King-Lincoln Bronzeville in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall

Completed July 2014

— Long Street —

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 28, 2026

1. Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall Marker

Inscription.

Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall. Completed July 2014. , This unique bridge design , a green space cap over the interstate with a public art wall and complementary architectural features , is a first in the state of Ohio. Selected by the community as one of the most important bridge crossings in downtown, the Long Street Bridge is designed as an urban pocket park and neighborhood gateway, with the potential for a future building. The Long Street Bridge reconnects the King-Lincoln District with the downtown Discovery District campuses of Columbus State Community College, Columbus College of Art and Design and Columbus Museum of Art. The Cultural Wall honors the rich history of the King-Lincoln District and serves as an inspiration for all. The bridge was funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and the City of Columbus.,

I am an old school photographer who was taught how to paint with light. Combining traditional techniques with new computer technology allows me to create images never dreamed of before., I am a lifelong resident within the boundaries of the Long Street Cultural Wall Project and I have enjoyed documenting the history and culture of a sometimes under-represented community., I captured most of the photographs on the mural, but have also included photographs by Marion Richardson, George Pierce and others. The images depict about sixty years of history. Always remember what you do today is tomorrow's history., -- Kojo Kamau, My connection to the District began as a young art student as the Columbus College of Art and Design. Years later, I would have my first art studio at the King Arts Complex. I worked, raised a family and attended church in this area. Much of my inspiration and creativity sprang forth from this environment., The images I created for the wall are enlarged linoleum block prints, hand pulled on a printing press and positioned collage-style with photographs., The design on the wall reflects the rich cultural history of this community. The images are of well-known local and nationally recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to their disciplines and the community., -- Lary Winston Collins

, Long Street.

"This bridge is more than a mere crossing. It embraces Long Street as the historic center of culture, civic life, church and commerce in the African American community. The Cultural Wall celebrates the diversity of our city, commemorates our rich history and inspires our future.", Mayor Michael B. Coleman

This unique bridge design — a green space cap over the interstate with a public art wall and complementary architectural features — is a first in the state of Ohio. Selected by the community as one of the most important bridge crossings in downtown, the Long Street Bridge is designed as an urban pocket park and neighborhood gateway, with the potential for a future building. The Long Street Bridge reconnects the King-Lincoln District with the downtown Discovery District campuses of Columbus State Community College, Columbus College of Art and Design and Columbus Museum of Art. The Cultural Wall honors the rich history of the King-Lincoln District and serves as an inspiration for all. The bridge was funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and the City of Columbus.

I am an old school photographer who was taught how to paint with light. Combining traditional techniques with new computer technology allows me to create images never dreamed of before.

I am a lifelong resident within the boundaries of the Long Street Cultural Wall Project and I have enjoyed documenting the history and culture of a sometimes under-represented community.

I captured most of the photographs on the mural, but have also included photographs by Marion Richardson,
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George Pierce and others. The images depict about sixty years of history. Always remember what you do today is tomorrow's history.

-- Kojo Kamau

My connection to the District began as a young art student as the Columbus College of Art and Design. Years later, I would have my first art studio at the King Arts Complex. I worked, raised a family and attended church in this area. Much of my inspiration and creativity sprang forth from this environment.

The images I created for the wall are enlarged linoleum block prints, hand pulled on a printing press and positioned collage-style with photographs.

The design on the wall reflects the rich cultural history of this community. The images are of well-known local and nationally recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to their disciplines and the community.

-- Lary Winston Collins

Long Street

"This bridge is more than a mere crossing. It embraces Long Street as the historic center of culture, civic life, church and commerce in the African American community. The Cultural Wall celebrates the diversity of our city, commemorates our rich history and inspires our future."

Mayor Michael B. Coleman

Erected 2014 by Ohio Department

Artist statements on the Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 28, 2026

2. Artist statements on the Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall

of Transportation, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and the City of Columbus.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Bridges & Viaducts • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is July 2014.

Location. 39° 58.013′ N, 82° 59.028′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in King-Lincoln Bronzeville. It is at the intersection of East Long Street and Lester Drive, on the right when traveling east on East Long Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 640 E Long St, Columbus OH 43203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Scioto Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: King Lincoln District Arch (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); James Thurber (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Donn Vickers Gazebo in Thurber Park (about 600 feet away); Spring Street Bridge (about 600 feet away); Helen Carter (about 700 feet away); Historic Near East Side (about 700 feet away); The Lincoln Theatre (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Donn Vickers Gazebo in Thurber Park (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced

The Mayor's Dedication on the Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 28, 2026

3. The Mayor's Dedication on the Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall

with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 28, 2026

4. Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall Marker

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 28, 2026

5. Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall Marker

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 28, 2026

6. Long Street Bridge and Cultural Wall Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 19 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.