By Chief Magistrate Thomas Beridon/Court Administrator
A new initiative is hitting the streets of Hamilton County this June with a powerful message: justice begins with conversation. The Bench to Block: A Dialogue with the Courts tour will bring judges, court staff, and community partners directly into neighborhoods to foster open dialogue, transparency, and trust between the judicial system and the communities it serves.
This three-part community engagement series is hosted in partnership with the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, Cincinnati NAACP, Community Action Agency, and the Holloman Center for Social Justice. Events will be held in Bond Hill, Price Hill, and Anderson Township throughout the month of June.
“This is not just a speaking tour — it’s a listening tour,” said Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Presiding Judge Wende C. Cross. “We recognize that our ability to serve the community equitably begins with understanding the experiences, concerns, and needs of the people we are here to serve.”
Tour Dates and Locations:
- Monday, June 9 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Community Action Agency – 1740 Langdon Farm Rd.
- Tuesday, June 17 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Price Hill Recreation Center – 959 Hawthorne Ave.
- Tuesday, June 24 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Anderson Center – 7850 Five Mile Rd.
Each session will offer an overview of how local courts operate, followed a moderated Q&A session with judges and court officials. More than just explaining legal procedures, Bench to Block is an opportunity to hear from residents about their interactions with the justice system — their fears, frustrations, and hopes — so the courts can become more responsive and transparent.
“We understand that trust in the justice system doesn’t come from a single program or statement,” saidDavid Whitehead, President of the Cincinnati NAACP. “It comes from showing up, listening without judgment, and being willing to grow based on what we hear. Bench to Block is our commitment to that process.”
The tour is open to all Hamilton County residents, regardless of background or prior court experience. Whether you’re a student, parent, elder, or advocate — your insight is not only welcome but essential.
Admission is free, and open to the public. For more information or media inquiries, please contact TBeridon@cms.hamilton-co.org.