Archives for June 2020

The King Arts Complex Executive Director, and Leadership Columbus Class of 2020’s very own, Jevon Collins, is coordinating a collaborative effort to fight racism and promote social change with the HeART of Protest campaign.

Between Juneteenth and the November General Election, more than 20 different art organizations are creating 46 non-consecutive days of art showcasing Black history in the U.S.

“People need a way to vent, a way to express themselves. And creativity – you’re able to speak, for some, more easily than talking to some,” Collins said.

Collins estimates there will be close to 10 events monthly throughout the summer, like a performance of “Sanctuary Road” by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, a production of “America Son” at CATCO or an exhibition of Aminah Robinson’s work at the Columbus Museum of Art.

Follow the King Arts Complex for updates about upcoming events and find more out about the HeART of Protest campaign HERE.

Coverage by Catherine Ross, NBC4i.com.

 

Westervlle native, Ben Hartnell, didn’t want his son’s summer to come up short when he found out Little League Baseball was cancelled.

So, he brought a “Field of Dreams” to life in his very own backyard by creating the “Westerville Backyard Baseball League”.

Complete with banners, spray painted foul lines, and cardboard cutout fans, the Westerville Tropics home field was set and ready for play.

Fraser, Hartnell’s son, played two games per week, with six innings per game – just like Little League.

“Just hanging out with my Dad playing some baseball, ” Fraser Hartnell said.

A found memory they’ll surely look back on for years to come.

For the complete heartfelt coverage by Spectrum News, click HERE.

 

Since 1980, Mid-Ohio Foodbank been working toward a vision of hunger-free, healthier communities. Today, 40 years strong, their work has shifted to not only providing emergency food assistance, but to build and implement strategies toward ending hunger.

 

Here is a video of how their mission has changed over the years: https://www.midohiofoodbank.org/40years/

 

REEB Ave Partner, southsidelearn hit their goal of investing $55,555 into the high-quality early education programs at South Side Early Learning! They’re grateful for the BIG impact made for little learners and the generosity of their donors especially in the midst of the challenges of COVID-19, .
#BigGive

https://www.facebook.com/southsidelearn/photos/a.355837831169029/3583

The Human Service Chamber and Besa are partnering to prepare and distribute 30,000 masks for distribution to communities where data shows there’s a spike in COVID cases.

Source: NBC4

Source: NBC4

Full story:
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/hundreds-gather-in-downtown-columbus-for-juneteenth-pride-march/ 

Jack Hanna recently announced his retirement, and Columbus Navigator posted a compilation of some of his most memorable appearances on late night talk shows. For the full compilation, visit the link below to the original story.

Here’s one example:

Source: Columbus Navigator

Access the full compilation here:
https://www.columbusnavigator.com/jack-hanna-retirement-columbus-zoo/

by Jessi Starkey – Sunday, June 7th 2020

(Reposted from myfox28columbus.com)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — People from across the community gathered at city hall Sunday afternoon for a demonstration of Black Excellence. Hundreds of people took part in a march around the block to make a statement and fight against racial injustice.

Several people sang traditional folk songs that were later reignited during the civil rights movement. Speeches and prayers were also given by local pastors. Black men in the community dressed in their Sunday best to take a stand, saying they shouldn’t be seen as anything less than excellent, just the way they are.

“We know often times in our community and everywhere, black men are labeled as thugs, violent and aggressive,” Kenneth Whatley said. “We know that is not true.”

Men of all ages came out to say “enough is enough” when it comes to racial profiling, discrimination and injustice. Whatley also said the march is only the beginning. It is important to see action follow through.

“I would like to see legislation passed to hold officers accountable,” Whatley said. “If they are not upholding the law, they should be punished. I also want to see more programs where young African Americans can learn about law enforcement.”

The fight for equality has been lifelong for Ned Cameron, but he stood, once again, with a younger generation that is just getting started.

“As I was growing up in the fifties, sixties and seventies, we were out there by ourselves,” Cameron said. “It was always one race doing this. With all races coming together and being supportive, it’s going to be hard to beat this combination. Now there is help and there are more people involved.”

Several Columbus police officers as well as Mayor Andrew Ginther joined in to march along with the crowd.

 

CAPA and the Greater Columbus Arts Council (Arts Council) have partnered to launch #ArtUnitesCbus, an initiative to employ Columbus-based visual artists to paint murals on the plywood installed over the broken windows at the Ohio Theatre (39 East State Street) and Arts Council office (182 East Long Street). The selected artists are a diverse group of visual artists living and working in Columbus and are being paid for their work on the murals. The installations are already underway and are expected to be completed by the end of the week.

“Our city and our nation must address the serious issues of inequality and injustice that continue to plague our society. While these murals don’t solve those issues, this is an opportunity to spark hope and light in our community while we work toward much needed change,” stated CAPA President and CEO Chad Whittington. “The arts bring the community together and this is our way of doing that while the Ohio Theatre is closed and under repair.”

“#ArtUnitesCbus is just one small way the arts community is trying to help. These murals are not the answer, simply a message that we ALL can, and must, help heal our community,” said Tom Katzenmeyer, President & CEO of the Arts Council. “I’d like to call on Columbus businesses with boarded storefronts to consider hiring artists to paint messages of healing and unity. We can help you connect with these talented creatives, just reach out to grants@gcac.org.”

Artists to be exhibited at the Ohio Theatre:

Cynthia Amoah
Adam Brouilette
Duarte Brown
Mandy Caskey
Laurie Clements
Dionne Custer Edwards
Barbara Fant
Andy Graham (@wearefinite)
Bahirah Malik
Nafisah Malik
Lisa McLymont
Francesca Miller
Stephanie Rond
Shelbi Harris Roseboro
Tyiesha Radford Shorts
Brendan Spivey
April Sunami
Allen Watkins (amwprints)
Jen Wrubleski (@wrubles)
Wil Wong Yee

Artists to be exhibited at the Arts Council offices:

Bryant Anthony – aka Bee1ne
Hakim Callwood
Felicia Dunson
Katie Golonka
Briston Harris
Katerina Harris
Shelbi Harris Roseboro
Adam Hernandez
Kayneisha Holloway
Andrew Lundberg
Bryan Moss
Ariel Peguero – aka APEG
AJ Vanderelli

Visit www.capa.com to learn more.

 

(Repost from the Columbus Dispatch)

By Nancy Gilson For The Columbus Dispatch