Black restaurant owners in Cincinnati are calling for unity so they can survive a downturn in the economy and fallout from a boycott of the city.

        A group of about 10 met Monday at Cafe Cin-Cin downtown,owned by Ralph Shepard and Henry Warman, to discuss forming an association of black restaurant owners within the larger Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Association.

        “We plan to maintain our membership in the larger restaurant association, but we feel we need to come together as blacks to address specific issues,” said Mr. Shepard, who called the meeting. “We understand what the boycott is about. We support change, but we are not sure if the boycott is the answer.”

        Mr. Shepard said their main purpose in forming the smaller group is to get to know each other and to help each other.

        “What we see going on in Cincinnati now is a war; and we know in any war, there are casualties. We don't want to be casualties,” he said.

        He said any black-owned business can be a part of the group, not just restaurant owners.

        The group also wants to call for economic development money for minority businesses. They said not enough attention is being given to helping small black-owned businesses.

        A directory of minority businesses in Greater Cincinnati lists more than 1,500 business, professional and special services; vendors and suppliers; construction businesses; and resource centers.

        Many of those at the meeting said they are not in favor of the boycott but understand the reason for it. They think it is hurting the climate, especially in downtown Cincinnati.

        “I think people are more or less in a wait-and-see mode,” said Mike Martin, who plans to open a jazz club downtown. Mr. Martin is a former Cincinnati Bengals player who was recently named head football coach at Taft High School.

        “We need to get back to making people feel comfortable about coming downtown. I want to establish a multicultural place. That is why I am thinking about a jazz club, because jazz has no color,” Mr. Martin said.

        Most of the owners said they have both black and white customers and talked of building a strong, diverse customer base.

        Mr. Shepard said they will meet again in two weeks.

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