Slavery Museum Divides Cincinnati, and a Family

A newly opened Cincinnati museum portraying the horrors of American slavery has generated criticism and stoked friction in the city, which experienced race riots three years ago.

The differences over the $110 million National Underground Railroad Freedom Center are embodied in the stark positions taken by two of the city’s black religious leaders.

While the Rev. Damon Lynch Jr. will be co-chairman of Monday’s dedication, featuring First Lady Laura Bush and Oprah Winfrey, his son, the Rev. Damon Lynch III, will lead a demonstration outside.

The younger Lynch said the building belied the fact that “all is not well in Cincinnati” in terms of race relations. His father said it would be “a centerpiece of this community.”