Downtown Cincinnati on Friday night drew hundreds of Tristaters to support businesses in the wake of the boycott, as well as protesters urging diners to think about justice, not food.

        The show of support was partially the result of an e-mail campaign that urged people to spend money downtown on Friday.

Boycott supporter Michele Taylor-Mitchell protested outside Jeff Ruby's restaurant Friday. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        Restaurants near the Aronoff Center for the Arts were packed. Reservations were hard to come by at eateries such as Jeff Ruby's Steak House, Nicola's Ristorante and the Maisonette. Nicholson's Tavern & Pub, a popular Friday happy-hour spot, was booked through 8:30 p.m.

        “This is my city,” said Patty Grose of Kenwood, one of six people who walked into Ruby's carrying a “Bust The Boycott” sign. “I usually come downtown and I'm going to continue to come downtown.”

        At the same time, the Rev. Damon Lynch III led about 45 boycott supporters on a walk from Ruby's to other restaurants about 8 p.m. The leader of the Cincinnati Black United Front told his followers they were on “the right side of history” and said no day should be about “wine and dance and fun” until justice comes to the Queen City.

        As the protesters, both white and black, marched

        outside Ruby's at Seventh and Walnut streets, they chanted about justice and peace and carried signs with slogans such as, “Eat, Drink and Be Racist.” Some people walking by, all of them white, shouted back profanities and insults. A few people threw trash down on the protestors from the windows above Ruby's.

        Both sides pegged their actions to Friday, the date of Bill Cosby's scheduled appearance at the Aronoff Center. He canceled in support of the boycott against Cincinnati businesses.

        Mr. Ruby placed a full-page ad in last Sunday's Enquirer asking people to come downtown and see his “star-studded cast” of employees which would still be performing, unlike Mr. Cosby.

        “The one good thing Cincinnati has going for it is the people who live here,” Mr. Ruby said. “Who ever's idea the e-mail campaign was, it was a nice one.”

        Jamie Ramsey, of Fort Wright, celebrated his 28th birthday Friday night at Nicholson's. He agreed Cincinnati has some problems, but said the boycott is only creating more.

        “I fully support trying to get out and help defeat the boycott,” said Tom Roose, 29, one of Mr. Ramsey's friends. “I think it's 100 percent not helping. It's hurting everyone — black, white, Hispanic, you name it.”

        The turnout on Friday was important for businesses near the Aronoff that were depending on the clientele that would have been generated from Mr. Cosby's performances.

        “We definitely would have taken a hit losing Bill Cosby,” said Kevin Fryman, general manager of Nicholson's.

        “What bothers me about this boycott is that it's a minority of the minority that is affecting minorities in a negative way,” Mr. Ruby said.

        Councilman John Cranley, who made stops at Nicholson's and Ruby's, said it was important to show support for downtown businesses. Other council members and Mayor Charlie Luken could be found at Ruby's and other establishments.

        “It shows an indomitable spirit and pride that this is still our city,” Mr. Cranley said. Boycotter Linda Thomas of the West End said she understands people have the right to spend their money where they want. But she marched Friday night hoping that “the nation can really see the truth about Cincinnati.”

        “But it's their money they're spending,” she said. “I'm not spending one dime downtown until this gets straightened out.”

       Robert Anglen contributed to this report. E-mail kaldridge@enquirer.com and jprendergast@enquirer.com
       

Prosecutors ask what church hid
Catholics have little sympathy for abuse
Covington diocese has written guidelines
Pamphlet sets rules for prevention, response
Sex abuse cases not new locally
Boycotters, diners pass downtown
Civil rights figure has wisdom honed by living
Graham weighs boycott request
'Lobbying' puts Luken, DCI at odds
Tristate A.M. Report
Vine Street shooting leaves cops looking for suspects
MCNUTT: Warren County
SAMPLES: Found niche
THOMPSON: Faith Matters
Hospital helpers always there
Little songwriters to put out CD
Second science-standard draft keeps evolution focus
State backing down from tough care agency audits
Accused child molester indicted
Almost all land secured
Assembly leaders see scant hope for gambling bill
House OKs Pine Mountain trail bill
Old cell phones help seniors
Six dead in I-71 crash