COLUMBUS
WOMEN & GIRLS’ FEST
An Annual Festival Celebrating Women and Girls in Columbus, Ohio
Free and Open to the Public!
Hosted By Education Foundation for Freedom
Annually, Columbus Women&Girls’Fest celebrates and promotes women and girl-identified leaders in arts and culture. Centered in the King/Lincoln-Mt. Vernon area, we invite the entire Columbus community to join us in celebrating and supporting the lives of women and girls.
We invite the entire Columbus community to join us!
Check back for updates!
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
BY LOCAL ARTISTS
SPECIAL GUEST NATIONAL ARTIST:
Jenifer Lewis
Jenifer Lewis
Multi-award winning actor, author, activist and performance artist, currently stars as the grandmother, “Ruby,” on the prime time hit TV show Black-ish.
A Conversation between the Mother of Black Hollywood and Dr. E.
Ages: 18 and up
Jenifer Lewis
Jenifer Lewis is a veteran American actress, singer, and comedian whose multifaceted talents have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Known as the "Mother of Black Hollywood," Lewis has built a prolific career spanning decades with a myriad of roles across film, television, and stage. Her breakthrough came with Broadway productions like "Eubie!" and "Comin' Uptown," showcasing her dynamic stage presence and singing ability. Lewis's film and television career includes a wide array of memorable performances, from her roles in iconic films like "What's Love Got to Do with It" (1993) to her recurring character on the hit TV show "Black-ish." With her vibrant personality and comedic timing, Lewis has become a beloved figure, recognized for her ability to bring both humor and depth to her characters. She is also a strong advocate on mental health awareness, using her platform to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage open conversations. Her memoir, "The Mother of Black Hollywood" (2017), further explores her life, career, and personal challenges. Jennifer Lewis's impact on both the stage and screen, coupled with her advocacy work, solidifies her as a cultural icon and inspiration to aspiring artists and those facing mental health challenges alike.
Hosted by
Missy B
Missy B is a multi-media talent, motivator, and advocate with more than a decade of experience in media and broadcasting.
Schedule of Events
2020 WGFest Activities
12:00 pm -1:00 pm
Pia Monagan
IG: @piaadell
Scholarship winner, Oral Roberts University student
Opening song: “Lift Every Voice”
Ages: All
3 Easy Wellness Tips
With Dr. Alice Ragland, Teach Liberation
Ages: All
Maylena Marshall
Fort Hayes High School for the Arts Gospel Singer: “War Cry”
Ages: All
Paint the Power: Black Girls Rock
with Maroon Arts, Eryn Pink, Brown Girls Mentoring and CBusWGFest
Ages: All
Compelling Conversation #1
With Sheri Neale, Maroon Arts Group CEO, Black Cultural Arts Community Activist, Laena Rene, Cristo Rey Columbus High School, Dr. Alice Ragland facilitator
Ages: All
1:00 pm -2:00 pm
Children's Literature
The Beauty of Black Children’s Hair with Dr. Carlotta Penn. First 20 registrants that attend the session will receive a free copy of the book Turtle with an Afro
Ages: 3-8
Compelling COnversation #2
Morgan Harper, CommunityActivist and Taylor Copas, Champion Middle School Student, mentor Tia Johnson
Ages: All
Queens of Violet Dance Team
Girls ages 6 thru 18, performing contemporary styles.
Coach, Summer Crews
Ages: 6 and up
2:00 pm -3:00 pm
Compelling COnversation #3
Dr Treva Lindsey, OSU professor and Jamilah Caldwell, The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University, facilitator Caroline Bennett
Ages: All
Natural Hair & Beauty Demonstration By Hair Influencer, CLaire
IG: @clatodd
Claire will demonstrate how to create your own hair mask, a protective style, and hair growth
Ages: All
3:00 pm -4:00 pm
#Holdtheline
A session about what it means to #HoldTheLine, particularly as Black womxn, girls and femmes in the wake of #BlackLivesMatter.
Hosted by Dr. Shemariah J. Arki
Ages: 16 and up
Women of the Cypher Rap Group
Women of the Cypher Hiphop (Shad Jones, Saliyma, Rachel Rene, Shamere, Ebri Yahloe)
IG: Shamere Griffin: @Officialshameregriffin; Shad Jones: @Shadjones86; Rachel Rene: @Therachelrene; Ebri Yahloe: @Ebri_yahloe; House of bars: @hob.cbus
Ages: All
4:00 pm -5:00 pm
Compelling COnversation #4
Dr. Marlene Carson, The Switch Anti-Trafficking Network, CEO and Jainyla Cox-Brazell from Champion Middle School; Facilitator Tia Johnson CEO, I am a G.I.F.T (Girl Invested for Tomorrow) Financial Empowerment for Girls
Ages: 11 and up
She/They Did That!
Contest-WIN PRIZES for your knowledge! Live game show type of format focusing on questions that highlight women and girl-identified people-pioneers, leaders, and current representatives in our community. Hosted by Kaleidoscope Youth Center and Karen Hewitt. KYC is the largest and longest standing organization in Ohio serving and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and young people.
Ages: 11 and up
Compelling Conversation #5
Karen Hewitt, M Ed., Artist, Author, Advocate for LGBTQ Community Youth; Deputy Director Kaleidoscope Youth Center and Jhalez (they/them).
Ages: 11 and up
Mixed Messaging: How Black Women Relate to Black Men
A forum hosted by Black Gurl Institute
and Dr. Erica Womack
Ages: 16 and up
