Celebrate Black History Month in the Cincy Region

What makes a destination somewhere great to both visit and live? It's the people! The Cincy Region has an incredible and unique culture thanks to a rich history and significant, continued contributions from its people. 

In February, we honor the Black history, the people, and the places that make the Cincy Region unique. Discover Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky museums, performances, restaurants, and more to celebrate Black History Month this February. 

Black history museums and historic sights in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati during the formative years that led to her writing the anti-slavery and abolitionist novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. Schedule a visit or take a virtual tour of the newly renovated Harriet Beecher Stowe House to learn more about the author, the Underground Railroad, and the historic site that was listed in the Green Book in the 1930s and 40s. 

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Standing as a monument to freedom, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center brings to life the importance, and relevance, of struggles for freedom worldwide throughout history and today. For Black History Month 2025, the Freedom Center has events planned all month long to celebrate the impact of Black culture in the Cincy Region and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates. 

Enjoy free admission on Fifth Third Community Day, February 16.  Visit the Freedom Center in person or explore online exhibits. Check out their full events calendar here or take a photo tour of some of the Freedom Center's pivotal exhibits.

The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame

Cincinnati has made significant contributions to music throughout history - from funk and groove bands to rappers and prolific producers. Enjoy this interactive, immersive attraction - that is totally free to the public!

The Black Brigade

The Black Brigade was formed in 1862 during the Civil War to construct barricades to defend Cincinnati from Confederate attacks. Initially, members were forced into service, but after a public outcry, African-American men volunteered and formed The Black Brigade. Peter H. Clark is the author of the first account of The Black Brigade. You can visit a monument to the brigade's efforts at Smale Riverfront Park, consisting of bronze statues and plaques, interpretive signs, and carved stones which include the names of all 718 members. 

Clermont County Freedom Trail

Explore the 42 historical sites of Clermont County Freedom Trail, 22 of which are included in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. This self-guided journey highlights one of the largest Network to Freedom programs in the nation today. Sign up to receive the Clermont County Freedom Trail mobile passport and start exploring.  

Allen Temple AME Church

Allen Temple AME Church was the first organized Black congregation west of the Allegheny Mountains when it was formed in 1824.

Improved Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks of the World

The Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (IBPOEW) was formed in Cincinnati in 1898 and today, IBPOEW boasts 500,000 members in over 1,500 lodges worldwide making it the largest Black fraternal organization in the world.

Union Baptist Church 

Union Baptist Church is the oldest African American Baptist church in Cincinnati. During the 1800s, the church served as a sanctuary for Black men and women crossing the Ohio River to escape slavery. The church provided them with food and clothing and set up a school to teach reading and writing. The church also runs United American Cemetery where many notable African Americans are buried including Underground Railroad conductors and abolitionists. In 1876, George Washington Williams, Ohio’s first African American legislator, became pastor of Union Baptist Church.

Black History Month events

Black-owned restaurants in the Cincy Region

In Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, you'll find Black-owned restaurants serving up everything from coffee and pastries to barbecue to Southern foods.

Nolia Kitchen

Nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award in 2024, chef and owner Jeff Harris brings Louisiana to Cincinnati on a plate in Nolia Kitchen. Inspired by his upbringing in New Orleans, Harris showcases classic southern flavors with unexpected twists in his restaurant in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. 

Soul Secrets

Located in Over-the-Rhine, this homey spot specializes in delicious, traditional soul food cuisine. From fried catfish and chicken to collard greens and hoppin' john - you won't leave Soul Secrets hungry!

Looking for more? We've got TONS more! Check out this handy list of Black-owned restaurants and support them this month and all year long. You won't run out of options.

Black-owned shops and businesses in the Cincy Region

• Originalitees: Print shop specializing in collegiate, state, city, and neighborhood pride apparel. Originalitees even has a collection of bandanas for your pup!
• Hutch Baby: Located on Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine, Hutch Baby is an upscale children’s boutique with fun and colorful clothing for newborns through the tween years.
• ChiChi Luxx: Just a few doors down from Hutch Baby - shop at this clothing boutique full of fashion-forward, curated pieces. 
• District 78: Shop gifts, home decor and all things luxury lifestyle at District 78 near the University of Cincinnati. They have a curated collection of candles, plants, clothing, and more. 
• We Are Mortar: We are Mortar is an entrepreneurial hub for dreamers and doers providing access to the resources needed to start & run successful businesses 
• BlaCk OWned Outerwear: Community-centric fashion brand specializing in outwear. 
• The Confetti Room: Plan your next event in this chic event space in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. 
• Soul Palette: Soul Palette creates unique paint experiences and works of art at any scale to celebrate any occasion. Book your private lesson today!
• The Sweet Body Bakery: Almost good enough to eat, The Sweet Body Bakery creates natural body treats that exfoliate and hydrate your skin.
• Inspired Fashion: Women’s fashion boutique in Covington specializing in affordable, high quality pieces with flair. Online or at their Covington boutique. 

Black-owned breweries and bars in the Cincy Region

• Esoteric Brewing: Skip the garage and visit Cincinnati’s first laidback brew lounge. Great beer and delicious Korean fried chicken by Decibel Chicken? Yes, please!
• Revel OTR: A cool urban winery, Revel OTR, offers handcrafted wines, snacks, and live music in the heart of Over-The-Rhine

Black-owned skin care and spas in Cincinnati

• Grace + Grit: A spa with purpose, Grace + Grit offers in facials, massages and waxing along with loving on those navigating the cancer journey.
• True Shea: Black-Owned and ethically sourced, True Shea is a natural skin care product line that feels good on your hair/skin and your consciousness. 
• Skin by Brownlee & Co: Get glowing with skin care treatments, facials, and acne prevention. Skin by Brownlee & Co has their own product line of serums, cleansers, UV shields, and more.

Cultural institutions and tours

Under one roof: The African American Experience in Music Hall

This one-hour presentation by the Friends of Music Hall explores the history of African Americans, like Duke Ellington and Ezzard Charles, who helped forge the culture and character of Music Hall and the Cincinnati community. The presentation and a virtual tour of Music Hall can be scheduled through the Friends of Music Hall Speakers Series.

Cincinnati Public Library

The Cincinnati Public Library honors Black History Month with a variety of events all month in several area branch locations. Also, from famous singers to abolitionists to journalists and photographers, the library has put together a list of 19th Century Black Cincinnatians You Should Know.

Self-Guided NKY Black History Walks

Developed by NKY Art Walks, these self-guided walking tours include various historical sites around Covington and Newport Kentucky.

The Covington Black History Walk includes 16 stops, including landmarks like the statue of James Bradley, a former slave who worked his way to freedom and broke racial barriers in the world of education; and Randolph Park, named after the first African American on the staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital, Dr. James Randolph.

Newport Black History Walk: Newport was once the center of education for Black students in Campbell County.  The Newport Black History tour explores the stories, neighborhoods and buildings that reflect the contributions of African American residents in Newport, Kentucky. 

For more Black History Month information check out these local organizations:

• VIBE Cincinnati - Visit Cincy’s diversity and inclusion engine hosting events, initiatives, and speaker series all year long
• African American Chamber 
• Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio 
• Revolution Dance Theatre - ​​Cincinnati's ONLY African American dance company
• Cincinnati Young Black Professionals 
• Bi-Okoto - Performance and cultural center 
• Triiibe Foundation - Community center
• Black Art Speaks
• Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame
• Cincinnati Black Theatre Artist Collective
• Cincinnati Black Theatre Company