2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMMING
Our thanks to all who were able to join us on February 24 for our community Black History Month event at the Tremont Library. Approximately 500 residents and visitors to UA were able to attend the event and various arts performances.
Stories of Resilience: Black History Journey Through the Arts
2-4 pm, Saturday, February 24
PLUS: 1:30 pm Artist Talk
Tremont Library, 2800 Tremont Road
UA celebrated Black History Month with a family-friendly event – Stories of Resilience: Black History Journey Through the Arts – on the afternoon of Saturday, February 24 at the Tremont Library, 2800 Tremont Road.
The event featured an afternoon of dance, spoken word and musical performances, educational opportunities, children’s activities, art exhibits, refreshments and more, in celebration of the strength, unity, and rich tapestry of Black history in the artistic expressions of the African American community.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
- 1:30 pm – Artist Talk: Richard “Duarte” Brown & Malik Carrington: From a young age, Columbus artist Richard Duarte Brown has been immersed in the arts. He was honored with the prestigious Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Fellowship in 2022, and received the 2022 Governor’s Award for his tireless efforts in inspiring strength, wisdom, and courage among students throughout Central Ohio. Brown will be joined by his mentee, Malik Carrington, a local mixed media artist passionate about expressing feelings of togetherness and family through his work.
- 2 pm – Spoken Word Performance: Cynthia Amoah: Cynthia Amoah is a Columbus based poet, performer, and teaching artist. She received her MFA in poetry from The New School, where she was awarded the prestigious Paul Violi Poetry Prize. Amoah began competing nationally in recitation and motivational speaking in 2006. Her dynamic voice and strong stage presence captures and inspires diverse audiences. An activist and humanist, her work often highlights lost stories of her immediate worlds, while transcending the marginalized groups she delineates. This balance is delicate, but she walks it with grace.
- 2:30 pm – Black Conversations Dance Performance by InPulse Dance Company: InPulse Dance Company is self-expression through mind, body, and soul. Trezon Dancy works to evoke emotions and connect audiences by guiding them through genuine and visceral movement, inspired by familiar life and human obstacles. For Dancy, the creative process starts with remembered experiences. Though the work is abstract, the viewer is encouraged to develop his own interpretation, and find personal life connections visually, physically and spiritually.
- 3:15 pm – Musical Medley – Stories of the Harlem Renaissance, curated by Donte Woods-Spikes, performed by Qamil, Stevi & Donovan: Donte Woods-Spikes is renowned for his diverse array of talents, including professional speaking, community engagement, and video documentation. His expertise has garnered interviews with numerous news outlets, invitations to participate in panel discussions, and involvement in a wide range of projects. Donte’s overarching objective is to foster understanding and bridge gaps beyond stereotypes by sharing authentic experiences through storytelling and documentary work.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- 2:30 pm & 3:15 pm | Button People Making Activity – Drawing inspiration from Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson’s passion for buttons, guests could collaborate with Richard Duarte Brown and Malik Carrington to craft people made from buttons, pipe cleaners, and string.
- The UA Library’s Periodic Table of Black History – Through interactive displays and fun activities, guests learned about Black Americans who have made history in the United States. All ages.
- UA Schools Black History Month Highlights – Students in the Upper Arlington Schools had been busy learning about and celebrating Black History Month, and prepared a video of their art and media happenings and a Black musician playlist.
- Art Exhibit curated by Donte Woods-Spikes – The halls of the Library featured an array of artwork, created by local, talented Black Artists.
The Community Relations Committee Welcome & Beverage Table greeted guests as they arrived, and Food Soul’s Cuisine and For the Love of Dough were on hand to sell their baked goods.
This year’s Black History Month event was made possible thanks to a partnership of UA Parks & Rec and the Upper Arlington Public Library, with support form the UA Community Relations Committee, Equal, Upper Arlington Schools and the Upper Arlington Community Foundation.
CRC UA Welcome Series
The CRC Welcome Series was launched in the fall of 2023, timed around National Welcoming Week (September 8-17) and bringing together various community groups to include a new resident welcoming component in their respective programming. If you are a new or newer UA resident, we hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about your hometown of choice!
2024 UA WELCOME SERIES EVENTS
UA Schools New Families Event
January 16
UA High School
This first time event included information sharing on spring/summer camps and programs for students, plus other resources for families who are new to UA.
Black History Month UA Performance Series
Stories of Resilience: Black History Journey Through the Arts
February 24 | Tremont Library
This UA Parks & Rec Performance Series event was made possible through a collaboration of several entities, and focused on celebrating the strength, unity and rich tapestry of Black history, as depicted through the arts. The CRC hosted a welcome table and beverage station for event attendees.
UA Quest Scavenger Hunt
March 2-10, Free to Participate
www.uahistory.org | Event Details
New and newer resident teams were encouraged to be part of this annual favorite from the UA Historical Society. Teams earn points for solving clues, answering questions and taking selfies at each destination. Every point is a raffle entry to win UA-centric prizes.
hUmAn Connection Festival
6-8pm, Wednesday, March 6
Upper Arlington High School
The Upper Arlington Schools invited community groups to be part of the 2024 hUmAn Connection Festival, which featured an exhibit gallery of the many community and school groups that are working to celebrate and advance culture, inclusion and understanding in our community, followed by an interactive performance by the Columbus Jazz Arts Group. This event received a Community Relations Innovation Small Grant.
Cherry Blossom Celebration
5 pm, Wednesday, April 10
Mallway Park
The CRC led a celebration of the grove of cherry trees in Mallway Park, as part of a series of activities scheduled across Central Ohio in celebration of spring and to share Japanese culture.
St. Mark’s Culture & Artisans Fair
10 am-3 pm, Saturday, May 4
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 2151 Dorset Road
The Culture & Artisans Fair will feature approximately 20 artisans from all over the world, showcasing and selling their handmade items, as well as delicious food and live music. The Fair is presented in partnership with CRIS (Community Refugee and Immigration Services). The Culture and Artisans Fair is supported by the City’s Community Relations Innovation Small Grant Program.
UA Pride
1-5 pm, Sunday, June 9
Sunny 95 Park
UA Pride is an annual event hosted by Rainbow UA. This event received CRC Innovation Small Grant funding in 2022 and 2023. For 2024, the CRC will also be incorporating UA Welcome Series activities within the UA Pride event.
UA Performance Series: Arts on Arlington
6-9 pm, Thursday, June 13
Mallway Park
Hosted by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, Arts on Arlington features local artists showcasing and selling their work, live musical entertainment, children’s activities, internationally-themed food trucks, and community booths hosted by various local entities, including a CRC Welcome Tent.
Fourth of July Parade New Resident Float
9 am, Thursday, July 4
Northwest Boulevard
New for 2024, the CRC will host a new resident float in the parade. Watch for details on how new and newer residents can join the fun and be celebrated by their fellow community members.
Party on the Plaza
Thursday, July 18
Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road
UA Parks & Rec invites you to embrace the spirit of summer by joining them for a fun evening filled with fantastic music, delicious food, refreshing drinks and engaging art activities for all ages. Discover the perfect spot beneath a picturesque tree, where you can relish a delightful summer night surrounded by music, friends, and the vibrant energy of community. The CRC is planning another UA Welcome Series activity at this year’s event.
Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
10 am-5 pm, Monday, September 2
Northam Park
The CRC will host a new resident booth as part of the City’s premier one-day arts festival, which features art exhibits, live music, hands-on art activities, food truck refreshments and much more.
UACA’s Neighbors Night Out
Saturday, September 14
Tremont Center www.uaca.org
Hosted by the Upper Arlington Civic Association, Neighbors Night Out brings neighborhoods together for an evening of live music, family activities, and delicious food and refreshments. The CRC and Civic Association partner to host a new resident welcome area.
Cherry Blossom Celebration
2024 Upper Arlington Cherry Blossom Celebration
Wednesday, April 10, Mallway Park
The Upper Arlington Community Relations Committee’s Second Annual Cherry Blossom Celebration was a big success, with many community members joining together in celebration of Spring and to learn about Japanese culture. This celebration of the grove of cherry trees by the Veterans Plaza was part of a broader series of activities scheduled across Central Ohio.
UA’s Cherry Blossom Celebration included:
- Friendship Bracelet Making & Origami Activities – coordinated by Asian American Community Services and UAHS AAPI Association, with materials supplied by Bohindi and support from Jim Collier, Andrej Rotter, Reconstructive Surgical Arts, and Starburst Media
- Guzheng Musical Performance – by UA High School Student, Elena Zhu
- Koto Musical Performance – by UA Resident, Lisa Reaves
- Coffee With Council – Upper Arlington City Council is hosting a booth, to meet with community members, share information on opportunities to serve on various Boards and Commissions, and to share some delicious cherry blossom buns with guests
- Community Relations Committee Welcome Table
- Cover to Cover Books Display
Enjoy photographs and a video highlighting this year’s event.
Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival
April 6-14
The Third Annual Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival brought together a series of activities that reflect more than 100 years of friendship between the U.S. and Japan. The festival was centered around approximately 100 cherry trees planted at Franklin Park in Columbus, whose presence are rooted in the traditions and celebrations established in 1912 when the Mayor of Tokyo, Japan donated 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, DC and then President, William Howard Taft who hailed from Ohio.
Click here for the details of the various activities planned throughout the week.
St. Mark’s Culture & Artisans Fair
The Community Relations Committee was pleased to be a supporting partner of the St. Mark’s Culture and Artisans Fair. This event received a $1,000 CRC Innovation Small Grant in 2023 and another grant for $3,000 in 2024. This event will also be part of the CRC’s UA Welcome Series in 2024.
2024 ST. MARK’S CULTURE & ARTISANS FAIR:
10 am-3 pm, Saturday, May 4, 2024
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
2151 Dorset Road, Upper Arlington
The event featured approximately 20 artisans from all over the world, showcasing and selling their handmade items, as well as delicious food and live music, and an opportunity to interact with the artisans and hear their stories.
The Fair was presented in partnership with CRIS (Community Refugee and Immigration Services) and many of the artisans were refugees, asylum seekers and others building a new life in the Central Ohio area.
Event attendees were able to explore a variety of arts and crafts from all over the world, have fun, and help us welcome and support some of our new neighbors.
Pride Month Flag Raising Ceremony
6 pm, Monday, June 3
Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road
More than 100 community members joined with members of Upper Arlington City Council, the Community Relations Committee, and the City Administration for Upper Arlington’s third annual Pride Month Flag Raising Ceremony. Upper Arlington Board of Education Member, Lori Trent, served as keynote speaker, Bonnie Erwin from Rainbow UA shared a beautiful poem, and Council President Ukeme Awakessien Jeter presented a Mayoral Proclamation for Pride Month. Our thanks to the Upper Arlington Library for provide Pride button making activities, and to Bake Me Happy for some delicious gluten free cookies.
Pride Month was born out of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York, and the first Pride March took place on June 27, 1970 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the uprising and to demonstrate for equal rights. Over the years, what began as Pride Day grew into a month-long series of events designed to raise awareness and understanding, and to afford members of the LGBTQ+ community a sense of dignity and courage. In 1991, President Bill Clinton declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, and in 2011, President Barack Obama expanded the officially recognized Pride Month to include the entire LGBT community.
UA Pride
Rainbow UA’s 2024 UA Pride is in the books. This annual event received CRC Innovation Small Grant funding in 2022 and 2023, to help it become established. For 2024, the CRC incorporated UA Welcome Series activities within the UA Pride event.
CLICK HERE for more event info.
Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony
In 2022, the City of Upper Arlington added Juneteenth to its annual roster of public holidays. That same year, members of City Council and the Community Relations Committee initiated the community’s first Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony.
2024 Ceremony
Monday, June 17
Community members joined with members of City Council, the Community Relations Committee, and the City’s Administration for a UA Juneteenth recognition program and the raising of the Juneteenth flag.
The 2024 ceremony featured keynote speaker, Stephanie Hightower, President and CEO of the Columbus Urban League. A passionate advocate for social justice and racial equity, Ms. Hightower has transformed the organization into an effective force in helping individuals and families overcome poverty and achieve self-sufficiency. Ms. Hightower’s professional portfolio includes a wealth of experiences in athletics, education, and public service. Those opportunities propelled her toward the pursuit of excellence and to advocate for equality, equity, and fairness in her leadership roles in K-12 and higher education, government affairs, amateur athletics, and the not-for-profit human services.
A musical performance was provided by members of Urban Strings Columbus. Founded in 2007 by Catherine Willis, Urban Strings recruits and supports urban, African American and Minority Youth, providing them with instruction and inspiring them to become accomplished string musicians. The performers for our ceremony were Asa Simpson Cole, Joelius Porter, Tia Ward, and Alexis Cunningham.
About Juneteenth
Juneteenth is an annual holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the US. Juneteenth was first recognized and celebrated on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, when African-Americans were informed of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended, two and a half years after President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. The holiday has since received its name by combining June and 19, it is also referred to as Liberation Day, Black Independence Day, and Freedom Day.
In 2021, the President signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as the newest federal holiday since the recognition of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday. Many municipalities and communities around the US take this time to commemorate and celebrate this important day in history – to not only reflect on the impacts of this part of American history, but to consider the steps toward liberation that have been and continue to be achieved through building relationships based on trust, consistency and accountability. Recognition of Juneteenth also represents a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and support of the Black community.
The Juneteenth Flag was created by activist Ben Haith in 1997, and uses the same colors as the American Flag, to convey that all enslaved people and their descendants are American. A bursting star is featured prominently in the center of the flag. Running horizontally through that star is an arc that symbolizes the new horizon of opportunity for Black Americans.
To learn more about Juneteenth, click here.
UACA’s Neighbors Night Out
Saturday, September 14
Tremont Center
The Upper Arlington Civic Association held its first Neighbors Night Out event in September of 2023. This event was the recipient of a $5,000 CRC Innovation Small Grant, in support of its focus on providing a welcoming component for new or newer residents in our community. The Community Relations Committee also took advantage of this event to host a welcome table as part of the CRC’s UA Welcome Series.
Watch for details of the 2024 Neighbors Night Out.
March 6 & 7, 2024
Upper Arlington High School
The Upper Arlington High School was filled with energy on the evening of March 6, as students and community members showcased their efforts to celebrate and advance culture, inclusion and understanding in our community. The Festival received a Community Relations Innovation Small Grant and is part of the CRC’s UA Welcome Series for new and newer residents.
The CRC hosted its first Iftar Dinner on March 20, 2024, in celebration of Ramadan. CRC members Farida El-Hennawy and Hana Abdelbaki coordinated an incredible event that was attended by over 100 guests, including members of CIty Council, the UA Schools, various community and civic groups and members of the Muslim community.