When she founded Kendra Walker Atlanta Art WeekIts aim was to support artists and highlight the city’s cultural landscape. As it enters its third yr, it has change into a much-needed effort to bring together galleries, artists, collectors and art enthusiasts to promote education, economic development and art appreciation each locally and abroad. For this esteemed artistic advisor and author, looking back on the past week’s successes is significant, nevertheless it’s most vital that she looks forward so she will proceed to evolve and thrive.

Although this significant event may occur in 2022, its founder began her artistic journey long before it took off. Walker’s introduction to art was unexpected, sparked by studies abroad that exposed her to some of the most prestigious institutions in Europe, including the Louvre and Tate Modern.

“Before this trip, I had no formal education or knowledge about the art space,” she recalls. “It was this trip as part of my formal art history training where I was first exposed to the art space.” This encounter, combined along with her art studies at Georgia State University and a number of other key internships, laid the foundation for a profession she describes as a “beautiful and unique” experience.

Atlanta Art Week was born out of Walker’s observations of the city’s growing artistic atmosphere. “I watched our ecosystems thrive and be so active,” she explains. Inspired to create a platform that may amplify contemporary art on a regional level, Walker’s vision was to establish a moment in time that may encourage travel, exposure and expansion for local and international artists. As a result, the event quickly grew in popularity since its inception, attracting over 2,000 ticket holders in its first yr.

Reflecting on the event’s early achievements, Forbes 30 under 30 Honoree appreciates the enthusiasm of the city’s artistic community. “I think it was able to thrive in the first year because of Atlanta’s readiness for something like this,” Walker tells ESSENCE. Without a large social media following, AAW relied largely on word of mouth and support from the local arts association.

As the event grows, so do the challenges. In the starting, Walker’s principal focus was selling the idea of ​​Atlanta Art Week to participants and supporters. “You’re very much in grind mode. By the third year, the same type of sales presentation is no longer necessary.” Now he’s in a recent phase where reflection and development take precedence. “It’s definitely a different set of things that we’re thinking about and considering three things today compared to when we started,” he says.

One of the key points of Walker’s work is her identity as a black woman in the arts. While she approaches her craft with professionalism, she is acutely aware of the role of race, gender and age in her experiences. “My passion is Black artists, BIPOC artists,” he says. “I naturally try to help open doors or create opportunities that I would want.” However, Walker is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that Atlanta Arts Week represents a wide selection of voices and perspectives.

Looking ahead, Walker anticipates AAW will proceed to grow over time, with an emphasis on expanded programming, modern exhibitions and more educational content. He hopes to involve more universities and even middle and high schools in the project. As she continues to construct on her child’s success, Walker’s commitment to cultivating Atlanta’s art scene and creating opportunities for artists stays at the heart of her mission.

“I think Atlanta Art Week has helped people from out of town, from all over the world, take time to explore together,” Walker says. “It also created an opportunity for the Atlanta arts community to really come together and really amplify all the amazing work that’s going on – now the world can see it.”

Jacqueline Woodson has lived in the hearts and souls of black girls around the world for 10 years. To rejoice a decade of empowering young Black women, the best-selling writer hosted an event in the heart of Manhattan at Symphony Space. The program included live historical reconstructions and musical performances by stars akin to: Lena Waithe, Nicole Ari Parker, Marley Dias, Roksana Gaj, Montego GloverAND Toshi Reagon.

A strong memoir that dives into Woodson’s experiences with race and identity during the era of Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Great Migration, it has touched readers across generations. He has won many awards, including: National Book Award, Coretta Scott King Awardand Newbery’s Honorand was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time.

National Literacy Month is coming to an end and we’re looking forward to Banned Books Week, which is vital now greater than ever. The book has been questioned in recent discussions about banned books attributable to ongoing conversations about promoting critical race theory. In an interview with Woodson 2019 from NPR, tells host Scott Simon“The most dangerous thing you can do as a writer writing books that young people will read is to try to teach them something… You know I write because I have all these questions, not because I know the answers.”

Throughout the program, people screamed with excitement, cried with sympathy, and rejoiced as they heard Woodson and others discuss the life of the book. The energy in the room was palpable.

“I’m really surprised by what number of life-like moments this book had, because I had no idea something like this is able to occur. It reaches people I never thought it could reach. I used to be just blown away by the life it brought. And again, I feel it goes back to how specific it was, that it is sensible now because I’m writing about after I was a young person, but I’m 60 now, so someone in their 60s, 70s, 80s, I can read it and know this story. And someone who’s 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, because you’ll be able to read it and feel the girl or the boy, whatever part they connect with,” Woodson said.

Throughout her profession, Woodson has consistently helped young people, including establishing foundations Baldwin for arta residency supporting writers, composers, and interdisciplinary and visual artists from the Global Majority. Her work continues to remodel culture through her distinct perspective as an artist, scientist, writer, screenwriter and activist, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

ESSENCE Black Women in Sports and AT&T Dream in Black have joined forces to have a good time the incredible achievements, stories and experiences of Black women each on and off the court – from rookies to executives.

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