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Hamilton County proclaims March 7, 2025 "Brent Billingsley Day"; artist and youth mentor speaks about cancer journey
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners on March 6 recognized local artist and social worker Brent Billingsley ("Mister B") with a proclamation and designated March 7, 2025 as Brent Billingsley Day in Hamilton County; Billingsley described recent surgery and treatment for an HPV-related cancer and urged others not to delay diagnosis and care.
Hamilton County commissioners on March 6 presented a proclamation recognizing Brent Billingsley — known to many youth as “Mister B” — for his work as an artist, mentor and behavioral health specialist and proclaimed March 7, 2025 as Brent Billingsley Day in Hamilton County.
Billingsley, who works as a behavioral health specialist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, spoke about a recent medical emergency in which a large neck mass compressed his airway. He said he delayed treatment while completing an art project and was taken into surgery the night of the Blink festival; subsequent imaging and biopsy showed an HPV-related cancer. “I felt like I have the privilege of having cancer so God can get the glory out of my situation,” Billingsley said.
Speakers at the meeting described Billingsley’s community work: he co-founded two nonprofits focused on therapeutic art engagement, mentors youth, and has received local awards including the Curtis Sheldon MD Compassionate Caregiver Award from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and ArtsWave grants. The proclamation recited his degrees — a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in printmaking from Miami University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Cincinnati — and listed awards and community contributions.
Billingsley said chemotherapy shrank the mass and that he will next receive radiation therapy. He urged people — especially young men, he said — to “listen to your body” and not delay medical attention. He and his son have promoted vaccination against human papillomavirus where appropriate and have designed apparel to encourage awareness and prevention.
Commissioners presented the proclamation, praised his service, and thanked him for encouraging others while undergoing treatment. The board did not adopt any ordinance or funding action related to the proclamation at the March 6 meeting.
Ending — Billingsley’s recognition is ceremonial; commissioners said they will continue to highlight community arts and health partnerships in county events and communications.
