February is upon us, and with it, Upper Arlington's Black History Month celebrations are in full swing. An annual moment to recognize and honor the contributions of African Americans, Black History Month serves as a pause for reflection on the strides made toward social justice and the work that lies ahead. Upper Arlington officials, alongside the local library, are kicking off the month with art and storytelling, according to the City of Upper Arlington's official website.
Starting with an art exhibit at Tremont Library, the city will spotlight the vibrant works of Said Said Oladejo-Lawal, a Nigerian-born artist who calls Columbus home. Oladejo-Lawal, best known as the 2024 Labor Day Arts Festival Best of Show winner, draws from a diverse palette that stretches from pencils to acrylics. His pieces are more than paint on canvas. They are a visual symphony of colors and textures designed to resonate with their onlookers. The exhibit will run from February 1 through the 27, inviting community members to engage with Said's work throughout Black History Month.
The celebrations continue with a specially curated event on February 15 at Tremont Library. Scheduled for the afternoon, the city's partnership with the library district will deliver various cultural experiences to attendees. Lyn Ford will share her Affrilachian storytelling prowess, while Urban Strings Columbus is slated to perform musically. The latter is celebrated for its commitment to uplifting young, underserved musicians from urban and minority backgrounds, providing a powerful platform for artistic expression.
For those eager to soak up the arts and engage with local history, the Tremont Library 2-4 pm celebration promises to be a community highlight. It's a chance for eyes and ears to be opened to tales and tunes alike and for hearts to be warmed by the rich fabric of experiences that have shaped the black American narrative. All are welcome to partake in this commemoration of cultural heritage, spotlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion. Further details can be found by clicking the provided link.
