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Toni Morrison Day Celebration

Celebrating the Life, Words, and Legacy of Toni Morrison

Celebrate the life, words, and legacy of the iconic Toni Morrison with readings from local authors and artists Ajanaé Dawkins, Tiffany Lawson, Tyiesha Radford Shorts, and Valerie Boyer.

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 Dawkins, Tiffany Lawson, Tyiesha Radford Shorts, and Valerie Boyer. Readings will take place from 1:30-4:45 PM in the BPL Auditorium. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided by the library.

Reading Lineup:

1:30 - 2:15 - 

2:20 - 3:05 - 

3:10 - 3:55 - 

4:00 - 4:45 - 

About the Readers:

Ajanaé Dawkins is an interdisciplinary poet, performance artists, and theologian. Ajanaé is the winner of the Tinderbox Poetry Journal’s Editors Prize, a finalist for the Cave Canem Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady Chapbook Prize, and a finalist for the Brett Elizabeth Jenkins poetry prize. She was the Taft Museum’s 2022 Duncanson Artist in Residence and is a fellow of Torch Literary Arts, The Watering Hole, and Pink Door. She is currently Ohio State University’s UAS, Community Artist-in-Residence. Ajanaé is currently a co-host 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, at the skate rink, the local winery, library, karaoke night, or in her kitchen cooking something slow.

Tiffany Lawson is a professional multidisciplinary artist, born and raised on the South side of Columbus, Ohio. From early beginnings of masterpieces scribbled behind the couch, to community arts programs and summer camps, art has always been her nature. Literature, art, and music were anchors in her household, formulating ideas and an undeniable affinity for creativity. As a teenager, she began to realize her purpose as an artist after being exposed to local influences such as Aminah B.L. Robinson, Grandpa Smoky Brown and family as well as Richard Duarte Brown through programs her mother managed at the church across the street from their home. The programs broadened her access to and understanding of the arts. She was also mentored by Gilda Edwards. Through the use of the arts community and programs in Central Ohio, she honed her skills and developed a creative voice; shown locally and nationally.

Tyiesha Radford Shorts is a writer and independent researcher with a passion for community education. She serves as the Director of The Giovanni Collective, a writing organization for Black women in Central Ohio. Tyiesha lives in Columbus' Bronzeville neighborhood with her husband, Marshall.

Valerie Boyer is a vocalist, musician, dancer, poet, activist, 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 she goes. Her life’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 the Year in 2019 UpStart Magazine, Valerie has been able to travel the country, and has been featured at venues such as Ohio History Center, Nandi’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 Coordinator at Ohio History Connection. Valerie Boyer is a proud graduate of Howard University, and resides in Columbus, Ohio.

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