A series of murals recognizing civil rights leaders throughout Avondale’s history are now on view, thanks to ArtWorks and Avondale Development Corporation. The mural is part of the series, “Pillars of Cincinnati” depicting Artie and Annie Matthews, who opened Cincinnati’s first African American music academy; Theodore Barry, Cincinnati’s first African American mayor; Fred Shuttlesworth, a national civil rights leader and Cincinnati pastor for more than 40 years; Marjorie B. Parham, a former Urban League president and Cincinnati Herald publisher; and Fanny Graff, who was a staunch and tireless advocate for fair housing.

ArtWorks, which has maintained a partnership with the Avondale community since 2011, began a new initiative in 2022 to create a walking trail highlighting important historical figures with ties to Avondale and the Civil Rights Movement. Their mutual goal is to create connection between residents and institutions, a larger goal of Avondale’s Quality of Life Plan, while making the walking trail a community focal point.

Artist Nytaya Babbitt designed the mini-mural series, and Teaching Artist Taylor Helms and six Apprentices aged 14-21, four of whom are Avondale residents, executed the project.

ArtWorks partnered with Urbanist Media, a community preservation cooperative, to identify these notable Avondale figures and corresponding site-specific mural locations. Fifth Third Bank’s support of ArtWorks and the Avondale Development Corporation, along with ongoing support from ArtsWave, the City Of Cincinnati Government, and the Ohio Arts Council, brought this project to life.