A new men's clothing shop named after the late former state senator Otto Beatty Junior will provide professional attire to those needing a second chance. Franklin County Commissioners cut the ribbon this morning at the shop on Southwood Avenue on the near-south side of Columbus.
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty said her husband was about uplifting others.
"He was always about giving back, believing that he could make a difference, and he was always helping people," said Joyce Beatty.
The shop is located at the former Columbus Metropolitan Area Community Action Organization where Beatty Jr. had worked. It is now called IMPACT Community Action. His family donated his collection of suits, shirts, ties and shoes to the store.
Otto Beatty's daughter, Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt, also emphasized her father's life was about helping others.
"Any judge will tell that yes, there are people who we need protection from, but they will also tell you there are people who deserve a chance, and that's what my dad was about," said the judge.
"If there's one thing I know about Otto Beatty, is that he believed in building men up so that their confidence was strong and they would be prepared to compete against the challenges of the day," said Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce.
Franklin County Commissioners approved spending more than $300,000 for the shop.
