This virus is real. It is killing our family members, our friends, our co-workers. We must take the long view in our response and remember that Ohioans have always been a strong, resilient people, who know how to overcome adversity and beat the odds.

From the Native Americans, who created intricate and massive earthworks to the pioneers, who navigated their way along the Ohio River and constructed the National Road…

To the abolitionists and African Americans, who worked together to create an underground railroad leading those in slavery to freedom…

To the immigrants, who built our cities…

To the African Americans and those from Appalachia, who migrated to Ohio to work, raise a family, and start a better life.