Ohio Chapter - National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice

06/19/2026

The Ohio Chapter of NABCJ is excited to announce the 39th Annual State Conference scheduled for Sunday, October 25th – Tuesday, October 27th, 2026. The conference will be held at the Embassy Suites Dublin (Columbus) 5100 Upper Metro Place, Dublin, OH 43017. The theme of this year’s conference is “The Double Standard Dilemma: Can We Lead Globally Without Justice At Home?” We plan to have a diverse training agenda and are enthusiastic to have you join us.

Reservation code/links are now active for the Embassy Suites Dublin

Reservation Information

Group Name: NABCJ 2026 State Conference

Group Code: 93R

Booking Link:
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/nabcj2026stateconference-93r/

Central Reservations: 1.800.220.9219

Please share this information with friends, family, and colleagues alike. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact conference chair, Vernise Robinson at [email protected]

06/19/2026

Kudos to NABCJ Life Member Warden Shelbie Smith for her role in educating the youth about her institution. The purpose was not Scared Straight, but simply impactful lessons that show that one choice can have a lasting impact.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JRiRNT8sy/

06/19/2026

ICYMI...

Juneteenth is a significant date in American history and the African American experience. The name is a play on the date of June 19th, 1865. On that day, the Union Army made its way into Galveston, TX under the leadership of General Gordon Granger, and he announced to the people of Texas that all enslaved African Americans were free.

Happy Juneteenth!

06/18/2026

Greetings NABCJ Family,

Please join UMADAOP of Franklin County as they present a FREE Juneteenth Panel Discussion featuring former Detroit Mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick and our very own Life Member DeWayne Lee, Mansfield Affiliate. This event will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 12:30 - 3:30 pm.

Registration required by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by clicking on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMFY52V

06/16/2026

Under the leadership of Columbus Affiliate members Lanaya Rene'e McDonald, President of the Ohio Correctional Court Services Association and Amanda Moon May, Chief of the Bureau of Operational Compliance in collaboration with the American Correctional Association (ACA) an Auditor training was held where staff were trained and became proficient to become certified auditors for the ACA. Following the training a one day Leadership and Wellness conference was hosted where NABCJ member Rob Green, who serves as the Executive Director of the Correctional Association attended and facilitated a workshop. Opening remarks were provided by Ed Banks III, NABCJ member and Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Additional sessions were facilitated by Moon May and Dr. Wanza Jackson-Mitchell. It was a great week.

06/15/2026

Life Member, Vernise Robinson, Workforce Development Administrator for ODRC served as a panelist in a discussion titled "BLUEPRINTS More Than One Plan" in Dayton, Ohio last week.

This conversation invites a broader perspective on work, growth, and the many ways people create lasting impact in their communities.

BLUEPRINTS explores the growing importance of vocational careers, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and hands-on professions in today’s economy. The United States is facing a significant and growing shortage of skilled workers across industries, creating space for important conversations around workforce development, economic mobility, education pathways, and the evolving future of skilled labor and opportunity.

From electricians, welders, mechanics, plumbers, HVAC technicians, builders, and healthcare support professionals to cosmetologists, culinary professionals, and small business owners, communities are built and sustained every day by people whose expertise keeps the world moving.

This panel-style discussion brings together tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and professionals from diverse backgrounds to share perspectives, experiences, and ideas around the many ways people build meaningful work, purpose, and long-term stability.

At its core, this session is about recognizing that there is no single plan for success, only many ways to move forward, contribute, and create lasting impact.

06/14/2026

Under the leadership of Columbus Affiliate member Warden Erin Maldonado and in partnership with the Ohio Penal Industries, she and Assistant Chief Travis Hall were interviewed as we celebrate 100 years of flag making at the Ohio Reformatory for Women on this Flag Day in the United States.

Did you know that as you travel the State of Ohio that as you see the U.S. Flag and the State flag they are likely made at the Ohio Reformatory for Women.

As Flag Day approaches on June 14, a sewing shop at the Ohio Reformatory for Women is marking 100 years of producing flags for government agencies and communities across Ohio.

06/13/2026

Columbus Affiliate member, Judge Sheryl Munson and Shannon Bradshaw on the move.

✔️Horizons Graduation Speaker at ORW
along with Columbus Affiliate member Dr.
Mike Davis, Bureau Chief of Religious and
Recreation Services, ODRC.

✔️Men's Mental Health Workshop

✔️ Meeting Gubernatorial Candidate Dr. Amy
Acton

✔️Hosting NABCJ Member, Pastor Fred
Lamarr's Summer Camp in her courtroom.