Baba Jubal Harris Selected as 2015 Ohio Heritage Fellow
by Hannah Brokenshire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2015
CONTACT
Hannah Brokenshire
(614)728-4463
hannah.brokenshire@oac.state.oh.us
Columbus, Ohio--The Ohio Arts Council (OAC) announces Baba Jubal Harris, African drum-maker, master artist, performer, and educator, as the 2015 Ohio Heritage Fellow in the category of Material Culture.
"Baba Jubal Harris is one of Ohio's cultural treasures," said OAC executive director Donna S. Collins. "From preserving heritage through drum-making, to fostering a sense of tradition in future generations, we are honored to recognize Harris for his commitment to Ohio culture."
Born in Cincinnati, Harris is a third-generation pioneer of African drumming and drum-making in the United States. His art form originates from the royal craftsmen of the Bambara and Manding people. He first began learning African rhythms at age 13 from Julius Renford "Flash" Ford, a drummer of Caribbean and African heritage.
A well-recognized community leader in his home of South Euclid, as well as throughout Ohio, Harris provides valuable outreach to a variety of audiences through his holistic teaching approach and engaging drumming performances. He is also an active Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program.
The OAC board reviewed the Traditional Arts Advisory Committees recommendation on July 22, 2015. The selection committee was comprised of Ohio folklorists and traditional artists. In addition to a $5,000 award, Harris will be recognized at the Columbus International Festival.
About Ohio Heritage Fellowships: Ohio Heritage Fellowships recognize individuals or groups who have had a significant impact on the people and communities of the state through the advancement and preservation of folk or traditional arts.
About the Ohio Arts Council: The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.The OAC is celebrating 50 years of funding for arts and culture in 2015. Find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit the OAC website at oac.ohio.gov.
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