February is Black History month! There are many great ways to explore Cincinnati Parks AND celebrate Black History Month at the same time. Here is a list of seven ways to get outdoors and learn more about Cincinnati Black History in YOUR parks.
1: HIKE THE RAVINE TO FREEDOM IN LABOITEAUX WOODS PRESERVE
There are historical ties to the Underground Railroad in the neighborhood surrounding Cincinnati Parks’ LaBoiteaux Woods Preserve. It’s likely the ravines within the preserve were used by escaping slaves making their way north towards freedom.
Zebulon Strong, a noted abolitionist, owned property along Hamilton Avenue which neighbored the ravines of what is now LaBoiteaux Woods Preserve. Notified through secret methods, the Strong family was informed when slaves would be coming through the area. The Strong children would leave bags of supplies in the ravine for these escaping slaves. (Source: Cincinnati Parks)
2: VISIT THE BLACK BRIGADE MONUMENT AT SMALE RIVERFRONT PARK
The Black Brigade Monument can be found in Smale Riverfront Park’s Eastern Tree Grove. It includes three life-size bronze figures, relief panels, and the names of all soldiers in the Black Brigade.
The Black Brigade was formed in 1862 to construct barricades to defend Cincinnati from Confederate attack. Initially, members of the Black Brigade were forced into service. Then, after a public outcry, 718 African-American men volunteered for the service and formed The Black Brigade—which, alongside many other local soldiers, successfully built the critical fortifications in Northern Kentucky.
BONUS: When visiting, we also recommend the short walk up to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center located at: 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
3: SEE THE MARIAN SPENCER STATUE IN THE WOMEN’S COMMITTEE GARDEN
Just a short walk west from the Black Brigade Monument, you will find the Cincinnati Parks Foundation’s Women’s Committee Garden and a new bronze statue of Marian Spencer. She was a fierce advocate for parks and was a Founding Member of the Women’s Committee of Cincinnati Parks. Mrs. Spencer was the first Black woman to serve on City Council and to become Vice Mayor of our City. She was also the first woman President of the local NAACP. In 2020, she and her husband Donald we were awarded the Phyllis W. Smale award.
4: STROLL THROUGH THEODORE M. BERRY INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP PARK
Named for Cincinnati’s first African-American mayor, Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park serves as a lasting tribute to world unity and global understanding. Completed in 2003 along the Ohio River the park features an award-winning display of sculpture and flora representing five continents. The park also featuring a riverside bike trail and walking paths.
Please be aware: Major portions of Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park are closed. Greater Cincinnati Water Works’ construction in the park is to prevent a watermain break in the area. Please see the map of closures.
5: TAKE IN THE VIEW AT THE SPENCER OVERLOOK
Donald Spencer was a key figure in Cincinnati’s history. He was a public school teacher, member of the NAACP, a prominent real estate broker (becoming the first African American to serve as President of the Cincinnati Board of Realtors), as well as the first black President of the Board at Ohio University. He was a founding member of Friends of Cincinnati Parks and a well known advocate for free and equal access to the city’s natural treasures.
Take in the views at the Spencer Overlook, off of Cliff Drive in Eden Park, behind Krohn Conservatory. You’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the Ohio River and Kentucky.
6: HONOR A PAST PRESIDENT IN EDEN PARK
Several memorial tree Groves have been planted in Eden Park near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Krohn Conservatory off of Cliff Drive. The largest is Presidential Grove which has trees planted for US presidents. This tree Grove was established at the first Arbor Day celebration in Cincinnati on April 27th, 1882 during the American Forestry Association’s first National Congress. After a president leaves office they are asked to choose the tree to be planted in their honor in this historic Grove trees have been planted for every president.
Take a walk around the grove and keep your eye out for the tree planted for the first African-American to become President of the United States. Planted in Barack Obama’s honor is a young Bur Oak. The bur oak is in the white oak family, which is the state tree of Illinois where Obama served three terms in the Illinois Senate.
7: WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEGENDARY BOXER, EZZARD CHARLES
Known as the Cincinnati Cobra, Ezzard Charles was a professional boxer and World Heavyweight Champion from 1949–1951. A long time Cincinnatian, he was also an entrepreneur, a musician, a multilinguist, and a good-will ambassador to the West End community, where he lived at the height of his boxing career. Cincinnati Parks Foundation is erecting a statue of “Ezz” within an accessible plaza at Laurel Park along Ezzard Charles Drive in 2022.
Part of the project is an educational web app and three accessible goVibrant routes that allow you to follow in the old training routes of Ezz. Start at Laurel Park, scan the QR code and then follow the signage throughout the city!
Want to access the app from home? Visit: https://cincinnatiparksfoundation.org/ezz on your phone and learn more.