Confronting Cincinnati's Racial Landscape: A Tale of Strength and Perseverance

I am Blossom Smith, a retired librarian and the daughter of a psychology professor who helped establish the Black History Department at the University of Cincinnati. While my family has relocated, I remain in Cincinnati, keeping my father informed about issues impacting our African American community. Our conversations have centered around various recent events, including the attack on the Haitian community following Donald Trump's comments, the Nazi presence in Lincoln Heights, and the tragic death of Ryan Henton, along with the lawsuit he filed against the Cincinnati Police Department for civil rights violations. Moreover, we've discussed the recent changes in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) legislation affecting higher education. My father raised an important question about racial tensions in Cincinnati, which I compared to an earthquake rather than a volatile situation. Though there are fractures beneath the surface, the community remains largely passive, leading many to overlook potential long-term consequences. Voting for change remains the most viable solution to these ongoing civil rights challenges.