I had wandered around the Banks down on the river several times in the sprimg and early summer – and now it has all come together – And How!
On Sunday, the new Black Brigade sculpture was dedicated, followed by a terrific Cincinnati Pops concert on the Great Lawn.? It was a super fun event, with William L. Mallory, Sr.- whose face was used for one of the sculptures! – introducing the evening, along with Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls.
The sculpture is down near the river, on the south side of Mehring Way – right next to – are you ready for this?? A 9 ring Labyrinth, based on the Chartres design.? A labyrinth is an ancient spiritual meditation tool, loved by folk of all religious and spiritual persuasions.? We walk into the center, letting go of the stress and strain, spend a few minutes in the calm and peace, and then walk back out, refreshed, to greet the world. On our river front, in good old supposedly conservative Cincinnati.? And it is so beautiful, especially when seen from above, from the wall around the portion of Smale Park that is on the other side of Mehring Way.? Astonishing.
I had forgotten what a rousing treat the Pops can be – and director John Morris Russell – what a ball of energy!? These were good old fashioned patriotic songs, with a wonderful baritone and a TV personality telling and singing the story of the Black Brigade.
We are a world class city again!? A few years ago we were ready to slip back to being a backwater.? And now we are world class.? Much credit must go to our Mayor and Vice Mayor, and to a business and civic community ready to put energy and vision and money to work toward supporting Cincinnati USA.
Great job, one and all!