Thank you to everyone who joined our BLACK: Past. Present. Future. event on February 10, which was an incredible time of celebration and reflection.
Here’s to legacy, partnership and the gifts of organ, eye and tissue donation!
2026 marked the 20th anniversary of Lifeline of Ohio’s African American Outreach Initiative, a sustained commitment to building trust, partnership and lifesaving impact within the Black community. Our dynamic panel discussion with our African American Advisory Council reflected on where this work began, celebrated where we are today and looked ahead to what’s possible for the future.
Photo Gallery
Recognizing our Partners
We also honored the following award recipients for their leadership and advocacy in the Black community.
- Abdi Soofe and Lindora Howard-Diawara from the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods
- Erica Bell of Columbus Public Health
- Dr. Christopher Washington of the Lifeline of Ohio African American Advisory Council
They continue to make a tangible difference and we are grateful for the ways they show up, build bridges and help us move our mission and our people forward.
New American Program
Under his leadership, he manages the New American Leadership Academy, a citywide leadership development signature program focused on civic engagement, civic integration grants and the City of Columbus's welcoming policy.
She is a civil society, women rights, and peace activists; an entrepreneur as well as the Founder and Executive Director of the Business for Peace Community Development Foundation (B4P CODEFOUND)- an International Organization founded in Ohio and legally registered in Liberia. Lindora has over 20 years of experience in the fields of Peacebuilding and Development and has not only actively worked or engaged with multiple stakeholders in Liberia but across West Africa and other parts of the world.
She also works with the City of Columbus’ Department of Neighborhoods as the Community Relations Coordinator of the New American Program-One that helps strengthen support for immigrants, refugees and new comers.
Lindora grew up in Liberia. Experienced the civil war at the age of 13, became a change agent at age 22 and has remained engaged since. She is married to a Malian, has lived in Mali, and speaks both the English and French languages in addition to local vernaculars spoken in Liberia and Mali.
Columbus Public Health
Erica Bell
Ms. Bell is a dedicated community advocate with over a decade of experience creating impactful, purpose-driven opportunities for individuals across her city. A proud Linden native, Erica has spent her entire life deeply rooted in the Linden community, fueling her passion for service and advocacy.
Featured Performance
Courtney Noble
Courtney Noble is a classically trained vocalist whose passion is using music to uplift and inspire. She performed with the acclaimed Morgan State University Choir under Dr. Nathan Carter, including an international performance in Prague of All Rise, written for the choir by Wynton Marsalis.
She has been a featured vocalist at the 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, 2025 HBCU College Fair and the 2026 Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders’ Day Luncheon, to name a few. Courtney currently sings with Jazz Columbus’ Community Band, Liberated Soul Project, is active in the Mount Olivet Baptist Church Music Ministry and collaborates on musical projects throughout the city.
For Courtney, music is ministry, connection and purpose.
Black Lives Matter
African Americans are disproportionately affected by inequities that reduce access to healthcare and illness, often leading to organ failure. Lifeline of Ohio recognizes that before we can empower the Black community to save and heal others through organ, eye and tissue donation, we must first acknowledge their pain, cultivate trust, provide support and deliver resources to improve their overall health and wellness.