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By BASUHO HOWELL-GRIFFIN Is Reporter When she ripped through the Oak Park Apartments this past fall, Yolnaya “Zion” Brewster and her family lost everything —everything except for hope. It was a typ ical October day when their lives were changed forever. A neighbor on the third floor was cooking around 6 p.m. The stove was left unattend ed briefly and a grease fire soon engulfed the kitchen and quickly spread through out the building. Twelve fami lies of at least 35 people in total were left without a place to live. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the blaze. The Lincoln Heights Fire Department promptly responded, but needed the assistance of fire companies from surrounding communi ties. In this municipality, which is a home to approxi mately 4,500 working class families, the fire department is all volunteer-operated. The Red Cross assisted all the families with essentials and temporary housing, but was not able to help the Brewsters find a permanent place to stay. Other groups have tried to help, but the family of four school-aged girls and their single mom are still living with relatives. One such effort was made by the House of YisraEL and A’saph Yisrael assisted by legendary jazz artist Wilbert Longmire (and the public service group he has co-founded “The Brotherhood”). On Nov. 6, a benefit Musical Celebration was held at the House of YisraEL in Bond Hill. Some 50 people attended the event or so supporters and the music ranged from jazz to rap to spiritual. Sponsors included the Dukester Restaurant and Simone’s. Judge Cheryl D. Grant was the celebrity guest of honor. It was a special gathering, but little money was raised. The family still needs help. Like the historic African- American Village of Lincoln Heights, which was once cel ebrated as one of the first “Black Cities in the Midwest,” Brewster said that she has seen better times. But also like this resilient community, Brewster said that she sees life as a chal lenge and maintains hope that her housing issue will soon be resolved. “My children are very important to me, my faith is strong. I know we will make it, but right now we need help,” Brewster said. To find out how you can help the Brewster family, call (513) 563-8271. Their most urgent need is housing. Help them to keep hope alive.
Newspaper Details
Cincinnati Call and Post
Cincinnati, Ohio, US
Thu, Dec 15, 2005
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Michael M.
PL 06 Jan 2026
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