With all the negative publicity surrounding racial conflict in Cincinnati, I thought I would share a positive image. I was privileged on Tuesday evening to see one of the most talented entertainers of our generation perform.

Prince's music moved my heart and soul to places it has rarely been. Yet what I found most fascinating was not the musician, but the audience. The crowd was an eclectic blend of music fanatics of all races, creeds, colors and ages. Prince's musical talents appeared to have no boundaries when it came to reaching the people of Cincinnati. There was no sense of black or white at this concert.

If one man can inspire such passion, emotion, and love from an audience of thousands of Cincinnatians, think of what we could accomplish if we all could set aside our differences and follow the real Prince - the Prince of Peace.

Todd Naumann Loveland

Give Rice, and hairstyle, more credit

Regarding "Rice's June Cleaver hair gives her away" (April 13), I have an observation on syndicated columnist E.R. Shipp's comment, "White folks marvel at themselves for not noticing that she is black - which, of course, means that they have noticed that she is black and that they are not."

Condoleezza Rice is just another American who isn't seeking special treatment because she is black or a woman, just a very accomplished American person.

On the other hand, the Rev. Al Sharpton will never allow the world to forget that he is black and should be treated special. I am surprised Shipp didn't comment on his hairstyle; it, too, is worth noting.

Bill Rice Erlanger

Incorrect suspicion helps shed light

I do not approve of racial profiling. Sadly, whether white, black or red, we all contribute to a culture of ever-increasing violence. We teach our society to believe that the law is at fault when often times it is our own thoughtless actions.

As a white male, I have been questioned by cops in two potential misdemeanor charges - one was legitimate, while the other resulted in questioning based on circumstance. I wasn't pleased at first, but later came to understand the officer's suspicions.

When we take greater self-responsibility, perhaps cops will too.

Brian Magnarini Anderson Township

Lawyer recalled for defending girls

The death of attorney Allen Brown diminishes this city ("Allen Brown fought for civil liberties," April 2). He was a fierce fighter for justice on behalf of many. He used creative legal thinking to produce wise judicial decisions.

In the 1960s Brown was asked to settle an issue. My daughter, Leslie Denise Mallory, led a sit-in at Bloom Junior High School because some boys were standing under the stairwell and trying to look under girls' dresses.

Brown delivered dramatic and compelling legal arguments on the rights of a child. When he finished, the Bloom PTA voted overwhelmingly to allow girls to wear pants.

William L. Mallory Sr. West End

Keep attendance figures in perspective

Regarding the article "Vatican exhibit breaks record" (April 11), the Cincinnati Art Museum exhibition Mistress of the House, Mistress of Heaven: Women in Ancient Egypt was incorrectly noted as the previously most popular art exhibit in terms of attendance. The art exhibition holding the attendance record at the Cincinnati Art Museum is Treasures from the Tower of London, shown October 1982 through January 1983; it attracted 143,713 visitors over 12 weeks.

The Vatican exhibition has been on view for a much longer period, 17 weeks. The Mistress of the House exhibition attendance was 63,147. Other Cincinnati Art Museum shows were larger, including Armand Hammer Collection, 1980-81, 82,268; Hollywood: Legend and Reality, 1986-87, 65,512; and Masterworks from Munich, 1988-89, 64,531.

Accurate attendance figures for art exhibitions often are difficult to record. And comparisons of attendance for exhibitions usually tally only raw totals and do not consider differing lengths for exhibitions when on public view.

Millard F. Rogers Jr. Mariemont, Director Emeritus, Cincinnati Art Museum