Title
To Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance and the Rich Culture Harnessed by African-Americans in Columbus
Body
WHEREAS, the Harlem Renaissance, which originated in Harlem, New York, began to bloom in the 1920s and flourished throughout the nation in the following decades celebrating African-American culture through dance, art, music, and social expression; and
WHEREAS, Columbus’s near East Side was a central community in which African-American culture blossomed after approximately 20,000 African-Americans settled the area in search of economic opportunities after World War I; and
WHEREAS, the residents of the near East Side created a virtually self-sustaining community filled with locally owned and managed businesses as a result of the impressive talent and entrepreneurship brought by the African-American migrants; and
WHEREAS, the near East Side served as an incubator for the growing arts culture in the community; artists and musicians born and raised in the community eventually performed or displayed their pieces in the Lincoln Theatre and the King Arts Complex, arts and cultural centers that still thrive in the community today; and
WHEREAS, the near East Side continues to have a significant impact on Columbus’s culture, and residents and community leaders are continually working to revitalize the area as a unique cultural incubator for new residents of diverse backgrounds; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance and the rich culture harnessed by African-Americans in Columbus on this day, Monday, December 4, 2017.