Blog 2/24/22

Mozaic Honored at County Treasurer's 'Young, Gifted, and Black' Celebration

The Franklin County Treasurer’s Office honored the achievements of 24 individuals and organizations, including Equitas Health’s Mozaic, during the treasurer’s annual Black History Month Celebration. This year’s theme was “Young, Gifted & Black.”

Mozaic received the treasurer’s Certificate of Achievement “for creating a community space for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary youth of color.”

Four representatives of Mozaic accepted the honor from Treasurer Cheryl Brooks Sullivan during the program on Wednesday, Feb. 23, in the Franklin County Government Center Auditorium. Mikayla Robinson provided a word of thank you from Mozaic and spoke to the importance of this recognition for Black trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people. LuSter Singleton, Justice Harley, and Bianca Barber joined her in accepting the certificate.

Other honorees included Black Girl Rising Inc., Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Urban Strings Columbus, the Bexley Anti-Racism Project, and numerous young entrepreneurs, musicians, authors, and civic leaders who mentor and inspire others through their work and service in the community.

“Why would we celebrate and highlight youth during a month specifically focused on history? The journey doesn’t end with our youth learning Black history, the journey begins with our youth making Black history,” said Brooks Sullivan.

The Mozaic team worked with countless young people of color throughout 2021, despite the ongoing pandemic.

“Testing that focuses on the TGNCNB community, specifically young BIPOC individuals, increased 40 percent. Mozaic Safe Space attendance bounced back to pre-pandemic rates, with new unique attendees representing 70 percent of folks through the doors,” said Jas Bradley, director of Clinical Prevention Initiatives.

“The team continues to work closely with our own Gender Affirming Care team, and has many strong community ties, all of which contributes to a robust program that supports their participants in a holistic approach,” added Bradley.

Since its start in 2017, Mozaic has offered peer mentoring, wellness education, HIV and STI testing, and connections to healthcare and other services from its location at 2228 Summit Street. Game nights, group chats, and formal dances also provide a fun and safe space for those who come through the doors.

This award goes to all those involved in the important work of Mozaic.

Congratulations!