We are glad the Riverfront Classic is back this year after canceling last year because of the Sept. 11 tragedy. Hopefully it can resume its position of carrying on a tradition established to showcase the talents of football players at African-American colleges.

        The classics are much more than football games. And this year's classic, sponsored by Procter & Gamble, is planned to showcase the diversity in Cincinnati through a unity ceremony on the field.

        The theme, “Partners in Perfect Harmony,” will be highlighted by organizations from around the Tristate, holding hands to form a human circle on the field while 3,000 voices, led by the Kidz Gig Choir, are singing “I'd Like To Teach the World to Sing.”

        “Probably the most important thing about the classic is that our youth are getting the right message about diversity,” said Jeanne Marie Stophlet, president and founder of the Interethnic Council. “We will not only be represented on the field, but representatives from organizations from around the Tristate are purchasing tickets to sit in the stands to let the public know how diverse we are.

        The Interethnic Council represents 150 ethnic organizations in the city, Mrs. Stophlet said.

        The football game between Florida A&M and Morgan State kicks off at 1:30 p.m. at Paul Brown Stadium, but that's after Cincinnati will display its diversity in social functions, parties and entertainment.

        A countdown to kick-off party is 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Integrity Hall, 2081 Seymour Ave., Bond Hill, followed by a coaches luncheon at the hall at 11:30 a.m. Friday.

        Also Friday, there will be a Greek Panhellenic Council hospitality suite from 5 p.m. to midnight at the Westin Hotel; a Jammin' With Jesus Family Night Out from 8-10 p.m. in the Millennium Hotel Grand Ballroom; a P&G Pregame Jam, hosted by Sinai Temple No. 59 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Westin Hotel; a Classic Card Party hosted by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Westin; A Celebrity Jam hosted by First Fridays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Aronoff Center for the Arts; and an Uptown Poetry Jam, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at R2K at the Ritz.

        On Saturday, the WDBZ-AM (1230) pregame party is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Paul Brown Stadium, hosted by Florida A&M and Morgan State Alumni; Fifth Third Jamboree Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the stadium; a Greek Step show, presented by TNT Productions, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Cincinnati Convention Center; a riverboat dinner cruise, 7-10 p.m.; a Bootsy Collins All-Star Old School Jam, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., in the Westin Hotel; a victory party, sponsored by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Convention Center; and a Club Ritz party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza.

        And as usual, the battle of the bands will take place after the game.

        For ticket information, call 562-4949 or see www.riverfrontclassic.com.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahowardenquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.

Priest under investigation resigns
Overheated schools send students home early
AFLAC squawks over 'Taft Quack' ads
Restrictions tighten on foreign students
City wants vandalized flags flying again
List of local 9-11 events
NY churches comfort, listen
Parents, widow help build home in memory of 9-11 victim
RADEL: Children's views have changed
PULFER: Simple test of leadership for council
Two officers shot at while on patrol
New art center taking shape
CPS board to buy land for 2 schools
Good News: Riverfront Classic returns
Obituary: Trumpet player began local German band
Teen was going 93 mph at crash, patrol says
Three-car crash injures driver
Wrong-way car on I-275 wreaks havoc
Air Force medics train at University Hospital
Baby sitter indicted in injury to infant
Butler Co. weighs library need vs. cost
Congrats
Deal to drop dancer's charges is off
Ex-trustees fighting for Fox interchange
Local firefighters win softball tournament
Police arrest suspect in second bank chase
Social services to offer help number
CROWLEY: Davis gets some campaign help
Few problems at Oktoberfest
Ky. treasurer touts credit bill
Obituary: Tumor didn't slow Fort Mitchell woman
Park Hills becomes fall garden spot
Water taxi offers ride for next home game
Alexandria sewers topic of workshop
Campus disclosure law easier than expected
Superintendents told funding cuts coming
Tuition rising slightly more than Ky. incomes
UK freshman class biggest in its history