Woodson Walk in Walnut Hills & Celebration Dinner
July 31 @ 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Dr. Charles E. Dillard Memorial Center
$0 – $100
Attend the Woodson Walk in Walnut Hills & Celebration Dinner at Dr. Charles E. Dillard Memorial Center on July 31
On the northern banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati, The Queen City, has a rich history of Black influence on its culture.
For the first time, taking place on Friday, July 31, 2026, the Woodson Walk in Walnut Hills (WWWH) and Celebration is designed to be a day-long community event honoring Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s establishment of Negro History Week in 1926, and his influence in Cincinnati.
In 1916, Dr. Woodson published “The Journal of Negro History.” The first article in Volume I, was titled “The Negro in Cincinnati Prior to the Civil War’. In it, Dr. Woodson documents the legal limits Negroes experienced. He wrote of three eras: The first was “Toleration” between 1800-1829. The second was “Persecution” between 1820-1839. And the third was “Amelioration” between 1840-1859.
For over 100 years Black History has been observed and celebrated, starting out as “Negro Achievement Week” in 1926. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford formalized it into law, and expanded it into Black History Month, observed during the month of February each year.
This year, in addition to America celebrating its semi quincentennial, millions are also celebrating the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, widely-accepted as the Father of Black History, and the 100th anniversary of the scholarly study of Black achievement, culture, and influence on America and the world.
Walking Tour | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The day will begin with a guided historical tour of Walnut Hills with guests led to the clubhouse of the Cincinnati Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs for a welcoming reception that will include presentations highlighting the organization’s legacy, the work of local community leaders, and the historical importance of Walnut Hills in connection to Dr. Woodson’s contributions.
Participants will then embark on a curated walking tour to notable historic sites, including the Manse Apartments (formerly the Manse Hotel), a landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places and featured in the historic Green Book, as well as the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. These experiences will provide rich insight into the cultural, literary, and social history that shaped both Cincinnati and the nation.
Guests will then be invited to visit the Walnut Hills Business District for an opportunity to enjoy some contemporary Walnut Hills hospitality and a shopping experience with local businesses.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson Celebration Dinner | 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The evening will culminate in the main event, a formal celebration and dinner held at the Dr. Charles E. Dillard Conference Center, 791 McMillan St. in Walnut Hills. Representatives from academia, historical, and civic organizations will contribute to a dynamic and inspiring experience. This program will include dinner, distinguished local speakers, and a keynote address by Dr. Cicero Fain, Assistant Provost Marshall University. There will be a special recognition and presentation honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. Woodson, including acknowledgment of Dr. Burnis Morris, one of the premier scholars of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum in Huntington, WV.
Admission to the Woodson Walk in Walnut Hills & Celebration Dinner
The daytime Woodson Walk in Walnut Hills tour is free and open to all! Tickets for the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Celebration dinner are $100 per person. Seating is limited.
About the Woodson Walk in Walnut Hills Steering Committee
The Woodson Walk in Walnut Hills Steering Committee, composed of several local community organizations, has been assembled to honor African American history, heritage, and the contributions of local citizens to the preservation of historic artifacts and memories.
Contact woodsonc100@gmail.com for further information or sponsorship opportunities.
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Woodson Walk in Walnut Hills Steering Committee
woodsonc100@gmail.com
