COSI reopening sparks excitement for long-awaited exploration

After 446 days, 642,240 hours and 38,546,400 seconds of closure, the Center of Science and Industry opened its doors Thursday morning to droves of explorers who have long-awaited the return of the facility's offerings. The calculations come courtesy of CEO and President Frederic Bertley, who, like the guests returning to the center, was just as excited for the reopening.

Westerville resident Liz Smith, who brought her two sons to COSI three days before it closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, said they have begged her to go back to the center every day for the past 15 months.

Read More

'All smiles and tons of energy': Columbus' own Michaela James wins Miss Black Ohio pageant

in

Columbus native Michaela James' vibrant smile and vivacious energy helped her earn the title of Miss Black Ohio during the 39th annual pageant last Saturday, according to Fanchon Page, the pageant director.

In front of nearly 60 attendees at the Lincoln Theatre, James, 21, was chosen from four contestants who competed for this year's title, an honor she said nearly brought her to tears once she heard her name called.

Read More

COSI named best science museum in the nation by USA TODAY for second consecutive year

in

For the second consecutive year, the Center for Science and Industry has been named the top science museum in the country by the 2021 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Award Contest.

From public voters and a panel of experts, a list that included editors from USA TODAY, 10Best.com and other relevant contributors, COSI was selected among 19 other science museums across the nation.

Read More

Asian Americans address need for awareness, advocacy during this year's Asian Festival

in , ,

As members of the Asian American community face an onrush of violent hate crimes, attacks that have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jona Hilario and others said sharing their experiences is essential in the fight against racism.

While there's been growing awareness nationally, there's still a line of separation between Asian Americans and other residents on a local level, Hilario, a Hilliard resident, said. In helping educate central Ohioans on the matter, Hilario said events such as the Asian Festival can help bridge the gap.

Read More

Miss Black Ohio pageant returns for in-person ceremony after last year's cancellation

in ,

With the alluringly bright lights of the Miss Black Ohio pageant forced to fade last year due to COVID-19, a new line of contestants will take center stage on Saturday at the historic Lincoln Theatre.

In celebrating nearly 40 years of Miss Black Ohio, State Pageant Director Fanchon Page, 50, of Columbus, couldn't let the milestone pass without crowning a new queen after last year's cancellation.

Read More

Near East Side mural commemorates Columbus' Uhuru Dance Company history

in , ,

The rhythmic movements and the sounds of Afro percussions echoed throughout the corner of Taylor Avenue and East Long Street, as Columbus poet Charles "Is Said" Lyons and others came together to commemorate an overlooked but integral fragment of Columbus history.

The Uhuru Dance Company, an African-based dance group that formed on the Ohio State University campus in the fall of 1971, celebrated its 50th anniversary Saturday with the placement of an outdoor mural at 1500 E. Long St., the former home of the Willis Beauty Supply Store.

Read More

After closing due to COVID, tourist attractions in Ohio are ready for visitors

in ,

The travel industry plummeted last year as the world struggled with the onset of a global pandemic, one that battered the economy and prompted uncertainty for businesses reliant on tourism dollars.

But with state parks, zoos, museums and other venues modifying COVID-19 safety restrictions and Gov. Mike DeWine announcing the ending of state health orders on June 2, there's a rising sense of optimism for national and state travel.

Read More