Contributed
Saturday, Oct. 5, was a star-studded day at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Gov. Tim Walz (MN), the vice-presidential running mate with Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, was welcomed by Bootsy Collins of Cincinnati and the Zapp Band from Dayton. The award-winning musicians were introduced by actor/producer and voting advocate Mario Van Peebles (“New Jack City”).
Mayor Aftab Pureval and U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman greeted and energized the crowd. Celeste Kearney and Asher Kearney — both in their 20s — along with their parents, former Ohio Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, introduced Gov. Walz. Celeste told the crowd that she’s voting for Kamala Harris to protect her rights as a woman, and Asher said he’s voting for Kamala Harris because she promotes economic opportunity for all.
A committee of individuals from Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus planned the fundraiser and are grateful for the outpouring of support. “We’re only a few weeks away from the election and we’re being outspent,” said Vice Mayor Kearney. She explained that raising funds to support the campaign was urgent, so the ticket price was much higher than her group wanted. “Next time, we look forward to a big, free rally to celebrate our first woman, first Asian, and first Black woman president!”
Cincinnati City Council President Pro Tem Victoria Parks grabs a selfie with Gov. Walz. Photo provided 
Bootsy Collins and the Zapp Band perform for the Harris-Walz fundraiser at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Cebter. It was reported on a national news network that Bootsy is Kamala’s favorite artist. Credit: Edna Keown 
Gov. Tim Walz takes a selfie with Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Gwen McFarlin. Photo provided 
Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, her husband, former Ohio Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney (far right), and their children, Celeste and Asher introduce Gov. Walz. Jan-Michele and Eric were on the organizing committee for the Gov. Walz fundraiser. 
Vada Stephens, Chief of Staff for Hamilton County Chief of Staff for Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney. Photo provided 
Photo provided 
Vada Stephens, Chief of Staff for Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece takes a selfie with Gov. Walz. Photo provided 
Photo provided 
Gov. Tim Walz, vice presidential running mate with presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, thanks Ohioans for their work and support, highlights accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration with low unemployment, more jobs, support for small businesses, affordable healthcare, and advocacy for the freedom of women to make their own decisions about their bodies and health. Photo provided 
Gov. Tim Walz, vice presidential running mate with presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, thanks Ohioans for their work and support, highlights accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration with low unemployment, more jobs, support for small businesses, affordable healthcare, and advocacy for the freedom of women to make their own decisions about their bodies and health. Photo provided 
Bootsy Collins and the Zapp Band had everyone dancing before Gov. Walz spoke. Photo provided 
Actor/Producer Mario Van Peebles who is producing a film on the NAACP and the Voting Rights movement. He hopes to screen it in Cincinnati soon. Photo provided 
U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman greets the crowd. Photo provided 
Mayor Aftab Pureval welcomes the crowd to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Photo provided 
Photo provided 
Actor/Producer Mario Van Peebles who is producing a film on the NAACP and the Voting Rights movement. He hopes to screen it in Cincinnati soon. 
Vincent Brown and Valencia Brown talk with Hamilton County Commissioner President Alicia Reece. Photo provided 
The Cincinnati Herald publisher Walter L. White (right) chats with State Rep. Dani Isaacsohn and Rep. Isaacsohn’s dad, Jon Isaacsohn, M.D. Photo provided