Dontavius L. Jarrells
Share
State Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius Jarrells is serving his second term in the Ohio General Assembly, representing House District 1. Jarrells witnessed firsthand the daily struggles of minoritized communities, from the lack of affordable housing to limited access to education. As a lead poisoning survivor himself, these challenges shaped his worldview and ignited his passi
06/15/2025
“When was the last time you felt your vote truly mattered?”
That was the first question we asked during our State of Black Ohio conversation, and the answers lit up the room.
I had the honor of co-leading a transformative dialogue alongside Shayla Davis, President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, as part of Black America, Part II, hosted by Jewel Woods and featuring the incomparable Roland Martin.
We listened. We challenged. We built power in real time.
From reflections on Black voter power and civic trust, to the urgent need for youth engagement and stronger pipelines to political representation, our community spoke boldly and truthfully.
Whether it was about the power of Black churches, the role of Divine 9, or why some still haven’t stepped foot in the Statehouse, what I heard loud and clear is this: We are not apathetic. We are navigating a system that was never designed for our full participation.
But we’re breaking through anyway.
Thank you to every voice that showed up. To those who told the truth. And to those who are ready to keep going.
That’s how we build an Ohio we all deserve.
05/20/2025
I survived.
Lead poisoning tried to steal my voice before I even knew I had one. But last week, I stood before a room full of changemakers as the keynote speaker for the Ohio Environmental Council’s Green Gala.
Thank you, OEC, for the invitation, the honor, and for fighting every day to make sure every child grows up safe, healthy, and heard.
02/19/2025
Love Mama Digga!!!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
