Several efforts are under way to counteract a boycott against Cincinnati.

        One of them is led by the Rev. Raymond Jones and Linda Berger, two community activists who work with Vision is Now, a Norwood-based group working for interracial harmony while helping the poor.

        The two hope to gather 5,000 signatures on a petition denouncing the boycott. Copies of the petitions would then be mailed to entertainers, conventions and other visitors to Cincinnati to show that a majority of the community — both black and white — are against the boycott.

        “We feel that there is a side to this whole boycott thing that hasn't been heard and we want to bring it to the forefront,” said Ms. Berger, who also works as a freelance victims advocate.

        “We feel the end does not justify the means when innocent citizens are being hurt. We wish to come to the table to negotiate and resolve the entire community's concerns, rather than one small group's own special interests.”

        The Rev. Mr. Jones, a Westwood minister who doesn't lead a church, said his group will hold a forum at Memorial Hall on Tuesdayat 7 p.m. for those who support ending the boycott. He said several area churches, schools, community councils and businesses have voiced support for the petition drive.

        “The meeting is not intended to be about bad-mouthing the Rev. Damon Lynch III or name-calling,” Ms. Berger said. “It is, however, about showing that there are people out here who feel differently than he does who aren't really being heard.”

        The Rev. Mr. Lynch, leader of the Cincinnati Black United Front — one of the boycott groups — said the BUF plans to attend the meeting.

        “I'd like to be there to hear them call out for justice and discipline of officers and investment in the community,” he said.

        Meanwhile, supporters of an e-mail campaign urging people to spend money downtown on Friday say their effort is pro-business, not anti-boycott.

        It is impossible to know how many e-mails have circulated, because recipients are encouraged to forward it on their e-mail lists.

        “Hundreds went out,” said Janet Ach of East Walnut Hills, who sent out about 50.

        The timing was deliberate: Friday was the date of Bill Cosby's scheduled appearance in Cincinnati, which he canceled in support of the boycott against Cincinnati businesses.

       Reporter Tom O'Neill contributed.
       

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