February 18th is Toni Morrison Day in Ohio . Join us in celebrating the life\, words\, and legacy of the iconic Toni Morrison with readings from local authors and artists Ajanaé\; Dawki ns\, Tiffany Lawson\, Tyiesha Radford Shorts\, and Valerie Boyer. Readings will take place from 1:30-4:45 PM in the BPL Auditorium. Light refreshmen ts and snacks will be provided by the library.
\nReading Lineup:
\n1:30 - 2:15 - Valerie Boyer
\n2:20 - 3:05 - Tiffany Lawson
\ n3:10 - 3:55 - Tyiesha Radford Shorts
\n4:00 - 4:45 - Ajana&eacut e\; Dawkins
\nAbout the Readers:
\nAj anaé\; Dawkins is an interdisciplinary poet\, performance a rtists\, and theologian. Ajanaé\; is the winner of the Tinderbox Poe try Journal&rsquo\;s Editors Prize\, a finalist for the Cave Canem Toi Der ricotte and Cornelius Eady Chapbook Prize\, and a finalist for the Brett E lizabeth Jenkins poetry prize. She was the Taft Museum&rsquo\;s 2022 Dunca nson Artist in Residence and is a fellow of Torch Literary Arts\, The Wate ring Hole\, and Pink Door. She is currently Ohio State University&rsquo\;s UAS\, Community Artist-in-Residence. Ajanaé\; is currently a co-hos t of the VS Podcast with the Poetry Foundation and the Theology Editor for the EcoTheo Review. You can find her in the middle of the dance floor\, a t the skate rink\, the local winery\, library\, karaoke night\, or in her kitchen cooking something slow.
\nTiffany Lawson is a professional multidisciplinary artist\, born and raised on the South si de of Columbus\, Ohio. From early beginnings of masterpieces scribbled beh ind the couch\, to community arts programs and summer camps\, art has alwa ys been her nature. Literature\, art\, and music were anchors in her house hold\, formulating ideas and an undeniable affinity for creativity. As a t eenager\, she began to realize her purpose as an artist after being expose d to local influences such as Aminah B.L. Robinson\, Grandpa Smoky Brown a nd family as well as Richard Duarte Brown through programs her mother mana ged at the church across the street from their home. The programs broadene d her access to and understanding of the arts. She was also mentored by Gi lda Edwards. Through the use of the arts community and programs in Central Ohio\, she honed her skills and developed a creative voice\; shown locall y and nationally.
\nTyiesha Radford Shorts \;is a writer and independent researcher with a passion for community educatio n. She serves as the Director of The Giovanni Collective\, a writing organ ization for Black women in Central Ohio. Tyiesha lives in Columbus' Bronze ville neighborhood with her husband\, Marshall.
\nValerie Bo yer \;is \;a vocalist\, musician\, dancer\, poet\, activi st\, minister\, historian\, and most of all an educator. In every space\, she breathes knowledge. Born and raised in Galveston\, TX\, Valerie Boyer was groomed in southern hospitality and shares that kindness everywhere sh e goes. Her life&rsquo\;s work reflects the southern colloquialisms of her childhood and the tenacity of her adulthood. As a member of the National Forensics League\, 2012 Miss Juneteenth Ambassador\, Black Historian of th e Year in 2019 UpStart Magazine\, Valerie has been able to travel the coun try\, and has been featured at venues such as Ohio History Center\, Nandi& rsquo\;s Knowledge Cafe\, Columbus Color of Summer\, Wednesday Night Live Howard University\, Westerville Historical Society\, Columbus City Schools GearUp initiative\, Ohio Black Collective at Walsh University\, NinaImani at Youngstown State university\, SOBO at Ohio Black Expo\, just to name a few. \;Valerie is an active member of Ohio Black Expo\, and Advocates of Diversity for the state of Ohio. Valerie has taught Social Studies for years\, and is currently the School and Inclusive Community Programs Coor dinator at Ohio History Connection. Valerie Boyer is a proud graduate of H oward University\, and resides in Columbus\, Ohio.
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