Charles Newman Makes History as First African American Elected to the Pickerington City School Board

In a landmark moment for Pickerington, Ohio, Charles Newman has become the first African American elected to the Pickerington Local Schools Board of Education. His election marks a powerful milestone not only for the district but also for the community he has called home since childhood. A proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Newman brings a legacy of service, advocacy, and brotherhood to his new leadership role, values that shine through every part of his journey.

For Newman, the decision to run wasn’t motivated by politics, it was driven by purpose.

“I ran because I believe our children deserve champions who show up, speak up, and stand up for their future,” he shared. As a Black father raising five young sons in the district, and a husband to an educator, Newman witnesses firsthand the power and challenges of Pickerington’s growing, diverse schools.

His campaign was not about seeking a title, it was about ensuring that every child, every family, and every voice in Pickerington is heard and valued. “My calling has always been to serve people with integrity, compassion, and truth,” he said. “Real progress happens when we bring everybody to the table, especially voices that have too often been overlooked.”

Newman’s connection to Pickerington runs deep. A 2006 graduate of Pickerington North High School, he has long been a familiar face in classrooms, at community events, and in programs designed to uplift youth, especially Black and Brown students.

“Running for office wasn’t the beginning of my involvement; it was the next step in continuing to serve the community that raised me,” he said. From volunteering to mentoring to building relationships with school leaders, Newman’s service trajectory naturally led him to step forward in a leadership capacity.

Becoming the first African American elected to the Pickerington School Board is a milestone Newman does not take lightly.

“It means everything to me, not just as a leader, but as a Black man who grew up in this community,” he reflected. “I carry the weight of the ancestors who fought for seats at tables they were never invited to.”

He remembers the feeling of walking school hallways without seeing many leaders who looked like him. Today, he hopes his presence at the board table will shift that narrative.

“This moment isn’t just about me. It’s about opening the door wider for every student, every family, and every community member who has ever felt unseen. To be the first is humbling, but my prayer is that I won’t be the last.”

For Newman, representation isn’t symbolic, it’s transformational. His hope is that students, especially students of color, will see new possibilities reflected in his leadership.

“I hope my election tells our young people that they are seen and valued, and that their identity is not a barrier, it’s a strength,” he said. He wants them to know that leadership is not limited to a certain background. It is defined by courage, service, and integrity.

“When they look at me, I want them to see possibility,” Newman added. “If he can be there, I can be there too. My voice matters. My future matters.”

Newman enters the boardroom with a clear focus: improving communication, supporting educators, and ensuring equitable opportunities for every student.

He is committed to strengthening student well-being, fostering academic excellence, and helping ensure Pickerington schools remain safe, inclusive, and future-ready. “I want our district to be a place where families feel confident, educators feel valued, and students can reach their full potential,” he emphasized.

As Newman sees it, the school board is not just a policy-making body, it is a steward of culture.

“The board sets the tone for the entire district,” he said. From curriculum decisions to community engagement, he believes the board must champion fairness, transparency, and responsiveness to the district’s growing diversity.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that every student feels safe, respected, and ready to learn,” he noted. “That only happens when we listen to families and reflect our community’s diversity in the decisions we make.”

Newman believes the strength of Pickerington schools lies in the partnership between families, educators, and residents.

“Residents can make a real difference simply by staying connected,” he said. Whether attending school events, mentoring students, volunteering, or supporting extracurricular activities, community engagement sends a powerful message to young people: You matter. We believe in you.

As a committed member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Newman embodies the organization’s principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service. His fraternity involvement reinforces his belief in community uplift, education, and leadership rooted in humility and purpose.

The values of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity are woven throughout Newman’s leadership style; collaborative, people-centered, and focused on creating lasting change. His election stands as a testament to the fraternity’s legacy of developing leaders who transform their communities.

Charles Newman’s historic election marks a new era for Pickerington, one where representation, community voice, and student-centered leadership take center stage. His story is one of perseverance, service, and faith, grounded in the belief that every child deserves an advocate who sees their brilliance and fight for their future.

As he steps into this new role, Newman brings not only his experience but also a vision for a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered Pickerington. And with every decision he makes, he hopes to widen the path for generations to come.