Author Archive: Suzanne Buzek

Meet the Freedom Center’s new philanthropy team

February 2, 2026

Freedom Center Welcomes Two New Members to Philanthropy Team

Meet Dr. Maurice Huey, Senior Director, Philanthropy and Jazmina Robinhawk, Manager, Philanthropy Data & Strategy. 

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Maurice Huey and Jazmina Robinhawk to its philanthropy team, strengthening the organization’s capacity to build meaningful relationships, advance its mission and support its work at the intersection of history, justice and freedom.

Get to know our new team members:

Dr. Maurice Huey, Senior Director, Philanthropy

 

Dr. Maurice Huey brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience to the Freedom Center’s philanthropy team. A respected leader in the Greater Cincinnati region, Dr. Huey has held senior roles across several local, national and international organizations focused on education, public health, and community and youth development. These organizations include Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC), OneSight Foundation and the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI).  

Throughout his career, Dr. Huey has demonstrated a deep commitment to mission-driven work and sustainable impact. In his philanthropy leadership role at the Freedom Center, he brings a relationship-centered approach grounded in collaboration, trust and shared purpose  that aligns with how the Freedom Center’s mission and vision. 

He is a graduate of Wittenberg University, holds an MBA from the University of Michigan, and a Doctorate in Business Administration- Nonprofit Leadership & Management from Liberty University and has been recognized with multiple leadership and service awards. 

Jazmina Robinhawk, Manager, Philanthropy Data & Strategy

 

Jazmina Robinhawk joins the philanthropy team with a strong background in institutional advancement, arts advocacy and nonprofit administration. She most recently served as the Director of Institutional Advancement and Executive Offices Assistant at Art Academy of Cincinnati, where she supported development planning, donor engagement, grant research and special events while working closely with executive leadership.

Robinhawk is deeply committed to the transformative power of creativity and culture. Her experience spans donor relations, project management, event coordination, and policy development, with a particular focus on fostering inclusive and supportive environments for artists and cultural institutions. She holds academic training in fine arts and art history and is an active participant in Cincinnati’s creative community.

In this philanthropy role at the Freedom Center, Robinhawk supports fundraising operations and donor engagement efforts, bringing creativity, organization and a collaborative spirit to advancing the institution’s mission.

Photos: 2026 Martin Luther King Community Day

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Freedom Center Voices

On Monday, January 19, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. From hosting the 21st annual King Legacy Celebration in the morning, to welcoming a record 3,500 visitors for the MLK Community Day, it was a day to remember.

We are grateful to everyone who spent their day with us — families, coworkers, sports teams, scout troops, living communities, church groups, friends and more. We are also grateful to the many community partners, volunteers, staff and supporters who tabled throughout the building, assisted guests, read to children, greeted visitors in our John Parker Library or contributed to Hoxworth’s 112 blood donations — a tie with 2025!

 

“Truth, Trauma, Triumph” Documentary Now Streaming

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Freedom Center Voices

December 4, 2025

"The Freedom Center: Truth, Trauma, Triumph" Documentary Now Streaming

After a televised premiere on WLWT on December 3, a documentary about the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is now available for streaming through Very Local.

"The Freedom Center: Truth, Trauma, Triumph" is a 30-minute documentary that pulls back the curtain on forgotten stories and surprising truths about the founding and start of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Through a mix of interviews and collected footage, "Truth, Trauma, Triumph" captures the journey of freedom in Cincinnati and beyond, with a call to action to learn more about the aspects of structural racism, how they manifest in our society, and the impact it has on individuals and communities for generations.

"I hope people will understand the valuable role that the Freedom Center plays, not only here in Cincinnati but also across the country,” Woodrow Keown, Jr., President and COO of the Freedom Center, told WLWT in an interview. "I hope they will be inspired to come to the Freedom Center and educate themselves around these issues of freedom, figure out what it is that they can do to go out and make the country better for everybody."

Watch the trailer below and stream this documentary now through the Very Local app.