As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” For 100 years, Greater Columbus Community House has been blessed with many strong African American leaders who refused to be silent. Their commitment, vision, and dedication have helped to make Greater Columbus Community House and this community what it is today.
Greater Columbus Community House is not just a building in Linden. It is a living, breathing space where many champions, past and present, have used their voices as ambassadors and strong advocates of this agency.
If you spend any time in Greater Columbus Community House, you can feel the presence of three leaders who are no longer with us, but whose work and spirit will live on forever. The names that echo in our hallways are those of Lonnie Poindexter, George Walker Sr., and Clarence Lumpkin, to name a few. These three African American leaders have pushed Greater Columbus Community House to be more, do more, and empower more. We pay tribute to these bright lights:
Lonnie Poindexter
With a lifetime of public service with Columbus Fire and Greater Columbus Community House, Mr. Poindexter was an advocate for the Linden community, especially the youth. He served as a board member for several years serving on numerous committees and on the executive board. After his service on the board, he became an employee of Greater Columbus Community House until his passing in 2015. Our gymnasium is named after him, symbolizing his impact on our youth programming.
George Walker Sr.
Mr. Walker wore many hats at Greater Columbus Community House including serving as the Assistant Director of the agency in 1974, and after retirement served as a member of the Greater Columbus Community House Booster Club. He was a recipient of the Roosevelt Carter Community Service Award in 1991 because of his continuing service not just to Greater Columbus Community House, but also to South Linden as part of the Block Watch Captains.
Clarence Lumpkin
We recently lost our dear friend, Mr. Lumpkin, but his memory will live on in this community and here at Greater Columbus Community House. He was instrumental in preventing the closure of Linden McKinley High School. He also led community marches to rid our area of gangs and drugs. Because of his love of community and service, he was awarded the Roosevelt Carter Community Service Award in 1984.
“He was heavily involved in our Family-to-Family program when we first got started,” LaTisha Addo, Director of Family services said.
“He was a mentor to our participants; he had a vested interest in making sure they succeeded in the program. We appreciated all of his insight and all that he did for our families.”
Written by: Tommy Ferguson, Greater Columbus Community House Education Coordinator. Mr. Ferguson coordinates all educational programming, including our summer STEM camp, Project L.I.N.K, and after-school tutoring.
Thank you for remembering my brother and recognizing him during your Black History Month. My brother, Lonnie, was the pulse of our family. Lonnie was dedicated to his family and his work. Lonnie was loved by everyone. He was happy- spirit, gentle and a giver, to him everyone was equal’ he made no different. If you asked him and he had it, it was yours. We miss him so much and sometimes it hard for me to hold back my tears. Much love goes out to Marlyn. She played a great part in Lonnie’s well-being. Thank you for taking time out to read my message.