The Conscious Connect CDC

This past weekend, we gathered to dedicate our third to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Thomas W. Burton, Springfield’s first Black physician.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special occasion, including our partners, speakers, and community members who helped make this dedication possible. This marker will ensure that his life and legacy is forever embedded in the history of the State of Ohio.

This past weekend we gathered to dedicate the Thomas W. Burton, M.D. Ohio Historical Marker and celebrate the life and legacy of Springfield's first Black physician.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special occasion, including our partners, speakers, and community members who helped make this dedication possible. Together, we are ensuring that these important stories remain visible and accessible for future generations.

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Building community takes more than a vision—it takes people willing to roll up their sleeves and help bring it to life.

This Sunday, we’re inviting volunteers to join us for Volunteer Day at the Southside Incubator, a future hub for entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and community connection on Springfield’s Southside.

Whether you're painting, helping prepare floors, moving furniture, or lending a hand wherever needed, your support will help transform this space into a resource for residents and small businesses for years to come.

📅 This Sunday, June 7th
📍 Southside Incubator, 515 S. Yellow Springs St. Springfield, OH 45506
🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/3nh4mfnv

Thank you to ServeOhio for supporting this volunteer effort and to everyone who continues investing their time and talents into building a stronger community.

📍 Just a few days away from the dedication of the Ohio Historical Marker for Dr. Thomas W. Burton— don’t miss it!

Join us as we honor the life and legacy of Springfield’s first Black physician and celebrate another important chapter of local history.

📅 Saturday, May 30th @ 1:00 p.m.
📍 Rocking Horse Community Health Center
651 S. Limestone St.

Ohio Historical Marker will honor Springfield’s first Black physician The Conscious Connect CDC will unveil its third Ohio Historical Marker in Springfield for Thomas William Burton, Springfield’s first Black physician, this weekend.

We're excited for the first event at Carrick’s Corner this season! 🌳🎨

Join us for Paint-A-Park in partnership with Five Rivers MetroParks! Come enjoy an afternoon of creativity, community, and fun as participants create watercolor artwork inspired by the park and surrounding environment.

All ages are welcome — we hope to see you there!

📅 Saturday, June 6th
⏰ 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
📍 Carrick’s Corner, 300 Delaware Ave. Dayton, OH 45405

Join us next Saturday as we honor the life and legacy of Thomas W. Burton, M.D. through the dedication of a new Ohio Historical Marker.

Dr. Burton was Springfield’s first Black physician and a leader whose impact extended far beyond medicine through advocacy, service, and community care. We’re proud to help preserve and share this important history with future generations.

📅 Saturday, May 30th @ 1:00 p.m.
📍 Rocking Horse Community Health Center, 651 S. Limestone St.

We hope you’ll join us for this special occasion as we celebrate another important chapter of Springfield’s story.

Join us in congratulating our Co-Founder, Dr. Karlos L. Marshall, on his induction into the Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement of the Mad River Region as their Spotlight Awardee. This honor was accompanied by an commendation.

Special thanks to our community partners, funders, and supporters for believing in our vision the last 11 years.

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Preserving history is an important part of our mission. Last year, we had the opportunity to help honor and uplift local stories through the dedication of both a neighborhood marker and an Ohio Historical Marker—ensuring that the people and places that shape our community continue to be remembered.

This month, we’re proud to continue that work with the dedication of the Thomas W. Burton, M.D. Ohio Historical Marker, honoring Springfield’s first Black physician and a trailblazer in medicine and community care.

📅 Saturday, May 30th @ 1:00 p.m.
📍Rocking Horse Community Health Center, 651 S. Limestone St.

Join us as we celebrate another important chapter of Springfield’s history.

🎊🎉 Help us wish our Development Associate, Castel, a Happy Birthday! From funding support and communications to graphics, organization, and the countless details that keep things running smoothly, your work makes a lasting impact across our mission.

Congratulations to Dr. Marshall for being named to the 2026 Library Journal’s
Movers & Shakers list for his work at the Dayton Metro Library. He was one of seven honorees recognized in the “innovator” category.

This annual list recognizes leaders across the nation who are shaping the future of libraries. Dr. Marshall also received the inaugural Amazon “Innovator in Access Award,” presented in partnership with Movers & Shakers for his effort to increase access to books.

Dr. Karlos L. Marshall has created a wide array of initiatives for the Dayton Metro Library, including the Social Justice Speaker Series, now in its fifth year, Reading Railroad, and more. Read more here: https://hubs.la/Q04fjXwz0