The Cincinnati community is set to honor one of its most cherished and iconic figures, Courtis Fuller, with a memorable holiday musical concert produced by Friends of the Cincinnati Herald. This Tribute to Courtis Fuller, crafted under the guidance of Robert L. Humphries and Sharen Sierra King, Co-Producers, and Director Donald Sherman, will bring together a star-studded lineup of talent, community leaders, and notable media personalities to celebrate the legacy of a man whose influence has touched countless lives in Cincinnati.
Known as “Cincinnati’s Favorite TV Personality,” Fuller recently stepped back from his daily broadcasting role at WLWT-TV, but remains a community voice as the host of CINCYTALK. Fuller’s warmth and approachability have endeared him to the city, and he is admired for his unwavering commitment to the community, whether at a local dinner, a theater event, or as a dedicated board member.
The holiday tribute concert, conceptualized by Fuller’s close friend Humphries, promises to be a powerful evening celebrating Fuller’s impact, dedication, and friendship. Recently, both Fuller and Humphries were honored at the Cincinnati Chapter of the NAACP’s 2024 Freedom Fund Gala, where Fuller received the President’s Award, and Humphries was awarded the Inspiring Innovator Award, recognizing their lifelong dedication to uplifting Cincinnati.
The event is Saturday, December 21, from 2-4 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.) at House of Joy Christian Ministries, 3220 Central Parkway in Cincinnati, under the leadership of Bishop Todd O’Neal—a respected servant leader and globally recognized musical talent.
Emceeing the event are two iconic voices: Lincoln Ware, beloved for his over 50 years on the airwaves. Currently, he hosts “The Lincoln Ware Show” on The Buzz Cincinnati, 101.5 FM and 1230 AM, a division of Radio One. In 2023 in recognition of his 50-year career, Cincinnati City Council ceremonially named a section of Glenwood Avenue in Avondale as “Lincoln Ware Way.”
Co-Emcee and contributing entertainer for the event is P Ann Everson-Price. She is an award-winning vocalist and founder of The All-Star Band. An ordained minister and community leader, she also directs the Cincinnati Super Choir, mentoring local youth through music. In 2021 P. Ann Everson-Price made history as the first performer at the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony, the only Black Music Walk of Fame in the world.
The concert will bring together Cincinnati’s change agents, including the distinguished former Ohio State Senator Eric Kearney, now the dynamic President and CEO of the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, and the trailblazing Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney. Their presence, alongside others, inspiring musical tributes and talented performers, promises an unforgettable evening of celebration and unity.”
Attendees will enjoy musical tributes with some of Fuller’s favorite selections performed by Bishop Todd O’Neal & Friends, Teresa Terri, the RLH Pageant Unlimited Alumni Choir, Lynn Moon, David Minor, Lavieena Campbell, Vincent Stroud, Mike Wade, Aretha Chapman, Ed “Sax” Thomas, and P. Ann Everson-Price. The Friends of the Cincinnati Herald Holiday Musical Band will also perform, featuring musicians Dave Fowler, Mike Langford, Melvin Broach, Terry Gibson, Mike Wade, and Ed “Sax” Thomas. The 2024 Miss Black Cincinnati Ajiana Birchmore and 2024 Miss Black Teen Cincinnati Jai-Walker Tate will also present a spoken word segment.
In addition to celebrating Fuller’s remarkable career and community contributions, those who attend the event will receive a complimentary subscription to the Cincinnati Herald—founded in 1955 by Gerald Porter, an African American journalist, and publisher who founded The Cincinnati Herald in 1955 to uplift and inform the African American community. Since 1996, under Sesh Communication, the newspaper has remained an essential voice in the region, in print and digital form, serving audiences in Dayton, Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky. The Herald remains a vital source of news and insights for the African American community, highlighting stories, issues, and achievements often overlooked by mainstream media.
This tribute event will surely capture the essence of a man who has become Cincinnati’s adopted favorite son. Seating is limited, and entry will be strictly enforced. To join this unforgettable celebration of community, family, friendship, and holiday spirit, reserve your tickets on Eventbrite. Due to limited seating, there is a limit of two tickets per person. Please see the QR Code on the flyer announcing the performers on Page A3.
Donations are welcome. Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, a nonprofit, and Friends of the Cincinnati Herald are facilitating this campaign. Every dollar raised (minus any applicable processing fees, if applicable) will go directly to the Courtis Fuller Journalism Scholarship which is administered by the Cincinnati Foundation.
Questions, call 513-400-5984.