World renowned author and Ohio-native Maya Angelou warns us that, “there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” An important part of the work of the Healthy Community Partnership is to remember that that while we pool and pull together data, we don’t forget about our stories—individual and collective—and making sure they are treasured and told.

D5 Group Founder DeShawn Scott in the Studio

Seven years ago, DeShawn Scott founded the D5 Group, which is a company that provides “Integrated Marketing and Creative Services for Passionate Brands.” Their diverse portfolio includes government programs like ServeOhio; non-profit organizations like the Trumbull County Historical Society, Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, and Flying High, Inc.; educational services like the Youngstown City School District; entrepreneurs and business incubators like Brite Energy Innovators; and philanthropic partners like the Raymond John Wean Foundation and, us—the Healthy Community Partnership. In addition to cultivating a strong client base, the D5 Group earned certifications in Ohio as a Minority Business Enterprise and Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity. They are also Sprout Social Silver Agency Partner.

For one year, DeShawn Scott and his team at the D5 Group have been providing these second-to-none services to support the Healthy Community Partnership. The passion to create and to tell the stories of an emerging healthy community is one that is shared.

Reflecting on these anniversaries, Mr. Scott shared that, “40% of Black-owned businesses were shuttered as a result of the pandemic.” This is a shocking, heartbreaking statistic, and one that we are glad does not apply here. Members of HCP are grateful that Mr. Scott and his team have been helping us to collect and communicate our stories and successes over the past year, and we are excited to keep moving and growing forward together.

In his own words, here is the D5 Group’s founder, DeShawn Scott, offering his reflections, insights, and encouragements as a Healthy Community Partnership Steering Committee member, communications consultant, and valued community partner.