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.
Consandra Wright
Nominated by: Amos Goodwin
Why Goodwin nominated Wright:
Consandra “Lady A” Wright is a breath of fresh air. After losing her youngest son, she never gave up and made it her life’s work to continue to make his name valued in this city. This woman has been through the wringer but still strives to maintain a presence in radio, social media and brand building.
Her event in her son’s honor is called “Robbie Day,” named after her late son Robert Wright, whom she misses til this day. Lady A helps the youth and has also been featured in many films, shorts, and features! Through all this, she has also been diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney failure. Yes, kidney failure and has she stopped yet? No!
I am honored to stand beside her through her journey, and there is nobody more deserving of this than she is. I can go on and on but I will tell you much more when I am giving my speech! Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jana Sullivan
Nominated by: Cerome Coach
Why Coach nominated Sullivan:
Jana is an independent movie director and local author of 36 books. With her company, Acts Up Ent. She brings upcoming actors and creators together to produce content that reflects real stories that happen in the black community. She also gives community service hours to teenagers who are interested in film and arts. Jana also goes to public schools and talks to the youth about how they can audition for acting and her experience with getting a Tubi movie deal and hitting the Amazon bestseller list with her books . Every so often, Jana hosts writing classes at the library to teach people how to publish their own books.
Troy Jackson
Nominated by: himself
Why Jackson nominated himself:
I should be nominated for Culture Maker of the Week because I represent Cincinnati in a real way. I’m an independent artist, creator, and builder who has kept creating from Cincinnati without waiting on outside validation. Through my music, visuals, and commentary, I capture the ambition, pain, resilience, and work ethic that make this city what it is. I’ve built my own brand, pushed my own catalog, and stayed committed to making something real from where I’m from. I’m not just chasing attention — I’m creating culture, documenting it, and contributing to it from the ground level. I make Cincinnati feel like Cincinnati because my work reflects the city’s hunger, grit, and voice.
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. 6. 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.
