Contributed

For its fourth annual event, The Real Taco Fest upholds its pledge to unite Tri-State taco lovers with the best tacos in town, all in one spot.

The Real Taco Fest’s straightforward approach to celebrating local businesses that proudly serve tacos continued its streak of popular appeal last year, as event attendance grew steadily and served over 13,000 tacos. Therefore, it may seem obvious that the organizers are bringing back their celebration of all-things-taco for a fourth time on Saturday, May 10, aiming to accommodate even more guests on the banks of the Ohio River.

“Our mission from the beginning has been to create a definitive and inclusive showcase of arguably the most universally loved food dish to ever be adopted in this country,” says Festival Producer Ben Howard, “where every local taco enthusiast can be steps away from discovering their new favorite taco (and taco-maker) in the area!”

Attendees will have the opportunity to try tacos from over fifteen different local restaurants and food trucks—including Mazunte, El Trompo Mexican Grill, El Caporal Mexican Bar and Grill, Casa Mexico, El Taco Veloz, El Vaquero, J’s Fish Tacos, El Cardenal Taqueria, Jenn’s Hot

Tamale, and more—all in one location at Smale Riverfront Park (166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati). And what pairs better with street tacos more than an ice-cold beverage? Margaritas will be flowing, as well as an exclusive Mexican Lager, ESPECIAL, brewed by local sponsor Fifty West Brewing Company, and refreshing ready-to-drink canned beverages from local sponsor Canvus Premium Cocktails, made by Boone County Distilling. 

Tickets are required for entry and are $10 in advance ($15 day-of), but it should be noted that Entry Tickets are limited to mitigate long lines. Attendees will be able to choose from one of two available sessions: 12–4pm or 5:30–9:30pm. The first 250 people through the gate at each session will receive a 2oz sample bag of “Covington Gold Dust” by Farmer Nate’s Sauce. Tickets to attend are now on sale at CincyTicket or via the official fest website.

Once inside the fest, attendees can purchase food and drink tickets for $4 each that will be redeemed by Vendors when ordering. A “Super Taco Pack” in the form of 11 food and drink tickets for the price of 10 is also available for advanced purchase along with an Entry Ticket—that is to say, a free taco awaits you for planning ahead. Vendors will all have limited menus focusing on street tacos, however, some premium options and desserts may be found. Rest assured, the formula will largely remain the same across the festival from all food Vendors: 1 Ticket = 1 Taco. A complete list of Vendors and offerings will be provided closer to the date of the festival.

Additional entertainment includes a live DJ and a small assortment of lawn games. The event is very much family-friendly with children 10 and under free to attend, as well as access to the park’s built-in playground attractions and frozen paletas for sale by Streetpops. For the brave of heart and iron of stomach, this year’s festival will introduce a spicy eating challenge, where a small group of attendees who have placed their name in a hat at the Farmer Nate booth will be chosen to speed-eat 5 tacos doused in a uniquely formulated “criminally hot” sauce, with the winner receiving an assortment of prizes (to-be-announced).

A portion of the proceeds from The Real Taco Fest 2025 will benefit their non-profit partner, The Ion Center for Violence Prevention, in their mission to support all survivors who have been impacted by power-based personal violence (sexual and/or intimate partner violence) by offering 24/7, free and confidential responsive services, as well as survivor-centered advocacy programs that engage with individuals and local communities to prevent violence.

Real Festivals LLC was founded in 2020, with a commitment to offering simple yet inclusive events across the Tri-State Cincinnati area.

If you would like more information about The Real Taco Fest 2025, please feel free to email info@realtacofest.com.

Connect
Website: https://realtacofest.com
Facebook: @realtacofest  |  Instagram: @realtacofest  |  Twitter: @realtacofest

The post Real Taco Fest returns to Smale Park for its fourth annual event appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Beth Sullebarger, President,, Woman’s City Club

At the time of burgeoning use of data, technology and AI, Woman’s City Club of Greater Cincinnati is pleased to present mathematician and data scientist Cathy O’Neil, who has been called a whistleblower when it comes to the world of big data and its uses.

This timely event will take place Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., downtown Cincinnati.   Tickets for the event are $50 for individuals; VIP tickets for the lecture and a reception with the speaker start at $150. They may be purchased online or by calling (513)977- 8838.

O’Neil’s acclaimed book, “Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy,” argues that we are living in age of the algorithm where the decisions that affect our lives — where we go to school, whether we can get or keep a job or get a loan or go to jail, how much we pay for health insurance — are increasingly being made not by humans, but by computers.

But as O’Neil reveals, the mathematical models being used today, ostensibly fairer, are unregulated and uncontestable, even when they’re wrong. Most troubling, they reinforce discrimination — propping up the lucky, punishing the downtrodden and undermining our democracy in the process.  She advocates for careful design and ethical considerations to ensure that algorithms incorporate transparency, accountability and social justice.

Woman’s City Club was founded in 1915 by Cincinnati women who sought to inform themselves and others about civic issues in anticipation of their winning the right to vote. The club’s mission is to educate, empower and engage people to be responsible citizens who take an active part in our democracy.

The Boston Globe described her book as “an urgent critique of . . . the rampant misuse of math in nearly every aspect of our lives.”

O’Neil is a thought leader who explores the realities and dangers of social networking, the consequences of algorithm design, and the defense of human dignity in the context of exploitative capitalism. She earned a PhD in mathematics from Harvard and taught at Barnard College before moving to the private sector, where she worked for the hedge fund, D. E. Shaw & Co.

She then worked as a data scientist at various start-ups, building models that predict people’s purchases and clicks. She launched the Lede Program in Data Journalism at Columbia University, and founded ORCAA, a consultancy providing algorithmic auditing services focused on safety, fairness and principled use of data.

The post Big data expert Cathy O’Neil to speak at Woman’s City Club event appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Please join me in celebrating a special milestone for the Professional Pretty Blog as it turns 5! This anniversary is more than just a rebrand; it’s a celebration of the community, empowerment, and shared journey that’s brought us together. Professional Pretty was created to uplift and inspire Black women by offering real, relatable content in beauty, travel, and lifestyle. Over the years, we’ve grown into a space that shares tips, resources, and inspiration to encourage self-care and exploration.

Professional Pretty is about being seen and celebrated. From travel insights to skincare routines, it offers accessible resources that empower women to show up confidently and love the journey, inside and out. This blog isn’t just about beauty or travel; it’s about creating a community for Black women to feel empowered and represented in spaces that celebrate our uniqueness.

The Professional Pretty blog is a resource for minority women, especially Black women, providing access, inspiration, and resources in the travel and beauty spaces. Black travelers are a driving force in the tourism industry, spending over $109 billion annually —yet they still face unique challenges in finding inclusive destinations and products that cater to their specific needs. Professional Pretty addresses these challenges by offering tips on travel safety, showcasing culturally welcoming destinations, and spotlighting beauty essentials designed for melanin-rich skin.

This blog goes beyond advice; it’s a platform that champions representation, giving minority women firsthand insights and recommendations tailored to their experiences. From destination reviews that prioritize inclusivity to skincare routines ideal for diverse skin types, Professional Pretty ensures that Black women feel seen, empowered, and ready to explore.

By amplifying the voices and stories of women breaking barriers, Professional Pretty inspires its audience to navigate the travel and beauty worlds with confidence. This dedicated focus helps ensure minority women are well-prepared and celebrated as they embark on new journeys, making Professional Pretty an invaluable resource for maximizing their travel and beauty experiences.

In 2025, I’ll be featuring each woman attending this anniversary event in The Cincinnati Herald, both in print and online, as a heartfelt thank-you for your support. Expect cocktails, delicious food, travel and beauty vendors, and more! The attire is Chocolate Tones, so get ready to show up and show out. Raise an Espresso Martini with me as we celebrate this journey and kick off a fresh chapter in style. Cheers to the community we’ve built and all the incredible experiences to come!

Tickets are available via Eventbrite

The post Professional Pretty Blog celebrates 5 years empowering women appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

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

The post Kiah Clingman brings acclaimed film ‘Color Book’ to Cincinnati appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

On March 1st, the Evanston Recreation Center will come alive with energy and purpose as community members gather for a transformative fitness event powered by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC), The Health Gap, All In Cincinnati, and Health is Love. From 11 AM to 2 PM, participants are invited to come sweat for a great cause and celebrate health, wellness, and community empowerment.

This special event, held in memory of the late Dr. Odell Owens, aims to raise funds for a scholarship in his name. Proceeds will provide inner-city children with access to swimming lessons—a vital life skill that promotes safety, confidence, and well-being.

“Swimming is a vital skill that can save lives, and with the CRC’s resources and Curvy Cardio’s inclusive approach to fitness, we are ensuring that more young people—especially those in underserved areas—have access to the opportunities they deserve. This partnership is not only about teaching a lifesaving skill but also creating a lasting impact on the health and future of our youth. It aligns perfectly with Dr. Odell Owens’ vision of a healthier, more resilient community,” shared Daniel Betts, Director of the Cincinnati Recreation Commission.

In addition to fitness sessions, attendees will have access to health vendors, wellness resources, and community engagement opportunities. The event emphasizes the importance of addressing health disparities, promoting self-care, and continuing Dr. Owens’ legacy of service and leadership.

Curvy Cardio: Fitness with a Purpose

Curvy Cardio, created nearly 13 years ago by Morgan Angelique Owens, is a body-positive fitness brand dedicated to creating an inclusive, judgment-free space for women to embrace movement and wellness. Through high-energy group workouts and empowerment-focused messaging, Curvy Cardio inspires women to love their bodies, prioritize their health, and engage in fitness on their own terms.

“This event goes beyond physical fitness—it’s about investing in the health and future of our community,” said Morgan Angelique Owens. “With Curvy Cardio’s mission to promote joyful movement for all bodies, we are proud to be a part of this initiative honoring Dr. Owens and impacting young lives through swim education.”

Renee Mahaffey Harris from The Health Gap emphasized the importance of health and wellness in daily life:
“Our physical health is critical in assessing stress in our bodies to reduce the risk and increase the management of stress-related health diseases.”

Join Us for a Day of Wellness, Purpose & Community

With vendors, fitness sessions, and opportunities to connect, this event promises to be impactful and inspiring. All are welcome to join and contribute to a legacy of health, wellness, and community upliftment.

Event Details:

• Date: March 1, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Evanston Recreation Center, Cincinnati, OH

Tickets on sale on Eventbrite

About Dr. Odell Owens:
Dr. Owens was a trailblazer in Cincinnati’s healthcare community, a staunch advocate for health equity, and a beloved community leader. His dedication to improving access to education and healthcare will be remembered and celebrated through this meaningful initiative.

For more information and to get involved, contact:
Morgan Angelique Owens, morgan@morganaowens.com

The post Sweat for a Cause honors Dr. Odell Owens, supports youth swim appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Rachel Noerdlinger, RNoerdlinger@actumllc.com

New York, NY – National CARES Mentoring Movement, founded as Essence CARES by its CEO, Susan L. Taylor, best-selling author, renowned journalist and Essence Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Emerita, will hold its milestone 10th Anniversary For The Love of Our Children Galaat the historic Edison Ballroom in the heart of New York City’s vibrant theater district. Emmy Award-winning and multi-hyphenate entertainer Sherri Shepherd, returns to host the elegant evening of deep intention–to demonstrate that transformation is possible, and we have all we need to secure our precious young.

“As we gather for our 10th Gala, we stand in both deep gratitude–and an even deeper commitment,” shared Susan L. Taylor. “We could not have grown our work and programming without the generosity of those who support us. But with depression and Black child suicide at epidemic levels, our work must not only be sustained, but grown. Our children have to know that we love them and that we are unwilling to lose them.”

The Gala’s esteemed North Star Award will be presented to award-winning actress, producer, and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson; mentor and philanthropist Tina Knowles; social justice hero, member of NYC’s Council District 9 and the celebrated Exonerated Five, Dr. Yusef Salaam; and renowned author, attorney, spiritual teacher and television personality, Dr. Iyanla Vanzant. With special performances by America’s Got Talent star, JourneyyandHip-Hop legend Doug E. Fresh, the Gala promises to be an unforgettable night!

Funds raised will help support and help grow National CARES’ trauma-healing programming at an extraordinarily urgent moment. Its evidence-and-curriculum-based initiatives have been found by independent evaluators to be exceptionally effective tools in countering the life-shredding harms of poverty, violence and social isolation that have contributed to the breathstealing 144 percent rise in Black child suicide—the highest amongst all children, some of whom are thankfully seeing a drop in the tragedy.

Stunningly, there is no national response to this heart-shattering experience-–which is one we know we can solve.Most suicides are driven by depression, which is one of the most treatable and manageable mental health illnesses. The driving mission of National CARES has always been to ensure that every child has the opportunities and skills they need to not simply live but thrive. The March 6th Gala is immensely proud to pay tribute to this year’s honorees, presenting each with the North Star Award for their healing work—seen and unseen. In different forums and cities and space, each one has been holding open their arms and hearts for our young ones, and then walking the walk…for the love of our children.

Since its founding nearly 20 years ago, National CARES has recruited, trained and placed some 250,000 mentors in its own programs in schools, communities and detention centers across America, and  supported its partners like Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Boys and Girls Clubs of America who are in need of African American mentors. Working in collaboration has allowed the organization to serve more than 300,000 youngsters.

For the Love of Our Children Gala was first presented in January of 2016. Some of the luminaries who have participated in our annual For the Love of Our Children Gala or invested in our work include President Barack Obama • First Lady Michelle Obama • Oprah Winfrey • Alicia Keys • Maxwell, • Jon Baptiste • Common  • LaTanya Richardson Jackson & Sam Jackson • Lee Daniels • Tamron Hall • and Robert F. Smith. It’s cherished late, great friends include Harry Belafonte. Dr. Maya Angelou and Cicely Tyson. 

For more information about the National CARES Mentoring Movement and Gala Tickets or Sponsorships can be found at www.caresmentoring.org.

The post CARES Mentoring to honor Taraji P. Henson, Tina Knowles, others 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 .

By P. A. Willis

Recently, the Black & White Cancer Survivors Foundation (BWCSF) hosted its 14th Annual Black & White Cancer Survivors Gala at the Sharonville Convention Center. This year’s theme was “Harlem Renaissance – A Renewal of Life.”

The gala was supported by various partners, including Bon Secours Mercy Health, Cargill, McElrath-Slade Wellness Institute, Oncology Hematology Care (OHC), The Urology Group, The Cochran Firm, Walker Funeral Home, Center for Closing the Health Gap, Hightower Petroleum, Interact for Health, The Abercrumbie Group, The Academy of Medicine, Performance Lexus, Western & Southern Financial Group, and United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

Approximately 1,100 community supporters came together to celebrate cancer survivors.

The mission of BWCSF is to celebrate cancer survivors and educate the community about early cancer screenings, promote the benefits of preventive healthcare and maintenance, and provide necessary resources to local cancer-focused organizations. Co-founders Dr. C. Keith Melvin and Mr. William (Bill) Mabrey remain dedicated to this mission.

Guests began arriving at 5:30 p.m., with ladies adorned in fabulous headpieces, feathers, and pearls, while gentlemen sported their stylish tuxedos. The Jameze Latrail Band wowed the crowd with an exciting performance throughout the evening. DJ Baby Rome served as the MC for the reception, introducing musical selections from the Harlem Renaissance era. Volunteer firefighters from the Cincinnati African American Firefighters Association assisted guests who required wheelchair support.

Guests later proceeded to the elegant ballroom, greeted by the soulful sounds of Ed “Sax” Thomas, who performed a prelude to the dinner/program portion of the evening. Pamela Champion served as the Mistress of Ceremony, stepping in for radio personality Faith Daniels, who was unable to attend due to a family emergency. The Master of Ceremony for the evening was Lincoln Ware, a radio and TV personality. Bishop Bobby Hilton, Pastor of Word of Deliverance, offered the invocation before dinner. Ohio State Senator Cathrine D. Ingram welcomed attendees who traveled from near and far.

Testimonial videos were shown, featuring cancer survivors sharing their inspiring experiences. Remarks were made by Dr. Barry Brook from Bon Secours Mercy Health; Dr. Ethan Hoppe from OHC; Dr. Stephen Kappa from The Urology Group; and Dr. Grant Mussman, the Cincinnati Health Commissioner. Dr. C. Keith Melvin and William (Bill) Mabrey introduced the BWCSF team members and acknowledged the volunteers. Ed “Sax” Thomas also performed a moving memorial tribute honoring those who lost their battle with cancer.

Gifts were presented to the Erica J. Holloman Foundation, Pink is My Power Color (PIMPC), and to two young cancer patients. The evening continued with the dynamic 2nd Wind Band providing Harlem Renaissance musical entertainment, complemented by A.C.E. Production dancers performing dances from the era.

Dr. Melvin led the parade of cancer survivors into the ballroom, waving colorful LED glow sticks as they made their way to the dance floor for their celebration. The night concluded with dancing to the sounds of DJ Vader until midnight.

Thank you to all who supported and contributed to an unforgettable evening celebrating cancer survivors.      

Congratulations to the winning bidders of the Silent Auction.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 1, 2025, when BWCSF will hold its 15th annual gala at the Sharonville Convention Center

The post More than 1,000 celebrate at Black and White Cancer Survivors Gala appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

The post Relieve the memories from the 2025 Daddy-Daughter Dinner Dance appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Tia Rochelle, JahniSpot Concierge, CEO

Celebrate 125 years of YWCA Hamilton, honor inspiring women, and enjoy an unforgettable performance by the Legendary En Vogue at HERstory & HERitage!

En Vogue—featuring Cindy Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis, and Rhona Bennett—has never been afraid to break the mold. As pioneers in R&B and pop, they’ve withstood ever-changing industry trends while remaining cultural icons. Their electrifying performance will be the perfect finale to a night dedicated to empowerment, diversity and community.

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration—a night of inspiration, connection and legendary music. This in-person event will highlight the impact of transformational women in our community, featuring inspiring stories, networking, and entertainment. Dress to impress and be part of a night dedicated to honoring the power of women.

When: March 8. Doors: 7 p.m. Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Champion Mill Conference Center, Hamilton Ballroom, 600 N B Street, Hamilton, OH 45013

Tickets on sale now.

Headlining the night is the legendary En Vogue, one of the top five highest-selling American female music groups in history, with over 20 million albums sold. Known for hits like Hold On, Free Your Mind, Never Gonna Get It, Giving Him Something He Can Feel, Don’t Let Go, and Whatta Man (feat. Salt-N-Pepa), En Vogue has continually redefined beauty, music and style. With over 30 million streams and 26 million YouTube views, their impact spans generations.

    En Vogue—featuring Cindy Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis, and Rhona Bennett—has never been afraid to break the mold. As pioneers in R&B and pop, they’ve withstood ever-changing industry trends while remaining cultural icons. Their electrifying performance will be the perfect finale to a night dedicated to empowerment, diversity, and community.

Opening the night will be The Cunningham Sisters, Hamilton’s own rising stars.

• VIP Experience – $300 (Reserved front two rows + exclusive meet & greet with En Vogue!)
• General Admission – $200 (Seated section behind VIP rows)
• Standing Room Only – $100 (Limited availability—get yours fast!)

This is your chance to witness music history live—secure your spot and be part of HERstory HERitage.

Here is the link to purchase your tickets now, before they are gone: https://YWCAHERstory.eventbrite.com. 

The post En Vogue to headline HERstory & HERitage Festival on March 8 appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .