Carl B. Westmoreland

Carl B. Westmoreland, 85, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022. He was born in Lincoln Heights, Ohio on March 8, 1937 to Guy T. Westmoreland, Sr. and Bernice B. Westmoreland. As a child, Carl served as an acolyte at St. Simon of Cyrene in Lincoln Heights. He was also quite the athlete. Carl participated in basketball and track and field at Wyoming High School. He earned a basketball scholarship offer from Ohio University. After graduating from Wyoming High School in 1955, Carl went on to study History at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio before transferring and graduating from Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee. He later earned a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Cincinnati. After graduation, Carl began work in the welfare department in Hamilton County as a caseworker, and then soon became a probation officer with the Juvenile Court System in Hamilton County. Carl was born into a family of public service and community organization. Lincoln Heights was instrumental to his development and Carl was determined to make sure the world knew about the community that he so loved. Carl worked for the Community Chest and helped found the Mt. Auburn Good Housing Foundation. He sat on the Mt. Auburn Community Council and served as President for a few years. Community was his passion and Carl was not afraid to tackle any challenge. His work took him all over the world: Poland, China, Germany, Mexico, and more! Carl was the first African-American trustee to serve on the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He was honored by the National Trust in 1993 for his dedication to both revitalizing and preserving inner-city neighborhoods and fostering awareness of urban issues, poverty, and race relations. Carl faced much opposition in his efforts to preserve history in the Mt. Auburn neighborhood and attempting to help black families become homeowners. There were many ups and downs, but none of the low times could break his spirit. Carl's work at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center brought him the most joy! He was proud of the museum and spent countless hours researching and teaching about its purpose. The slave pen exhibit is something that he felt a deep spiritual connection. As a founding staff member of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Carl took great pride in teaching the history of slavery in America and throughout the world. He was recognized for decades of work by many organizations. Most recently, February 16, 2022 was proclaimed as "Carl B. Westmoreland Day" in all of Hamilton County, Ohio. He served as an adjunct professor for the University of Cincinnati, editorial writer for major newspapers, reviewer for major book publishers, and lectured major American colleges and universities. Carl was the keynote speaker for the 36th anniversary of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. He has contributed to countless panels and interviews on the subject of the contributions of African-Americans to our world. Carl leaves to cherish his memory and uphold his legacy: his sons, Carl B. Westmoreland, II (Krista) of Detroit, Michigan and Guy A. Westmoreland (Tammy) of Cincinnati, Ohio; granddaughter, Talyn Westmoreland of Cincinnati, Ohio; great-grandchildren: Kayleb, Aiden, Aubrey, and Avery all of Cincinnati, Ohio; and a host of cousins, close family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mozella M. Westmoreland; grandsons, Jordan Westmoreland (Guy) and Darian West (Carl II); parents, Guy T. Westmoreland, Sr. and Bernice B. Westmoreland; and brother, Guy T. Westmoreland, Jr. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 26 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45216. Interment: Beechgrove Cemetery.