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To recognize and honor the King Arts Complex for celebrating 30 years of providing outstanding programs, culture, and service to the community
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WHEREAS, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Center first opened its doors on March 27, 1987 after a $2.7 million renovation of the Pythian Theater. Located on Mt. Vernon Avenue, one of the oldest areas of predominantly African American life on the near eastside of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, The former Garfield Elementary School, situated next to the Pythian Theater, underwent a $1.8 million renovation in 1989 and, became part of the Complex adding an additional 60,000 square feet of learning and performing space; and
WHEREAS, Today known as the King-Lincoln District, the King Arts Complex was the anchor for the revitalization of the Bronzeville area of Columbus and it includes over 230 original works created by area artists including legends Kojo Kamau and Aminah Robinson; and
WHEREAS, The King Arts mission is to “preserve and celebrate the cultural and artistic heritage of African Americans and the African American experience, while developing greater understanding and harmony among all people;” and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, May 20th 2017, the King Arts Complex will celebrate a rich legacy of connecting the community to the arts at the Hilton Downtown Columbus; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby congratulate the King Arts Complex for celebrating three amazing decades of African American art and culture in our capital city.