2025 Ohio Black Expo Riverfront Culture Fest (May 24-25)

Lawrence “Butch” Hamilton III ('96) serves as chief operating officer of the Ohio Black Expo, alongside his wife Sherri Hamilton, who has co-led the organization’s revival over the past six years. Their leadership was sparked by a call from founder Rhonda Robinson, a Lincoln Heights native, to bring the expo back after a more than 20-year hiatus

Numerous Central State alumni chapters across Ohio have expressed support for this event. Special recognition goes to the CSU Columbus Alumni Chapter, led by Kim Jones, Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs, who will be on-site all weekend in the HBCU D9 Unity Zone with a dedicated CSU alumni tent — welcoming alumni and friends traveling in from across the country to celebrate our shared history and future.

The Ohio Black Expo Riverfront Culture Fest is a vibrant celebration of Black excellence, featuring over 100 Black-owned vendors and food trucks, top-tier entertainment including Common & Pete Rock, Marsha Ambrosius, Teedra Moses and Talib Kweli, and community-building experiences like the ROOTT Family Zone, HBCU Unity Zone, and HBCU College Fair.

Let’s show up in full force to represent the strength, legacy, and unity of Central State University! 

Full event details and tickets available now at ohioblackexpo.com.