1921 – 1988
C.J. McLin, Jr. represented Dayton in the Ohio State Legislature for 22 years. He was widely regarded as the chief spokesperson for the Black community at the local, regional, and state level. He was known for his unparalleled ability to work with people and build powerful coalitions, including the Democratic Voters League in Dayton and the Black Elected Officials of Ohio. He worked hard to advance legislation in several critical areas, including aid to low-income and elderly people, anti-crime and correctional institution issues, campaign reform, minority affairs, and higher education. One of his proudest accomplishments was the creation of the minority “set-aside” program. His social conscience and sustained commitment to the community propelled both private and public mainstream institutions to change attitudes and practices toward minorities.