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Street Renaming – George and Ruby Malone
July 17 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
3826 Washington Ave
Free Admission
Celebrate the Street Renaming Honoring George and Ruby Malone on July 17!
The City of Cincinnati will commemorate the lasting legacy of George and Ruby Malone with a ceremonial street renaming recognizing decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. The honor celebrates a couple whose contributions helped shape Cincinnati through business, housing, education, and civic engagement.
About George Malone
George Malone was a pioneering entrepreneur who opened an insurance agency in the 1950s, serving families in the newly established community of Lincoln Heights. As the first Black business owner to establish an office on Fourth Street in downtown Cincinnati, George broke barriers while expanding opportunities for Black families.
A visionary real estate investor, George purchased and managed properties throughout Cincinnati, including apartments on Ridgeway, Bowman Terrace, Hale Avenue, and the landmark Washington Avenue apartment complex, now known as the Malone Apartment Homes. George also envisioned and developed Cincinnati’s first condominium project before financial and racial inequities halted further expansion. Until his passing in 2009, George remained committed to preserving affordable housing and strengthening neighborhoods across the city.
About Ruby Malone
Ruby Malone dedicated a distinguished career to public service with the Internal Revenue Service, earning recognition as Outstanding Federal Employee of the Year before retiring in 1979. A lifelong member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Ruby helped bring legendary musician Duke Ellington to Cincinnati in 1970 and served as a founding member of Top Ladies of Distinction and the Les Birdies Golf Club. During retirement, Ruby became a certified swim instructor at the historic Melrose YMCA, teaching hundreds of Cincinnati children essential water safety and swimming skills.
Legacy Highlights
- Honoring pioneering Black entrepreneurs and community leaders
- Recognition of decades of affordable housing investment in Cincinnati
- Celebration of leadership in civic, educational, and cultural organizations
- Lasting contributions to youth development and community service
- Recognition of advocacy for equity, inclusion, and historic preservation
Together, George and Ruby Malone also challenged racial barriers in the sport of golf during an era of segregation and remained active members of the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, where George advocated for recognition of the church’s Black history and the legacy of Rev. W.H.G. Carter.
The ceremonial street renaming stands as a lasting tribute to George and Ruby Malone, recognizing generations of leadership, perseverance, and service that continue to inspire the Cincinnati community.
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