Theme: Renaissance

Would you rather be exceptionally talented at a few things or be sufficiently skilled at everything? Renaissance, our proposed annual event theme, asserts that one should pursue a wide base of knowledge. For example, the Italian Renaissance is known as a period of controversy, rebirth, and intense discussions in art, religion, mathematics, education, and beyond. When we picture the Italian Renaissance we picture Michelangelo’s fresco of the Sistine Chapel soaring high above the limits of human height and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus symbolizing the rebirth of a nation artistically and symbolically. However, we must also extend ourselves to the north, to the artistry of the Dutch and Flemish Renaissance, which saw the birth of new genres of painting while simultaneously paying homage to the Italian artists with its dedication to portraying the human condition and natural beauty. In addition, the Harlem Renaissance was an explosion of art within a neglected community, one that subverted popular culture by inventing their own forms of popular culture, which revolutionized how Americans regarded each other.

Broadly, the Renaissance brings to mind the iconic phrase of “renaissance man” and the notion of not staying in one lane, but rather chasing knowledge of all things for the vast growth of an evolving people. Renaissance means rebirth, and rebirth means evolution. What we realize now, at this pivotal moment in the 21st century of simultaneous pandemic and explosion of knowledge, is that this Earth is living its next renaissance and this time we choose not to highlight who history knows as the “renaissance man” but instead the modern and holistic “renaissance person.” The modern renaissance person is finding a new life in old tools, arts, and modes of thought. The modern renaissance person is experiencing a global period of growth in medicine, space travel, agriculture, and climate research. The modern renaissance person is becoming an ally, an advocate, and an academic where and when it matters most. Renaissance is an amalgamation of talents, all born from the minds of multitalented individuals.

That is what we seek to represent with our annual event: the outline of the “renaissance person” as they have evolved in the landscape of the twenty-first century. We are calling on them to share their ideas.

Online
YouTubeLive
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45221
United States

Crystal Burton

Medical Marijuana Entrepreneur

Crystal Burton pushes the envelope as a cannabis entrepreneur. Born and raised in Cincinnati, this UC alumnus returned to her hometown from New York City in 2017 after an unfortunate turn of events that ultimately led to an opportunity of a lifetime - to join the team that was to make history by opening the first medical marijuana dispensary in the City of Cincinnati. She has been integral in leading the Ohio market with the largest Black Owned MMJ dispensary, exceeding projections by 4 M and winning a National award within its first year of operations. Crystal simultaneously co-founded DMC Capital securing a $50M backing for various projects domestically and internationally, guest lectured at The University of Cincinnati and has been 1 of 16 women nationally to be backed by American Women in Science in 2020. She looks forward to being able to use cannabis as a tool to give back to the communities that surround her and inspire all people to go after their aspirations in life.

Daniel Posmik

Student, Data Analytics Activist

Daniel Posmik is a third year Economics and Data Analytics student at the University of Cincinnati. He is the proud founder and president of Neo Consulting: UC’s youngest social justice initiative. His goal is to help historically marginalized small businesses in Cincinnati with pro-bono data analytics consulting. Why? Because he believes in making the power of data-driven decision-making available to those who were denied the privilege of education. Neo – the Latin word for new – is his organization’s contribution to reinventing a fairer Cincinnati economy!

Dr. Brandi Elliot

Collegiate Ethnic Program and Services

Dr. Brandi Nicole Hutchins Elliott serves as the Director of the Office of Ethnic Programs & Services (EPS). She is responsible for the implementation of programs and services that address the academic, social and cultural needs of a diverse student body. She also oversees the prestigious Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program. She obtained a Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2001 and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2004. One of Dr. Elliott’s greatest achievements was obtaining her Doctorate of Education in Urban Educational Leadership in 2009 before the age of 30. Dr. Elliott is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In her current role, she serves as the chair of the Student Affairs Equity and Inclusion Council and is a UC staff senator. She was named a 2011-2012 YWCA Rising Star and completed the YWCA Board Leadership Program where she is certified to serve on non-for-profit boards. Last but not least, she was named a 2020 YWCA Career Woman of Achievement.

Michael Coppage

Contemporary Artist

Originally, from Chicago, Michael Coppage has lived and worked in Cincinnati since 2007. Coppage has recently been featured in print and online after participating in the city of Cincinnati’s Black Lives Matter mural and for receiving hate mail for a controversial and provocative series entitled "American +" where he depicts white Americans as monkeys. His work addresses social norms rooted in bias and aims to bring subconscious bias to the forefront. He had a recent micro-residency at the Cincinnati Contemporary Art Center entitled “BLACK BOX” : a community impact project aimed at demystifying black men and creating authentic experiences that replaced bias and preconceived notions related to the term “Black.”

Michael Morgan

Lawyer, Preservation Developer

Michael D. Morgan, J.D. began using narrative history as a method of advocating for neighborhood preservation and revitalization in the early 2000s. This work has taken many different forms in the years since. Morgan is the author of popular local history books, has designed and developed heritage tourism programs, serves as Curator of Cincinnati’s Brewing Heritage Trail, and teaches at the University of Cincinnati College of DAAP and the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He has also worked on and appeared in several documentary films. Morgan is a graduate of Ohio University and the University of Toledo College of Law.

Romel Sims

Black American Music Musician

Romel Sims plays music to tell stories through song, however these stories become musical conversations with the people from the musicians to the audience. Creating a social experience where everyone is invited to share. Black American Music (B.A.M.) is rooted in the black experience but is open to everyone. Creating dialogue from musical moments to social movements, he uses the elements of music, community, and dialogue in B.A.M. to uplift black culture and the diversity of it.