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 press@spotlightpr.org 

Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) joined a bipartisan congressional delegation in Selma, Alabama, this weekend to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, honoring the 600 marchers attacked on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965.  

Landsman joined the bipartisan pilgrimage from Selma to Montgomery, led by Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC-06), to honor Civil Rights icons and reflect on our nation’s history. 

Paul Booth Sr., a Cincinnati community leader and public servant, joined Landsman on the Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage.

During the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when the threats to our multi-racial democracy are unyielding, Race Forward released the following statement:

“On this day 60 years ago, our ancestors endured brute physical violence,” said Glenn Harris, president, Race Forward. “Civil Rights activists were beaten for no reason other than having the audacity to demand the right to vote. While those who opposed voting rights assaulted the bodies of brave freedom fighters, they could never extinguish our ancestors’ yearning for the ballot box. In the same way our ancestors persisted, we must persist today in our fight against those determined to turn back not only the progress of the past decades, but the very notion that everyone deserves the right to thrive in this country’.

Many state legislatures have proposed or enacted restrictive voting laws. The Brennan Center for Justice reported that “ in 2024, between January 1 to December 31, 10 states enacted 19 restrictive voting laws, 3 states enacted 3 election interference laws, and at least 21 states enacted 32 expansive voting laws. Between 2021 and 2024 the number of restrictive voting laws has nearly tripled the amount passed between 2017 and 2020.” 

“While our struggle may look different from that of our ancestors, make no mistake that we are indeed in the same struggle,” Harris added. “The good news is that the fight of our ancestors shows us how to organize and prepare for this moment.  We have the persistence, stamina, and hope needed to continue our righteous organizing for justice.”

“Our job in this moment is to harness the courage, the tenacity and the drive of people like Martin Luther King Jr., Amelia Boynton Robinson, John Lewis, and so many others. We don’t need to be perfect, but we do need to be tenacious.”  

“Regardless of how dire the circumstances may appear, we must never give up,” Harris concluded. “We will win if we remain in the struggle. This is not a battle we fight alone, but together in solidarity. Our collective power is what will carry us through these times and toward the just, multiracial democracy we all deserve.”

The post Landsman and Booth Sr. join 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday 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 .

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 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 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 .

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 ‘A Tini Bit Older’ 5-year anniversary appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed
Photos by Michael Mitchell

Dads and daughters walked the red carpet, picked up gifts and raffle prizes, had video interviews, experienced the Easley Blessed 360 photo booth, posed for professional keepsake photos, and enjoyed dinner and lots of dancing at The Cincinnati Herald‘s Annual Daddy-Daughter Dinner Dance on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Cincinnati Museum Center’s Union Terminal Rotunda. “It was a beautiful venue and a magical evening,” said Publisher Walter L. White. “We sold out in two days!” White said that the event is The Cincinnati Herald‘s gift to the community, and the low ticket cost is made possible by the sponsors. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our presenting sponsor, Fifth Third Bank, and and other wonderful sponsors, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, First Financial Bank, Bengals’ Cam Taylor-Brit’s Juice Foundation, Kroger, and the Cincinnati Reds.” Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney added, “We aim to strengthen family bonds, and show our dads and daughters that they are special, wonderful, and important.”

The post Dads and daughters dance the night away appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Venita Dell, founder and CEO of Helping Young Mothers Mentor Inc., is on a mission to empower young mothers through mentorship, life coaching and vital resources. With a deep-rooted faith and a personal journey of compassion, Venita has built an organization that uplifts young women and creates lasting change in their lives and communities.   

Her upcoming event, Be Intentionally You: Heart to Heart Women’s Conference Brunch Fundraiser, will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Financial Bank, 1 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati. Held during Heart Health Month, this event will inspire attendees with motivational talks, networking opportunities, and a delicious chicken and waffle brunch.

A faith inspired journey. When asked about the inspiration behind her nonprofit, Venita shared a powerful memory from her teenage years. “When I was 13, my friend got pregnant. At that tender age, her mother found out about the pregnancy, and I witnessed her mother brutally abusing her. I asked God to supply all my needs, including having a house to assist my friend with her baby.”

This pivotal moment planted the seeds for Helping Young Mothers Mentor Inc. Venita’s faith and compassion transformed a childhood dream into a reality, creating a safe space for young mothers to find guidance, support and a pathway to self-sufficiency.

There are challenges and triumphs in operating  a nonprofit. Venita identified one of her biggest hurdles as “recruiting mentors and retaining them. Our mothers are usually in crisis, and support is often short-lived. We have amazing community partners such as the Women Ministry of Mount Zion Woodlawn.

To address this, her organization is increasing visibility to recruit mentors and forming partnerships with key individuals like keynote speaker Anita Flagg and contributor Sharen Sierra King, who provided vital support, including writing press materials. Venita also secured an interview with Amber Jayarth of Fox 19 Now to raise awareness.

For 2025, the organization plans to enhance communication strategies, connecting young mothers with both emergency services and long-term resources. These efforts align with their motto, “Be Intentionally You,” which focuses on empowering mothers to achieve self-fulfillment and sufficiency.

Venita shared an inspiring success story of the mother in the photo with her two sons,”she is a participant in the program for the last 13 years. She explained: “She  came to us at her lowest point, a new mother living from house to house ‘couch surfing’, as well as struggling with mental health challenges. She had tried other social services but lacked a mentor to guide her through the process of shedding shame and hopelessness.

Through our incubator cocoon system, we worked with her to design a plan for self-sufficiency. Today, she has stable housing, and her two sons, now 10 and 13, are thriving in a loving, stable home. This is the vision and mission God gave me, and I am walking in it.”

Empowerment through our community is the focus. The Be Intentionally You, brunch fundraiser aligns with the mission of Helping Young Mothers Mentor Inc. Venita explained the event’s goals. “We want to empower women in their hearts with the hope they will become the next generation of mentors”

By bringing together community leaders, supporters, and young mothers, the event fosters connections, inspires hearts, and encourages women to uplift one another. Venita summed it up best. “We are creating self-sufficient mothers for a better tomorrow for their families and the community.”

A vision for sustainable change and continued growth in 2025 is the goal. As  our conversation ended, I reflected on the words of Cincinnati’s own Nikki Giovanni in her poem Ego-Tripping she wrote, “ I am so perfect, so divine, so ethereal, so surreal, I cannot be comprehended except by my permission. I mean…I can fly like a bird in the sky.”

Venita’s faith and determination, along with her husband Jeff coupled with the efforts of volunteers, tutors, donors, sponsors and young mothers themselves, have made Helping Young Mothers Mentor Inc. a beacon of hope for more than 130 young women.

If you’re in Cincinnati on February 8, don’t miss this inspiring gathering at First Financial Bank’s downtown branch. Together, we can support Venita’s vision and help young mothers build a brighter tomorrow while celebrating community, empowerment, and resilience.

Sponsored by: First Financial, Target, Humana, Huntington Bank, Sigma Gamma Rho  Sorority Inc EPSILON LAMBDA SIGMA Cincinnati Chapter, Cincinnati Section,  National Council of Negro Women, Inc.  AmeriHealth Caritas, and West End Sisters 4Life.  

For more  information on becoming a mentor, volunteering or donating, call 513-520-6960, or email hymminc@aol.com www.hymminc.com

The post Venita Dell’s nonprofit empowers young mothers in Cincinnati appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .