Unseen Local Treasures: Black-Owned Cincinnati Businesses, Art & Culture, Historic Sites, and More
Cincinnati, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts various attractions encompassing Black-owned businesses, theatre companies, landmarks, murals, and more. Exploring these hidden treasures is a wonderful way to uncover the African American culture of Cincinnati, whether a local or visitor.
Cincinnati neighborhoods featuring Black-owned Businesses
Cincinnati’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as Over-the-Rhine and Avondale, are home to thriving clusters of Black-owned businesses. Explore the Queen City’s rich African American heritage, creativity, and entrepreneurship by supporting these Black-owned establishments.
Avondale Town Center
3529 Reading Road, 45229 (Avondale)
The expanded 11-acre mixed-use development includes 119 mixed-income rental apartments and over 75,000 square feet of commercial space. The town center has shopping, dining, medical, and personal care options, including Black-owned businesses.
Cincinnati Healing Arts – Specializing in chiropractic healthcare. Call 513-376-3996 to learn more. 
Saturday Morning Vibes – Specializing in cereal and other breakfast foods. Call 513-801-6058 to learn more. 
The Genesis Collection – Specializing in bold statement jewelry, unique accessories, and women’s shoes. Call 513-680-9806 to learn more. 
Altev Community Pharmacy – Specializing in community pharmaceutical care – Call 513-776-4580 to learn more.
Findlay Market
1801 Race Street, 45202 (OTR)
Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati’s most cherished institutions. Findlay Market remains the center of fresh, locally sourced specialty foods, including products from the following Black-owned businesses.
A Mother’s Touch Cakes – Specializing in Vegan, Organic, Sugar-Free and Gluten-Free desserts. Call 513-225-4823 to learn more. 
Chico’s Cheesecakes – Specializing in cheesecake, cheesecake jars, cheesecake brownies and other desserts. Call 513-802-2050 to learn more. 
Dat’s Ole School Cookin’ – Specializing in delicious soul food catering. Call 513-578-4542 to learn more. 
Flavors of the Isle – Specializing in American Soul Food and Jamaican Cuisine. Call 513-301-0131 to learn more. 
Heads Up Trading Co. – Specializing in providing handmade fair-trade fashion accessories. Call 513-580-8733 to learn more. 
Honey Child Artisan Pops – Specializing in delicious frozen pops from whole blended fruit. Call 513-800-0911 to learn more. 
Makers Bakers – Specializing in artisan crackers, cheesecakes, custom cakes, cookies and street food. Call 513-807-9748 to learn more.
Short Vine
Short Vine Street, 45219 (Clifton)
Located in Clifton, Short Vine is one of Uptown Cincinnati’s oldest strips. Whether looking for food, drinks, arts, or music, Short Vine provides entertainment for all, including the following Black-owned businesses.
Alabama Que – Specializing in Southern-style smoked meats and accompaniments. Call 513-376-8781 to learn more. 
Island Frydays – Specializing in original and authentic Jamaican cuisine. Call 513-498-0680 to learn more. 
Matunda Juicery – Specializing in Cold pressed juices packed with fruit and veggie nutrients. Call 513-680-5122 to learn more. 
The Sweet Place – Specializing in cupcakes, cookies, funnel cakes, churros, cakes, and pies. Call 513-221-1370 to learn more.
Vine Street in OTR
Vine Street, 45202 (OTR)
Established in 1896, Vine Street is Cincinnati’s central thoroughfare from the downtown riverfront through St. Bernard. The portion of Vine Street running through Over the Rhine features restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, including the following Black-owned businesses.
GO(O)D Company Apparel – Specializing in premium clothing with a positive message. Call 513-621-4663 to learn more. 
Hutch Baby – Specializing in upscale, vibrant, and fun kid and baby clothing. Call 513-745-9888 to learn more. 
Junebug Jewelry Designs – Specializing in handcrafted mixed metal, Argentium silver, copper and natural stone necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Call 513-568-8408 to learn more. 
Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge – Specializing in live traditional and contemporary jazz and soul music sets. Call 513-381-1300 to learn more. 
Soul Secrets – specializing in Southern-style soul food. Call 513-721-7685 to learn more.
Related Article: Need more Black-owned businesses in Cincinnati? Check out our database of Black-owned businesses.
Black Arts in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is home to Black-owned theatre companies, Black dance companies, Black public art, and more for all to enjoy. The following cultural hubs display the heart and soul of a thriving community.
Black-owned Performing Arts Companies
Enjoy exceptional storytelling, dancing, and performances while experiencing rich culture with the following Cincinnati Black-owned performing arts companies.
Cincinnati Black Theatre Company – Offering top-notch theatrical productions, performances, programs, and outreach in all aspects of theatre arts. Call 513-241-6060 to learn more. 
Revolution Dance Theatre – Offering concerts and classes challenge traditional perceptions of ballet and conventional perceptions of Blackness. Call 937-738-6362 to learn more. 
Q Kidz – Offering children a safe and supportive platform for creative expression, communication, and accountability through dance and performance. Call 513-331-4871 to learn more.
Black Murals and Public Art Around Cincinnati
Cincinnati has murals and public art installations that highlight the lives, accomplishments, and sacrifices of the African American Experience. ArtWorks has designed and installed more than 50 public art exhibits that tell the untold stories of African Americans.
The Hands that Built Our City – 525 Elm Street, 45202 (Downtown) – Highlighting the workers’ hands featured in the famous Union Terminal mosaic murals by Winold Reiss. 
The Face of the Arts – 1100 Race Street, 45202 (OTR) – Created by young apprentices and teaching assistants. 
The Buzz Around Town – 1010 Elm Street, 45202 (OTR) – In honor of Scripps National Spelling Bee’s 90th anniversary. 
Time Saved vs. Time Served – 235 W. Court Street, 45202 (OTR) – Celebrating and uplifting white, Hispanic, and African American women who are returning citizens. 
Ezzard Charles: The Cincinnati Cobra – 1537 Republic Street, 45202 (OTR) – Honoring two-time World Heavyweight Champion, Ezzard Charles. 
Faces of Homelessness -1225 Vine Street, 45202 (OTR) – Bringing awareness to housing and homelessness in Cincinnati. 
Mr. Dynamite – 1437 Main Street, 45202 (Pendleton) – Honoring iconic and influential musician, James Brown. 
Dreaming Blues – 309 E. 13th Street, 45202 (Pendleton) – Honoring first African American blues recording artist, Mamie Smith. 
From Enslavement to Emancipation: Sky’s The Limit – 1001 Lincoln Avenue, 45206 (Walnut Hills) – Representing the existing vibrancy of the neighborhood of Walnut Hills and celebrates the neighborhood rich in Black History and community pride. 
A Song of Freedom – 3630 Reading Road, 45229 (Avondale) – A tribute to the life and legacy of the late Louise Shropshire, an Avondale resident and activist during the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement. 
Avondale Heroes – 3371 Reading Road, 45229 (Avondale) – Celebrating African American heroes in Avondale. 
On the Shoulders of Giants – 959 W 8th, 45203 (Queensgate) – Honoring the tradition and legacy of service from the Cincinnati and Hamilton County police forces. 
All You Can Imagine Is Real -1515 Carll Street, 45225 (Fairmount) – Representing the diverse community, the elders, and the youth. 
What Are the Lyrics to Your Song? – 3564 Montgomery Road, 45207 (Evanston) Honoring the history of King Records and hoping to inspire today’s youth. 
Heart of the Community – 3301 Beekman Street, 45225 (Millvale) – A local group of youth apprentices and teaching assistants created the painting. 
Black Excellence in Zone 15 – 1201 Steffen Avenue, 45215 (Lincoln Heights) – Lincoln Heights is the first self-governing African American community above the Mason-Dixon Line. 
Heart & Soul: Annie Ruth – 3635 Reading Road, 45229 (Avondale) 
Heart & Soul: Bailey – 3635 Reading Road, 45229 (Avondale) 
Heart & Soul: Skye – 3635 Reading Road, 45229 (Avondale) 
Heart & Soul: Taren – 3546 Montgomery Road, 45207 (Evanston) 
Heart & Soul: Crystal – 3546 Montgomery Road, 45207 (Evanston) 
Heart & Soul: Nancy – 3546 Montgomery Road, 45207 (Evanston) 
Heart & Soul: Aliah – 2936 Colerain Avenue, 45225 (Camp Washington) 
Heart & Soul: Ewaniki – 2866 Colerain Avenue, 45225 (Cumminsville) 
Heart & Soul: Adalia – 2866 Colerain Avenue, 45225 (Cumminsville) 
Heart & Soul: Bebe – 5021 Whetsel Avenue, 45227 (Madisonville) 
Heart & Soul: Nia – 5021 Whetsel Avenue, 45227 (Madisonville) 
Heart & Soul: Schera – 4595 Paddock Road, 45229 (Bond Hill) 
Heart & Soul: Amber – 4595 Paddock Road, 45229 (Bond Hill) 
Heart & Soul: Aprina – 901 Findlay Street, 45214 (West End) 
Heart & Soul: Kimberly – 901 Findlay Street, 45214 (West End) 
Heart & Soul: Honour – 901 Findlay Street, 45214 (West End) 
Heart & Soul: Sesheta – 1801 Baymiller Street, 45214 (West End) 
Heart & Soul: Kimberly – 1900 Baymiller Street, 45214 (West End)
Related Article: Need more Black Arts? Check out these African American visual artists in Cincinnati.
Black Historic Sites to Visit in Cincinnati
Cincinnati offers a treasure trove of Black historic sites waiting to be explored. Landmarks, monuments, and statues provide glimpses into African Americans’ pivotal role in the city’s history and the broader struggle for equality.
Statues honoring African Americans
Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are home to statues and monuments honoring historical figures such as Marian Spencer, Ezzard Charles, James Bradley, and more.
Ezzard Charles Statue – 500 Ezzard Charles Drive, 45214 (The West End) – Ezzard Charles was Cincinnati’s World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. 
Marian Spencer Statue – 166 W Mehring Way, 45202 (The Banks) – Marian Spencer broke barriers throughout her life and fought for civil rights in Cincinnati. 
James Bradley Statue – Riverside Drive, 41011 (Covington) – James Bradley was a former slave who taught himself to read and write and began to dream of freedom. 
Black Brigade Monument – 8 W Mehring Way, 45202 (The Banks) – The Black Brigade was formed in 1862 to construct barricades to defend Cincinnati from Confederate attacks.
Black Landmarks in Cincinnati
In addition to statues, Cincinnati has several historical sites and landmarks, including churches, cemeteries, and more.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House – 2950 Gilbert Avenue, 45206 (Walnut Hills) – The home was the residence of influential antislavery author Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the 1852 novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. 
First Baptist Church of Cumminsville – 3640 Roll Avenue, 45223 (Cumminsville) – The Church was established in 1870 by Black abolitionists, Sarah and Peter Fossett. 
Union Baptist Cemetery – 4933 Cleves Warsaw Pike, 45238 (Price Hill) – The cemetery is the oldest Baptist African American cemetery in Cincinnati.
Related Article: Need more history to explore? Visit these rich Black historical sites & landmarks in Cincinnati.
Do not miss the chance to discover these hidden gems in the city’s heart, whether a local or a visitor.
Written by: Sophie Barsan
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Images provided by AdobeStock, Alabama Que, A Mother’s Touch Cakes, Black Cemetery Network, Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, Cincinnati Healing Arts, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, City of Cincinnati, Chico’s Cheesecakes, Dat’s Ole School Cookin’, Flavors of the Isle, Go(o)d Company Apparel, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Heads Up Trading Co., Historic Dayton Street, Honey Child Artisan Pops, Hutch Baby, Island Frydays, Junebug Jewelry Designs, Makers Bakers, Matunda Juicery, NKY Art Tours, Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge, Q Kidz, Revolution Dance Theatre, Saturday Morning Vibes, Soul Secrets, The Genesis Collection, The Sweet Place, Wikipedia
