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Local groups present homeownership and cultural outreach to council
Summary
Representatives from the Greater Cincinnati Realtist Association and the Congolese community of Ohio addressed council about homeownership programs, community events, and cultural celebrations. The Realtist group offered education and home‑repair resources; the Congolese group asked the city to continue recognition and support of annual cultural events.
Two community presentations opened the meeting. Felicia Bell, who identified herself as president of the Greater Cincinnati Realtist Association, outlined the organization’s history (dating to 1947) and programs aimed at increasing Black homeownership through homeownership fairs, education, and outreach. Bell cited local homeownership disparities — she said roughly 35% homeownership among Black households vs. roughly 77% among white households in Cincinnati — and invited the city to partner on fairs and a veterans‑focused event scheduled for the weekend after Veterans Day.
Patty Stone, president of the Congolese community in Ohio, said about 6,000 of her members live in and around Forest Park and described annual Independence Day celebrations featuring music, dance and food; she asked the city to continue support and recognition for the Congolese community’s festivals and partnerships.
Both groups offered to share contact information and collaborate on outreach and events in Forest Park. Council thanked the presenters and acknowledged the value of their community work.
