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Ohio Black Republicans Association (OBRA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the recruitment and education of African Americans in the ideals and principles espoused by the Republican Party. This includes, but is not limited to, a belief in personal responsibility, smaller government, less taxes and a strong national defense. OBRA was formed, with the encouragement of The Ohio Republican Party and Republican National Committee, in response to an increasing call for a statewide African American organization that would build upon Republican victories that cut across all levels of government in 2004. OBRA responded to the call and, on an ongoing basis, solicits and articulates the concerns, needs, aspirations and accomplishments of many African Americans, in Ohio, whose values reflect Republican philosophy. The goal being to involve a greater number of African Americans in the Republican Party and political process, for the purpose of improving socio-economic conditions in the black community and the state as a whole.
OBRA is an active and viable organization that, to date, has to its credit the following major accomplishments: 1) Adoption of Constitution and Bylaws; 2) Nonprofit Incorporation; 3) Call to Membership; 4) Election of Officers; 5) Strategic Planning; 6) Sponsorship of The Ohio Black Republican Summit '06, 7) Sponsorship of The Ohio Black Republican Forum '07, and 8) Launching of web site.
Deborah Burstion-Donbraye, ORP Director of Outreach and Coalitions - 2000-2005
Much credit for the organization's earliest accomplishments goes to Deborah Burstion-Donbraye, former Director of Outreach and Coalitions for The Ohio Republican Party. During fall of 2004, she successfully convened a significant number of black Republicans from around the state, to ascertain their interest and commitment to developing and supporting the organization--which was briefly called Ohio Black Republicans and Friends and finally dubbed the Ohio Black Republicans Association. |
Dwayne E. Clark, Sr., first OBRA President - 2005
Interim officers were elected to serve from April 2005 thru June 2006. The first elected president, Dwayne Clark, Sr., regrettably resigned from the position 6 months into his term due to relocation out of state. |
OBRA Officers
2008-2010
Officers are elected to two-year terms commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30.
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Stephen D. Cheek
(Columbus - Franklin Co.)
President
Steve was initially elected interim Vice-President in 2005, however, upon early departure of the first OBRA President he assumed the presidency and, in 2006, was elected to a full two-year term. Steve's career spans many years in management, administration and executive directorship, primarily in Economic Development, Real Estate and Minority Affairs. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. Steve is a proven leader, organizer and fund raiser, having spearheaded many efforts over the years, including the publication of African American Republicans of Ohio: Leaders Pointing a New Way, as well as organizing the first Ohio Black Republican Summit in '06 and Ohio Black Republican Forum in '07. Steve is married and has two children.
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Sornatha W. Fulford
(Columbus - Franklin Co.)
Secretary
Sornatha was elected interim Secretary in 2005 and re-elected to a two-year term in 2006. Shortly, thereafter, she was appointed to the additional role of Treasurer thru June/08. Sornatha was appointed to a 2-year term on the Board of Directors and Outreach Committee of the National Federation of Republican Women. She also served 4 years as the Central District VP of the Ohio Federation of Republican Women and is a member of other Republican organizations. She is an organizational consultant, founder/president of a nonprofit org., former vice president/treasurer of a nonprofit child care center; former board chair of a charter school; theological university advisor; M.A. graduate of The OSU School of Public Policy and Management, and FMTU honorary doctoral recipient. She is also married and has one son. |
How to Join OBRA
Expansion of OBRA membership is a key priority and any individual who meets the following criteria may be admitted to the organization. The membership year is April 1 thru March 31. (Refer to the Membership Application for current annual dues.)
Membership Defined
Active: Any citizen of the United States of America who is at least eighteen years of age, a resident of the state of Ohio and a registered Republican, is eligible for Active membership in the organization.
Associate: Any individual who is at least eighteen years of age, a resident of the state of Ohio and has demonstrated a public intention of becoming a registered Republican, as soon as possible, is eligible for associate membership in the organization. An Associate member has all rights and privileges of active members, except that he or she may not hold office.
Student: Any citizen of the United States of America who is at least eighteen years of age but no more than 26 years of age, is a resident of the state of Ohio, a registered Republican, and registered in a learning institution as a full -or part-time student, is eligible for student membership in the organization. A Student member has all rights and privileges of Active members, except that he or she may not hold office.
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Markus Jenkins
(Cincinnati - Hamilton Co.)
Vice President
Markus was elected to the interim office of Treasurer in 2005 and, subsequently, appointed by President Cheek to the vice presidency. In 2006, he was elected to continue serving as Vice President for a two-year term. Markus, a military veteran and Cincinnati resident, is also a family man, community activist, and President/CEO of a computer consulting company. He expresses his commitment to Republicanism and desire to effect change in the African American community through involvement in organizations such as OBRA, Lincoln-Douglass Republican Club, Hamilton County Republican Party, and the Inner City Development Group. |
Janice V. Tobias
(Columbus - Franklin Co.)
Treasurer
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Janice moved to Cleveland with her family during her childhood. She attended Cuyahoga Community College and majored in Sociology and minored in Political Science. Janice later moved to Columbus in 1978, During the 1980's she was elected co-chair of an effort to unionize State of Ohio employees for membership in the Communication Workers of America. She has had long-time interest in politics and has assisted political campaigns in various capacities. Before retiring, Janice worked for the State of Ohio for over 21 years in auditing, bookkeeping, and accounting positions. Janice is now pleased to be serving as OBRA's treasurer. |
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Membership Meeting Calendar
General Membership Meetings are held monthly, on the 2nd Saturday, 12 Noon, at 211 South Fifth Street, Columbus, unless otherwise announced. Attendance by teleconference begins at 12:30 p. m.
January 9, 2010
February 13, 2010
March 13, 2010
April 10, 2010May 8, 2010June 12, 2010
July 10, 2010August 14, 2010 September 11, 2010October 9, 2010November 13, 2010December 11, 2010
A Map and directions are provided at the bottom of the Contact Us page.
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Regional Divisions
OBRA encompasses Ohio's 88 counties and is divided into 8 regions. Any member interested in serving as a Regional Representative or alternate should contact the OBRA President regarding possible vacancies. (Regional Reps are also members of the Executive Board.)
Region I: Allen, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Hancock, Hardin, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood, Wyandot
Region II: Ashland, Cuyahoga, Erie, Holmes, Huron, Lorain, Medina, Richland, Wayne
Region III: Ashtabula, Geauga, Mahoning, Lake, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull
Region IV: Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby
Region V: Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Union
Region VI: Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, Tuscarawas
Region VII: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Highland, Warren
Region VIII: Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Washington, Vinton
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