Cincinnati’s World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Ezzard Charles, will be permanently recognized with a bronze statue and plaza commemorating both his life and legacy in the former, Laurel Park, which was recently renamed in his honor, at the 5th annual Ezz Fest to take place Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 10:15 AM. The park, located in the heart of the West End, was revitalized through efforts of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Cincinnati Parks, the generosity of many donors, including strong support from Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses and the West End Community. 

West End residents and community groups were inspired to teach younger generations about Charles’ life as a world championship boxer, entrepreneur, musician, and multilinguist by erecting a statue, benches, and educational signage as a way to extend the impact of Charles’ renowned community good will. Their enthusiasm for this project resulted in a revitalization of the now-named Ezzard Charles Park to include the bronze sculpture, over 100 newly planted trees throughout the Park and West End community, in addition to an accessible plaza. 

The collaborative effort brought the vision of West End resident, pop-artist, and Cincinnati Parks Foundation Board Member, Andrew VanSickle, to life. The sculpture was masterfully completed by local artist, John Hebenstreit, and the beautiful accessible plaza was designed by the late Jaipal Singh of CHAATRIK Architecture & Urban Design.  

The unveiling will be part of the community’s 5th annual Ezz Fest, which takes place on October 1st, starting with the first Cincinnati Cobra Crosstown Challenge, a race that will challenge participants to follow Charles’ favorite training route, a community parade, free food, music, and activities for all.  

WHEN: 5th Annual Ezz Fest, Saturday, October 1, 2022, 10 AM-3PM (Statue Reveal Program begins at 10:15 AM sharp) 

WHERE: Ezzard Charles Park (Formerly Laurel Park), 500 Ezzard Charles Drive 

WHO: Emcee, Courtis Fuller of WLWT5 

Mayor Aftab Purvel 

Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Vice Mayor  

Linda Lee Thomas, Vice President of the Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners  

Jason Barron, Director of Cincinnati Parks  

Jennifer Hafner Spieser, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation  

Alexis Kidd-Zaffer, Executive Director of Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses  

Dale Mallory, former Ohio State Representative    

Stephan Pryor, Ezz Dedication Committee 

Andrew VanSickle, Conceptual founder of project  

A special tribute to the family of the late Jaipal Singh  

Ezzard Charles, II & Deborah Charles (Ezzard Charles’ son and daughter)  

***The formal unveiling will take place at 10:55 a.m. SHARP*** 

Dr. Odell Owens, Dedication Committee – A message about sustaining the beauty of Ezzard Charles Park          

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: A ceremony will be held with the Ezzard Charles Family, City and community leaders to reveal this tribute to the life and legacy of Ezzard Charles.