Dream 365 — Columbus’ annual commemoration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King — now is “one of the largest” celebrations of the civil rights activist in the state, event organizer Learnard Dickerson Monday told the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors.
Dickerson asked the board for $27,500 to fund the Jan. 12 event, which will be spread over five days.
“It’s about not just celebrating the holiday, but living your dreams every single day,” he said.
“(Dream 365) gives back to the community,” he added, noting essay contests will be held for students, many of whom also will receive awards and scholarships.
Plans include live jazz, a “youth night” expected to draw about 2,000 children, a “community clean-up day” and gospel music, concluding with a “commemoration day” breakfast, Jan. 16.
Otis Moss III, President Barack Obama’s former pastor, will be the keynote speaker at the event.
The CVB board also listened to a request from Gill Harris for $12,005 to help fund an appearance of Gill Harris and the Big Band Theory, an 18-piece ensemble expected to perform Feb. 3 at the Trotter Convention Center.
The “all-pro big band” will “add an element of culture,” Harris promised, offering music with “ingredients that may have been put away by the wayside” and “danceable music” with lyrics which “tell an entire story.”
The Big Band Theory will include “national-level” musicians and about three local musicians, Harris noted, adding the money requested from the CVB would be used to “step up advertising and get the word out” about the event to sources outside the local area.
Gill Harris and the Big Band Theory last performed locally in March during the 100th anniversary celebration of the birth of Columbus native playwright Tennessee Williams.
After the presentations, CVB board Chairman George Swales suggested the agency limit allocating funds for festivals and event marketing to $15,000 maximum for each festival or event.
“Given our financial situation, I think we need to insist on capping the marketing for events,” he said.
The board did not vote on Swales’ suggestion or either presentation.
But the board voted to hire an attorney on an “as-needed basis” to advise on matters relevant to governing the CVB.
CVB Director Nancy Carpenter noted the need for an attorney “experienced in governmental affairs,” and the board agreed to hire an attorney following the “due process” of interviewing candidates.
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