Meet three Cincinnatians making the city more creative, connected and unmistakably itself, and then help choose the Culture Maker of the Week winner.
Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.
That’s why CityBeat is launching Culture Maker of the Week, a new contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.
Nominees are submitted by you (submit nominations here), and our editors pick the three up for voting. Read about this week’s contenders below, then cast your vote for the person you think deserves the title.
You can vote as often as you’d like until noon on Nov. 6. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.
Kimisha Maull
Nominated by: Linda Wesley, Briana Jones, Art Jones, Tenier Stanton and Aaron Mizell
Maull was nominated by so many people; here’s what a few of them had to say:
Art Jones: She is one of Cincinnati’s best-kept, but now secret! A talent with music that makes you feel a song you’ve heard before a little different when she plays it. The true meaning of a DJ! I’ve seen her in different environments, from corporate events, house parties, graduations, LGBTQ+ spaces, and then some! They are a part of a collective (Black Wonder Land) that helps provide safe spaces for all but also a place where queer POC can feel included and valued. She has brought so many individuals together who may not have interacted with each other outside of her events.
Tenier Stanton: She is such a beautiful spirit. A positive black woman in a community will be a great person for great Community work. Loves helping people, has such a good spirit, and she’s such a wonderful DJ. She’s a very outgoing person and a good person to be around.
Aaron Mizell: Kimisha, also known as Mimi, also known as DJ K Chante, is a phenomenal human being who promotes positivity and inclusivity through hosting events that spread love for all. Mimi is a woman who takes the energy of a room and feels it with joy, laughter and spreads this energy person to person, room to room and all throughout the community
Morrella Raleigh
Nominated by: Scott Wherle
Why Wherle nominated Raleigh:
Morrella is the owner of the Southgate House Revival in Newport. You won’t find a kinder, more inclusive venue owner in this city.
Her impact on the local music scene is palpable, as one of the few places that provides an amazing space for local, original bands to thrive, as well as international touring artists who fit under the radar of the mainstream.
Jim Tucker
Nominated by: DJ Justice
Why Justice nominated Tucker:
Jim Tucker is an amazing visual artist that I stumbled upon in Cincinnati a few years ago. From the moment I saw his work, I was drawn in.
His approach, although challenging to define, is largely character-driven, vibrant, and representative of the Cincinnati community at large. Now, after attending several of his events and having interacted with him, I appreciate his art and the way he engages and reflects our community even more. And, he’s a good dude! Highly recommended.
Cast Your Vote
Vote once. Vote twice. Vote every time you reopen the tab. Then send this story to the group chat, neighborhood Facebook page, Discord server or overly competitive family member of your choice.
You can vote as often as you’d like until noon Nov. 20. The winner will receive a featured CityBeat story, recognition across CityBeat’s social channels and eternal neighborhood bragging rights.*
*Not legally binding, but spiritually true.
Know Cincinnati’s Next Culture Maker?
Nominations are always open. Tell us about an artist, DJ, chef, bartender, muralist, musician, organizer, educator, performer, community builder or other local human making Cincinnati a more interesting place. Nominate a Culture Maker here.
