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Population of the city of Columbus is approximately 730,000 with 134 nations represented speaking 105 languages. According to the 2000 Census, the cultural breakdown is 24.5% African American, 3.4% Asian and 2.5% Hispanic. Important segments of the population include up to 45,000 Somalis and 65,000 Latinos/Hispanics (source: Columbus Community Relations Commission 2007). One major influence on the fabric of the community is The Ohio State University with more than 51,000 students and almost 4,000 international students. A strong Asian influence, particularly in the northwest portions of the city, comes from the Honda of America manufacturing plant in nearby Marysville.
Recent accolades for the city's diversity include:
Black Enterprise Magazine -- Top 10 city for African Americans
Black Meetings and Tourism -- Best in the Midwest for meetings and vacations
Money Magazine -- Top 10 big cities for African Americans
Columbus embraces cultural diversity in its community leaders, businesses, arts and entertainment scene. Throughout the city are a wealth of restaurants and a handful of markets representing all cuisine types. You'll find galleries with world art, such as Kibibi and Global Gallery, sprinkled among larger exhibits at The King Arts Complex and the Riffe Gallery. Of special interest are the stories of the Underground Railroad that are woven into the rich and varied history of Columbus.
The Kelton House - Explore the history of Sophia and Fernando Kelton, wealthy merchants who risked everything to shelter and protect fugitive slaves, while conducting them safely on their route to Canada and freedom. One runaway, Martha Hartway, stayed with the family and ultimately was married in their parlor. Martha's story is told through the special programming in the Kelton House Underground Railroad Learning Station and activities including an original drama entitled Martha's Journey and a storyteller who recreates the mood of the Underground Railroad through readings and discussions.
A personal tour with guide "Sophie Kelton" is available by reservation for groups. She greets visitors at the door and tells true stories of her family's life in the 1860s and how they helped fugitive slaves find their way to freedom. Visitors share the secrets of the Underground Railroad when they visit the hiding place in the basement and meet "Martha." After the tour, everyone joins Sophie for a traditional Victorian tea. The Kelton House is open for public tours every Sunday except holidays from 1-4 p.m.
The King Arts Complex - This is a pioneer arts organization located in the Mount Vernon Avenue neighborhood, the center of Columbus' African-American community in the 1920's, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2007. Located in the 1925 Colonial Revival Pythion Theater, designed by African-American architect Samuel Plato, the building now known as the King Arts Complex once presented the Cotton Club Dancers, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and more. Today the permanent collection of the Complex includes works by African-American artists, including nationally recognized artist Aminah Robinson.
Cargo: The Middle Passage is a permanent installation that recreates the human misery and tragedy of the slave trade that existed 1441-1888 as a highly profitable maritime business. Cargo seeks to increase understanding of this maritime holocaust and its legacies in the modern world. At the conclusion of the exhibit, the visitor learns the story of John Newton, captain of the Greyhound, who experienced a conversion in 1748 when his slave ship was nearly lost in a storm. He became a preacher and penned "Amazing Grace" about his deliverance from his former life.
The Ohio Statehouse - Visitors are led by costumed guides through this 1860s Greek-Revival building that includes the George Washington Williams Memorial Room, a tribute to Ohio's first African American legislator.
Columbus is home to many diverse festivals throughout the year. They include the African American Heritage Festival, Columbus Culture Fest, Asian Festival, Columbus Arts Festival, Juneteenth Celebration, Festival Latino, Jazz & Rib Fest, Dublin Irish Festival, German Village Oktoberfest and the Columbus International Festival.
Columbus has a thriving, vibrant arts community. Three historic downtown theaters, the Southern, Ohio and Palace, host many of the city's performing arts. Plus, the Lincoln Theatre will re-open in 2009.
The Columbus Jazz Orchestra - The CJO began in 1973, creating big-band performance opportunities for jazz musicians. Thirty-four years later, the CJO is considered one of the world's finest jazz orchestras, known for recreating the music of American jazz masters such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Gil Evans.
The CJO is led by Byron Stripling, an internationally known bandleader, trumpet virtuoso and the former lead trumpeter for the Count Basie Orchestra.
Over the next two years, the Columbus Museum of Art is creating a permanent exhibit space in its galleries for Columbus African American artist Aminah Robinson. Her art has gained national recognition, with more than 20,000 works, including cloth paintings, sculptures, prints, book illustrations and quilts. She draws on research, family oral history, observation and travels across the world to document the lives of her family, her community and to explore the African Diaspora. One notable work is a signature piece for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. Entitled Journeys I and II, each of this two-part piece measures 22' x 15'. Robinson is the 2004 recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Award.
The museum also houses the permanent collection of African-American folk artist - and another Columbus native - Elijah Pierce, known for his woodcarvings. Pierce was Robinson's mentor.
In spring 2009, the Lincoln Theatre will re-open in the King-Lincoln District, following an $11 million restoration. The theater originally opened in 1928 and catered specifically to African-American patrons and performers. When it reopens, the Lincoln will feature the Jazz Arts Group's Jazz Academy and will be home to numerous performing arts groups, including Ujima Theatre Company, Columbus Children's Theatre and the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus. World-renowned actor, singer, director, choreographer and dancer Maurice Hines will serve as artistic director in residence.
Some of the African American-owned restaurants in Columbus include the Creole Kitchen, the Linden Café and Eddie George's Grille 27.
Many individuals in key decision-making positions in Columbus are African American including City of Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, City of Columbus Executive Director of Community Relations James L. Stowe, and Experience Columbus Chairman of the Board Frederick L. Ransier III. Additional African-American administrators in Columbus include the school board president, superintendent of schools, fire chief, police chief and many city and state legislators.
Columbus Urban League
ColumbusBlack.com
King Arts Complex
Festival Latino
Fronteras
Mi Directorio Hispano
Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs
Somali American Chamber of Commerce
City of Columbus Community Relations Commission
International Visitors Council
Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism
United Nations Association, Columbus Chapter
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