Developing Tamir's Center

The murder of Tamir Rice at the hands of the Cleveland Police in 2014 stunned the nation. To uplift Tamir’s legacy, his mother, Samaria Rice, founded the Tamir Rice Foundation to advocate for youth and families. In 2018, in honor of what would have been Tamir's 16th birthday, the foundation announced plans to build The Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center, which will provide arts, cultural, educational, and civic programs for youth ages 10-19 that celebrate the history and culture of people of African descent in Cleveland, OH.  Our initial campaign raised over $30,000 for the visioning and planning process, the development of architectural plans and capital improvements, and for the recruitment of community stakeholders. 

Now we move to our next stage - the creation of a strategic and artistic plan, the implementation of construction work, the development of a sustainable community engagement process, and the introduction of our artist-activist focus for the Center.  This phase requires additional administrative support, as well as community education and outreach. 

At the 5th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony at the Cleveland Museum of Art on November 20, 2019, Ms. Rice will unveil the design for The Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center, explain her commitment to the local and national artists who have revealed the transformative power of the arts in creating Tamir's legacy, and will open a dialogue about the role of the Center as part of the arts and activist community.  

The funds raised through this campaign will support both the anniversary event and provide ongoing support for the next phase of planning and construction.

October

• Work with architect to complete design
• Develop media campaign about the vision for Tamir’s Center
• Announce Tamir’s 5th Anniversary Memorial at CMA

November

• Give away 75 complimentary tickets to high school students (16+) for the ceremony
• Host Tamir’s 5th Anniversary Memorial at CMA

December-March

• Develop strategic plan and community engagement events
• Continue architectural and construction plans 

January

• Approve contracts for boundary and asbestos surveys
• Hire professional support for The Tamir Rice Foundation, including administrative, development and marketing personnel

March

• Complete boundary and asbestos surveys
• Hire contractors and develop work schedule

May

• Start construction on renovations of the building

Systemic inequities, racial violence and poverty create immense barriers for Cleveland youth seeking to express themselves and produce long-term negative effects on their daily lives.  Kids and teens need safe, accessible and inspirational spaces where they can explore their identities, grow and learn without limits, and envision and create change in their communities. The Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center will fulfill this need.  With over 3500 square feet, our building at 61st and St. Clair will include classrooms, visual art and dance studios, exhibit spaces, and a state-of-the-art black box theater. 

African-centered courses in civics, expressive arts, and theater will help promote the social and artistic development of Cleveland youth.  Guest artists and speakers, touring exhibits and cultural programs will expose children and their families to the rich history and legacy of Afrocentric arts, connecting the lived experiences of Cleveland youth to the generations of artists, activists and civic leaders who came before them and allowing them to create a stronger and more beautiful future.

Ms. Rice knows that art is a catalyst for social change, and in the wake of Tamir's death, she has been supported and inspired by the artist activists who push boundaries, advocate for social reform and uplift Tamir's legacy in a myriad of ways.  Through the innovative work of The Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center and along with community stakeholders, she will deepen the impact of the arts in our city, develop a new generation of activists, and create a nurturing space that faciltates healing and the pursuit of self-determination.