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Central State University takes center stage at the 2025 Ohio Black Expo Riverfront Culture Fest
By Central State University Communications
Posted Apr 25 2025
Central State University is beaming with Marauder pride as we join the 2025 Ohio Black Expo Riverfront Culture Fest as a proud sponsor during Memorial Day Weekend, May 24–25, in downtown Columbus!
We are thrilled to honor and highlight Breanne Lovelace, the radiant 77th Miss Central State University, who will be featured and celebrated in the high-energy kickoff parade on Saturday, May 24. As a native of Columbus, her grace and leadership embody the spirit and excellence of Central State, and we are proud to have her represent our Institution on such a powerful platform.
Our Centralian family is showing up and showing out all weekend long! From the main stage to behind the scenes, Central State alumni are playing key roles in this year's Riverfront Culture Fest:
- Stanley Jordan, Bria Spaulding, Tyrell Miller Johnson, Richard Wright, and Whitney Pickett — all proud CSU grads — will bring their talents to the festival as performers, DJs, and hosts.
- 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.
