To commemorate the often forgotten trailblazers who poured their hearts into the city’s communities and artistic spaces, three new names have been engraved on the Lincoln Theater Walk of Fame.
This year’s newcomers are jazz musicians Arnett Howardwho has performed for more than 50 years and has written several books on the genre’s influence in Ohio; Poet and founder of the Columbus-based “Advance Party”, Charles “is told” Lyons; and the late visual artist Roman Johnsonwho received the 2003 Ohio Governor’s Award for the Arts as an individual artist before he died two years later at the age of 88.
When Howard got the call that his name would be placed next to legends from central Ohio like Nancy Wilson, Robert “Bobby” Floyd, Barbara Chavous, Wil Haygood and others, his first thought was, “Why me?”
“There are hundreds of people in central Ohio to show off and walk,” said Howard, 70. “Recognizing all of these names as dynamic people from Columbus, I went ahead and did something big.
“There are a lot of people who can and have been honored so I just wonder why I am.”
As Lyons stood before the 20+ names finely engraved on the cement-covered monument under the theater’s tent, the longtime poet pointed out every person he knew from his time performing on the city’s creative grounds.
For Lyons, 86, it was a moment when his name was placed next to his contemporaries.
“I feel normal and natural because I know a lot of these people,” he said. “It’s not that I don’t know her. I knew her because I’ve been performing for 50 years … I’ve been in contact with people in New York, Washington DC, Montreal, Canada, and that has just as much impact. That’s just the epitome of it. This is the best of the best. That’s what we practiced for. “
Artists are recognized on Saturday evening
On Saturday night, the Lincoln Theater Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony recognizes the contributions of Lyons, Howard and Johnson, men who shaped Columbus’ cultural landscape during their careers.
After coordinating these ceremonies since the Walk of Fame was founded, Suzan Bradford, general manager of the Lincoln Theater, said she always enjoyed commemorating the city’s most beloved influencers and preserving their historical legacy.
“We want to give people their appreciation while they are alive and talk about how their work will continue in other ways,” she said. “Their work lives on and the stars not only represent the artists they were in themselves, but also in the community. I think artists feel this respect and recognition when the community supports them.”
2021 Lincoln Theater Walk of Fame
Since 2011, Bradford said, the Lincoln Theater Walk of Fame has become an integral part of his mission to immortalize every artist who has made a name for himself in and outside of central Ohio. Not only do they show what they did in their time, but they also show how their contributions have influenced today’s creatives.
“Many of us are part of the community artistically, so when we look at some of the things that they have done and their accomplishments and also who they affect in this generation,” said Bradford. “I always enjoy seeing her and saying, ‘Hey, you deserve a star on the Lincoln Theater Walk of Fame.'”
Traditionally, two people are added to the Walk of Fame every year. But with the cancellation of last year’s launch due to COVID-19, the center selected Lyons, Howard and Johnson for the 2021 course.
The ceremonial event will include a tribute of various genres to the newcomers and performances by various local artists – including Howard and Lyons. The second half of the event will be moved outside to reveal the new stars in front of the Lincoln Theater.
In the days leading up to the event, Howard said he called friends and family and sent emails. And since it’s the Plain City native’s first appearance in a while, the event will give him the opportunity to enjoy his past triumphs and regain a sense of purpose.
“It’s been a long time since I prepared to get up for something like this in three or four years, so I’m out of practice,” said Howard. “Most days I sit around looking at my computer, it gives me the chance to do something special.”
While he plans to enjoy the moment that has come after the publication of countless books of poetry and performances from around the world, Lyons said he is preparing like he has his whole career.
The event on Saturday is just a little more special.
“It’s like preparing for a performance, you have to do a job that nobody sees,” said the Atlanta-born poet. “That’s the result of it because you have to practice, get everything in order and make sure everyone is there. It’s almost the same, but that’s the epitome of it. That’s the result. Of course we haven’t, I have it yet felt, but we’ll do it. “
@ Earl_Hopkins1
At a glance
The Lincoln Theater Walk of Fame event takes place on Saturday at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public by prior arrangement. The indoor ceremony will also be available online. Both personal and online registration can be secured at https://www.lincolntheatrecolumbus.com/.
