2-4 pm, Saturday, February 15

Tremont Library, 2800 Tremont Road

UA is celebrating Black History Month with a family-friendly event – Honoring Black Labor Through the Arts – on the afternoon of Saturday, February 15 at the Tremont Library, 2800 Tremont Road.

UA Parks & Rec and the Upper Arlington Library invite you to join us in celebrating Black History Month with a showcase of the powerful legacy of African American workers. Through dynamic performances, a compelling art exhibit, and an engaging hands-on art activity, we explore the resilience, creativity, and enduring contributions of Black labor. Join us for an inspiring tribute to the role of African Americans in shaping our nation’s history and culture.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

• 2-2:40 pm – Affrilachian Tales With Lyn Ford: The heritage and culture of Black Americans in Appalachia is a part of the unrecognized and untaught history of our country. Fourth-generation Affrilachian storyteller, Lyn Ford, introduces participants to a rich narrative connected to the hills, valleys and people of the Appalachian region. Storyteller, author, Ohio teaching artist, certified laughter yoga teacher, and published poet, Lyn is the recipient of a National Association of Black Storytellers Zora Neale Hurston Award, and is a 2023 Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellow.
• 3-3:45 pm – Urban Strings Columbus: Founded in 2007, Urban Strings Columbus recruits and supports underserved, urban, African American and Minority Youth to become string musicians. Their purpose is to share and perform all genres of music, from Classical, Sacred, R&B, Hip Hop and Contemporary music, including music by African American composers and arrangers. Urban Strings strives to enrich and inform the greater community of the beauty of all genres of music, performed on string instruments.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE

• Said Oladejo-Lawal Art Display – Said Oladejo-Lawal, the 2024 Labor Day Arts Festival Best of Show winner, was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, with his family. Inspired by his father, a contractor specializing in painting and design, Said’s passion for art began at an early age. After studying painting at Nigeria’s Yaba College of Technology, he expanded his skills with a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Said’s artistic journey evolved from pencils and crayons to photography, watercolor, pastel, and now acrylic. His vibrant, impressionistic style evokes deep emotions, often bringing abstract themes like music into visual form. Said is an active member of the Worthington Art League, the Guild of Artists & Artisans, and the Ohio Art League, and he hopes his work inspires a lasting connection with viewers. This exhibit will be on display throughout the month of February, so please stop by to enjoy it during regular Library hours.
• Art Activity – Meet the artist, Said Oledejo-Lawal, and learn about his creative techniques while creating a masterpiece of your own.
• The UA Library’s Periodic Table of Black History – Visit and learn from the UA Library’s Periodic Table of Black History! Through interactive displays and fun activities, you’ll learn about Black Americans who have made history in the United States. All ages.
• Community Relations Committee (CRC) Welcome & Refreshment Table – Stop by the CRC Welcome Table to grab some refreshments courtesy of the Upper Arlington Community Foundation, and to meet with members of the CRC. If you are new to UA, let us know and we’ll connect you with some new resident resources.

This year’s Black History Month event is made possible thanks to a partnership of UA Parks & Rec and the Upper Arlington Public Library, with support form the UA Community Relations Committee, and the Upper Arlington Community Foundation.

We hope you can join us.