Know Before You Vote: Understanding the CPS Levy | Sept 8
This November, Cincinnati voters will be asked to make an important decision about funding for Cincinnati Public Schools. But what exactly does the levy propose? Why is it being requested? What would it mean for students, families, taxpayers and the broader Cincinnati community? Join the Cincinnatus Association for a timely, nonpartisan conversation designed to help voters better understand the CPS levy before heading to the polls. A panel representing diverse perspectives will examine what the levy would fund, the financial and educational issues behind the request, arguments both for and against the measure, and the potential implications for Cincinnati’s schools and community. For Cincinnatus, informed civic participation is at the heart of being a Citizen Crusader. This program is not just for members—we encourage you to bring a friend, colleague or neighbor who wants to better understand the issue. Come with questions, hear multiple perspectives, and leave better prepared to make an informed decision in November.
To Reserve Your Seat
Cincinnatus Association’s 2027 Spencer Awards: Nominations Open
Named in honor of Cincinnati’s legendary civil rights leaders, Donald and Marian Spencer, the Donald and Marian Spencer Spirit of America Awards recognize organizations whose work has created meaningful, lasting change throughout the Greater Cincinnati region. Their legacy of courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity continues to inspire individuals and organizations dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive community. Donald and Marian Spencer were trailblazers whose lifelong advocacy opened doors for generations of Cincinnatians. Marian Spencer was instrumental in the successful effort to desegregate Coney Island’s swimming pool, became the first African American President of the Woman’s City Club of Greater Cincinnati, and later served as the first African American woman elected to Cincinnati City Council. Donald Spencer broke barriers as the first African American member of the Cincinnati Park Board, the first African American broker admitted to the Cincinnati Board of Realtors, and the first African American trustee of Ohio University. Each year, the Cincinnatus Association is privileged to learn about the extraordinary work taking place across our region through the Spencer Award nominations. These stories highlight organizations whose vision, leadership, and service have expanded opportunity, strengthened neighborhoods, and improved the lives of countless individuals. By recognizing these remarkable efforts, the Spencer Awards celebrate those who embody the spirit of civic leadership and help move our community forward. The accomplishments of Spencer Award recipients reflect the mission of the Cincinnatus Association: to improve the quality of life for citizens throughout the Greater Cincinnati region. Recipients demonstrate a sustained commitment to creating opportunities for all members of our community through leadership, service, innovation, and collaboration. Honorees have: (1) Made a purposeful commitment to serving diverse populations with fairness, equity, and inclusion; (2) Demonstrated conspicuous and enduring contributions that have advanced opportunity, strengthened communities, and positively impacted equity, justice, or human rights; and (3) Produced measurable, lasting results that improve the quality of life for citizens across the Greater Cincinnati region. Organizations of all sizes and sectors—including nonprofit organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and public entities—are encouraged to be nominated. The nomination deadline is December 1, 2026.
To Nominate
Congratulations to our 2026 Spencer Award Recipients
The Cincinnatus Association 2026 Spencer Awards brought together nearly 350 community leaders, advocates, supporters, and changemakers on May 21 at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati for an unforgettable evening celebrating the enduring legacy of Donald and Marian Spencer and the organizations carrying that spirit forward throughout Greater Cincinnati. The Eleventh Annual Donald & Marian Spencer “Spirit of America” Awards recognized organizations committed to advancing opportunity, inclusion, equity, and community impact across the region. The evening was marked by inspiration, emotion, and powerful storytelling. Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney graciously stepped in as emcee at the last minute, bringing warmth, energy, and heartfelt perspective to the program. Her presence reflected the collaborative spirit that defines both the Spencer Awards and the broader Cincinnati community. Attendees were deeply moved by the acceptance videos and remarks shared by this year’s honorees, each offering compelling examples of leadership, service, and commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected region. The 2026 honorees included Cincinnati Metro, Community Learning Center Institute, MORTAR Cincinnati, and Miami University’s Urban Cohort. Together, their work demonstrates the powerful impact that mission-driven organizations and businesses can have when they intentionally invest in people, neighborhoods, and opportunity for all. The Cincinnatus Association extends sincere appreciation to the sponsors, attendees, volunteers, committee members, and community partners who helped make the evening such a tremendous success. Most importantly, the event served as a reminder that the vision and courage of Donald and Marian Spencer continue to inspire meaningful action across Greater Cincinnati today.
For Details and Follow Up
2026 Spencer Award Recipients Announced
The Cincinnatus Association will present the Eleventh Annual Donald and Marian Spencer Spirit of America Awards, honoring five Cincinnati area businesses and non-profits for promoting a commitment to prioritize serving diverse populations with equity and inclusivity. The awards dinner will be held on May 21, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. Retired WLWT5 anchor/reporter Courtis […]
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Gerrymandering distorts democracy
Cincinnatus President Rhonda Holyfield-Mangieri speaks for the Association in the op-ed about Issue One, which is designed to counteract gerrymandering: “The consequences of not addressing gerrymandering with a fair process are dire. Faith in our democracy is undermined when voters believe their voices – their votes – don’t matter.”
Read the Op Ed
Cincinnatus celebrates Cincinnati
A statue of our namesake. A tower of bells. And a fanciful pig. Cincinnatus celebrates our city on the riverfront with a statue of Cincinnatus, A carillon (soon to play songs on demand), and a flying pig, Lucius Q. Cincinnatus. These projects on the city’s riverfront are in partnership with the Cincinnati Parks Board. A fourth project, a statue celebrating civil rights activist Marian Spencer, was an alliance led by the Woman’s City Club of Greater Cincinnati.
Visit The Park