Poet Charles ‘Is Said’ Lyons’ legacy to be remembered
Although his earthly presence has been gone for nearly a year, the impact that Charles “Is Said” Lyons left on many — especially those among the local literati — lives on.
A prolific and much-lauded writer whose body of work included more than 60 books and 40 plays, Lyons died on Feb. 6, 2023, at the age of 88.
On Sunday, the Is Said Foundation, in collaboration with Flpsyd Voices, will pay homage to Lyons by celebrating his life and contributions to poetry, playwriting and storytelling during a public ceremony set for 3 p.m. at the Columbus Whist Players Society, 2251 S. James Road. The free event is open to the public.
Lyons, a Georgia native who moved to Columbus as a teen, was a visionary known to enthrall audiences with his eloquence, taking them on an odyssey through topics ranging from love and heartbreak to sociopolitical issues. His many awards include the 2011 Columbus Legend Award from the King Arts Complex, the title of Hot Times “HERO” of the year, and induction into the Lincoln Center’s Walk of Fame in 2021.
Sunday’s ceremony also will include tributes to two noted pioneers in the literary and journalistic worlds. The honorees will be:
● Vernell Bristow — A poet and cofounder of Writer’s Block Poetry, one of Columbus’ longest-running poetry open-mic nights. Known for its anything-can-happen poetry nights, Writers’ Block ran for 24 years and sent teams and individuals to national and regional poetry slams, and hosted competitions in Columbus. Bristow also is a frequent participant in slam poetry competitions.
● Ann B. Walker — The first female and African American journalist to cover Columbus City Hall and the Ohio legislature, Walker’s achievements include being the first female in broadcast management at WLWC-TV (now WCMH-TV (Channel 4) and the first Black woman from Franklin County to receive a presidential appointment in 1980, when then-president Jimmy Carter appointed her as special assistant to the director of The White House Public Affairs Office.
bpaschal@dispatch.com