The first African American was elected to Cincinnati City Council in 1931, less than a century ago. While African Americans have been elected to City Council over many decades, it wasn’t until 2021 that white and Black citizens elected a majority of African American council members. This was a great achievement for Cincinnati.
In a pivotal moment for the city, Mayor Aftab Pureval faced an important opportunity to demonstrate true leadership and strategic influence. However, he faltered in his responsibility to uphold the hard-won progress made by the African-American community in local governance. It was essential for the mayor to positively encourage Councilwoman Meeka Owens not to disrupt the five-member African American majority on the City Council − an achievement that had been the result of decades of struggle andcollective effort from both Black and white residents.
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The ramifications of the Oct. 17 decision to dismantle the five-member African American majority by Owens’ appointment of Evan Nolan were not adequately considered. Although Nolan is undoubtedly a capable individual, he became part of a flawed selection process that left many feeling confused, locked out and disheartened.
Mayor Pureval should have passionately advocated for the preservation of this critical five-member majority. For 93 long years, African Americans in Cincinnati have fought tirelessly for representation that reflects their needs and aspirations. The five-member majority on the City Council was not just a numerical milestone; it symbolized a collective struggle for equity, justice, and representation in a city that has often overlooked the voices of its African American residents.
Pureval and Owens should have recognized the profound significance of this majority and the history behind it. In a spirit of compassion and collaboration, the mayor could have gently urged Owens to reconsider the appointment of Nolan − a personal friend and a former treasurer for his political campaign. While Nolan might be a good person, this appointment has the appearance of double-dealing and backroom politics and could undermine the trust that the community has worked so hard to build.
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This could have been a thoughtful and principle-centered leadership decision on the mayor’s part to encourage Owens not to turn back the clock on African American representation in Cincinnati. The mayor might argue that his hands were tied by the Cincinnati city charter, which gave Owens the only authority to make the appointment to the council vacancy. However, the mayor should have taken a bold and assertive public stand and let every citizen of Cincinnati see openly and publicly that he was fighting for a moral obligation to keep the five-member majority in place.
Pureval could have conducted a press conference or a public address emphasizing the importance of maintaining the five-member African American majority. This would have showcased his public dedication to equity and rallied community support, especially during Owens’ interview and flawed selection process for the appointment.
It’s not too late to ensure that this situation never occurs again. The mayor and council can pass a joint resolution affirming their commitment to supporting inclusion and diversity within Cincinnati City Council. Furthermore, if a five-member African American majority is established again, the council should pledge to uphold and protect that majority without interference.
The mayor and council must protect the voices that have long fought to be heard.
Charlie Winburn, a resident of Mt. Airy, is the executive pastor of Renew Community Church and a former Cincinnati City Council member and Hamilton County treasurer.
