Title
To honor and recognize Larry H. James upon his retirement as President of the Board of Trustees of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex and thank him for his 16 years of service and dedication as he becomes President Emeritus during the Complex's 24th Anniversary.
Body
WHEREAS, Larry H. James has served as President of the Board of Trustees for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex for the past sixteen years and will leave a leadership legacy that will enrich and improve the quality of life in our community by offering performing, cultural and educational programs that provide high artistic merit for years to come; and
WHEREAS, while President, Mr. James administered many improvements to the facility including the addition and renovation of the west wing, previously known as the historic Garfield Elementary school, and the refurbishment of the historic theatre, administrative offices and many facility upgrades; and
WHEREAS, Mr. James was instrumental in the installation of interactive educational centers throughout the facility including the award winning Goree Island & the Middle Passage and also established the annual Heritage Concerts and the Legends & Legacy program; and
WHEREAS, through corporate sponsors and personal donations, Mr. James provided support for numerous local artists and has amassed an outstanding collection of art; and
WHEREAS, Mr. James has served and contributed to numerous art organizations through his service on boards and as a member, sponsor, and patron spanning the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Center Stage, the Columbus Museum of Art, CAPA and Shadow Box, the Lincoln Theater, CCAD, Thurber House and numerous other organizations. In 2008, he received the South Settlement House's Arts Freedom Award; and
WHEREAS, the leadership contributions of Mr. James and members of the board have made The Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Cultural Arts Complex, the soul of the city, a jewel in the Columbus crown and one of a limited number of African American cultural institutions still in existence in the nation; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby honor and recognize Larry H. James upon his retirement as President of the Board of Trustees of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex and thank him for his 16 years of service and dedication as he becomes President Emeritus during the Complex's 24th Anniversary.