Meet the CEOs who work in Columbus' King-Lincoln Bronzeville area and hear their vision for the organizations they lead, as well as what that means for the city as a whole.
Demetries Neely, CEO, The King Arts Complex
What makes Columbus/King-Lincoln special? How did your surroundings inspire your career path?
The Martin Luther King Jr. Performing & Cultural Arts Complex (The King Arts Complex) is in the King-Lincoln District/the historic Brownsville community (previously known as the Cradle of Jazz and the Million Dollar Block.) The area was home to world-renowned visual artists Elijah Pierce, and Aminah Robinson and performing artists Nancy Wilson, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. National artists including the likes of Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington performed in the area nightclubs. Today, the only place one can go to see evidence of this rich history is The King Arts Complex, for we are the keepers, preservers, and archivists of the history as well as presenters and producers of contemporary art.
I am a lifelong lover of the arts and inspired by the works and passion of Dr. King (our namesake.) The KAC’s mission is to connect the community through the arts, and has been a vibrant hub of artistic enrichment for more than 35 years. From children to seniors, our programming offers something for everyone
What’s your vision or inspiration for how your company/organization can impact Greater Columbus?
With a focus on access, we strive to ensure all programming remains relatable, inclusive, and accessible to the public so that access to high-quality artistic programming remains a right and not a privilege. But for The King Arts Complex, many from Columbus' underserved neighborhoods may never experience the transformative power of the arts.
Suzan C. Bradford, Executive Director, The Lincoln Theatre
What makes Columbus/King-Lincoln special? How did your surroundings inspire your career path?
The King-Lincoln area of Columbus is special for many reasons. The historic vision of its developer and residents. The national location attractions, the rich history of arts and culture, both past and present. A catalyst for the growth of the district.
I am a creative at heart. My surroundings have inspired my career path by inserting creativity into all areas of my professional life. It keeps every day fresh and innovative.
What’s your vision or inspiration for how your company/organization can impact Greater Columbus?
The Lincoln Theatre has a rich history that is threaded through the current artistic fabric of today. The Lincoln impacts Greater Columbus by serving as an incubator for local artists and grooming them to become knowledgeable and respected professional artists. The Lincoln is the destination for local talents to soar and shine and be supported by arts councils, connoisseurs and other art communities and corporations. The Lincoln is the catalyst for artists and community development.
Dawn Dickson, Founder and CEO, Nia Studio
What makes Columbus/King-Lincoln special? How did your surroundings inspire your career path?
I grew up spending my summers on Hamilton Ave and East High School as a part of the Urban Minority Alcoholism Outreach Program (UMAOP) led by Alfred Ray. That is where I learned of the rich legacy and history of the area and became familiar with the business leaders. In the early 2000's I had the pleasure of serving on the planning committee of the Kings Arts Complex Anniversary Gala and working as the Executive Assistant of Dr. Barbara Nicholson, the then Director of KAC. I also worked as Executive Assistant to the President of the Columbus Post Newspaper for 3 years and worked as an Executive Assistant to Eric Carmichael, Mac Williams and Tony Hutchins in 2004. I was surrounded by Black excellence and trained by leaders who shaped who I am today. They molded me to be the CEO I am today, which starts with being a leader in the community. Continuing their legacy and those that came before me is my motivation.
What’s your vision or inspiration for how your company/organization can impact Greater Columbus?
Nia Studio is a community studio in the historic King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood of Columbus. Our mission is to hold space for physical, mental, and spiritual transformation in our community. We provide space for quality yogic experiences, dance, fitness and movement arts. We encourage people to 'move with purpose' in all that they do...starting with how they treat their neighbors, their community, and the planet. We believe providing this type of safe space focused on mental and physical wellness in the community is the foundation of building the future for our neighborhood and our city.
For more information on King-Lincoln and the Near East Side, click here.
