<p>In conjunction with the opening of the Black Music Walk of Fame, the West End Stories Project is sharing a new limited series highlighting Cincinnati’s musical&nbsp;influencers who have impacted music worldwide. For the first episode of the West End Stories Project Presents, we spoke to the founder and Creator of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, Hamilton County Commissioner Reece.</p><p>Intro and outro music: "I Need You" / Barbara Howard (Reece), written by Steven Reece, 1969.</p>

Preview: James Starks

The West End Stories Project captures the experiences of individuals who lived in Cincinnati's West End during the second half of the 20th century for urbanites today who want to know more about the neighborhood’s transformation. 

Cincinnati’s West End was once a vibrant community full of people, opportunities, and excitement. But due to urban renewal projects in the 1950s, the historic West End was largely razed for the creation of interstate I-75 and housing projects. This, combined with segregation, white flight, and redlining decimated this predominantly Black community, and the community still hasn’t recovered. Today, gentrification and other development projects are forcing many longtime residents out of the neighborhood again.  
 
If you or someone you know lived or spent a significant amount of time in the West End, please consider sharing your story. Contact Keloni Parks, host of the show and manager of the West End Branch, at 513-369-6900 or email westend@CHPL.org for more information.