This is serious and we don't have time for studies."

Two cabinet members attended today's quarterly meeting, but Reece also suggested inviting hospital executives and the governor.

Other commission members were clearly energized by the remarks of Reece and others.

"Yes, brother Reece, it means boldness. . . You're not asked to serve because you're comfortable,'' said Angela L. Cornelius, director of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services. "You're asked to serve because you can be comfortable in uncomfortable situations."

According to its mission statement, the commission works to improve the quality of life for African-American males in Ohio by identifying problems and solutions in the areas of health, education, employment, economics and criminal justice.