OUR WORK
OhioICC advances racial and economic justice by partnering with communities of color to challenge systemic inequities and expand opportunity across Ohio. We combine grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and participatory research—including photovoice, storytelling, oral histories, GIS mapping, and asset mapping—to document lived experiences and shape solutions grounded in community wisdom.
We work across health, housing, the environment, education, immigration, and economic justice to confront structural racism, build collective power, and ensure that impacted communities lead the changes that affect their lives.
AREAS OF WORK
ADVOCACY
We mobilize communities and partner organizations to defend civil and human rights and challenge unjust policies.
WHY IT MATTERS
Ohio faces deep inequities—from high Black infant mortality rates to widespread declarations that racism is a public health crisis.
COALITION-BUILDING
We unite and support grassroots leaders, faith partners, and institutions to build collective power.
WHY IT MATTERS
Segregated schools, racialized policing, and systemic inequities require coordinated statewide action.
CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS
We support organizations working to challenge discriminatory laws, protect immigrant and marginalized communities, and respond to hate-based harm.
WHY IT MATTERS
Ohio reports high rates of hate crimes and racial profiling, demanding strong protections.
ADVANCING EQUITABLE POLICIES
We assist organizations working to influence legislation across sectors to dismantle structural inequities.
WHY IT MATTERS
Disparities in health, education, housing, and justice require systemic policy change—not piecemeal solutions.
CONFRONTING SYSTEMIC RACISM
We work with communities and organizations to expose and challenge racism embedded in public systems and institutions.
WHY IT MATTERS
Segregation, discriminatory discipline, and health inequities are long-standing and require sustained action.
COMMUNITY STORYTELLING & NARRATIVE CHANGE
We elevate lived experiences through oral histories, photovoice, storytelling, and multimedia narratives.
WHY IT MATTERS
Data explains inequity, but stories humanize it—building solidarity and driving policy change.
PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH
We support organizations and researchers through photovoice, storytelling, oral histories, participatory GIS mapping, and asset mapping to document lived experience, identify community strengths, and generate evidence that shapes policy, programs, and advocacy.
WHY IT MATTERS
Community-driven research ensures solutions are grounded in real experiences and reflect the priorities of those most impacted.
WHY OUR WORK IS URGENT & NECESSARY
- Racial disparities in health, education, policing, and public safety remain severe across Ohio.
- Hate crimes and bias incidents continue to rise, targeting communities of color and immigrant groups.
- Institutional segregation in schools, housing, and policing undermines equal opportunity.
- Progress stalls without coordinated advocacy, coalitions, and community leadership.
- Storytelling and participatory research shift public perception and strengthen movements for justice.
OUR APPROACH
COMPREHENSIVE COLLABORATION
We partner with community-based organizations statewide to amplify the needs of those most impacted and ensure they have the resources and support required to lead change.
DRIVEN BY RACIAL EQUITY
We help leaders embed racial equity in policy and decision-making to dismantle systemic barriers.
SAFEGUARDING COMMUNITIES
We advocate for race-conscious policies that expand opportunity and address the deliberate roots of the racial wealth gap.