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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By Doris Jackson, Chair
Zion Baptist Church, Interfaith Vesper

     Zion Baptist Church (630 Glenwood Avenue, Avondale) will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of her Interfaith Vesper, “Sharing Dr. Martin L. King’s Dream of One Nation,” Sunday, January 12 at 3 p.m. The speaker will be Stephanie J. Jones, JD, President, The Call To Nathaniel Jones Justice Foundation and the daughter of the late Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones who was Zion’s first Vesper speaker. Stephanie and her father, former Judge US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, both embrace Dr. King’s dream of freedom and justice for all and Stephanie will continue that theme in her speech. 

     Dr. King began his crusade in the church and spoke at Zion in 1961. In 2005, Zion’s retired pastor, Rev. James H. Cantrell, held the first Vesper “Sharing Dr. M. L. King’s Dream of One Nation” and invited religious participants from various faiths in the community to participate in the Vesper. These diverse faiths have participated throughout the decades and will participate in the Vesper this year. The Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra Nouveau Chamber Players have provided music in the past and will provide music this year, along with the ZBC choir. 

    The greater Cincinnati community is invited to join Zion for the Vesper in “Keeping the Dream of One Nation.” alive. A reception follows. The Rev. Zion M. D. McGregor is Pastor of the church.

     Stephanie J. Jones is the president of the Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation, the organization she co-founded with her father, the late Judge Nathaniel Jones, to advance the cause of Civil Rights by encouraging and empowering a new generation of lawyers and advocates to “answer the call” to make equal justice under the law a reality for all. 

    An attorney, activist, and writer, Stephanie is a senior legal advisor to the NAACP, directing the national organization’s Voter Protection legal program. She was recently a lead author and editor of the Report by the House Select Committee on the January 6th Attack on the Capitol. 

    Stephanie previously served in the Obama Administration as Deputy Chief of Staff,  Senior Counselor to the Secretary and Chief Opportunities Officer for the U.S. Department of Transportation. In these roles, Stephanie advised Secretary Anthony Foxx on an array of issues and ensured that the Department’s transportation infrastructure decisions and funded projects connect people to opportunities, create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people they impact. In this role, she directed priority initiatives and was part of the senior leadership team that managed more than 55,000 employees and a $70 billion budget. 

    From 2014 to 2016, Stephanie also served at the Secretary’s request in a dual capacity as the Acting Director of USDOT’s Departmental Office of Civil Rights. In that role, she oversaw the Department’s equal opportunity programs across USDOT’s 10 Operating Administrations, including Title VI, ADA and language access compliance and enforcement, Environmental Justice, and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, which guarantees small businesses owned by women and minorities a fair opportunity to compete for billions of dollars of federally-funded transportation contracts across the country. 

    Stephanie previously served for five years as the Executive Director of the National Urban League Policy Institute, the Urban League’s research, policy, and advocacy arm, and was editor-in-chief of the State of Black America. 

    During this time, Stephanie conceived, conducted and wrote the groundbreaking study Sunday Morning Apartheid study, which triggered a significant and measurable increase in the on-air racial diversity of network and cable news programming. Her essays and commentary on public policy, Civil Rights, and social justice have been featured in The Washington Post, Salon, and other publications. 

    From 2002 until 2005, Stephanie served as Chief Judiciary Committee Counsel to Senator John Edwards, advising him on his priority issues, including judicial nominations, Civil Rights and liberties, and homeland security. She worked closely with the Senator in the development of his anti-poverty, Civil Rights and urban agendas and was a senior advisor during his 2004 presidential and vice presidential campaigns. Before working for Senator Edwards, Stephanie was Chief of Staff to the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio. 

    From 1994 until 2000, Stephanie was an appointee in the Clinton Administration, serving as Secretary’s Regional Representative in the U.S. Department of Education, where she was the Administration’s education point person for a six-state region. During this time, she also extensively traveled with President Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton, coordinating scores of events and domestic and international trips, including the President’s state visits to Africa, Europe, Asia, and the First Lady’s Save Our Treasures Tour. 

     Before entering government service, Stephanie was an Associate Professor of Law at Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law, where she taught Civil and Criminal Procedure, Civil Rights Law, Entertainment Law, and Trial Advocacy.

     Stephanie has also served on the adjunct faculty of Northwestern University School of Law and practiced law with the firm Graydon, Head & Ritchey in Cincinnati. Prior to her legal career, Stephanie was a staff reporter at the Cincinnati Post and the personal assistant to Lionel Richie and the Commodores. 

     She earned her B.A. from Smith College and her J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she was a Fellow in the Urban Morgan Institute of Human Rights. She also attended Tuskegee University as an exchange student. 

Feature Image: Stephanie J. Jones, JD. Photo provided

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This is the latest episode of the Chocolate News Podcast. We bring you news that discusses issues affecting the Black community.

On today’s show, we discuss the Apalachee school shooting in Georgia, Sweets & Meats BBQ opening a new restaurant in Avondale, the passing of Fatman Scoop, and more.

This week’s episode is hosted by John Alexander Reese (Digital Editor, The Cincinnati Herald) and Andria Carter (Digital Correspondent).

The views expressed on this podcast do not necessarily express the opinions of The Cincinnati Herald.

Originally recorded on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

The post Chocolate News: The Passing of Fatman Scoop appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By United Way Media

In the last few weeks, thousands of students went back to school wearing new backpacks full of supplies thanks to United Way supporters. In its third year, Backpacks for Success surpassed expectations by collecting and distributing more than 3,400 backpacks to students in Greater Cincinnati. The combined value of backpacks and supplies surpassed $68,000. 

“We are grateful to our partners, donors and volunteers for taking action to help students start strong this school year,” said Moira Weir, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “When we work together, we set the stage for children in all our neighborhoods to realize their full potential.”

Many of the backpacks were distributed during community events hosted by organizing partners throughout July and August. These events celebrated students and families, and provided critical services and support, including health screenings, personal care items, and school shoes and uniforms.

Items collected for United Way’s Backpacks for Success were distributed in the following communities:

• Avondale
• College Hill
• Kennedy Heights
• Cheviot
• Price Hill
• Northside
• Over-the-Rhine
• Felicity and Franklin Township in Clermont County
• Covington

A special thank you to organizing partners for their ongoing dedication and support of the community: Corinthian Baptist Church (in collaboration with Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist, New Prospect Baptist Church, Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and Zion Baptist Church), Legacy Pointe Church, Madison Avenue Christian Church, New Life Missionary Baptist Church, La Viña Church and Guiding Light Mentoring.

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Contributed

Cincinnati’s Black Family Reunion celebrated its 36th year last weekend and offered a variety of benefits, including a job fair, parade, live music, workshops and more.

The 36th Annual Black Family Reunion kicked off a four-day event on Thursday celebrating the historic strengths and values of the Black family and featured free events such as a job fair, parade, concerts, and opportunities to support local Black-owned businesses. The celebration occurred at various locations around Cincinnati, including Fountain Square, Corinthian Baptist Church, Avondale, and Sawyer Point and the Word of Deliverance Church in Forest Park.

On Friday, participants heard from Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long and took a historical tour around Black Cincinnati on the Metro.

Saturday and Sunday were two of the biggest days for the event with the parade and live music from dozens of music artists/groups.

Attendees also listened to the sounds of multiple gospel choirs in Sawyer Point Park on the riverfront Sunday morning into the afternoon.

The post Cincinnati’s Black Family Reunion returned for its 36th year appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed

Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and Cincinnati City Council honored Royce Sutton with a resolution presented from City Council for his outstanding career with Fifth Third Bank, superior leadership in government, and legendary commitment to community inclusivity and economic development in Cincinnati and abroad.

Sutton is an experienced Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance manager with more than 20 years of regulatory and community development achievement. In leadership at Fifth Third Bank, he  headed a new $180 million investment project to redevelop neighborhoods. This project, one of the most important projects in the history of Fifth Third Bank, was created to enhance predominantly Black neighborhoods nationwide, including the Cincinnati neighborhood of Avondale.

The post Fifth third bank leader recognized for commitment to community appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Laura Carr

Over 100 Cincinnati-area preschoolers will graduate from Cincinnati Preschool Promise-supported Community Providers in the coming weeks. Preschoolers from Simpys Playhouse and Learning Center in Bond Hill (top) and CWFF Child Development Center in Avondale (bottom) eagerly await their 2024 graduation certificates. Photos provided by Cincinnati Preschool Promise 

Cincinnati Preschool Promise is a nonprofit organization that expands access to a quality education in Cincinnati through taxpayers’ investment in strengthening K-12 education and providing access to high-quality preschools. Visit www.cincy-promise.org to learn more about Cincinnati Preschool Promise and how to support our youngest learners, their families, and CPP Community Providers. You can also learn how to participate in CPP initiatives and efforts to provide high-quality preschool education for all children in Cincinnati. 

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By Alexa Helwig

On May 13, Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01) visited The Beechwood affordable housing units in Avondale and received updates from the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority CMHA is set to receive one million dollars in federal funding secured by Landsman through Community Project Funding.

The Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority will be awarded $1,050,000 to begin extensive upgrades in all 140 units at The Beechwood, significantly impacting the building and quality of life for current and future families.

In March, Congress passed the 2024 appropriations bills to fund the federal government.

Included in the government funding bills is more than $15 million in Community Project Funding that Congressman Landsman secured for 15 local, community-led projects across Southwest Ohio.

The post Landsman secures $1M for Avondale upgrades appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Barret J. Brunsman

barrett.brunsman@cchmc.org

Cincinnati Children’s has developed a park in Avondale, which is named in honor of the late community leader and educator William Joel McCray.

Area residents are invited to a dedication ceremony that will celebrate the opening of the William Joel McCray Community Park from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 1. The celebration will include children’s activities, giveaways, games, a DJ playing music and food trucks.

The 1.5-acre park is across from the Cincinnati Children’s Critical Care Building on Erkenbrecher Avenue, west of the intersection with Burnet Avenue.

McCray, who died in 2020 at age 97, was a resident of Erkenbrecher Avenue for more than 50 years. He lived a few houses from the park’s location.

A longtime teacher at South Avondale School, McCray was a mentor to many. He once noted: “I do things that make me feel good about Cincinnati. It’s all about the children to whom I dedicated my life.”

Monica Mitchell, a pediatric psychologist who is assistant vice president for Community Relations at Cincinnati Children’s, said the William Joel McCray Community Park will promote health, wellness and community engagement. “These goals are consistent with our mission and Mr. McCray’s inspiring life and legacy,” Mitchell said.

Cincinnati Children’s developed the park with input from community members. The park’s features support physical and mental wellness, including a play area, exercise equipment, meditation space, a garden, an amphitheater, a Little Free Library book-sharing box and a pad for food trucks.

“The park is wonderful and is an example of who he was as a person,” said Linda McCray Bray, a cousin of William Joel McCray. “He cared for every single detail of his yard and had the most beautiful flowers and plants. He always opened his home and his heart to others. It will be great to see children come to the park and play and learn.”

Her husband, Earl Bray Jr., a former student of Mr. McCray, said: “He always encouraged others to be better and to excel. That is who he was. He was an extraordinary person.”

After graduating from Harriet B. Stowe School in 1940, McCray enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served during World War II. He graduated from what is now the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education in 1954.

In addition to being a teacher, McCray was a supporter of the arts – including being one of the co-founders in 1986 of the Robert S. Duncanson Society at the Taft Museum of Art. Named for the Black artist who in the 1850s painted landscape murals in the entry hall of what is now the Taft Museum in downtown Cincinnati, the society honors the achievements of contemporary Black artists. McCray also was a founding member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Multicultural Awareness Council.

ZGF Architects designed the park, and Messer Construction oversaw the build on behalf of Cincinnati Children’s.

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