Living, working and volunteering in West End, Tia and Michael Brown make change

“We don't consider ourselves to be activists. It's not like that. We just feel called down here,” Tia Brown said. “Let's lift up the people who have been here. We want to be here with you.” The West End has historically been an African American neighborhood, part of Cincinnati's urban core.  Divided by Interstate 75 in the 1950s, the community has high poverty levels and a low homeownership rate. The neighborhood lost housing, residents and schools in the last half of the 20th century. But in recent years, as redevelopment has moved out from Cincinnati's central business district and Over-The-Rhine, the West End has seen renewed interest and community energy. Tia's position at Seven Hills was made possible by funding from Place Matters and support from LISC of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The West End is a Place Matters community.