Ezzard Charles Statue

in Laurel Park

We are erecting a statue of a West End advocate and icon, on the street named for him.

Ezzard Charles is a Cincinnati legend. More than a Heavyweight Champion of the World, Ezzard Charles was a West End resident, entrepreneur,  renowned jazz enthusiast, and a brilliant Renaissance man.  A West End advocate during his life, he now represents honor, dignity, respect, and strength. More than a statue, this project has ignited the community and partnerships across the city. 

DONATE NOW

Who Was Ezzard Charles?

Ezzard Charles Statue Fundraising Phases

The total project cost is approximately $287,500 and includes two phases.

Phase 1 “Statue Fundraising Goal”: Includes materials, bronze casting, artist fees, construction of a new plaza, and installation.
Phase 2 “Entire Project Goal”: Includes all Phase 1 costs, a maintenance endowment, on site signage, and park programming. We aim to install the statue by mid-2021. 

0
% to Phase 1 Goal
0
% to Phase 2 Goal

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Join our GoFundMe fundraiser for neighborhood donations to meet our “Knockout Goal” of $10,000 from individual donations. This is a small part of hitting our overall fundraising goal of $287,500.
 
Donations over $1,000 can be made on the form below or by contacting: jennifer@cincinnatiparksfoundation.org

More Than a Statue

More than a statue, this project has ignited the community and partnerships across the city. Each October, the Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses host the annual Ezz Fest celebration, which features live jazz music, free food for the neighborhood, and family activities. MadTree Brewing, who also supports the Fall Releaf program, has joined the project by committing to donate more than 100 trees to the park and surrounding neighborhood. Cincinnati Bell will be installing free WiFi in Laurel Park for the West End community; more details will be announced soon.