CINCY BLACK
WHAT’S NEW IN CINCY?
New TV Show coming to Cincy
ALL IN CINCINNATI IS
GEARING UP TO LAUNCH
A NEW TELEVISION SHOW
AIMED AT EMPOWERING
LOCAL BUSINESSES IN
THE CITY
Exciting New Health Workshops Coming in 2025
THE INTERGENERATIONAL WELLNESS PARTNERS HAVE INTRODUCED A FRESH LINEUP OF WORKSHOPS THIS YEAR, AIMED AT ENHANCING BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
CVG Powered Travel Deals
EXPLORE OUR 2025 CINCY BLACK TRAVEL OFFERS FEATURING THE TOP FIVE DESTINATIONS FOR THIS YEAR, BROUGHT TO YOU BY CVG
CINCINNATI ' S LITTLE KNOWN HISTORY FACT
DID YOU KNOW?
COMEDYLEGENDKATTWILLIAMSISFROMAVONDALE, RIGHTHEREINCINCINNATI,OHIO
Before the bright lights of Hollywood, Katt Williams walked the streets of Avondale a neighborhood rich in Black culture, resilience, and history. Known for his raw comedic genius and unapologetic truth-telling, Williams has never forgotten where he came from. In April 2025, the City of Cincinnati honored his legacy by naming a street after him in his childhood neighborhood. Katt Williams Way now stands as a lasting tribute to a hometown icon who made the world laugh and never stopped repping Avondale.
On what would have been his 14th birthday, the Cincinnati community gathered in East Westwood for a powerful and emotional balloon release honoring the life of Izreal “Bunz” Bishop.
At just 13 years old, Izreal was more than a student he was a bright light in his community. A student at Hughes STEM High School, he was known for his smile, his leadership, and his hope for peace. His life was tragically cut short on February 20 in Winton Hills, a loss that shook the city and sparked renewed calls to end the gun violence stealing the lives of our youth.
On this sacred day of remembrance, Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney stood shoulder to
shoulder with East Westwood Improvement Association President Te’Airea Powell and East Westwood Recreation Director Rodney Christian.
Together with family, friends, and neighbors, they released red and white balloons into the sky symbols of love, grief, and a collective commitment to keep Izreal’s memory alive.
The crowd was wrapped in emotion laughter, tears, and reflection filled the air as loved ones shared memories and held one another close.
The energy wasn’t just about loss; it was about legacy.
“This was not just a ceremony, ” one attendee shared. “It was a message to the world that Izreal mattered.
That our children matter. And that we will not stay silent.”
The balloon release served as both a tribute and a call to action a moment of unity and resistance against the violence that continues to devastate families.
As the last balloon disappeared into the sky, one thing was clear: Izreal “Bunz” Bishop’s story is not over. His name will continue to be spoken with love, and his legacy will continue to inspire a movement for change.
CINCY BLACK MAGAZINE
LIGHTS, LEGACY, AND BLACK STORYTELLING: A LIGHTS, LEGACY, AND BLACK STORYTELLING: A CINCY RECAP OF THE 2025 ATLANTA FILM
CINCY RECAP OF THE 2025 ATLANTA FILM
From April 24 to May 4, 2025, the Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) transformed Georgia's capital into a vibrant celebration of cinema, showcasing 132 selected works from over 35 countries, including 24 world premieres. Every spring, the Atlanta Film Festival lights up the city with bold Black stories, independent voices, and emerging creative powerhouses. Cincy Black Magazine was on the ground to witness it all.
Opening Night: "Color Book" Directed by Atlanta native David Fortune, this heartfelt drama follows a Black father and his son with Down syndrome on a journey to an Atlanta Braves game. Shot entirely with a local Atlanta crew, the film was a love letter to the city’s talent and tenderness.
Special Presentation: "The Games in Black & White" Premiered on April 26 at the Rialto Center for the Arts. The documentary explores how Atlanta secured the 1996 Summer Olympics, featuring appearances from civil rights icon Andrew Young and football legend Billy Payne. Closing Night: "Friendship" This comedy starring Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson offered a lighthearted conclusion to the festival, chronicling a suburban dad’s obsession with his charismatic new neighbor.
Other marquee films included:
- "The Surfer" featuring Nicolas Cage.
- "Ricky" directed by Rashad Frett, showcasing rising talent.
- "Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted" a quirky and soulful documentary.
- "Red Clay" a short co-produced by Omar Epps and 2 Chainz, focusing on life after family trauma. Both were present at the screening. - "Withdrawal" by Atlanta’s own Ryan White and Jessica Hargrave, marking a powerful return home for the filmmakers.
The 15th annual Creative Conference ran from April 29 to May 2 at the Tara Theatre, offering 36 in-person workshops and 10 virtual panels. It was a hub for filmmakers, actors, and media entrepreneurs to share resources, strategies, and inspiration.
But perhaps the most powerful moments happened off-screen in the lobbies, lounges, and panel rooms where creators poured into each other. For many, the Atlanta Film Festival is not just about screenings it's about solidarity, vision, and movement building. The ATLFF continues to serve as a national launchpad for Black creatives, many of whom are breaking barriers and reclaiming narratives. With more Midwest voices showing up and showing out, it’s clear that the film industry is watching.
If you ’ ve ever wondered where the future of Black film is headed, Atlanta just gave us a preview and it’s nothing short of revolutionary.
Yet many in the community feel the public's focus has unfairly shifted. “Two crimes were committed,” said one local activist. “Ryan Hinton was killed by the police — and that can’t be overshadowed by what happened the next day.”
Deputy Henderson was respected for his decades of service and had returned to duty in a special capacity. His death is a tragic loss but it has further complicated the public discourse.
Now, the city grapples with two deaths, one legal battle, and a community in mourning.
Activists, community leaders, and residents are calling for full investigations into both incidents, demanding transparency, accountability, and justice for both families affected.
Ryan Hinton’s name must not be lost in the chaos. His life mattered. And his story is not over.
When you step into Mercedes Brown Boutique with a Purpose, you’re met with more than just bundles and beauty products you’re stepping into a vision. A movement. A safe space for women to transform not just their hair, but their confidence, their mindset, and their lives.
Mercedes Brown, a powerhouse entrepreneur from Cincinnati, didn’t build her business just to sell wigs and weaves. She built it to heal. What started as a side hustle to make ends meet quickly became a sanctuary one that now serves women of all backgrounds with purpose-driven products and empowerment-focused events.
“I always wanted women to leave feeling more than just beautiful,” Mercedes shares. “I wanted them to feel powerful. I wanted them to know they’re worthy.”
Her boutique offers premium hair bundles, wigs, accessories, and styling support but it’s her mission that sets her apart. In addition to running her storefront, Mercedes hosts workshops on self-worth, mental health, and entrepreneurship inside her multipurpose event space. Whether it’s a vision board party, a women’s circle, or a pop-up vendor fair, the goal is the same: to uplift.
“I’m not just trying to “I’m not just trying to build a business, I’m build a business, I’m
trying to build a trying to build a future. ” future. ”
On April 19, 2025, the city of Cincinnati paid tribute to one of its most illustrious natives, comedian and actor Katt Williams, by unveiling 'Katt Williams Way' at the intersection of Reading Road and Maple Avenue in the Avondale neighborhood. The ceremony was attended by Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, community leaders, and fellow comedians, including Mo’Nique, Tommy Davidson, Mark Curry, and Red Grant.
Williams, who grew up on Maple Avenue, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, "I grew up right here, walked these same streets. To see this? It’s a full circle moment."
While Reading Road retains its official name, the honorary designation celebrates Williams' contributions to entertainment and his enduring connection to Cincinnati. The event coincided with his performance at the Heritage Bank Center later that evening as part of his 'Heaven on Earth' tour.
THE
BEST WEEKS IN JULY: WHY CINCINNATI IS THE SUMMER ’ S #1 DESTINATION FOR BLACK TRAVEL
If you're looking for the ultimate summer experience filled with Black excellence, culture, music, tech, and community look no further than Cincinnati. Powered by Cincy Black Travel in partnership with CVG Airport and dozens of local Black-owned businesses, the Best Weeks in July campaign is turning Cincinnati into the #1 destination for Black travel this summer.
Week One: Black Tech Week (July 14–16, 2025)
Black Tech Week kicks off the summer ’ s cultural wave from July 14–16 at the Aronoff Center in downtown Cincinnati. This premier conference draws innovators, tech professionals, investors, and creatives from across the country. This
year ’ s keynote speaker is none other than actress and entrepreneur Keke Palmer. Expect dynamic panels, networking sessions, and pitch competitions that center Black brilliance in tech and business.
Week Two: Cincinnati Music Festival (July 24–27, 2025)
Presented by Procter & Gamble, the Cincinnati Music Festival is one of the largest and longest-running urban music festivals in the country. This year ’ s celebration kicks off Thursday, July 24 with a hip-hop celebration at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center featuring Scarface, Goodie Mob, The Sugarhill Gang, and Young MC.
On Friday, July 25 at Paycor Stadium, the main stage lights up with performances by Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, Jazmine Sullivan, PJ Morton, and the legendary Zapp Band.
Saturday, July 26 features a powerful finale headlined by LL Cool J, with additional performances from Lucky Daye, 112, a special tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze, and guest appearances by Ronald Isley, Joe, After 7, Dave Hollister, Raheem DeVaughn, and Toni Braxton.
Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony
On Saturday, July 26 at 12 PM noon, the second annual Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place. This starstudded, free public event invites guests to wear a white and celebrate under the theme 'Boots on th Ground.' The event will feature national acts, s guests, and the official launch of the National L Dance Festival.
Founded by Hamilton County Commissioner A Reece, the Walk of Fame is a state-of-the-art, award-winning tourist attraction celebrating B musical artists from the Southwest Ohio regio sits in the heart of downtown, symbolizing lega excellence, and cultural pride.
Plan Your Trip with Cincy Black Travel
Throughout the summer, Cincy Black Travel will host curated events to lead into the Best Weeks in July. Use the Cincy Black Travel app to plan your trip or help family visiting from out of town. We’ve partnered with CVG to offer exclusive deals on flights, car rentals, and hotel packages.
This July, all roads lead to Cincinnati and you won’t want to miss a moment.
