By William A. Weathers
Enquirer staff writer

TOURISM CAMPAIGN

Local tourism officials will spend $100,000 starting this weekend to attract African-American travelers to Cincinnati. Called Art & Soul Cincinnati 2004, the campaign includes brochures in Sunday's New York Times as well as other promotions in nine Midwest cities. Promotions in this region will highlight CultureFest Sept. 8 at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center downtown. Enquirer staff

Talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, one of a number of entertainment celebrities who have pledged their support for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, has donated $1 million to the center, Freedom Center officials announced Thursday.

In addition to her donation, Winfrey is lending her time and talent as the narrative voice of a short film that introduces the Freedom Center's "Brothers of the Borderland," a film and interactive environmental theater experience dedicated to the Underground Railroad's heroes of the local region.

Celebrity supporters of the Freedom Center, many of whom are expected to participate in the center's dedication ceremonies Aug. 23, also include actress and singer Vanessa Williams, actress Angela Bassett, Muhammad Ali, musician Quincy Jones, singer Bono, actor Danny Glover, producer and director Julie Dash, former Motown president Clarence Avant, and videographer Bob Giraldi.

"We are privileged to have the support of such a distinguished group of individuals, each of whom is so admired and accomplished in his or her professional endeavors," said Spencer Crew, Freedom Center executive director.

"By committing their time and talents, they will help ensure that the Freedom Center attains the awareness and success it truly merits."

The announcement of the official celebrity guest list for the Freedom Center dedication won't be made until "sometime in August,'' Lupe Todd, a Freedom Center spokeswoman, said Thursday. "All have been invited, but all have not confirmed."

E-mail bweathers@enquirer.com