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May 1988 issue, featuring Jerry Hammond.
While Jerry Hammond and Marty Rozenman stood on opposite corners at the intersection of journalism and politics, they each were rooted in community service. And both, in their ways, touched the lives of many—more than either probably imagined.
Hammond was raised in poverty in South Bend, Indiana, and, as a teen, served time in prison for attempted burglary before turning his life around in Columbus. He ascended the local political ladder to become the first African-American City Council president. A dapper dresser, he had swagger and charisma—not afraid to dive into controversy (nor immune from controversy finding him) in trying to make the city a better place. On the side, Hammond loved golf and also owned the Major Chord, a first-class jazz club in the Short North.
Rozenman made his mark in Columbus as a journalist, serving for 20 years as the editor of Suburban News Publications (SNP), as well as freelancing for such sister divisions as Columbus Monthly, The Other Paper and Columbus C.E.O., before ending his career at the Dispatch. He won many awards, including the national Suburban Journalist of the Year from the Suburban Newspapers of America in 2002. There was little swagger to Rozenman, who instead effectively employed a quick and dry wit. On the side, he loved softball and the Cleveland Indians.
Hammond, 76, and Rozenman, 56, died within a few days of each other in late August. The politician suffered from Parkinson’s disease. The writer fought a rare blood disorder that was diagnosed in 1986, when he was just in his early 30s; his obit said he might have been the youngest person known to contract Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia. Although given six years to live at the time, he staged a private and courageous struggle until the end. After the diagnosis, as a testament to faith, hope and optimism, Rozenman married and became the father to two children. (His wife, Nancy Richison, who met him while working as a reporter at SNP, also has contributed frequently to Columbus Monthly.)
Hammond’s influence on the city was celebrated during a public service at the Southern Theatre, which featured 12 speakers and a three-piece jazz combo with vocalist Jeanette Williams performing “My Way” and “Unforgettable.” With his wife, two children and other family members in attendance, some spoke of the private side of Hammond as a father and guiding force, and others noted his vast accomplishments, from helping create the King Arts Complex and the Community Shelter Board, among other things, to infusing City Council with a power surge. Mayor Mike Coleman, Auditor Hugh Dorrian and other public officials told tales of his leadership, and his former legislative aide Ako Kambon sent ripples of laughter through the auditorium recalling Hammond’s dynamic personality.
Like a memorable teacher, Rozenman, whose life was honored during a service at a Hilliard funeral home, mentored countless young journalists as they began their careers at SNP, the stories legendary of his prowess at guiding them with an encouraging hand while pressing for high standards. This band of journalists is scattered not only throughout the city, but also across the country at media and communications businesses small and large. As Eric Lyttle, editor of The Other Paper who got his start at SNP, wrote in a blog about his former boss, “Marty was our Mr. Holland. We were his Opus.”
