The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame was founded and created by Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece. The Commissioner grew up in the music industry and later served as the Deputy Director of Ohio Tourism. She introduced the idea on April 26, 2021, at a press conference with diverse music and community stakeholders in front of an empty lot filled with gravel and rocks. She called for the creation of a Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame to celebrate the legacy and untold stories of music artists, songwriters, producers, and musicians from Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and Southwest Ohio. On July 1, 2021, the idea was unanimously passed by the Hamilton County, Ohio Board of Commissioners creating an international state-of-the-art, outdoor interactive permanent tourism attraction and exciting music corridor on the Ohio River Banks.
From a gravel lot covered with rocks to becoming one of the greatest world-renowned outdoor Black music tourism attractions is historic. Through the interactive elements and use of the latest technology, we will connect our rich black music legacy as inspiration to the generations of future music legends to come.
– HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER ALICIA REECE, 2021
Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece held a press conference along with key stakeholders calling for the creation of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. These included:
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners Alicia Reece, Stephanie Summerow Dumas, and Denise Driehaus unanimously vote to fund the infrastructure of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame.
Commissioner Alicia Reece and Damon Jones announce Procter & Gamble as the Founding Corporate Sponsor of the Stars and Inaugural Induction Ceremony.
The First Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at the Andrew J Brady Music Center. Founding Inductees: Bootsy Collins, the Isley Brothers, Dr. Charles Fold, and Otis Williams.
Construction begins on Lot 28 for the future home of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. Meetings are held with the internationally renowned team of creative designers, writers, interactive developers, and technology specialists to create the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame experience.
County Commissioner & Founder Alicia Reece and CVG CEO Candace McGraw held a press conference unveiling the display of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Stars at the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
2022 Inductees announced at Hard Rock Casino.
The Dedication & Induction Ceremony held at Andrew J Brady Music Center inducting Penny Ford, Midnight Star, Wilbert Longmire, and Hi-Tek, with a free live performance by Zapp, and the unveiling of the new official Star of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. 4,000 citizens attended the festivities.
The Historic Grand Opening featured inductees Louise Shropshire, James Brown, The Deele, and Philippé Wynne.
Founding Volunteer Committee Chair: Lincoln Ware
