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Bryan Loar
Contacts:
Bryan Loar, Co-Founder
Cbus Libraries
bryan [at] cbuslibraries.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio, August 17, 2021—Cbus Libraries, a grassroots initiative to champion libraries and the love of reading, is honored to host lauded poet Hanif Abdurraqib, artist Bryan Moss, and many more luminaries in celebration of the Columbus Black community and the People’s Mural of Columbus.
Join us on August 21 for a legendary celebration. From 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Simakovsky Law (1450 E. Main St., Columbus, OH), Cbus Libraries will have:
- Mural dedication with MC Jevon Collins of the King Arts Complex
- Readings by Hanif Abdurraqib, Barbara Fant, Scott Woods, Dr. Carlotta Penn & more
- Music by DJ Krate Digga
- Gourmet fruit & veggie pops by Too Good Eats
- Family art activities by Maroon Arts Group
- Free book fair by Cbus Libraries
- Filming by Donte Woods-Spikes of Empathize with Me
Find the full details, including schedule and bios at https://bit.ly/Cbus-Libraries-Peoples-Mural-Celebration
About Hanif Abdurraqib
Hanif Abdurraqib is a New York Times bestselling poet, essayist, and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio. His writing has been published in Pitchfork, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and several other notable publications. Hanif’s first collection of essays, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, was released in 2017 by Two Dollar Radio and was named a book of the year by Buzzfeed, Esquire, NPR, Oprah Magazine, Paste, The Los Angeles Review, and The Chicago Tribune, among others. Hanif’s additional honors include the 2020 Ohioana Award for Poetry, 2020 Lenore Marshall Prize, being longlisted for the National Book Award and selected as a finalist for the Kirkus Prize. In 2021, he published A Little Devil In America (Random House). Hanif graduated from Beechcroft High School. Learn more at abdurraqib.com.
About Bryan Moss
Bryan Moss is an artist, visual storyteller, and teacher. He describes himself as a conduit for the community, and he recently completed a large-scale mural celebrating 100 years of White Castle history. His public murals and collaborations can be found sprinkled throughout downtown Columbus. The Columbus Museum of Art also recently tapped Bryan to help archive the home of his former mentor, artist Aminah Robinson. The fruits of his labor brought to life the exhibition, “RAGGIN’ ON: The Art of Aminah Robinson’s House and Journals.” Learn more at columbusmakesart.com/stories/bryan-moss.
About Cbus Libraries
Cbus Libraries’ mission is to champion Central Ohio libraries, library enthusiasts and the love of reading. Co-founded by two librarians, Andrea Dixon and Bryan Loar, Cbus Libraries reaches more than 9,000 online followers worldwide, features Central Ohio libraries, has raised nearly $1,500 for future librarians of color, and has gifted over 5,000 books to the community. Cbus Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more at cbuslibraries.com.
The People’s Mural of Columbus is generously funded through individual donors, the Ohio Arts Council, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Two Dollar Radio, Simakovsky Law, Gramercy Books, Prologue Bookshop, Beanbag Books, and Cbus Libraries. If you would like to donate or sponsor, please go to cbuslibraries.com/support
Contacts:
Bryan Loar, Co-Founder
Cbus Libraries
bryan [at] cbuslibraries.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio, August 12, 2021—Cbus Libraries, a grassroots initiative to champion libraries and the love of reading, has partnered with artist Bryan Moss to create the People’s Mural of Columbus, a mural honoring the words of celebrated Columbus poet and essayist, Hanif Abdurraqib.
Bryan, known for his expressive, vibrant style, will begin painting on Thursday, August 12. He is expected to continue through the weekend with other noted artist Hakim Callwood and a team of interns. Bryan and his team welcome visitors to see the mural come to life.
Located at 1450 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43202, the People’s Mural of Columbus is situated at Simakovsky Law, a firm specializing in immigration. Adjacent to the mural, a beautifully landscaped area with benches exists. A little free library, art created by the community, and information plaque are planned to enhance the area.
On August 21, 2021 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cbus Libraries will host a celebration at Simakovsky Law. The block party will include special guests Hanif Abdurraqib and Bryan Moss as well as poets, authors, music, family activities, free book fair and free gourmet popsicles. Full details can be found at https://bit.ly/Cbus-Libraries-Peoples-Mural-Celebration
About Hanif Abdurraqib
Hanif Abdurraqib is a New York Times bestselling poet, essayist, and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio. His writing has been published in Pitchfork, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and several other notable publications. Hanif’s first collection of essays, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, was released in 2017 by Two Dollar Radio and was named a book of the year by Buzzfeed, Esquire, NPR, Oprah Magazine, Paste, The Los Angeles Review, and The Chicago Tribune, among others. Hanif’s additional honors include the 2020 Ohioana Award for Poetry, 2020 Lenore Marshall Prize, being longlisted for the National Book Award and selected as a finalist for the Kirkus Prize. In 2021, he published A Little Devil In America (Random House). Hanif graduated from Beechcroft High School. Learn more at abdurraqib.com.
About Bryan Moss
Bryan Moss is an artist, visual storyteller, and teacher. He describes himself as a conduit for the community, and he recently completed a large-scale mural celebrating 100 years of White Castle history. His public murals and collaborations can be found sprinkled throughout downtown Columbus. The Columbus Museum of Art also recently tapped Bryan to help archive the home of his former mentor, artist Aminah Robinson. The fruits of his labor brought to life the exhibition, “RAGGIN’ ON: The Art of Aminah Robinson’s House and Journals.” Learn more at columbusmakesart.com/stories/bryan-moss.
About Cbus Libraries
Cbus Libraries’ mission is to champion Central Ohio libraries, library enthusiasts and the love of reading. Co-founded by two librarians, Andrea Dixon and Bryan Loar, Cbus Libraries reaches more than 9,000 online followers worldwide, features Central Ohio libraries, has raised nearly $1,500 for future librarians of color, and has gifted over 5,000 books to the community. Cbus Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more at cbuslibraries.com.
The People’s Mural of Columbus is generously funded through individual donors, the Ohio Arts Council, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Two Dollar Radio, Simakovsky Law, Gramercy Books, Prologue Bookshop, Beanbag Books, and Cbus Libraries. If you would like to donate or sponsor, please go to cbuslibraries.com/support
Contacts:
Bryan Loar, Co-Founder
Cbus Libraries
bryan [at] cbuslibraries.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 22, 2021—Cbus Libraries, a grassroots initiative to champion libraries and the love of reading, will hold a community input meeting on July 22 at 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Martin Luther King Branch.
Columbus Artist Bryan Moss, Cbus Libraries Board President Bryan Loar and others will give a sneak peek at draft sketches for the mural, discuss celebration plans and partners, and provide an open forum for feedback on the mural and celebration.
The People’s Mural of Columbus will celebrate the writing of lauded Columbus poet and essayist, Hanif Abdurraqib. Columbus Artist Bryan Moss will lead a team in August to create an engaging piece that speaks to all.
On August 21, Cbus Libraries will host a celebration at Simakovsky Law to honor Hanif, the artists involved, and Columbus’ Black community. Follow us for the latest updates. The celebration will include:
- Mural dedication with MC Jevon Collins of the King Arts Complex
- Readings by Hanif Abdurraqib, Barbara Fant, Scott Woods, Dr. Carlotta Penn & more
- Music by DJ Krate Digga
- Gourmet fruit & veggie pops by Too Good Eats
- Family art activities by Maroon Arts Group
- Free book fair by Cbus Libraries
- Filming by Donte Woods-Spikes of Empathize with Me
Learn more about The People’s Mural of Columbus at cbuslibraries.com/peoples-mural.
About Hanif Abdurraqib
Hanif Abdurraqib is a New York Times bestselling poet, essayist, and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio. His writing has been published in Pitchfork, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and several other notable publications. Hanif’s first collection of essays, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, was released in 2017 by Two Dollar Radio and was named a book of the year by Buzzfeed, Esquire, NPR, Oprah Magazine, Paste, The Los Angeles Review, and The Chicago Tribune, among others. Hanif’s additional honors include the 2020 Ohioana Award for Poetry, 2020 Lenore Marshall Prize, being longlisted for the National Book Award and selected as a finalist for the Kirkus Prize. In 2021, he published A Little Devil In America (Random House). Hanif graduated from Beechcroft High School. Learn more at abdurraqib.com.
About Bryan Moss
Bryan Moss is an artist, visual storyteller, and teacher. He describes himself as a conduit for the community, and he recently completed a large-scale mural celebrating 100 years of White Castle history. His public murals and collaborations can be found sprinkled throughout downtown Columbus. The Columbus Museum of Art also recently tapped Bryan to help archive the home of his former mentor, artist Aminah Robinson. The fruits of his labor brought to life the exhibition, “RAGGIN’ ON: The Art of Aminah Robinson’s House and Journals.” Learn more at columbusmakesart.com/stories/bryan-moss.
About Cbus Libraries
Cbus Libraries’ mission is to champion Central Ohio libraries, library enthusiasts and the love of reading. Co-founded by two librarians, Andrea Dixon and Bryan Loar, Cbus Libraries reaches more than 9,000 online followers worldwide, features Central Ohio libraries, has raised nearly $1,500 for future librarians of color, and has gifted over 5,000 books to the community. Cbus Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more at cbuslibraries.com.
The People’s Mural of Columbus is generously funded through individual donors, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Two Dollar Radio, Simakovsky Law, Gramercy Books, Prologue Bookshop, and Cbus Libraries. If you would like to donate or sponsor, please go to cbuslibraries.com/support