According to my dictionary, the definitions for “diversity” are: 1.) The condition of being different: VARIETY; and, 2.) An instance or a point of difference. I had to look that word up because of what is currently taking place in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. In case you have not heard, we are experiencing a few problems, or should I say, “Challenges,” here in the river city that some refer to as, “Up South.”

One of those problems is the economic boycott that has been called by activist groups against this city’s travel, tourism and entertainment industries. The city’s first return salvo is a nice glossy brochure with a picture of our mayor, who is White, surrounded by four Blacks who occupy various top positions within our city.

The public relations campaign is aimed at getting the word out to the country, especially to Black people, that Cincinnati is a city of diversity.

Diversity? Yes, Cincinnati does have diversity. In addition to the two dominant groups, Blacks (43 percent) and Whites, it has some 150 different ethnic groups, albeit in far fewer numbers. Nevertheless, the city is definitely diverse. You can simply go to the U.S. Census Bureau to learn that. But our city is spending thousands of dollars to inform you of that very obvious fact.

The last time I checked, those who called for sanctions against this city did not do so because there is no diversity here. Thus, I am puzzled as to why our mayor chose an anti-boycott strategy that simply says, “We have diversity in Cincinnati, and we can prove it. Just look at the four Black people seated around me on the cover of this brochure; they are smiling, they have important positions, and they are happy to be here. But that’s not all, folks. Look inside and see all of the other Black people we have here. Look at the fun they are having. We have diversity here in Cincinnati, and we are on the move.”

Yes, we are on the move in Cincinnati. But where are we going?

What we have here is a juxtaposition of “pictures” of diversity against a backdrop of “realities” of adversity. Now let’s look at the definition for adversity. My dictionary defines it as: 1) A condition of suffering, destitution or affliction. 2) A calamitous or disastrous experience.

Now that sounds more like what is going on in Cincinnati, as well as the fact that diversity exists here. The word adversity also brings to mind some of the things local activists are complaining about. They are certainly not complaining about the lack of diversity.

Despite the tremendous difference between the two terms, in addition to the reasons for the sanctions being called against this city, the mayor and his supporters have chosen to address this problem of adversity with a solution called diversity. In and of itself, diversity cannot solve very many problems; it is just a popular term that is hauled out when racial problems arise. To suggest to the world that because Cincinnati has diversity in its population visitors should come and spend their money here is, quite simply, insulting, especially to an educated and conscious Black consumer.

The illness that plagues Cincinnati—not just since last April when the civil unrest took place but for many years prior—is deeper and more serious for anyone to think that a brochure or public relations campaign can cure it. Yet, some people think that it’s the answer, and many of those same persons wonder why Blacks are raising so much hell in this town.

Two things are obvious to me. One: The mayor assumes he can make this rancor disappear by acting like it does not exist. Therefore, he refuses to negotiate with the protesters. Two: Some Black people would allow themselves to be used in a flawed public relations effort to encourage other Blacks to come and spend their dollars in a city that treats their brothers and sisters unfairly.

I will be the first to say one must make his own decision on whether or not to support the sanctions, but it seems to me that most, if not all, Black folks would see the value of not allowing themselves to be put in a position that smacks of collaboration with their brothers’ and sisters’ adversary. But, maybe I am too idealistic, and I could be wrong.

Bottom line: This city is on the verge of imploding, and I fear that will result in a wound that will take years to heal. We recently held an election to change Cincinnati’s form of government to that of strong mayor, as in other cities. Our mayor was elected not only to get things done politically, but to help this city with its monumental racial and inequity problems. The only way he can take advantage of our diversity is by decreasing our adversity. His refusal to negotiate with those who called the boycott will only bring about his demise - and maybe Cincinnati’s as well.

Diversity simply means differences. Adversity means suffering, and there is a lot of that going on all over Cincinnati. And brochures will not solve it; negotiation followed by progressive action will.