Racism affects thousands of communities across America. Cincinnati is no exception. For years, racial tension plagued the city, and, in 2001, racial riots erupted. Although several factors contributed to the outbreak, the principle even which triggered the riots was the shooting of African-American Timothy Thomas by a white police officer. Although Thomas had multiple warrants issued for his arrest, and ran when confronted by police, his death was deemed cruel and unnecessary by black citizens since he was unarmed. His death caused many blacks to speak out against police brutality, and racial profiling against blacks. Peaceful protesting, however, did not last long. Indeed, the most intense race riots since the 1992 Los Angeles riots commenced in the Queen City in 2001. Although the riots were, at times, brutal and even deadly, they opened the eyes of Cincinnatians and helped lead to major reforms.

One of the biggest places which actually benefitted from the race riots is Over the Rhine. Today, looking at the upbeat, trendy neighborhood of Over the Rhine (popularly known as OTR by residents), located in the heart of Cincinnati, one could hardly believe that this neighborhood was once headed towards its demise. For years, Over the Rhine was a dilapidated ghetto notorious for its high crime rate and poor housing options. Nevertheless, no one cared enough to make changes. Then the race riots happened. The race riots, undoubtedly, sparked new growth and development for OTR. While a change in public policy deserves some of the credit, ultimately, it was the people and residents who took it upon themselves to revamp their neighborhood. Now, 15 years after the race riots, OTR is a bustling, diverse neighborhood populated by people of all cultures and trades. The transformation which occurred is truly amazing. While the transformation is ongoing, OTR will undoubtedly remain one of the best spots in Cincinnati.

Finally, the race riots sparked a change in the Cincinnati Police Department. In 2007, a study was conducted by the Rand Corporation, a research and analysis company. The study addresses the racial bias of the Cincinnati Police Department and the steps they are taking to eliminate any racial barriers. The study states, "...although there is no systematic evidence of racial bias in CPD policing, a large proportion of the population still perceives it — a perception fueled by the fact that more blacks than nonblacks live in the high-crime neighborhoods where CPD engages in more proactive policing" (http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9242/in...). Since the time of this study, however, the CPD has taken steps to improve its relations with the black community, and things have definitely gotten better. As with OTR, however, improvement can always be made. The CPD will, undoubtedly, continue to improve, and as it does, so will race relations.

Although Cincinnati has its faults, it has shown tremendous growth over the past 15 years. Buildings and neighborhoods are being revitalized, efforts to reduce crime are underway, and people are coming together to keep Cincinnati a great place to live for the current generation. Regardless of the problems, it faces both now and in the future, I will continue to support my hometown of Cincinnati, and take pride in all that it has accomplished.