Jerry Hammond

Jerry Hammond, passed away August 25, 2010. A community leader who was passionate about the City of Columbus, its neighborhoods and its people. Served on Columbus City Council for 16 years (1974-90), including six years as the first African American Council president (1984-90). Following retirement from City Council, Jerry remained active in the community serving on the Ohio Environmental Board of Review, and on the board of Franklin County Children’s Services. Jerry led efforts to outlaw discrimination in employment and housing in the city, and to establish goals for minority and female participation in city-funded projects. Prior to serving on council, he chaired the Police Community Relations Committee that helped draft the city’s first written policy on use of deadly force. Jerry worked tirelessly to help the city to grow and prosper by working for strong neighborhoods, strategic economic development and growth policies, development of the Near East side now known as the King-Lincoln District, including the establishment of the King Arts Complex, and permanent funding for the arts. Recognized nationally for his knowledge of human services needs, particularly in the areas of redevelopment and housing, he helped to establish the Community Shelter Board. Jerry was one of the original committee members involved in creating the Ft. Hayes Career Center and co-chaired the successful 1978 Columbus City Schools levy campaign following desegregation. Most importantly, Jerry always made time for others, especially to help people find jobs, financial assistance, or connecting them with human services. Throughout his life, Jerry was a thoughtful mentor, including to many of today’s elected officials and community leaders. Well-known for his passion for golf and jazz, Jerry achieved his dream of opening a jazz club, Major Chord, in the Short North, featuring exceptional local and national jazz artists. Special thanks to the second floor staff at Westminster-Thurber, and especially to Kadija. Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Green, two children, Charlene and Gerry (Anthea) and their mother, Gwen; three grandsons, Chad Anderson, Christopher Hammond and Jaden Hammond; sisters Netty Cooper of Columbus, and Barbara Goncalves of Chicago; and nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Monday from 12-2 and 5-7 at the King Arts Complex. Alpha Phi Alpha ceremony at 12:30. Memorial service 4:00 Tuesday at the Southern Theatre, 21 East Main Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203; The Madden Center for Parkinson’s Disease at The Ohio State University, Department of Neurology, 395 W. 12th Ave., Room 740, Columbus, OH 43210; or Westminster-Thurber Community, 717 Neil Ave., Columbus OH 43215.