Sunday, February 07, 1999
Bishop saluted for race summit
BY PHILLIP PINA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Five years ago as racial tension in Cincinnati heated up, the Rt. Rev. Herbert Thompson Jr. addressed the issue head-on. On Saturday, his efforts prompted Applause! magazine to award the its Imagemaker Lifetime Achievement Award at the Aronoff Center for the Arts.
In the early 1990s, the city made national headlines with the derogatory remarks of Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott. There were Ku Klux Klan crosses on Fountain Square and in a 1993 survey two-thirds of Cincinnatians said racism existed in the city.
Determined to give Cincin nati a chance at racial harmony, the Rt. Rev. Thompson, bishop of the Southern Ohio Episcopal Diocese, initiated the Summit on Racism. The 18-month program involves civic and religious leaders in self-study and community involvement.
Outgrowths of the summit include the CommUNITY pro gram of the National Conference and efforts to build the National Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati.
“This is just an example of his work,” Applause! Publisher Sallie Elliot said.
Bishop Thompson has raised the consciousness of the community in the continued struggle against racism and created an atmosphere in Cincinnati to address it.
“To achieve one's dream, a lifetime goal, is daunting to most — something few will ever accomplish,” Ms. Elliot said. “To involve a community in your success is even more admirable.”
The Imagemaker Awards began in 1989 to salute contributions of African-Americans and their work as role models.
This year's Imagemaker winners included longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth. The Rev. Mr. Shuttlesworth has founded several organizations that provide housing assistance programs for African-Americans.
Also honored were Amin Akbar, James Clingman, Cleaster Mims, P. Ann Everson Price, Tarrence Corbin, Marsha Thomas, Albert Brown, Anita Sherrill, and Steven and Barbara Reece.
Imagemaker Award winners
Are Clintons protecting or using Chelsea?
A Saturday primary? Maybe
Should Cincinnati sue gunmakers?
Legal claims rest on negligence or nuisance
'Smart guns' are not answer, some experts say
TOUCHED BY TRAGEDIES
Census miscounts cost locals
Sampler Weekend spreads arts Tristate-wide
Fine Arts Sampler: Museum & Gallery Highlights
Fine Arts Sampler: Sunday schedule
Fine Arts Sampler: Saturday schedule
Hallmark's Hall of Fame tradition
Bishop saluted for race summit
Trench cave-in survivor faces long rehab
The things we all take for granted
Clinton not Republicans' only problem
No slowing road work sometimes
Bauer may not have shot, but will have say
Courts step up to a new home
Deals before death grow
Fairfield police take aim at rare feat: accreditation
Furniture takes over at Turfway
Gadd enters not-guilty plea
Heat turned up for adult shops
Politicians move mementos of home
Skater keeps cool on ice
TRISTATE DIGEST
