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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Contributed by Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati

The Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati (BLAC) announces Adreanne Stuckey as its new President. With a deep commitment to service, equity, and justice, Stuckey steps into this leadership role with a vision of increasing engagement among legal professionals and uplifting the greater Cincinnati community. Stuckey has been involved with the BLAC since 2016 and brings years of legal expertise and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, professional development, and community outreach.    

Under her leadership, BLAC aims to foster stronger connections among Black attorneys, enhance resources for aspiring legal professionals, and expand initiatives that support underrepresented communities. During a time when justice and equality are being attacked on all sides, it is important to take a stand, strengthen our network, and provide opportunities for growth.    

Stuckey’s tenure will focus on collaborative partnerships, mentorship, and advocacy efforts that address key issues affecting Black professionals and marginalized communities in Cincinnati. She invites all members, allies, and supporters to join in this mission of progress and unity.

The new Executive Board includes Vice President Jada Colon; Corresponding Secretary Jordan McSayles; Recording Secretary Whitney Glover; Parliamentarian Brandon Craig; Community Service Chair Angela White; Law School Liaison Ihsan Walker; Membership Chair Jeremy D’Abreau; Banquet Chair Saria Lattimore.

The association’s Scholarship & Awards Banquet Gala is Saturday April 26 in downtown Cincinnati.        

For more information on BLAC’s upcoming initiatives and ways to get involved, email cincyblac@gmail.com.

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By Sheri Hager , Communications Director

Paul Haffner, president and chief executive officer of Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, will retire on Dec. 31, 2025. Haffner has served in his role since 2016. 

Under his leadership, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services (Lighthouse) created and implemented programs aimed at ending youth homelessness, opened the Lighthouse Clinic as part of an effort to advance health equity, and increased capacity for youth in its shelters and residential treatment programs through renovation and construction.

Plus, every Lighthouse location underwent improvements and upgrades, including trauma-informed design to create a sense of safety, community, respect and dignity. 

“Paul is a champion of building communities where every young person has the opportunity to thrive,” said Debbie White Richardson, chair of the Lighthouse board of trustees. “He is a strong leader who remains focused on doing what’s best for those Lighthouse serves, no matter the challenge — including successfully leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, always putting safety first and ensuring Lighthouse’s doors stayed open.” 

Also, under Haffner’s leadership, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services has become a beacon of diversity, equity and inclusion, principles embedded in its practices and services. The effort includes continual learning, courageous conversations, closing gender-and race-based wage gaps, and evaluating policies and hiring practices. 

“My time at Lighthouse has been the most rewarding of my career,” said Haffner. “It has been a privilege to lead the organization and an honor to work with a team that is passionate about our mission and delivers excellence every day.” 

The search for Haffner’s successor begins immediately. 

Haffner joined Lighthouse after a 22-year career as a corporate lawyer and business manager with prominent Cincinnati law firms and the Great American Insurance Group. A member of Leadership Cincinnati Class 39, he previously served as board chair of the Cincinnati Nature Center and on the boards of directors of Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati and the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Ohio Chapter. He currently serves as board secretary for the Ohio Children’s Alliance. 

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By Marita Salkowski, Marita.salkowski@redcross.org

The Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Chapter of the American Red Cross has announced that Delores Hargrove-Young has been named the recipient of the prestigious Clara Barton Award for Humanitarian Service. The award will be presented at a special breakfast event held April 3, at 8:30 a.m. at Cincinnati’s Music Hall.

The Clara Barton Award is named after the remarkable founder and first leader of the American Red Cross and is given annually by the Cincinnati chapter to an individual, group of individuals, or corporation which exemplifies Barton’s humanitarian spirit. 

Hargrove-Young has been selected as this year’s recipient because of her life-long commitment to humanitarian service in the Cincinnati community. As the vice chair of d.e. Foxx & Associates, one of Greater Cincinnati’s largest minority-owned businesses, Hargrove-Young has been a prominent member of many non-profit organization boards including the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Artswave, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the American Red Cross. In 2024, she was named as a Great Living Cincinnatian by the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.

Hargrove-Young served as the chair of the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State board from 2016 to 2018.  She is the first African American woman to serve as chair of the local Red Cross board of directors. During her time as both a member and chair of the Cincinnati Board, she was instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Sound the Alarm Campaign, which aims to reduce deaths and injuries due to home fires through the installation of free smoke alarms.  The concept born in the Cincinnati Chapter has now become a national campaign.  

“Delores has had a lasting impact on the greater Cincinnati community,” said Stephanie Byrd, regional executive for the American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region. “She is a remarkable businesswoman, a prominent community leader, and a staunch supporter of diversity and empowerment of women. I am in awe of her strength, yet kindly resolve to make all aspects of our community better.”

The Clara Baron Award for Humanitarian Service event gives the Red Cross an opportunity to recognize community leaders for their service, as well as highlight the work of the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Chapter.

The funds generated serve as an important source of revenue in supporting the life-saving Red Cross programs in Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Brown, Clermont, Dearborn, Ohio, Boone, Kenton, Campbell, and Grant counties. Individuals, corporations or organizations seeking sponsorship opportunities for this event should contact Laura.Shepherd@redcross.org,  for more information on the event.

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By Marla Hurston Fuller & Joe Wessel, Cincinnati Public Schools

The Office of Human Relations (OHR) and Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) together hosted students in grades kindergarten through 12 for the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Oratorical Contest. The citywide contest was held February 27 at the Mary A. Ronan Education Center (2651 Burnet Avenue) for students who recited their memorized essay in front of a panel of judges.

This year’s contest, “Honoring the Legacy, Uniting for the Future,” asks contestants to reflect on where society would be without Dr. King, and to provide solutions for moving forward. The contest was held in four divisions: Primary (grades K-2), Intermediate (grades 3-5), Junior (Grades 6-8) and Senior (grades 9-12). Thirty-four students from nine different CPS schools participated in this year’s contest.

This year’s winners include:

Primary Division

• 1^st Place: Zaniyah Browning, Taft Elementary – Grade 2
• 2^nd Place: Austin Cox, North Elementary – Grade 2
• 3^rd Place: Liam Bauer, Taft Elementary – Grade 2

Intermediate Division

• 1^st Place: Lauren Brown, Taft Elementary – Grade 5
• 2^nd Place: London Brwon, Taft Elementary – Grade 4
• 3^rd Place: Daman Houston, Taft Elementary – Grade 4

Junior Division

• 1^st Place: A’June’t Carson, Walnut Hills High School: Grade 7
• 2^nd Place: Zyon Bolden, Chase Elementary: Grade 6
• 3^rd Place: Serayah Yisreal: Taft Elementary: Grade 6

Senior Division

• 1^st Place: Gavin Foster, Shroder High School: Grade 12
• 2^nd Place: Elena Kochanowski, Shroder High School: Grade 9

“The Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for Dr. King among students. Since its inception, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s plight for civil rights, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship,” stated Paul M. Booth, Division Manager, OHR.

The contest provides students an opportunity to gain confidence in their speaking and presentation skills, while enhancing skills in language arts. Participants were judged on delivery (poise, self-confidence and audience appeal), vocal delivery (audibility, articulation, inflection of voice), creativity, physical (gestures and engagement) and presentation style. Students met State Common Core requirements in Language Arts as they prepared for the contest. Students in grades 4-5 learned how to summarize information, students in grades 6-10 learned how to give an objective summary and students in grades 11-12 learned how to provide an abbreviated version of the most significant points of a text. 

“The Oratorical Contest offers students a meaningful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy by expressing his ideals through their own words and actions. This competition encourages them to think deeply and creatively as they develop and present their speeches. Our goal is for students to feel empowered by their voices, grow in confidence and become advocates for positive change in their communities, following Dr. King’s principles of nonviolent social justice. Supporting them in this journey is both an honor and a privilege,” said Pam Cocklin, Cincinnati Public Schools interim English Language Arts Curriculum Manager.

The top three winners in each division will go on to compete in the State Oratorical Contest in Columbus this spring. Selected Statewide winners will be invited to participate in the annual Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration in January 2024.

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By Maya Bere, Communications Specialist

On February 27, Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Greater Cincinnati (HOME) was notified that one of its major fair housing grants was terminated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), effective immediately.  

The Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) grant is a multi-year grant supporting fair housing counseling, investigation, education and enforcement. HOME is currently in Year 2 of the 3-year grant. The annual grant award is $425,000. This represents approximately 30% of HOME’s annual funding. Across the country, other fair housing groups also received grant termination notices. 

The sudden and immediate termination of the PEI grant will limit HOME’s ability to investigate, request Reasonable Accommodations or Modifications, mediate cases with housing providers and clients, and assist clients with filing fair housing complaints. 

Specifically, HOME is forced to:

• Reduce fair housing counseling impacting roughly 350 clients per year. In the last two years of the grant to date, HOME counseled 612 clients and resolved 160 cases with benefits to clients.  

Last year, HOME assisted a client with avoiding eviction and negotiated a change to their rent payment date to when they receive Social Security Disability Income. The client was forced to pay late fees and was facing an eviction. HOME requested a reasonable accommodation to the property manager and reached a resolution where the client’s eviction was dismissed, they were reimbursed the late fees, and successfully moved the rent payment date to when they receive SSDI payments so they could remain in their home.

• Reduce investigations of illegal housing discrimination in the rental, sales, and lending markets. This includes investigations to ensure accessibility standards are met in housing, as well investigations into mortgage lenders following our recent report findings that people of color still face discrimination and unfair lending practices when applying for a mortgage loan.
• Reduce the number of trainings provided to both consumers and housing providers on fair housing rights and responsibilities. 

“Fair housing and Civil Rights laws are unequivocal. Those laws haven’t changed in the last month,” says Elisabeth Risch, Executive Director. “HOME and other fair housing organizations are the critical frontline defenders, providing counseling and ensuring every individual can access housing free from discrimination. Our investigations show that significant discrimination is still happening in Cincinnati based on race, disability status, family status, and other protected classes. The sudden and immediate termination of this grant is a failure of the federal government to enforce fair housing laws and ensure all people have access to housing.”

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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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By Andy Furman, Herald Contributor

COVINGTON, Ky. – Armonie Banks started working 16 years ago.

“I was taking care of my grandma when I was 11,” the new Residential Medical Coordinator for The Point/Arc said. “She had cancer and passed when I was 13.”

The passion and love of caring for others was something not soon lost on Banks – nursing school was on her radar.

“I worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at The Point/Arc, while I was attending nursing school for two years,” she said.

Direct Service Professionals provide necessary support and services to people of all ages with disabilities. The Point/Arc has sixteen residential homes that operate on seven-days-a-week, 365 days-a-year.

“The people who serve at The Point/Arc are all dedicated with the same goal,” Banks said, “to help and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).”

As Residential Medical Coordinator, Armonie Banks manages all medical care – including appointments – for all those in residential homes.

“It’s quite the responsibility,” she admits, “but I work closely with the Leads of our homes, and we manage to coordinate the needs of all our clients.”

She works a five-day – 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. – schedule but is available for emergency situations on weekends and in the evenings.

Adding to that schedule, Armonie Banks is a single-mom – her daughter turns two on the fourth of February. “I’ll get up at 6 a.m.,” she says, “leave my home in Independence at 7 a.m. and take my daughter to day care in Cincinnati.”

The birth of her daughter forced her to leave her DSP position while attending Beckfield College. “When I completed my LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) program (in 2024), I heard The Point/Arc was looking to hire an additional nurse. I knew they have plans of expansion down the road, and they will be needing nurses.”

She says the greatest challenge in her position is, “coordinating all residents with medical care. I communicate with the doctors, guardians, and parents of our residents,” she said.

But she admits the satisfaction of helping others certainly outweighs the stress involved.

“I just enjoy serving  others,” the Princeton High School graduate, and former volleyball player, said. “It’s just part of my DNA.”

Grandma would have been proud.

The Point/Arc established its first group home in 1995. The Point currently owns and operates 16 well-maintained homes in beautiful neighborhoods that house nearly 70 residents. The group homes are located in Campbell, Kenton, and Boone Counties.

The Point/Arc began in 1972 as a support group for parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental (I/DD) disabilities. The Point has grown to a holistic agency with a wide-range of around-the-clock programs for more than 1,400 individuals with a variety of disabilities, from autism to down syndrome to many one-of-a kind diagnosis. “It is our mission to fill in the service gaps and help individuals with I/DD live their dreams and become inclusive members of the community,” said Judi Gerding, Founder and President of The Point/Arc.

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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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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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