In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls  invited every elected woman in Hamilton County to gather on the Courthouse steps on March 11for a bi-partisan group picture. 

Did you know that as of 2024:

• Women hold a majority of Hamilton County-wide elected seats (8 out of the 11 administrative offices) and over half of the judicial seats are held by women.
• Over 160 women hold public office county-wide.
• We have an unprecedented number of women in local office – mayors, councilmembers, commissioners, trustees  and judges.

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“Let’s go shopping!” chanted Avondale residents as they stood by the hundreds outside The Country Meat Co. Marketplace’s ribbon cutting ceremony leading to the grand opening of its new grocery store in the Avondale Town Center on February 29. The opening of the long-awaited store was an overwhelming success as customers then filed in one-by-one to shop the Avondale community’s first grocery store in 17 years, a store that is locally owned and operated by Tennell and Chanel Bryant.

The opening had the atmosphere of a celebration as shoppers flooded the attractive new store at 3539 Reading Road, shopped, met the owners and staff, and even had a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the coffee bar. Shoppers experienced the finest meats, fresh produce, local offerings and homemade meals that reflect the heart of the Avondale and the Greater Cincinnati communities.

The customers were also able to connect with local elected officials, community leaders, grocery vendors and partners, local farmers and food artisans; sample some of the delicious in-house creations and seasonal favorites; and enjoy special discounts on a wide selection of products throughout the store. 

Former City Councilman Wendell Young said he remembers when Avondale had a thriving business district and the importance of a grocery store in the community. When on City Council, Young was a leader in fighting to eradicate food deserts. He pushed for funding to bring a grocery store to Avondale. Young was a featured speaker at the opening because he paved the way for Avondale and other communities to have grocery stores, and not accept being a food desert.

 “Today, we erase Avondale off of the food desert map,” said Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney who grew up in and still lives in Avondale. A few years ago, she challenged the Avondale Town Center management when they made plans to bring a blood plasma center rather than a grocery store to the shopping center. “I told them what Sandra Jones Mitchell, president of the Avondale Community Council, told me: ‘We are making signs right now to protest any plans for a blood plasma center here.’” Kearney praised Christie Kuhns, president & CEO of the Urban League, and Dr. Monica Mitchell of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for providing funding and support to bring in a grocery store.

Reggie Harris, former council member and now Chief of Staff for U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman, pushed for the grocery store when he worked for TCB, and then when he was on City Council. Harris came in from Washington, D.C. for the grand opening. Another key supporter at the opening was Russ Hairston, president of the Avondale Development Corporation. He provided ongoing support and guidance to help the Bryants get to the finish line. “I also have to thank Triversity Construction,” said Kearney. “When there were repairs needed, Triversity’s President Jim Watkins immediately sent contractors to make those repairs.”

“We did it,” said co-owner Tennell Bryant in opening remarks, only to be loudly repeated by the shoppers in the crowd. “We are ending the food desert in Avondale!”    

The store opening is a part of Black History Month,” said shopper Di’Neva Moats, “It is emotional for me, in a right way. We can now get fresher foods here in Avondale.”

Co-owners Tennell and Chanel Bryant, said the Country Meat Co. Marketplace is more than a grocery store—it’s a community hub where fresh, locally sourced ingredients meet a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. Chanel Bryant added, “We take pride in partnering with local farms to deliver the finest meats, produce, and other essentials. Our mission is simple: offer top-quality products while fostering a sense of togetherness. With a commitment to sustainability and community-driven values, The Country Meat Co. Marketplace provides a place for neighbors to connect and experience ‘City Fresh at its Best.’ ” 

“This has been a long road,” said co-owner Chanel Bryant, “but we are going to be successful and we are going to be great.”

The Bryants have successful experience operating a similar grocery store in Findlay Market in the Over-the-Rhine community near downtown Cincinnati.     

The store serves the Greater Cincinnati area and is open seven days per week from 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. For more information and to join the mailing list, visit https://thecountrymeatcomarketplace.com

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The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio announces that Treva Reid has joined its team as the Executive Director of the Holloman Center for Social Justice. 

Treva most recently served as a City Council member in Oakland, California, where she was a transformative leader in legislative policymaking, economic development, and public safety reform. She has authored and sponsored over 100 legislative measures, championing affordable housing, workforce training, and community-led violence prevention programs. During her tenure, Oakland made historic investments to reimagine public safety, secured a $100 million privately funded Rise East Oakland initiative to address systemic inequities facing Black residents, and launched Oakland Resilient Families, one of the nation’s largest guaranteed income pilots rooted in eliminating racial wealth disparities and building financial security. 

Prior to election in November 2020, Treva held leadership roles at Pacific Gas & Electric Company, the California State Assembly, and Ford Motor Company, where she developed expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and corporate-community partnerships. She has successfully directed multi-billion-dollar budgets, secured significant funding for critical initiatives, and built programs that drive lasting impact. 

As Executive Director of the Center for Social Justice, Treva will lead efforts in policy reform, advocacy, and mobilization on critical social justice issues, including police reform, voter suppression, and economic equity. She will work closely with municipalities, grassroots organizations, and strategic partners. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Treva Reid to the Urban League family,” said Christie Kuhns, Esq., President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. “Her incredible background in public service, policy advocacy, and community engagement makes her the perfect person to continue the impactful work of the Holloman Center for Social Justice. Treva’s existing relationships and family ties in Cincinnati make her transition seamless, and her leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to achieve equity and economic empowerment for all. She is a phenomenal addition to our leadership team.” 

“As a Cincinnati native, I am thrilled to return to join this dynamic organization,” said Reid. “My entire career has focused on uplifting others, securing equitable investments, unlocking access to opportunities, and advancing just outcomes for all to thrive. This role allows me to continue doing work I am passionate about, where I was mentored as an Urban League Young Professional. I am excited to help build with our incredible team on our policy priorities, deepen community engagement, and expand the Center’s impressive impact.” 

Please join the Urban League in welcoming Treva Reid to the Urban League family. 

About the Holloman Center for Social Justice 

Established in 2020, the mission of the Holloman Center for Social Justice is to serve as a regional catalyst for collaborative police reform efforts between communities and police departments in Southwestern Ohio. We are committed to engaging in policy advocacy, data collection and reporting, community education, and organizing to advance justice. 

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By Thomas Beridon

Tiana Johnson has been appointed to the position of Chief Probation Officer for the Court of Common Pleas. Johnson is the first African American in history to serve in this position. The historic appointment reflects the Common Pleas Court’s commitment to diverse, transformative leadership and impactful service to the community.

For Johnson, she knows the role and profound responsibility of such a position. “To be appointed as Chief Probation Officer, and the first African American to serve as such, is humbling and inspiring. It represents not only a professional achievement, but a historic step forward, and it is my hope that as young people consider career choices, they see the limitless possibilities for future leaders from underrepresented backgrounds in all parts of our judicial system. I am committed to serving with integrity and honoring the trust Presiding Judge Wende Cross, and all the Common Pleas Judges have placed in me. We have an amazing probation department, and will continue to build upon our department’s foundation of evidence-based practices and cognitive-behavioral interventions, ensuring our work aligns with best practices and the shared goal of reducing recidivism and promoting long-term positive behavior change.”

A Journey of Service and Dedication

Johnson began her career in 2006 as a General Division Court of Common Pleas Adult Probation Officer, working in various units, including neighborhood Community Substations and the Presentence Investigation unit. In 2013, Tiana Johnson was promoted to Probation Officer Supervisor in Municipal Court, her first major leadership role in the department. In January 2022, Johnson was appointed to Assistant Chief Probation Officer for the Court of Common Pleas. Her implementation of evidence-based interventions to modify offender behavior, reduce recidivism, enhance community safety, and prioritize protection of victims’ rights, helped to shape the probation department’s current operations.

In May 2024, Johnson was appointed Interim Chief Probation Officer for the Court of Common Pleas Adult Probation Department. Now with her appointment as Chief Probation Officer, the highest step in a long and impactful career, Tiana Johnson officially is the first African American to hold this impactful position.

“With almost 20 years of experience, Tiana has been a steadfast advocate for rehabilitation, public safety, and community engagement. Her leadership and dedication have played a pivotal role in shaping evidence-based practices and fostering equitable outcomes for those under probation supervision. Tiana will also be instrumental in shaping the future of our probation services, fostering innovation, equity, and excellence” said Judge Wende C. Cross, the Administrative Judge of the Common Pleas Court, General Division.

An Inspiring Leader for the Future

As Chief of Probation, Tiana will oversee critical initiatives aimed at strengthening community partnerships, improving rehabilitation programs, and ensuring justice is served with fairness and integrity. Tiana’s journey from General Probation Officer to Chief Probation Officer exemplifies what can be achieved through discipline, perseverance, hard work, and a deep commitment to public service.

This historic appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Adult Probation Department and the criminal justice system as a whole. With Tiana Johnson at the helm, the department is well-positioned to continue leading the way in effective and impactful rehabilitation programs and probation supervision, Cross said.

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Contributed

Award-winning producer Kiah Clingman returns to her hometown for the highly anticipated screening of Color Book at the Over the Rhine International Film Festival on March 6, 2025. The film, written and directed by David Fortune, has garnered national and international recognition, world premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival before making its international debut at the 50th Deauville Film Festival, where it was awarded the Prix de la Critique (Critic’s Prize). Most recently, Color Book has been nominated for two NAACP Awards at the 56th NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Breakthrough Creative – Feature Film.

A Cincinnati native, Clingman is the daughter of James and Sylvia Clingman and a proud alumna of Princeton High School.

Color Book is a beautifully observed story about a father-and-son relationship. After a heartbreaking loss, Lucky (Will Catlett) becomes a widowed single father to his son Mason (Jeremiah Daniels), who has Down syndrome. As they navigate their shared grief, the two learn to connect, forming a delicate but unbreakable bond.

This moving drama marks the narrative feature film debut of David Fortune, who was recently recognized by Variety as one of its “10 Directors to Watch” for 2025, alongside filmmakers like Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), Malcolm Washington (The Piano Lesson), and Halina Reijn (Babygirl). In addition, Variety selected Color Book as its Critic’s Pick, highlighting the film’s emotional depth and compelling performances.

Produced by Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, and Autumn Bailey Ford, Color Book is executive produced by Naturi Naughton, Two Lewis (Take Two Entertainment), and Korstian Vandiver.

Opening Night Gala & Special Talkback

The hometown premiere of Color Book will take place on March 6, 2025, as part of the Opening Night Gala at the Over the Rhine International Film Festival. Following the screening, there will be a special talkback with Marissa Bode, who starred in Wicked.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Over the Rhine International Film Festival, including the Color Book screening and Opening Night Gala, are available at: OTR Film Festival Tickets

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The Village of Lincoln Heights and members of the Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church have initiated a public boycott Evendale after their frustration with the Evendale Police Department and Evendale leaders regarding the neo-Nazi demonstration that occurred Feb. 7.

The Evendale Police Department provides protection for the village, as well as the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department.

The Rev. Dr. Julian Cook, pastor of the Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church, said at a Feb. 24  press conference at the church that no arrests or citations have been made by the Evendale Police Department in connection with the incident. However, he expressed appreciation for  Evendale officials’ decision to hire a third-party team to evaluate their handling of the demonstration. Lincoln Heights Mayor Ruby Kinsey-Mumphrey said she and other community members were upset that they were not invited to participate in that decision or in a decision about releasing the videos.

Lincoln Heights officials are asking the public not to spend a penny in Evendale and are asking the police and leaders of Evendale the following:

• A full investigation, including all unedited footage from Feb. 7.
• Support those affected by hate, including counseling of students who were traumatized by seeing the hateful demonstration
• A comprehensive plan for safety and accountability
• Accountability and respect, including the use of the Evendale public pool by Lincoln Heights residents.

 “This is a Hamilton County issue, this an American issue. So, once again, choose what side of history you’re going to be on. Are you on the side of Nazis and hate or are you on the side of being an American,” activist and Lincoln Heights Councilman Daronce Daniels said.

On Friday, Evendale City officials said that Consulting firm 21 CP Solutions (21st Century Policing), headed by former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, will be conducting their review.

“We owe it to our community and all those affected by Feb. 7 to learn from that day and strengthen trust,” said Evendale Mayor Richard H. Finan. He added all 16 hours of bodycam video from the incident would be publicly available for the community to review, and Evendale officers who assisted the Nazis demonstrators would face consequences.

Based in Chicago, 21CP has a former Cincinnati assistant police chief, Jim Whalen, as part of their team. The cost of bringing the firm in is about $70,000, according to Evendale Councilman Chris Patterson.

A dozen men carrying guns and waving flags with swastikas on them spent about 45 minutes on the overpass. Their presence drew a rapid response from residents in historically Black Lincoln Heights, creating a very charged and potentially violent atmosphere.

The demonstration ended when the White supremacists got into the back of a U-Haul truck and drove away.

“Our focus and our strategies and our efforts were entirely on public safety,” Evendale Police Chief Tim Holloway said. “Making sure everybody was safe, from the original demonstrators to the counter protesters that showed up and every motorist who just happened to be driving by and every employee of every business nearby.”

Lincoln Heights spends about one million dollars annually for policing from the Evendale Police Department. Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputies also patrol the community. Lincoln Heights leaders say this may be an opportunity for the village leaders to reinstate its police department.

Lincoln Heights resident Jennifer Gray said in the 1960s she witnessed KKK members burn a cross in a demonstration in the village’s school yard. Carlton Collins, a leader in The Heights Movement, added that the village residents have been resilient in fighting abuses for many years, including enduring the constant noise from the adjacent law enforcement shooting range, which Cincinnati officials are planning to relocate at an isolated site.

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A business owner and resident of the first Black city north of the Mason-Dixon Line said he feared for his life when he was approached by an armed member of a neo-Nazi group demonstrating on an overpass on February 7 as he was returning to his fire alarm business in the Village of Lincoln Heights, Ohio, near Cincinnati.

The neo-Nazi group of about 10 members armed with assault rifles targeted the African American community during their demonstration, assembling on the overpass and hanging swastika flags and a large banner proclaiming “America for the White Man” from the overpass railings. 

Soon a number of residents from the village of about 3,000 population came down to the overpass.

Vastly outnumbered by residents shouting “no justice, no peace” and demanding their immediate removal, the Nazis quickly gathered up their White supremacist signs, under police protection, and literally ran to a near-by U-Haul and took off.

Eric Ruffin, who is a resident of Lincoln Heights and has an office there for his business, ABEL Building Systems, said he was blocked on the overpass by law enforcement and other vehicles when he tried to drive across it. He heard the neo-Nazi group shouting the “N word” and other obscenities through an amplified megaphone, and was approached by several men dressed in black from head to feet. 

“This seemed so strange. I could not believe what  was happening,” Ruffin said. “I turned my music up louder than their bullhorn as I tried to get into my music, so I would not be able to hear them and keep my head cool. I did not look at them even as they were standing outside my truck window and calling me the ’N word.’ I was concerned that they would pull me out of my truck. I was ignoring a fool, and the fool got mad. But when I pulled out my pistol, they walked away. A police officer from a neighboring community then walked up and told me to turn my radio down, and eventually I was able to pass on. This was sort of a reverse stand-your-ground situation.”

He commented that while he was stranded on the overpass it seemed like a day had passed, although he was there for only a few minutes. 

“I feared for my life,” he commented.

Ruffin and other residents in the community said the Neo-Nazi group did not belong there, and they have criticized law enforcement officials for not taking immediate action to remove them and de-escalate the confrontations. Ruffin said the officers seemed only interested in protecting the Neo-Nazis.

A day later, the Lincoln Heights residents staged a “rolling” protest of how the situation was handled by law enforcement, as they drove through surrounding communities.

Also, several members of the village’s Safety and Watch patrol, carrying assault rifles and dressed in heavy clothing and wearing face coverings due to the frigid weather, patrolled the community questioning strangers who were driving through. 

Lincoln Heights is the home of internationally recognized poet Nikki Giovanna, who died earlier this year, as well as a number of Cincinnati area leaders and professionals.

Condemnations of this White supremacist provocation were also quickly issued by the Mayor of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati NAACP, the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, the Ohio Chapter of the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. 

The following day, the administration of Lincoln Heights issued a statement: “Racism is ugly, and it was on display yesterday. This kind of activity has no place in Lincoln Heights or anywhere else. We are proud of the restraint our community showed in response to this demonstration.”

For Mayor Ruby Mumphrey Kinsey, born and raised in Lincoln Heights, it was devastating. “My heart dropped. My life will never be the same. It’s as if the devil knocked on our door,” she said. At the time, she was at work in Northern Kentucky—the only senior manager on duty, calling her boss and trying to find someone to cover her office so she could leave. As she waited, she remained in constant contact with a fellow council member, neighbors and family. 

Ruffin mentioned his father was raised near Philadelphia, Mississippi, and his father taught him not to hate, although he lived there during the Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights Movement, as well as the murder of four young Freedom Riders in Philadelphia, Mississippi.  

Not one of the police officers investigated the situation, according to reports.

Community residents, however, have not remained silent. Two days following the Nazi demonstration, area residents returned to the site of the crime and posted banners proclaiming “Love Wins.” One sign read, “My father fought the Nazis and So Will I.” On Sunday, February 9, more than 300 area residents marched to the overpass, filling the street and stopping traffic, to voice their moral outrage against the violation of human dignity there two days earlier. A community meeting on the following Monday at the Lincoln Heights Municipal Center drew hundreds of concerned residents who demanded to know, among other things, why the Nazis were not identified by the police, let alone not arrested. That evening’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting continued to hear speakers denounce the Nazis and commend the Lincoln Heights community for driving them out. 

A similar Nazi demonstration in Columbus, Ohio, right after the November 5, 2024, election resulted in the same revealing and incriminating silence from law enforcement. 

Hamilton County, Ohio Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey met with residents after the Feb. 7 Nazi demonstration to hear residents voice their concerns about law enforcement showing more concern for protecting the Nazis than for the residents whom they are hired to serve. Sheriff McGuffey promised an investigation.

“I am so proud of my community,’’ Ruffin said. “We are so small and so Black, but don’t come over here playing, for you can find trouble as well as love.”

The post ‘I feared for my life,’ Black community member said of neo-Nazi group appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

At last, I can finally write about actual results and not just speculations or predictions, as Spring Training games have officially started.  As I do each season, it’s always a good reminder to ignore win-loss records during this time, focus on the “wins” for each player, and to keep in mind that this is a time for players to dial-in before the season begins in a month.  Younger players are competing for spots, pitchers are perfecting their craft, and batters are attempting to get their feel back at the plate.  Add in the new manager and the new additions, and you really have to take a step back and look at the positives individually. 

Impressive Beginning

• Elly De La Cruz hasn’t missed a step and is looking for a breakout season.  In his first two at-bats in the Cactus League, he smoked two home runs including one from each side.  If he stays healthy, we might just have an MVP on our favorite team in 2025.
• Santiago Espinal was highly impressive in his 5 at-bats, including a triple and a home run.  His depth should be talked about more. 
• Rece Hinds smoked a triple off the wall and I think we all know his ceiling.  If he could just be more consistent, he could certainly play a lot of major league ball this year.
• The new Red, Gavin Lux, had a great game, including 3 RBIs and a double. 
• 25-year-old catcher, Will Banfield smoked an impressive home run.  Banfield, Wynns, Trevino, and Stephenson will be fun to watch this season. 
• Chase Petty, Connor Phillips, Nick Martinez, and Graham Ashcraft all had impressive outings, including 2 scoreless innings from each of them.
• Cam Collier had a big double in his first at bat.  Collier and Stewart are some Reds on the Rise that are trying to get to the big league level. 

Quotes from the Weekend

• Terry Francona on Nick Martinez: “I know there’s some versatility there and he’s willing to do it, but bouncing guys around unless you have to is not what we’re shooting for.” Welcome to the rotation, Nick. 
• Bent Suter: “I want to see us having a parade in Fountain Square at the end of the year.”
• Terry Francona on the Pete Rose Patch: “I will wear that as proudly as you can.”
• Terry Francona on Elly: “Don’t quote me, but he’s got a pretty good chance of sticking on our club.” (LOL)
• Terry Francona on Elly: “I want you to be the best player in baseball on the best team in baseball.”
• Terry Francona on playing the Guardians: “It’s just not the right time to have a hug fest.  I want these guys to know how important they are.  I’m a (explicative) Red.”

Upcoming Schedule

• Dodgers 2/24
• Angels 2/26
• Diamondbacks 2/27
• Athletics 2/28
• Padres 3/1
• Cubs 3/2

The post Reds Spring Training: De La Cruz impresses with home runs appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Terri Hornbach-Torres, THT Communications on behalf of The Church of the Resurrection MLK Event Committee

Ten Greater Cincinnatians who personify the love and light that drive out hate and darkness, as modeled by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., were honored at the 23^rd annual MLK “Keep the Dream Alive” Ceremony on January 20 at the Church of the Resurrection in Bond Hill.

Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Vice Mayor of the City of Cincinnati, and Eric Kearney, local business and political leader, were the keynote speakers. Courtis Fuller, a Hall of Fame broadcast journalist and retired news anchor and reporter at WLWT, was the emcee.

This year’s theme was “Let the Light Rise in the Darkness.” It was inspired by the following quote by Dr. King: “Darkness cannot put out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

The Keep the Dream Alive honorees embody Dr. King’s legacy by following his teachings and contributing to the betterment of the community. Since 2001, nearly 200 community members have been honored with the Keep the Dream Alive award.

The post Event honors 10 people who help keep MLK’s Dream Alive appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

A procession of vehicles made its way through Lincoln Heights and Evendale Monday to counter protest the February 7 neo-Nazi demonstration on the Vision Way overpass between the two communities.

During the February 7 demonstration, about 10  members of the hate group carried swastika flags and assault rifles and hung White supremacist banners from the overpass. They were eventually confronted by Lincoln Heights residents, the presence of Evendale police and Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputies and left towing a U-Haul filled with their props.

Residents of the historically Black community — the first self-governing Black municipality north of the Mason-Dixon line — say they believe they were intentionally targeted. The members of the hate group wore masks and several brandished assault rifles.

The incident has left an unsettled feeling in Lincoln Heights and questions about law enforcements’ response to the hate group.

“We still have drivers cruising through Lincoln Heights wearing swastikas on their arm bands and hate signs on their cars,” said Carlton Collins, a leader in The Heights Movement, a civic organization.

Drivers involved in Monday’s counter-protest painted their windows and carried signs with anti-racist slogans and messages like “we demand answers,” a reference to the police response about the hate group

“The purpose of the caravan of vehicles Monday was to announce our effort to produce an economic boycott of Evendale businesses in response to the lack of transparency provided by the Evendale police presence here during the Nazi demonstration,” Collins said. 

“The neo-Nazi group parked their van in the Lincoln Heights Middle School/High School parking lot, which was just dismissing students, as elementary school buses coming into the same lot were letting those students off. So all of those students were seeing the whole thing going on down at the overpass. The high school students were the first to reach the overpass, with the armed neo—Nazis walking from our side of the overpass to it.

“Also, from 20 to 30 percent of our population lives in the senior apartments back of the school. So we had most of our vulnerable people witness what was happening, and all of that contributed to just how angry the people of Lincoln Heights were.”   

Collins said members of The Heights Movement have some footage from Evendale police taken during the event, but it has apparently been edited, and the members want an independent investigation of the police department concerning their response to the event. 

“We want some clarity about whether the  Evendale police were in support of the neo- Nazis presence here,” he said.    

The “rolling protest” caravan Monday has produced some positive results that are leading to accountability, Collins said. “There has been a lot of community trauma, but we are now in space where we are on the road to healing. The sooner we get answers, that will help us in that process.” he added.

Lincoln Heights residents want to know why none of the hate group members were cited for breaking any laws, and how their U-Haul truck ended up outside Lockland school after the demonstration.

Lockland Local Schools last week released security footage showing an Evendale Police cruiser pulling up to the school in the minutes after the demonstration. Shortly after, the U-Haul driven by the neo-Nazis pulled up behind it. The officer gets out, speaks briefly to the driver of the U-Haul, then gets in his cruiser, pulls into the school’s parking lot and then drives away. The U-Haul then pulls into the parking lot as well before driving off.

In the statement, Lockland Schools says it was just minutes away from dismissal of elementary school students when the incident happened and that the district was not notified about the hate group being near — and briefly on — its property.

Regarding the Nazi confrontation in Lincoln Heights, The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners released this joint statement:

“We are appalled by the hateful and racist display that took place in the Lincoln Heights/Evendale. Hate has no place in Hamilton County or society, and we stand united in rejecting those who seek to divide us.”

Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey is calling on Ohio lawmakers for stricter laws after the neo-Nazi demonstration on the overpass.

McGuffey said on Tuesday she wants state lawmakers to implement harsher legislation for “hate speech” and to make it a crime to wear a mask while carrying a firearm for purposes of intimidation.

According to reports, Hamilton County dispatchers said police responded to the scene and were working on “keeping the peace.” Evendale police said they became aware of “an unannounced protest” on the sidewalks of the overpass. Hamilton County sheriff’s deputies also responded to the scene.

Evendale police stated previously in a news release the protest, while very offensive, was not unlawful.

“It might be legally protected speech but it is not OK,” McGuffey said on Tuesday.

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