CINCINNATI, OH — The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency announced today the participating community partners, sponsors and youth panelists in the “Bridges to Cross: Building Bridges” commemorative march and program scheduled for this Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 9 a.m.
Community partners include League of Women Voters, who will provide voting registration materials, Ohio Voter Rights Coalition and the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. Sponsors of the “Bridges to Cross: Building Bridges” include Michael W. Hawkins and Dinsmore, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Pomeroy, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, PNC, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, The Enquirer and the American Red Cross – Cincinnati Chapter.
Youth panelists addressing “Youth Shaping the future for a Greater Cincinnati” include Isaiah Reaves Rosemond, grandson of Freedom Rider Betty Daniels Rosemond and student at St. Xavier High School and Adam Solimon, a young professional, who serves as an Advisor for the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati’s youth initiative called ICGC Youth.
Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, Covington Mayor Sherry Carran and State Representative Alicia Reece are each scheduled to give remarks at the program following the march.“It is incredibly exciting to see the community coming together for this event,” said Gwen Robinson, President and CEO of Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency. “From our partners, to the sponsors and the enthusiasm of our youth participants – ‘Bridges to Cross: Building Bridges’ has the power to make real change in our community as we honor the past and look towards the future.”
“Bridges to Cross: Building Bridges” is a commemorative march across the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge on August 8, 2015 at 9 a.m. to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. There will be a program at the Freedom Center following the march, featuring local Freedom Rider Betty Daniels Rosemond addressing “Cincinnati 50 Years Ago”. Participants are invited to complete “I March for _____” response cards to better understand what society is still marching for today. These response cards will later be turned into action items by local Cincinnati agencies, who will reconvene throughout the year and lead community discussions inspired by the completed response cards.
“Bridges to Cross: Building Bridges” is co-sponsored by the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency. For more information visit freedomcenter.org