By Robert Park We live in a sick society, one wracked with racism, xenophobia (fear of foreigners), and ignorance, and infected with tribal “identity” politics now veering intentionally toward fascism. The injustices that come from this rigged system serving the wealthy result in social dissension, dysfunction, poverty, and crime. The police operate at the miserable interface of social discord and conflict. Racism has become an effective tool for anti-democratic politicians i

By Key Beck June is LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning) Pride Month. Pride gives us an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments, memorials, and history of LGBTQ culture. Even though “LGBTQ” are letters most folx know and hear about, it is important to note that there are other identities that are including the Queer and Transgender rainbow, such as Pansexual, Asexual, Nonbinary and Intersex individuals. There are many more identities that

By Bill Woods The City of Cincinnati is in the midst of passing a new budget in this far from normal year. Not only is COVID-19 still with us, but the City has just experienced more than two weeks of protests related to the murder of George Floyd and police racial bias in general. The Pandemic exposes the economic and social inequities already existing in urban America, while the tragic event in Minneapolis puts the spotlight back on decades of police violence against African

By Charlie Tackett Riah Milton was a “joy to be around.” Riah Milton was a loving sister. Riah Milton was a loving aunt. Riah Milton was a “unique and beautiful soul.” Riah Milton was a helper who gave back to her community. Riah Milton was a dedicated home health aide. Riah Milton was a student at the University of Cincinnati. Riah Milton was loving. Riah Milton was caring. Riah Milton was joyful. Riah Milton was a devoted friend. Riah Milton loved traveling. Riah Milton lov

By David Ledesma We have not been accepted. We have been forgiven. And some of us, not even that. It was not like the system woke up one day and decided that we were dignified people. It did not magically realize about its flaws, about the wounds that it inflicts in the skins of the neglected. Insatiable as it is, it simply noticed that we also have some money. Not all of us, maybe. But it needed to make some room for those who can help it keep on growing. If we are valuable

By Communities Act Now Jenn Arens and Joele Newman work at Peaslee Neighborhood Center; Michelle Dillingham works for the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers; Marche Gendrew is the Coordinator for the Cincinnati Educational Justice Coalition; Mona Jenkins and Amanda Lynne Barker work at the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition; Mona also represents Mass Action for Black Liberation. They are all founding members of the “Communities Act NOW (CAN)” coalition. As we witness righte