1. April 2012
Virtus
Strength ~ Courage ~ Power ~ Virtue ~ Excellence Vol. 1 Issue 6
Never the Less, Inc. is a word based and Paving the Way
spirit-led organization; edifying, empowering,
Ruthenia M. Jackson
and directing women of all ages. Principal of Carson Elementary
Never The Less Inc’s (NTL) mission is to At the age of 18, Jackson attended West
Chester PA University. She holds a Masters in
provide services that promote character, confidence, Political Science, Liberal Arts and her
self-sufficiency and sustainability. NTL believes Doctorate in Education & Business
helping women tap into their Creative and god- Administration; she is also currently an
Online Professor for Southwestern University.
given talents will result in the return to one’s
authentic self, enabling them to Jackson, in the past 10 years has lost her
mother, her father and her husband, but she
thrive in His purpose. never let these adversities hold her victim.
Jackson instead uses personal struggle to
Special Thanks inspire her students. She teaches the students
of Carson Elementary that life isn’t always
Never the Less, Inc would like to send a special
fair, but you must not let setbacks keep you
shout out to everyone who contributed to the
from achieving your goals or stop your
success of our 1st Annual Celestial Radiance Dinner dreams. Jackson believes in leading
Dance. This event required intense planning, by love, discipline and example. Her belief
details, meetings, and timely execution. To all who that it takes a TEAM (Together, Empower,
participated in the set-up of the venue, welcoming All, Men & Women) to make a successful
of guests, cooking, clean-up crew and everyone in school and a successful students motivates her
between, we appreciate you. to keep on fighting for the children of Carson.
The purpose of the Celestial Radiance Gala was As an African American Administrator, her
centered on introducing Never the Less, Inc to our record is quite impressive she has migrated
closest friends, family members, and those who had from a Special Ed Teacher, to a 2nd grade
never heard of us. We believe we accomplished Math teacher, to Assistant Principal to Dr.
Ruthenia Jackson. Dr. Jackson has worked
what we set out to do, and that we sparked
against the odds and she says it's all thanks to
conversation regarding the Mission and Vision of
God. According to Mary Ronan Cincinnati
Never the Less. We believe NTL will soon be Public Schools Superintendent “Carson
known to everyone in Cincinnati. We hope the first Elementary has made Adequate Yearly
impressions of NTL were great and long-lasting and Progress (AYP) for the first time in history."
that the Gala grows next year! Carson school is 40% Afro American, 50%
Caucasian and 10%Hispanics. The students of
Sincerely,
Carson will always shine because of the hard
The Directors of Never the Less, Inc work, discipline and care of Ms Jackson.
NEVER THE LESS, INC Thank You - Ruthie Jackson
P.O. BOX 12674 for PAVING THE WAY!
CINCINNATI, OH 45212
NEVERTHELESSINC@GMAIL.COM
513.258.9676

2. April 2012
Virtus
Strength ~ Courage ~ Power ~ Virtue ~ Excellence Vol. 1 Issue 6
Director’s Corner
Nonprofit in Memory
The LEM Foundation
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not
grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
I recently met a very interesting lady, named Mizzan. She is
a spoken word poet, writer, and a radio host on WVQC 95.7
FM. She also hosts a TV program called “Da Village Talks “on
the Media Bridges Network. This is a venue for mothers and
families of homicide victims to arm the community with
information. Mizzan became involved with this because she
herself is the mother of a homicide victim. Larry Anton
Anderson aka LEM, was killed December 7th, 2009. As
tragic as this was for her and her family, she refused to Member Spotlights
allow LEM's death to be in vain. Mizzan started this Doris Thomas, president, has retired from the
foundation in his memory. L.E.M “Living Every Moment." Enquirer as of last Friday. She has been a dutiful and
The LEM Foundation reaches out to the community offering
reliable employee for over 20 years. Doris is
them emotional & spiritual comfort to victim’s families,
welcoming this opportunity to do great things in her
community news and updates, small economical support
spare time and is definitely looking forward to being
however possible. This foundation depends on donations to
a retiree. Please join us in congratulating her and
help with groceries, presents for children during the
wishing her well in the future.
holidays, and anything else these families may need now Lynay Straughn, member, has recently acquired her
that their loved one is gone. Daily the local news gives us license in Death Care. She has continued to trust God
reports of senseless killings, we say "how shameful" and we with the plans he has for her. She is continuing to
may even remember to pray for the victim’s families, and make steps to accomplish her next goal.
we go on with our lives. The victim’s family structure Congratulations Lynay!
however is forever shattered. The victim’s families don’t Brianna Dixon and the Highsteppers Drill Team
come on the news asking (us the community) for anything, were awarded Showcase America Unlimited’s
but how precious it would be if we (the community) National and State Grand Champ Division ‘A’ Senior
supported each other like the LEM Foundation is tirelessly Kick and Hip Hop team, last week at the National
trying to do. We are Never the Less.... Always the More. We Finals held at NKU. Brianna is working hard to make
should be sowing seeds that will reap the harvest of love, this her career choice as she hopes to become a
compassion, kindness, laughter and even crime prevention. choreographer. Congratulations Brianna you are on
Let's not close our eyes or plug our ears, because we all your way to making your dreams reality.
know it could be any member of our family
Christopher Williams, son of Crystal has been
on any given day.
chosen by the CEO of a local clothing company to be
We commend Mizzan for having the strength to start this the face of their web campaign to be launched this
foundation in her son’s memory. So let's help her keep it summer. He has already participated in one photo
going. Keep this foundation alive by supporting her in any shoot and is looking forward to working with this
way we can. If you would like to know more about the LEM company as their Creative designer in the future.
Foundation and how or where to send donations
vvvvvb
please email mizzan964@yahoo.com or
Fleur Adcock
check her out on the radio at www.wvqc.org
Poetry is Truth in it’s Sunday clothes.
Doris Thomas, President Joseph Roux

3. April 2012
Virtus
Strength ~ Courage ~ Power ~ Virtue ~ Excellence
Vol. 1 Issue 6
In the Community Poetry in Motion
The Sister Collection
On Saturday, March 31, R.E.A.L. Women of
Cincinnati hosted The Sister Collection at the
Community Action Agency in Bond Hill. The goal of
the event was to nullify the teen pregnancy and STD
epidemics currently plaguing young girls. The
organizers were especially hoping to reach young
African American girls.
The Sister Collection was an awesome opportunity
for R.E.A.L. (Reaching out to Elevate and Advocate
for Love of self among our African American Sisters)
Women of Cincinnati to collaborate with other
women and organizations to address the needs of
young, African American women and girls in our
community. The Coordinator of the event was
Cynthia Smith.
The group decided to draw from their own
experiences of trauma and resiliency and use
community connections to engage and support
Hamilton County girls in the promotion of physical,
mental and spiritual health and wellness activities.
They believe the following statement: “Our African
American girls must be placed "at promise," rather
than "at risk" in order to become contributing
members of their families, schools, communities, and
the broader society.”
Our President Doris Thomas, Director of Public
Relations Ebony Stone and member Fannie Taylor all
attended. They were able to speak with the organizers
of the event and received information about other
groups we definitely want to work with in the future.
Information about our organization was also shared
with those who attending. NTL gained great insight
from participating and will align itself with those with
a common purpose and mission.

4. April 2012
Virtus
Strength ~ Courage ~ Power ~ Virtue ~ Excellence Vol. 1 Issue 6
Classifieds
SEEKING PROFESSIONALS: Never The Less is seeking a group of professionals willing to offer their services pro
bono by serving as Advisors in the following areas: Accounting, Legal Practice, Advertising, Marketing, & Web Design.
FOR RENT-3 Bedroom apartment needed to rent, a spacious apartment with some utilities included.
Speedy Sign & Apparel 2486 E. Sharon Road Cincinnati, OH 45241
www.signsapparel.com
W.C. Cross Law , LLC , Attorney at Law
3460 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45229
www.wccrosslaw.com
UmojoArts- One of a Kind Jewelry, Paintings & Apparel.
Harry McDowell 513-702-9611 harrymcbuck@aol.com
Sylvia Waldon – Author, Arvin & May Sreet Publications
PO Box 317660, Cincinnati, OH 45231
513-432-7856 amspublications.com
Calendar
May 8th – Director’s Meeting
May 12th - Yard Sale Organization 10-2pm, Doris’
home
May 13th - Mother’s Day
May 15th – Director’s Meeting
May 19th – NTL participates in the Silverton
Community Yard Sale
(Volunteers needed, please see Crystal)
May 24th - Monthly Member’s Meeting
May 28th - Memorial Day