Contributed

Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week returns this spring to bring a unique dining experience to the Greater Cincinnati Area. During the week of April 7-13, participating restaurants will offer $26, $36, $46 and $56 three-course prix fixe menus.

Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week provides the opportunity for locals to be immersed in the culinary talents of the Cincinnati area, while restaurants are able to create new customer relationships, and reward existing ones. Seven days of delicious dining provides for an opportunity to be a culinary tourist in your own backyard. 

Select restaurants will also be offering options from beverage sponsors : MadTree Brewing, Maker’s Mark, Saratoga Still Water, and SWAY by MadTree. Earn points on the app while indulging in the divine three-course meals, beer specials, and seasonal-inspired cocktails.

In addition to great deals at participating restaurants, Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week directly benefits Cincinnati Children’s hospital with $1 from every meal going directly to Children’s.  Additionally – Restaurant Week Organizers match the first 1,000 meals served by donating $1 per meal. 

In the last 5 years, Restaurant Week has raised more than $100,000 to support Cincinnati Children’s greatest needs. Those donations help provide care for families whose insurance does not cover the cost of treatments, lay the groundwork for life-changing research and allows Children’s to grow the programs most in demand.

With the return of Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week comes the return of the Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week app! This will provide access to the list of participating restaurants, the menus being offered, locations, hours of operation and more – all in the palm of your hand. Guests will be able to map out their culinary tour for the week, check in to earn points, view Maker’s Mark drink specials, participate in contests, and receive real-time updates through the app, available now on the App Store and on Google Play. Download HERE.

The list of participating restaurants currently includes: 20 Brix, Agave & Rye, Alcove Kitchen + Bar, Artemis Mediterranean Bistro, Bakersfield, Baru, Benihana, Bourbon’s Craft Kitchen & Bar, BrewRiver Creole Kitchen, Brown Dog Cafe, BRU Burger Bar, Butcher and Barrel, Cap City Fine Diner and Bar, Chart House, Ché, Condado Tacos, Coppin’s, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, Cowboy Sally’s, Eddie Merlot’s Steakhouse, Eighteen at The Radisson, Embers Restaurant, Frosthaus, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, Hawkers Alley, Ivory House, Jag’s Steak & Seafood, Kona Grill, Krueger’s Tavern, Lalo Chino Latino, Le Bar A Boeuf, Libby’s Southern Comfort, Livery Montgomery, LouVino Over-The-Rhine, MadTree Brewing, MadTree Parks & Rec, Maki Mono, Matt The Millers, McCollums’ on York, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks, Metropole, Moerlein Lager House, Montgomery Inn, Nicola’s, Padrino, Pennyflower Bistro and Bar, Primavista, Prime Cincinnati, Ripple Wine Bar, Sacred Beast Diner, Seasons 52, Shires’ Rooftop, SOB Steakhouse, Somm Wine Bar, Sorrento’s Italian Joint, Stone Creek Dining Company Montgomery, The Capital Grille, The Davidson, The Golden Lamb, The Green Line Kitchen and Cocktails, The Melting Pot, TRIO Bistro, Truva Turkish Kitchen, Via Vite, Vintage On Race, W Bar + Bistro, and Youyu. Restaurants subject to change.

For more information about the event and to view menus, visit greatercincinnatirestaurantweek.com.

Event Info:

• April 7-13, 3-course prix fixe menus for $26, $36, $46, and $56
• Age: This is an all-ages event. Some locations may be 21+
• Menus will be available at www.greatercincinnatirestaurantweek.com
• Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week App: Check in at three or more restaurants to be entered for a grand prize drawing
• Follow @CincinnatiRestaurantWeek On Instagram 
• RSVP to the Facebook event for updates
• Media contact : Chanell Karr, ckarr@citybeat.com

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By Trinity Brown (RLH Unlimited Pageants Alumna)

To be the first can be daunting. It takes a certain caliber of person to execute this feat and create the standard. As we embark on the 45th Miss Black Cincinnati and 35th Miss Black Teen Cincinnati pageants, let’s take some time to step back and shed light on one of the firsts. Ms Vicky “Vee” McWorther.

Vicky was crowned Miss Black Teenage America in the first Miss Black Teenage America Pageant in Cincinnati, Ohio. During her reign, she was bestowed the key to the city and received the Ms. Positivity Award, along with the title Ms. Dream Girl.

Not only is she a pageant queen, but she is a woman of many talents, from singing to acting. Her acting debut took place right here in the city, at the beloved Playhouse in the Park. In her own words:

“I will cherish those memories forever, because those days (and the people I worked with back home), helped me grow into the woman I am today!”

Her career skyrocketed to Broadway (and off Broadway) she even graced television screens in a variety of shows.

While doing all these things, this multifaceted mogul also worked in music.

At the age of 12, she was given the Musican of the Year award. This award propelled her into a music career. Her first stateside release was with Fraternity Records called “How I Wish You Were Here,” featuring Larry Holston. She had several other releases; two specifically were major CD releases in Japan, “We all Need Love” and “Y2k/ Save the World”. During her career, she’s had the opportunity to work with greats such as Jeffery Daniels (Shalamar), Baby Face, Bootsy Collins, The Deel, LA Reid, and many more.

To this day she continues to do what it is she loves: singing, traveling, and spreading her wisdom to others. She gives all the glory to God for her success and the opportunities she’s been afforded. “I was Blessed, and I Thank God Almighty for it all,” says Vicky.

This year she will have a full circle moment and the chance to pour into young women as a special guest at the Miss Black Cincinnati and Miss Black Teen Cincinnati pageants that will be held on Saturday April 5th at Corinthinan Baptist Church

The post The first of many: Setting the standard for queens to come appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Al Riddick 

Grocery prices have reached alarming levels, making every trip to the store feel like a financial burden. Many families wonder if they should start growing their own food or simply do without. However, before resorting to extreme measures, it is worth exploring a practical and affordable meal plan that allows a family of four to eat for just $400 per month.

Yes, It’s Possible! Here’s How.

In the most challenging financial situations, ensuring that a family remains well-fed requires a simple yet nutritious meal plan. While it may not be luxurious or varied, it provides sustenance and stability. Additionally, it eliminates the stress of deciding what to eat each day.

The Budget Breakdown

Breakfast: Oatmeal ($40.99 for a 50 pound bag)

• A serving is ½ cup per person (2 cups total for the family).
• Cost per day: $0.82
• Total monthly cost: $24.60

Lunch & Dinner: Black Beans, Rice, and Vegetables

Black Beans ($49.99 for a 50 pound bag)

• Each person receives ½ cup per meal (4 cups per day total).
• Cost per day: $1
• Total monthly cost: $30
• Oatmeal and Black Beans prices obtained from a local grocery store in Fairfield, OH.

Rice ($24.99 for a 20 pound bag)

• A serving is ½ cup per person (4 cups per day for the family)
• A 20 lb. bag lasts 10 days, requiring three bags per month.
• Total monthly cost: $74.97

Frozen Organic Mixed Vegetables (Costco) ($9.82 for a 5.5 pound bag)

• To provide enough servings, 21 bags are necessary.
• Total monthly cost: $206.22
• Costco Membership: $65 (a worthwhile investment for other essential items as well.)

Grand Total: $400.79

Why This Works

This meal plan meets several key requirements:

• Affordability: Keeps costs around $400.
• Nutritional Balance: Oatmeal provides fiber and energy; beans offer protein and fiber; rice supplies carbohydrates; and vegetables contribute essential vitamins.
• Minimal Waste: Bulk purchases reduce trips to the store and limit impulse buying.
• Sustainability: While it may not be exciting, the plan ensures sufficient nourishment and financial stability.

Ways to Add Variety Without Breaking the Bank

• Spices & Seasonings: Simple additions like salt, garlic, or hot sauce enhance flavor at little cost.
• Seasonal Fruits: Low-cost, in-season fruits offer a natural source of sweetness.
• Home Baking: With flour, sugar, and yeast, homemade bread provides an inexpensive alternative to store-bought options.

The Takeaway

While eating the same meal every day is far from ideal, having a structured and affordable meal plan ensures that no one in the household goes hungry. When grocery prices seem overwhelming, families always have options. Once financial circumstances improve, meal variety will become an even greater source of appreciation.

By planning wisely, staying nourished, and making the most of available resources, families can navigate difficult times while keeping their finances intact.

Al Riddick is President of Game Time Budgeting, an award-winning financial fitness firm that helps employees develop simple and easy to duplicate systems for making their money behave. 

Feature Image: Photo by Hillshire Farm on Unsplash

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Dear Editor:

Make it make sense. In a stressful time when school districts struggle to meet budgetary needs, while consistently losing funds from Ohio and federal government funding, Ohio lawmakers propose extending the academic school year without an increase in funding.

Lawmakers will say it is to catch up on student performance losses due to Covid. However, if there is true concern, why dismantle crucial services designed to meet the educational needs for students with disabilities? Do they really care? Make it make sense?

Once again, Southwest Ohio school districts face challenges in providing services, teachers, counselors and staff due to inadequate government funding. Administrators and school community stakeholders must make budget cuts as academic demands on students increase, despite shrinking budgets.

Lawmakers say dismantle the Department of Education along with crucial federal funding. This is not the solution. Certainly, all children in all states and territories should have access to [high]quality education. However, these efforts could result in differences in educational quality between states. Make it make sense.

State and federal tax dollars should be allocated to provide all children with quality educational experiences. It’s hard to believe that these same lawmakers care when they support requiring public school students to register for the armed services, but do not require the same for students attending private schools. Say it with me, “Make it make sense.”

Please engage with your local government representatives. Advocate for our youth by holding government officials accountable. It’s time for a local town hall meeting to address lawmakers on how they can better support our schools. We demand that our children be given priority. Let’s hold their feet to the fire.

Charlene Cleveland
A former teacher and principal

The post  Make it make sense appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Nate Paszczykowski, Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third and community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for a new full-service banking center in Cincinnati’s Avondale neighborhood, which has been without a standalone bank branch for nearly five years. 

The new branch is expected to open to the public in late summer or early fall and is among 15 banking centers Fifth Third plans to open in low- and moderate-income (LMI) or high minority (HMT) population census tracts this year. The branch will enable Fifth Third to increase financial access for the community while contributing to the revitalization of Avondale. 

Fifth Third prioritizes financial access and neighborhood revitalization through its Neighborhood Program, a community development initiative which creates and implements innovative place-based strategies to effect positive change in historically disinvested neighborhoods across the bank’s 11-state footprint. As Fifth Third strategically expands and opens new financial centers across the U.S., 30% of new branches in development will be in LMI and/or HMT areas. In addition to new centers, Fifth Third offers its Financial Empowerment Mobile, known as the eBus, and Banking to Go kiosks to address gaps in financial services in underserved communities. 

“At Fifth Third, we believe that strong banks need strong communities, and strong communities need strong banks,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third. “We are proud to contribute to the revitalization of Avondale by expanding financial access through this new branch, in addition to many other community investments in recent years.” 

Located in the Avondale Town Center, the new branch will be a model for innovation and sustainability, occupying 2,024 square feet in a storefront along Reading Road. The existing full service drive-up ATM in the town center parking lot will remain. Inside, the center’s open design will make it easy for customers to get quick digital service or discuss more complex banking products, like college savings plans, mortgages, or retirement solutions. The branch is expected to open in late summer or early fall 2025, with Walnut Hills-based Triversity Construction serving as the general contractor. Soul Palette, a local Cincinnati artist, will design and install a mural that celebrates Avondale’s history. 

Avondale, Cincinnati’s largest African American community, has experienced decades of disinvestment leading to population decline, aging housing stock and increased poverty. 

“The Avondale Development Corporation is excited to welcome Fifth Third to our Avondale community,” said Russell Hairston, executive director of the Avondale Development Corporation. “This is more than just a bank opening; it represents a commitment to Avondale’s future. This marks a significant step toward economic empowerment and neighborhood revitalization. By providing accessible financial services, small business support, and homeownership opportunities, Fifth Third is helping to create a more financially inclusive Avondale. We look forward to partnering with them on financial literacy programs, workforce development initiatives, and community investment strategies that will uplift residents and drive sustainable growth, which aligns with ADC’s mission to foster sustainable community development.” 

In partnership with the Avondale Development Corporation and other community partners, Fifth Third has made $33.6 million in direct investments into Avondale and helped catalyze $17.9 million from other entitles for a total financial impact of $51.5 million. 

Key initiatives include: 

• Blair Lofts: The Fifth Third Community Development Corporation invested $15.5 million into Blair Lofts in 2021. The 64-unit affordable housing development located on Reading Road features one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments, on-site management and amenities that include laundry, resident storage spaces, a community kitchen and a fitness center. Fifth Third also funded wrap-around services such as a move-in care package for residents, financial education workshops, funding so that 55 children could attend a summer camp, furnishing for the community room, and five desktop computers and furnishings for a computer lab. 
• Digital Accessibility: Fifth Third has been working to help close the digital divide and bring Avondale residents into the technology mainstream. Key partners in the effort include the Avondale Development Corporation, Uptown Consortium Inc., and the University of Cincinnati. Following a community-wide assessment of the neighborhood and its needs, in fall 2024 the partners began replacing non-functional and outdated equipment at eight housing complexes and adding service in two locations that were not previously served, thanks to funding from the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. In early 2025, 319 apartments are expected to have free internet connectivity, including 779 residents and 374 school-age students. Six free outdoor hotspots are also being installed along Reading Road. The final phase includes a neighborhood-wide Wi-Fi project that will provide free and/or discounted servicing throughout all of Avondale. 

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By Theresa Katalinas 
Katalinascomm
unications@gmail.com

Zakayla Riley had her heart set on a career in social work when the COVID-19 pandemic realigned her ambitions.

“When all the groomers were shut down, I had to groom my own dog. I don’t like stinky dogs,” said Riley, a 2021 graduate of Northern Kentucky University, of Benji and Shadow, her mini and giant Schnauzers. “It came really naturally to me. I developed a stronger bond with my dogs.”

She toyed with the idea of becoming a professional dog groomer, first attending a pet grooming school through a Cincinnati-area pet store.

“I realized early on that the corporate grooming environment was very fast-paced and sometimes stressful for both the animals and the employees,” she said. “I decided to step it up but slow it down by opening my own grooming salon.”

In late 2021, she launched Pawpin’ Pawz Luxury Mobile Grooming, initially converting space in her customers’ homes into a grooming salon. In 2022 she bought a self-sufficient salon on wheels in a 6×10 trailer pulled by a Chevy Silverado. She provides curbside service to clients in Cincinnati and surrounding areas, grooming dogs in her vehicle while it’s parked in front of their homes.

Early on, she participated in the Mortar Entrepreneurship Academy and began working with SCORE Greater Cincinnati mentor Quinn Wang, who provided insight on business startup and pricing. SCORE is a national nonprofit organization that supports small businesses through free mentoring.

“He was very, very helpful in whatever it was that I needed,” Riley said. “I loved having Quinn in my back pocket. He’s still there four years later. I can pick up the phone and call him.”

Riley also took part in SCORE’s webinars and classes as well, because, as she noted, “more brains are better than one.”

Wang, who retired from SCORE two years, ago, still stays connected with his mentee.

“We have maintained contacts and met from time to time to discuss issues and challenges Zakayla may run into, or her future plans for her businesses,” Wang said. “I am always impressed with Zakayla’s drive and energy throughout the years.”

Her drive, coupled with a goal of “broadcasting” her business to a larger audience, led Riley to participate in SCORE’s 60^th Anniversary Pitch Competition. She was one of 45 finalists.

More than 2,200 small businesses applied to compete in five pitch events. Contestants were pared down to 60 contenders. Participants were matched with SCORE mentors to refine their pitches, strengthen their presentations and hone their business plans.

“I’m not afraid of a little competition,” she said. “Fundraising is a top priority right now.”

Looking ahead, Riley plans to add another groomer and a second mobile grooming vehicle to her current solo operation.

“The demand is there,” Riley said. “I get a ton of inquiries and because of our current capacity, we have a growing wait list.”

On average, she sees 130 dogs every two months. Riley envisions continued growth on the horizon.

“My 10-year goal is to have at least four vans on the road,” she said. “In the long term, I want to open an indoor dog park.”

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor, or volunteer to be one, visit score.org. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit score.org.

The post Mobile pet groomer eyes expansion following SCORE Pitch Contest appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Joseph Patrick Kelly, College of Charleston 
and David Cason, University of North Dakota 

Donald Trump is the third U.S. president to pardon a large group of insurrectionists. His clemency toward those convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection – including seditious conspiracy and assaults on police officers – was different in key ways from the two previous efforts, by Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Ulysses S. Grant in 1873.

But they share the apparent hope that their pardons would herald periods of national harmony. As historians of the period after the Civil War, we know that for Johnson and Grant, that’s not what happened.

When Johnson became president in 1865 after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, he faced a combative Congress. Though Johnson had opposed the secession of the Southern states before the Civil War began, he agreed with former Confederate leaders that formerly enslaved people did not deserve equality with White people.

Further, as a Southerner, he wanted to maintain the social conventions and economic structure of the South by replacing enslavement with economic bondage. This economic bondage, called sharecropping, was a system by which tenant farmers rented land from large landowners.

Tenants rarely cleared enough to pay their costs and fell into debt. In effect, Johnson sought to restore the nation to how it was before the Civil War, though without legalized slavery – and sought every avenue available to thwart the plans of the Radical Republicans who controlled both houses of Congress to create full racial equality.

Johnson signed an amnesty that gave a blanket pardon to all former Confederate soldiers. However, he required formerly high-ranking Confederate officials to individually seek pardons for their involvement in the rebellion. These officials faced permanent disfranchisement and could not hold federal office if they did not seek a pardon.

When Congress was in recess, Johnson vetoed two bills that had been passed: one to help find homes for formerly enslaved people who could no longer live on the property of their enslavers, and the other to define U.S. citizenship and ensure equal protection of the laws for Black people as well as White people.

Johnson also told Southern states not to ratify the 14th Amendment, whose purpose was to enshrine both citizenship and equal protection in the Constitution.

When Congress came back in session, it continued its effort of Reconstruction of the former Confederate states – reforming their racist laws and policies to comport with the liberty and equality the Union was committed to – by overriding Johnson’s vetoes and requiring former Confederate states to ratify the 14th Amendment as a condition of readmission to the Union, but Congress could not override the pardons the president had granted.

This continued political warfare resulted in Johnson being impeached – but not convicted or removed from office. But the back-and-forth also stalled Reconstruction and efforts toward racial equality, ultimately dooming the effort.

Nathan Bedford Forrest was not covered by Johnson’s general amnesty. As a former Confederate general, he had to apply for a personal presidential pardon, which Johnson granted on July 17, 1868. Two months later, Forrest represented Tennessee at the Democratic Party’s national convention in New York City.

He also took command of the Ku Klux Klan, the unofficial militant wing of the Democratic Party. Forrest initiated the title “Grand Wizard,” a bizarre title derived from his Civil War nickname, “Wizard of the Saddle.” He became a leader of former Confederates who resisted Reconstruction through violence and terror.

After his pardon, Forrest perfected a rhetorical technique for his extremism. His biographer Court Carney described it as a multistep process, starting with, “Say something exaggerated and inflammatory that plays well with supporters.” Then, deny saying it “to maintain a semblance of professional decorum.” Then, blur the threats with “crowd pleasing humor.” It proved an effective way of threatening violence while being able to deny responsibility for any violence that occurred.

Under Forrest’s leadership, membership in the violent, racist Ku Klux Klan spread almost everywhere in the South. Records are sketchy, so it’s impossible to say how many people were lynched, but the Equal Justice Initiative has documented 2,000 lynchings of Black Americans during Reconstruction. Black women and girls were often raped by klansmen or members of its successor militias.

It’s also not possible to say how many pardoned ex-Confederates participated in the lynchings. But the violence was so widespread that just about everyone, North and South, thought the political violence was a resumption of the Civil War.

In the Piedmont of the Carolinas, klan violence amounted to a shadow government of White nationalists. Grant ordered the U.S. Army to apprehend the klansmen, and a newly minted Department of Justice prosecuted the insurrectionists for violating Civil Rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th amendments.

After several trials that proved to be what the federal judiciary’s official history calls “dramatic spectacles,” federal judges handed down conviction after conviction.

The federal government’s decisive action allowed for a relatively free presidential election in 1872. Black voters helped Grant win in eight Southern states, contributing to his landslide victory.

But after his reelection, Grant appointed a new attorney general, who dropped the pending klan cases. Grant also pardoned klansmen who had already been convicted of crimes.

Grant hoped his gesture would encourage Southerners to accept the nation’s new birth of freedom.

It didn’t. The pardons told former Confederates that they were winning.

John Christopher Winsmith, an ex-Confederate who embraced racial equality and whose father had been shot by the KKK, wrote to Grant in 1873, “A few trials and convictions in the U.S. Courts, and then the pardoning of the criminals” had emboldened what he called “the hideous monster – Ku Kluxism.”

And a new gang arose, too: the Red Shirts, who began to murder Black people openly, not even in secret as the klan did. Two of the Red Shirts were later elected to the U.S. Senate.

Paramilitary groups established anti-democratic one-party rule in every former Confederate state, imposing discriminatory laws known as Jim Crow, which were enforced by lynchings and other forms of racial violence.

The federal government took no substantive action against this for a century, until the 20th century’s Civil Rights Movement sparked change. And it wasn’t until 2022 that Congress passed an anti-lynching bill.

Joseph Patrick Kelly is professor of literature and director of Irish and Irish American Studies, College of Charleston, and David Cason is associate professor in Honors, University of North Dakota 

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By Alissa Paolella, Communications Manager

On March 6, Central State University stepped boldly into a new chapter with the inauguration of its 10th President, Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti.  

The ceremony was a vibrant celebration filled with enthusiasm, highlighting the rich history of Central State, its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, and the bright future that awaits under Dr. Kuti’s visionary leadership. Excitement filled the air as the University community came together to embrace this momentous occasion and the possibilities that lie ahead. 

Dr. Kuti’s connection to Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution dates to 1982, when he arrived on campus as an international student from Nigeria. His journey, as recounted by Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Amy Hobbs Harris in her introduction, was shaped by the relationships he built with faculty who saw his potential and guided him along his path. “One of my favorite stories is about his professor who always kept packets of snacks in her office,” Hobbs Harris shared. “He went for the snacks but stayed for the conversation. And it was through those conversations that he built a relationship that changed the course of his life.” 

This emphasis on personal connections and mentorship is a hallmark of Dr. Kuti’s leadership style. As Hobbs Harris noted, “Watching Dr. Kuti’s impressive curiosity, his care for others, and his commitment to this Institution is truly inspiring.” 

In his address, President Kuti laid out a bold vision for Central State, centered on transforming the University into a “Destination Learning Environment” — a place where students, faculty, and staff thrive in an environment that fosters success, innovation, and integrity. 

Dr. Kuti reflected on the University’s motto, “Veritas et Lux” (Truth and Light) and “Recta et Honor” (Straight and Honor), emphasizing that these values will serve as guiding principles in his leadership. “Truth requires us to pursue academic knowledge, while light brings clarity. Together, they illuminate the path to success,” he said. 

He also underscored CSU’s strategic importance as one of only four public 1890 Land-Grant Universities in the Midwest, serving a region with a population of 76 million people. While Central State welcomes students from across the U.S. and 15 foreign countries, Dr. Kuti emphasized that strengthening recruitment in Ohio and surrounding states is essential for the University’s growth. 

To enhance academic excellence, Dr. Kuti announced a comprehensive academic program review to ensure the University’s offerings align with student interests, regional workforce needs, and financial sustainability. He highlighted plans to launch CSU’s Allied Health programs, introducing stackable credentials and certificates that will prepare students for immediate employment in healthcare fields while they pursue their degrees. 

Additionally, the Institution is adapting to the evolving job market by integrating artificial intelligence literacy and digital skills training into the general education curriculum, ensuring graduates are prepared for careers in emerging industries. 

Beyond academics, President Kuti emphasized strengthening student engagement and leadership opportunities. This includes revitalizing Greek life — aiming to bring all nine Divine Nine organizations to campus within 18 months — and expanding student organizations, which now number 70. “The more connections students have to campus, the more likely they are to succeed,” he said. 

As a Land-Grant and Research University, CSU is committed to expanding its research capacity. Dr. Kuti announced the establishment of master’s programs in Humanities and Agricultural Sciences in 2026, with additional programs in Engineering Management and Computer Science to follow. 

The University’s faculty are already making significant strides in research. He highlighted the work of Dr. Sakthi Kumaran, who is using advanced technology such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to improve agricultural productivity. CSU’s Research and Demonstration Complex is also leading initiatives in bee genetics, specialty crops, and environmental stewardship. 

In recognition of Central State’s growing research impact, the University was recently designated as a Research College and University in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications — a milestone that underscores its expanding influence in the academic and scientific communities. 

Financial sustainability and operational excellence 

President Kuti reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the University’s financial stability through prudent resource allocation and strategic growth initiatives. He expressed gratitude to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey, and state education partners for their steadfast support in advancing Central State’s mission. 

A key component of his administration’s approach is the Marauder Ethos, a University-wide commitment to excellence in customer service, engagement, and continuous improvement. This initiative aims to ensure that every interaction within the CSU community is guided by three core principles: 

• Respectful engagement: Treating every individual with dignity and professionalism. 
• Responsiveness: Addressing needs efficiently and effectively. 
• Continuous improvement: Striving for excellence in all aspects of University operations. 

The post Inauguration of CSU’s 10th president marks a new chapter appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

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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