Kearney names State Route 3 after Bill Bowen

Sen. Eric H. Kearney introduced legislation today to designate part of State Route 3 within Cincinnati as the Senator William Bowen Memorial Highway.

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize such a distinguished legislator, civil rights leader and Cincinnatian as Senator Bill Bowen," said Kearney, a Democrat from North Avondale. "From working to desegregate Coney Island to addressing fair housing, Senator Bowen stood out at the forefront of Cincinnati civil rights issues."

The late William F. Bowen began his career selling insurance and was active in the community as president of the Cincinnati Branch of the NAACP.

In 1966, Bowen was elected to the Ohio House, where he later served as minority whip. He was appointed to the 9th District state Senate seat now held by Kearney in 1970. Bowen was re-elected five times.

After his retirement from the Senate in 1994, Bowen continued to lead the Ohio Commission on African American Males. The Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce recognized his lifetime contributions to the community by giving him the "Great Living Cincinnatian" award.

He died on April 22, 1999.

"I find it fitting to have one of the city’s main arteries named after one of the Cincinnati’s greatest leaders," Kearney said.

Kearney’s bill will not require businesses or residences to change their street address. State Route 3 will still be known as Montgomery Road within the city of Cincinnati.