The Obelisk
The Kwanzaa Playground is Ohio's first Africentric, arts-inspired playground.
Kwanzaa Playground, also known as the Children’s Africentric Playground, sits on just over half an acre of land in the Old Towne East neighborhood. The park was renovated in 2014 with new play equipment and art restoration as well as a new portal by artist Queen Brooks.
Pheoris West was one among seven original artists, Bill Agnew, Queen Brooks, Barbara Chavous, Larry Winston Collins, Pheoris West, and LaVerne Brown, who contributed to the Kwanzaa Playground which was developed in 1995 as a joint effort between the community and the City of Columbus. It is designed in the shape of a human figure, which represents the first ancestor and the park focuses on positive African-American images based on the concept that “It takes a whole village to raise a child”. The collection of art in the playground supports the theme of “lessons for living” based on the “Nguzo Saba” or the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. These principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
The obelisk is in the center of the park and is about eight-feet tall. The obelisk is an ancient symbol of early civilization. It sits on the belly of the playground. As the stomach is considered the center of judgment, the obelisk or TEKHEN, is inscribed with hieroglyphs to proclaim virtues for good living so the stomach will be free of stress and dis-ease.
- Created: 1995
- Current Location: Kwanzaa Playground at English Park (google map)
- Collections: Outdoor, Sculptures