Friday was the last Freedom Fund dinner that Dr. Milton Hinton presided over as president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the NAACP.

        In typical style, Dr. Hinton put the spotlight on everyone but himself.

        A renowned civil rights leader, Dr. Hinton took the reins of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1994 after retiring as an administrator from the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Milton Hinton

        The organization hasn't been the same since. His term ends Dec. 31 and Dr. Hinton recently said he won't seek another.

        Under Dr. Hinton's leadership, membership has in creased by the thousands; new scholarships were created for young people; inactive committees were jump started; minorities found inclusion in the city's rebuilding of the riverfront; and a Citizen's Police Review Panel was created.

        In his swan song, Dr. Hinton called out new NAACP members, lifetime members, youth-committee members, scholarship recipients and others who have given time, energy and money.

        Dr. Hinton usually talks about the theme of the dinner during his remarks. This year, the theme was “Race To Vote.”

        But on Friday, Dr. Hinton chose to frame his comments around those many accomplishments which, he said, would not have been possible if not for members' support.

        Sharing the spotlight on this day was Dr. Hinton's way of saying thanks.

        “People ask me what the NAACP is going to do about this or that,” Dr. Hinton said during the 45th annual dinner. “I say you are the NAACP. It has been my pleasure to serve as your president.”

        Robert Collins, a lifetime member of the organization from North Avondale, said no one in the Cincinnati chapter's history can match the accomplishments of Dr. Hinton.

        “He has been the most influential leader in the NAACP that this city has ever seen,” Mr. Collins said. “He has put the NAACP on the map.”
               

Newport struggles as chill moves in
Powerful water stream cut gas main 'like a drill'
Schools promote online safety
Ads for 'hell house' pulled
Extra beds barred
RAMSEY: School nutrition
Tavern in Butler Co. sold pot, crystal meth, cops say
Woman indicted in shooting death
Chabot defends fund vote
Hamilton: We can beat job loss
Almanac hints at cold snap
Antiques show offers treasures
Boy admitted to hospital after fight
Boy convicted of injuring driver
Brother is charged with slaying
Cab driver's killer sentenced to prison
County bond rating goes up
County official fears fires
DNA links baby, slain woman
Driver gets probation for causing man's death
Fall fun under way
FBI to probe behavior on flight
Firm's former VP may be part of scheme
Gallatin Steel fined $925,000
Hinton directs focus to others
Hooters asks award be cut
HOWARD: Neighborhoods
Hundreds of nuclear jobs at Piketon spared
Ky. pair petition for Justin
McNUTT: Writer's reward
No sports without reports
Robber, 19, gets 7-year sentence
Second patient dies after treatment at center
Study explains radiation victims' cancer
Suspect says uncle threatened to kill him
Toddler recovering from fall
Walkers await new path
Tristate A.M. Report