HistoryofFriendsof TheCincinnatiHerald
On December 13, 2014, a dedicated group of community leaders and supporters came together at the Cincinnati Herald’s office at 3440 Burnett Ave. Suite 130 with a shared vision. Robert Humphries, Jenny Laster, C. Smith, Courtis Fuller, Everett Cork, Dr. Cleaster Mims, Henry Brown, Howard Bond, Sharen King, Donald Sherman, P. Ann Everson Price, and Dr. Shelley Hamler joined forces to organize a Holiday Subscription Drive in support of the Cincinnati Herald
Their aim was to celebrate the paper's over 50 years of commitment to delivering news and information to Cincinnati’s African American community.To support this initiative, the committee decided to host a Free Musical Concert as a way to engage the community and promote Herald subscriptions. The inaugural event was held at New Prospect Baptist Church and proved to be a resounding success, featuring an incredible lineup of local entertainers who donated their time and talent. The performances showcased Gospel, Jazz, Blues, and R&B, offering toptier entertainment for attendees.
Over the following six years, this cherished tradition continued at venues including Word of Deliverance Ministries and The House of Joy Ministries Now, the Friends of The Cincinnati Herald are honored to come together once again for a very special occasion: to pay tribute to a true living legend, Courtis J. Fuller. Known for his humility, kindness, and unparalleled dedication, Courtis has been a cornerstone of the Cincinnati community as a journalist for over 40 years.
Courtis, you are truly a Giant among Giants Your unwavering commitment to excellence and service inspires us all. We, the Friends of The Cincinnati Herald, along with the owners and staff, express our deepest gratitude for your contributions.
May God continue to strengthen and bless you every day of your life.
With Love and Appreciation, The Friends of The Cincinnati Herald
Date: December 21, 2024
Location: House of Joy Ministries
Courtis Fuller Biography A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Courtis Fuller is a Hall of Fame and multi-Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist whose nearly 45-year career includes 36 years as a news anchor and reporter at Cincinnati’s WLWT-TV. In 2024, Fuller was honored with the Ohio Governor's Humanitarian Award for his commitment to Dr Martin Luther King Jr 's principles of nonviolence. He also received the Theodore M. Berry Award, NAACP President’s Award, and Talbert House Community Father of the Year Award, underscoring his dedication to community service and advocacy. In 2023, Fuller was inducted into the inaugural WLWT Hall of Fame and, in 2021, into the Ohio Valley NATAS Silver Circle, celebrating his lasting contributions to the broadcasting industry and the community. His dedication to leadership and advocacy is evident through initiatives such as proposing the renaming of a Cincinnati street to honor Derrick Turnbow, a high school honor student tragically killed in a shooting. Fuller also spearheaded the effort for the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Reds to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s historic #42 debut in Major League Baseball, further cementing his commitment to celebrating equality and progress.
In 2001, Fuller stepped away from journalism to run for Cincinnati Mayor, earning 45% of the vote as a political newcomer. After hosting a radio talk show, he returned to WLWT in 2003 and has continued serving the community in various capacities. He currently serves on the boards of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation, and Cincinnati Opera, contributing his insight and passion for community enrichment through these influential organizations.
Fuller credits much of his success and values to the wisdom of his mentor, longtime Cincinnati broadcaster Ernes Waits Sr , who emphasized that “journalists must be change agents and truth seekers through their reporting and community connectedness because everyone has a story ” This advice has guided Fuller’s career and shaped his commitment to ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in the media.
A scholarship established in his name in 2010 supports aspiring journalists, reflecting his belief that “journalism is a mirror that society holds up to itself ” Fuller’s lifelong dedication to uplifting diverse voices and creating positive change in his community continues to inspire “Let your light so shine that others may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven ” (Matthew 5:16)
For more information, contact the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation at www cincinnatischolarshipfoundation
Reverend P. Ann Everson-Price
Is an Ordained Minister, Radio Personality, Entertainer, Motivational Speaker, Personal Vocal Coach, and Funeral Celebrant for J.C. Battle & Sons. She is the CEO and founder of DeSaints Entertainment and P. Ann Entertainment, producing Christian, Corporate, and Social Events
She is the band leader for the All-Star Band, a 14piece Show Band She was the recipient of Applause! Magazine’s Imagemaker Award for Entertainment and a recipient of the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Cammy Award for Vocalist of the Year.
She was recognized by Cincinnati’s YMCA as a Black Achiever and is listed in the prestigious 4th Edition of Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati She has performed in musicals produced by mega-producer Donald Lawrence Nationally and on Broadway. She has also toured and lived in JAPAN. She is the Founder and Retired Director of the Cincinnati Super Choir. For 20 years, this community choir worked with the Cincinnati Ballet and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, opened for Gospel Artist Kirk Franklin, and twice sang for (then) Senator Barack Obama.
She’s a wife and mother to three grown children, Nanna, eight beautiful grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren She is the primary caregiver for her mom, who just turned 99 years young
Her testimony is that, I am living my dream and “God continues to bless my life!”
Lincoln Ware
Lincoln Ware, affectionately known as “The Voice of Black Cincinnati,” is a living legend in the broadcasting world Born and raised in Cincinnati, Lincoln is a proud graduate of Woodward High School (Go Bulldogs!) His radio career began in 1973 at 1480 WCIN, where he debuted as a charismatic disc jockey Over 50 years later, Lincoln remains a trailblazer and a powerful voice in local and national broadcast media
Lincoln Ware has received numerous accolades throughout his remarkable career, celebrating his excellence and dedication. For ten consecutive years, he earned a spot on the prestigious list of America’s Top 100 Talk Show Hosts.
His community impact has been recognized with honors, including the Key to Cincinnati, the Men of Honor Recognition, the UC Health Humanitarian Award, and the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio’s Glorifying Lions Award
In 2023, Lincoln Ware celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 50 years in radio broadcasting To honor his enduring contributions to the community and his legacy of excellence, the City of Cincinnati ceremoniously renamed a portion of Glenwood Avenue as "Lincoln Ware Way," located at the corner of Vine and Glenwood in the historic Avondale neighborhood.
Lincoln Ware’s story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose. His voice inspires and empowers listeners, solidifying his place as an icon in Cincinnati’s history and beyond.
TheFriendsoftheCincinnatiHerald HolidayMusicalTribute Program
Welcome..............................................................................................Shelley J. Hamler
Invocation.......................................................................................Bishop Todd O’Neal
Co-Hosts .................................…..............P. Ann Everson Price and Lincoln Ware
Cincinnati Herald Owners .........Eric Kearney and Jan Michelle-Lemon Kearney
*Entertainment*
Introduction ........................................................ Bishop Todd O’Neal and Friends
Introduction... .........Friends of the Cincinnati Herald Holiday Musical Band
Mike Langford Bass Guitar* Melvin Broach Drums *Terry Gibson
Lead Guitar *Mike Wade Trumpet *Ed ‘Sax’ Thomas Saxophone
Tribute to Courtis Fuller........*Video Presentation*.....WLWT Ashley Kirkland
Introduction........................................................................... Teresa Teri and Unique
Introduction RLH Pageant Unlimited Alumni Association
President Sharen Sierra King *Purpose*
Miss Black Cincinnati 2024 Ajana Birchmore
Miss Black Teen Cincinnati 2024 Jai Walker Tate
RLH Pageant Unlimited Alumni Choir *Bridgett Davis* Lady Joya*
Bonita Y. Carlise* Kim Kinamore *Meichelle Gibson *Angela Alexander*
David Fowler Music Director * Keyboard*
Introduction...........................….............................................................Jessica Lynne Moon
Introduction ...........................................................................................LaVieena Campbell
Introduction .........................................................................................P. Ann Everson Price
Introduction.............................................................................................................Mike Wade
Introduction Aretha Chapman
Introduction ................................................................................................Ed ‘Sax’ Thomas
Introduction ....................................................................................................Vincent Stroud
Introduction ............................David Minor and The Lincoln Heights Baptist Choir
Closing Remarks Robert L Humphries
The Friends of the Cincinnati Herald Holiday Musical
Tribute to Courtis J. Fuller
Thank You To Our Sponsors and Patrons.
*David Whitehead
*Bobby and Tracey Artis
*Jesse and Iris Roley
*Melanie Moon
*Holly Mundy
*Nina E Lewis
*Eula Melson
*Dr. Vanessa Enoch
*Marchelle Owens
*Eric and Jan Michelle Kearney
Special Thank You To
*Bishop Todd O’Neal & House of Joy Min
The Members and Staff
*Walter White and The Herald Staff
*Lincoln Ware
*P. Ann Everson Price
*Dr. Shelley Hamler
*ZOLAS
*Altev Pharmacy
*WEB Ventures LLC
*Keystone Printing
*BGMedia /BLK GAL MEDIA
RLH Alumni
Cincinnati Black Theatre Company
*The Amazing Talent & Production Staff
*The Host and Greeters
Cleaster Mims Foundation A Tribute To
A Journalist and Friend
Courtis Fuller
Courtis Fuller is more than a Hall of Fame broadcaster, journalist, and news anchor for WLWT-TV. He is a kind and generous friend who will make time in his busy schedule to address needs in the community
His character, creativity, and commitment have made a lasting imprint on individuals and organizations
His continuous dedication to service demands admiration for his source of inspiration
Our admiration for Courtis is profound. He was actively engaged in the development and life of the Marva Collins Prep and Cleaster Mims International Boarding schools where he told our stories, and positively presented our identity and culture. His leadership, volunteerism, and respect for educational excellence made an indelible mark on the staff, students, and parents. Courtis was not only a partner in education. He was a participant in class activities and our news anchor. He always made time to record and maintain the history of our programs, events, national and international travels and visiting guest from foreign nations
Courtis’s has been an inspiration to many. His capacity to effectively communicate, creatively motivate, and model excellence has been inspirational and is worthy of emulation. His unwavering spirit has encouraged and inspired many of us to face challenges and overcome them. Today, we appreciate, admire, celebrate his life and legacy, and we are inspired by his generosity and the joy that he brings to us all.
To Courtis, one of the best friends, colleagues, confidants, and supporters, anyone could have.
Thank you for sharing over thirty years of comradery with me. You are in my prayers as you continue to build your awesome legacy.
C Smith
*YourPersonaPhotgrapher*
Dates:TBA
“Shoot with A Camera Youth Violence Prevention”
Boots on The Ground!
*RLH Pageant Unlimited*
Miss Black Cincinnati Pageant 2025
Qualifications: Age 17-24 (Not over 18 day of Pageant)
High School Diploma, GED and a High School Senior 2.0 GPA never given child birth, never marries, performing talent
Miss Black Teen Cincinnati Pageant 2025
Qualifications Age 13-17 (not over17 day of the Pageant)
2.0GPA ,never given child birth, never married, performing Pageant Date: April 5, 2025
Celebrating the Legacy of Niki Giovanni
Rooted in Cincinnati, Inspired by its Essence
Niki Giovanni (June 7, 1943 – December 9, 2024
Niki Giovanni, born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni Jr., was a celebrated poet, activist, and educator with deep roots in Cincinnati, Ohio, particularly the Lincoln Heights community. Known for her fiery spirit and evocative works, Giovanni captured the struggles and triumphs of the African American experience.
she rose to prominence during the Black Arts Movement and became one of the most influential voices of the Civil Rights Movement, a prolific poet who put pen to paper A graduate of Fisk, and one of the most influential voices of her generation and her legacy will live on A proud Black Woman, she said, “When we go to the moon, Black women will be walking around like they own the place.”
• “I made my home in the West End Free men live here who are unwilling to yield ”
• “I am the Seven Hills, the neighborhoods, community centers, shopping malls, churches, and libraries.”
• “I am the Bengals, the Reds, the incomparable Underground Railroad Museum ”
• “I am Findlay Street Market. I am the best 3-way chili in the world. I am Montgomery Ribs.”
• “I am the University of Cincinnati I am Xavier I am Sister Jean Patrice Harrington, bringing Mount St. Joseph into the 21st century.”
• “I am Eden Park and the Conservatory of Music I am Symphony Hall and the oldest opera company and one of the world’s greatest teaching zoos ”
• “I am Spring Grove Cemetery my dead rest in beauty and peace.”
• “I am Marian Spencer I have watched segregation reign and have built a bridge between that island and the city.”
• “I am the lady in the fountain Let my waters cleanse and refresh you Let my waters heal ”
Source: Transcribed by Cincinnati Enquirer using an audio recording and excerpts provided by 3CDC
Niki Giovanni’s forthcoming book of poetry ‘The NEW BOOK’ will publish in the fall 2025
