The People’s Mural of Columbus is a community-driven mural honoring the words of Columbus poet and essayist, Hanif Abdurraqib, and the artistic talent of Bryan Moss.
Cbus Libraries, through its Cbus Is Lit initiative, has highlighted hundreds of literary events across Central Ohio. As an extension of supporting living literary creators, we sought to create a mural and celebration. In late 2020, the publisher of Hanif’s They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, Two Dollar Radio, reached out to Cbus Libraries about the opportunity to partner.
In early 2021, the Cbus Libraries Board voted to allocate funds to the mural and celebration. Additionally, the board supported moving forward with artist Bryan Moss, an artist that we previously collaborated with to create the Cbus Libraries Aminah Robinson Little Free Library. We also sought and were awarded support for the celebration through the Greater Columbus Arts Council. The People’s Mural of Columbus Advisory formed with five members and met virtually three times over the months March, April and May. The advisors selected the quote from They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, provided advice on mural design and community outreach, and decided the location of the mural. In regards to the location, we wanted to find a location in Columbus’ historically Black neighborhoods. Two locations were identified in the King-Lincoln Bronzville District and another on Main St. All locations were in Columbus’ East Side. Knowing Hanif’s upbringing and love for Columbus’ East Side, we made sure to find locations that honored Hanif and the Columbus Black community.
Simultaneously to the advisors work, Cbus Libraries began reaching out to potential celebration partners. We connected with Too Good Eats, a Black-owned, Columbus East Side business, to provide popsicles. Based on being part of the Tipsy Spelling Bee, an event Cbus Libraries was part of hosted by Creative Control Fest and Grammar + Chill, we reached out to DJ Krate Digga. Because of their strong commitment to the Columbus Black arts community, we sought to collaborate with Maroon Arts Group. And from our knowledge of Donte Woods-Spikes’ film and community work, we worked to partner with Donte. All agreed to partner.
With our partners in place, we launched our public support campaign. Greater Columbus Arts Council would partially cover the celebration, but we still needed to cover artist, materials and other expenses. We submitted a grant from the Columbus Arts Council, but we wouldn’t know if or how much we were awarded until weeks before painting was to begin. We launched our public campaign on both Facebook and our website. We reached our goal in just over a week, and, with the addition of sponsors, we doubled our goal in just over a month. We selectively reached out to indie bookstores and organizations that directly relate to the spirit of the mural and celebration–amplifying the voices of Columbus Black literary creators.
The People’s Mural of Columbus Celebration Advisory helped to navigate additional literary speakers, vendors, volunteer resources and other needs. With just over two weeks before painting starts and a month before the celebration, Cbus Libraries along with its partners and supporters is set to create an important work of art and an unforgettable celebration.
July 14, 20221