Special project highlights those making a difference in Columbus communities
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — For the second year, the Neighborhood DESIGN Center had a special art installation known as Columbus is My Neighborhood across the city.
Columbus is My Neighborhood celebrates activism and commitment to our communities.
“I do what I do because I love it,” Pastor Michael Young, with City of Grace Church and one of this year's honorees, said. “I love the city I live in; it is the city that raised me. I take passion in trying to give back to it.”
Young is one of the 14 people the project honored and featured for making a positive difference in Columbus. Technically, 16 people were honored due to a sister trio highlighted together for their work.
"It could be someone who organizes litter pick-ups, it could be someone who has free programs, or just connects people to resources,” Lisa Snyder, Director of Community Programs at Neighborhood DESIGN Center, said.
For the second year, individuals were nominated by their peers. Each person's portrait and contribution efforts were shared through digital kiosk billboards around town. Kiosks included a story of what they do to better Columbus.
The goal is to remind people that every effort to better our communities go a long way and that we can continue to improve the city.
“Columbus is an incredibly prosperous city,” Young said, “The reality is, approximately one-third of our citizens are not partaking in that prosperity.”
The art installation will now be on the neighborhood design center website where everyone can view the featured individuals.
“Link them up to a project website to learn more about their stories, to hear what they're doing in the community,” Snyder said.
Moving forward, the center would love to create the art installation again next year and hope to see the project grow even more in year three.
“That reinvigorates them to continue to contribute and inspire others,” Snyder said.
To view the portrait series, click here.
