Special Section: The Columbus Renaissance Lookbook

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The Columbus Renaissance Lookbook A look back to look forward

Columbus, Ohio celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance with a vivacious citywide celebration that touched thousands of lives through art, inspiration and collaboration. These pages represent a small introduction to a rich retrospective publication, which carries the reader from the early 20th century through our vision for the future of black creative expression in Columbus.

REFLECT • REVIVE • RECOGNIZE

Finding the Voice

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Over the course of 2018, organizations across Columbus promoted hundreds of events, featured dozens of artists and created installations that will remain a part of the Columbus community for years. But, before any of these events transpired, we orchestrated an open forum for local black artists at the Pelican Room. We turned to these talented creatives with the intent to explore our collective, authentic motivations for such a contemporary movement. We asked these Columbus-based trailblazers about their needs, opinions, hopes and dreams.

Together, we identified three primary goals: to reflect on the rich history of the Harlem Renaissance in Columbus by casting light on a story that is too often left untold, to revive the black arts scene through a series of authentic experiences and installations, and to recognize the talented black artists who call Columbus home.

With those insights fresh in our minds, we set out to develop the official score for the citywide celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance in Columbus. This modern adaptation of Langston Hughes’ poem, I, Too, became the voice of a movement that continues to surpass our lofty goals.

Go to cbusharlem100.org to listen.

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Journey from Columbus to Harlem 7/27/18 More than anything, we wanted to breathe the life of the Harlem Renaissance back into this city. We adorned the streets with murals, filled the air with music and let the rhythmic rise and fall of poetry remind the residents of this city that Columbus is brimming with talented, black artists who are just waiting to be recognized.

As part of this revival, we sent five Columbusbased black artists on a landmark 24-hour trip to Harlem. The group included: Samara Tillman (fashion designer), Tripp Fontane (poet), Lori Lindsey (dancer), Jayswifa (musician) and Percy King (artist). It was an opportunity for these artists to experience the rich historical and physical ties between the two cities. Throughout the journey, our group met renowned Harlembased artists such as Doug E. Fresh and Alteronce Gumby.

The entire journey was captured on camera to create a big-screen docuseries called “My Great Day in Harlem,” which screened on two occasions at the Gateway Film Center — once for the public and once specifically for Columbus City Schools.

This book captures in-depth interviews with each of these artists, in which they share their trials, tribulations and ultimate triumphs in pursuit of creative expression in this city and beyond.

The stories of these five artists reside alongside the stories of more than 20 other featured artists, all of whom share their stories and their work.

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Annie Chrissy Burley

Antoinette Savage

April Sunami

Bee1ne

Cameron Granger

Debbie Jackson

Edmund Boateng

Malcolm J

Marshall Shorts

Omar Shaheed

Richard Duarte Brown

Terry Norman

Harlem Renaissance Mural Series 8/4/18

At the August 2018 Short North Gallery Hop, we debuted a dozen new murals across the district. The attendees ranged from Columbus locals to the tens of thousands of visitors who were in town for the 2018 National Urban League Conference. The artists involved ranged from well-established Columbus icons to up-and-coming creatives just starting to leave their footprints on the Columbus arts scene.

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Dedication of the Martin Luther King Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library 10/18/18 In tandem with gallery exhibitions and live performances throughout the city, the Columbus Metropolitan Library opened their new location for the Martin Luther King branch.

In 1969, Martin Luther King Sr. cut the ribbon and revealed the first public library named in honor of his son and civil rights icon, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today, we know that library as the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Martin Luther King Branch. On the eve of the 50th anniversary of that momentous occasion, the Martin Luther King Branch relocated to a new-and-improved facility at 1467 E. Long St. on the Near East Side.

To commemorate the new location, the oldest son of Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Luther King III, rededicated the library to his father — just as his grandfather dedicated the original library to his son 50 years prior.

The new Martin Luther King Branch is more than double the size of the previous space, spanning approximately 18,000 square feet.

Amenities include an interactive children’s area, a ready-for-kindergarten area, a teen area, a homework help center (where students can access free after-school resources), meeting rooms, an elevated reading loft and, of course, a breathtaking collection of books.

My Great Day in Harlem Documentary Premiere for Columbus Kids

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2/14/19 On February 14, 2019, “My Great Day in Harlem” returned to the Gateway Film Center as part of a special screening for nearly 200 children from Columbus City Schools. After the film, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther addressed the audience, and then all those in attendance engaged in a thoughtful Q&A session with the stars of the documentary.

This screening, orchestrated by the Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, provided an opportunity for young minds to absorb inspiration from local legends. These students spoke with relatable role models who created an honest dialogue about achieving their aspirations. The goal was to show by example that Columbus fosters a level of creative excellence that welcomes all forms of expression.

Just as our documentary inspired young creative minds in Columbus, we hope that this retrospective publication will continue to uplift black artists, entrepreneurs and dreamers; that is because we firmly believe that this past year was just the beginning.

Learn more about the more than 20 featured artists and hundreds of events through vibrant full color photography and personal narratives by purchasing this commemorative lookbook. The proceeds will help to fund future programming that supports black artists in Columbus.

Featured Artists: Tripp Fontane Samara Tillman Jayswifa Lori Lindsey Percy King Keisha Soleil Antoinette Savage Edmund Boateng Narel Argaw Omar Shaheed April Sunami Kashis Keyz KMB TrigNO Debbie Jackson

Annie Chrissy Burley Marshall Shorts Bee1ne Matthew Vaughn Cameron Granger Malcolm J Ludie Sénatus Michelle Allen Wendy Kendrick Shelbi Harris Roseboro “Shel10” Don “DonCee” Coulter Gaye Reissland Evan Williams

Order your book: at www.cbusharlem100.org/book

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Experience the Columbus Renaissance!

Experience the movement that continues to sweep across this city by purchasing the stunning commemorative lookbook. This 200-page masterpiece documents the collective journey of our city through rich photography and compelling stories.

“ The Columbus community captured the range and breadth of the Harlem Renaissance, a sweeping creative moment that saw astounding black artists, writers, performances and galleries of local and national acclaim.�

- Larry James

Order your copy today!

To order your copy for $60, simply go to www.cbusharlem100.org/book.

The proceeds from this book will continue to support black Columbus-based artists.

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

21st Century Leader Donors ($25,000+)

Donna & Larry James

Book Publication Sponsors

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther Ron Sabatino Greater Columbus Arts Council ... and many more!

Donna & Larry James Crabbe, Brown & James, LLP The Columbus Foundation Monica & Doug Kridler