Good morning, Franklin County. A digital revolution born on Twitter has fundamentally transformed how Black Americans are portrayed on television. Former Columbus Dispatch journalist Sherri Williams chronicles this powerful movement in her new book "Black Social Television," documenting how online activism became a cultural megaphone that reshaped an entire industry. Williams will share these insights at the Columbus Book Festival July 12-13, offering a fascinating look at how social media became a tool for representation.
Meanwhile, neighborhood dynamics are playing out in German Village, where residents continue opposing the proposed Cedar Square apartments despite a scaled-back redesign. And in corporate corridors, Dublin-based Wendy's faces unexpected leadership changes as CEO Kirk Tanner departs after just 17 months to head Hershey Co. His exit comes during a period of innovation that included the successful SpongeBob promotion that boosted the fast food giant's sales.
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87%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🐦 Black Twitter revolutionized television representation, argues new book. Former Columbus Dispatch journalist Sherri Williams explores how Black audiences used Twitter as a cultural megaphone to reshape the TV industry in "Black Social Television." Williams documents how this digital activism countered historically problematic media portrayals of Black Americans, describing it as resistance against "image warfare." Though Twitter (now X) has changed dramatically under Elon Musk's ownership, Williams believes the movement continues across different platforms. She'll discuss her work at the upcoming Columbus Book Festival on July 12-13.
🏙️ German Village residents resist new apartment development despite redesign. The proposed Cedar Square project would build 81 units on Livingston Avenue, down from the original 96-unit plan. While developers Mershad Development and NBBJ Architects emphasized improvements to help the building blend with the neighborhood, commission members and residents still consider it too dense and tall. The site, mostly a surface parking lot (the largest in German Village), would require demolishing a 1980s office building while preserving historic structures. Despite Urban General-1 zoning allowing four-story buildings, the project needs German Village Commission approval to proceed.
🍔 Wendy's CEO abruptly exits after just 17 months at the helm. Kirk Tanner is departing the Dublin-based fast food giant to become the new CEO of Hershey Co. The move comes as a surprise given Tanner's relatively short tenure leading Wendy's, where he had been focused on innovation and menu development. His leadership saw initiatives like the SpongeBob promotion that drove sales and strategic responses to McDonald's value deals. Wendy's now begins the search for a new chief executive to guide the company forward.
🎤 Featured Event of the Week
2025 Columbus Book Festival
Where: Columbus Metropolitan Library 96 S. Grant Ave. Columbus, OH 43215
When: July 12, 2025 - July 13, 2025
📚 The 2025 Columbus Book Festival brings together over 200 authors and thousands of book lovers for a literary celebration in the heart of Ohio. Inside the Main Library, attendees can enjoy lively panel discussions with 120 featured authors discussing their newest releases, with book signings available throughout the weekend. The festival extends outdoors to Kaufman Plaza and Topiary Park, where the Indie Author Alley will showcase 90+ independent creators and self-published authors under a dedicated tent. Visitors can also browse the Festival Marketplace for new and used books, connect with nonprofit literary organizations, and enjoy food and beverages while immersed in this community celebration of the written word.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Tranquil ranch Ready for growth: This $400,000 ranch on a cul-de-sac boasts vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and private wooded space. The 2015 HVAC and unfinished lower level offer potential just minutes from parks and award-winning schools.
Spacious Crawford Farms family home: This $354,900 residence in Crawford Farms offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,800 square feet of well-designed living space, complete with a functional kitchen and large fenced backyard.
Hilltop investment gold mine: West side Hilltop property priced at $175,000 offers 4 beds and 2.5 baths, promising both immediate cash flow and future appreciation amid city development projects including upcoming transit and new affordable housing.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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