The Cincinnati Reds honored 29th Annual Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion Family of the Year. From left are Reds’ COO Phil Castellini, Christopher Owens, Dr. O’dell Owens, Marchelle Owens, and Justin Owens. Not shown is Morgan Owens. Photo by Cincinnati Reds
On Friday, August 25, the Cincinnati Reds celebrated African American Community Night at Great American Ball Park.
The Mistics, a staple at Great American Ball Park and a live DJ in the Fioptics District provided musical entertainment for the evening.
Avondale’s Ozie Davis III was honored with the Reds Community Advocate Award presented by TriHealth. This award recognizes business representatives, community leaders and civil servants in our community who advocate connection and inclusion.
An additional ceremony honored the 29th Annual Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion Family of the Year Dr. O’dell and Marchelle Owens. The Owens family has made an impact in the community including Dr. Owens’ current role as President and CEO for Interact for Health and Mrs. Owens teaching career at Hays-Porter Elementary School.
Eleven of the First Ladies were recognized on field for their First Ladies for Health mission to educate and connect our community with resources to take charge of their health. Bunmi Agbaje of St. Andrews Episcopal Church threw out a ceremonial first pitch as her church raised the most money through a Reds Group Sales fundraiser.
Longtime Cincinnati radio personality Lincoln Ware delivered the official game ball.
African American Community Night was capped off with a video featuring current and former Reds Billy Hamilton, Phillip Ervin, Billy Hatcher and Dave Parker at Illest Salon Sneakers Sports discussing their baseball idols, favorite music and advice for young kids about playing the game of baseball.
After the video, fans were treated to a postgame fireworks show with a Motown, classic hip-hop and R&B music soundtrack.
