2024 Official NBAF Event Guide

www.nbaf.org

@nbaf | @nbafreimagined @nbafreimagined

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hello! As NBAF’s Executive Director, it is my honor to share greetings on behalf of NBAF’s Board of Directors, Staff, and Community.

After 3 decades of providing engaging arts programming to the Atlanta community, NBAF remains focused on its mission to expose, educate, engage, and entertain audiences as we present and support the art and artists of African descent. NBAF has a tremendous legacy of providing excellent artistic and educational programming across music, dance, theater, film, visual, and literary arts, showcasing talented Black artists who create and produce extraordinary work. We are honored to build upon this legacy in 2024 and are committed to innovatively presenting the best in Black art as we continue to evolve and consistently create with excellence.

NBAF seeks to ensure that the art and stories of Black people are highlighted and valued, and we are committed to helping shape a more equitable and impactful arts ecosystem. By remaining focused on our mission and through your continued support, we’ve been able to highlight the transformative impact Black art has in our community. We continue this work through our 3 main programming pillars which include providing 1) engaging youth arts education programs, 2) artistic development opportunities for emerging artists, and 3) quality public programs for the community.

This year, we are announcing our intention to relaunch the renowned NBAF festival, and to support in this effort, we have now transitioned back to larger-scale, festival-style events such as the annual NBAF Black History Month and Black Music Month programs. These immersive experiential events all highlight NBAF’s dedication to presenting the best in Black art and we look forward to continuing to provide a platform for artistic excellence while positively impacting the community with your partnership.

NBAF’s 2024 programming theme “Artistry Unbound” celebrates the profound contributions of African American artists and empowers artists to express themselves unapologetically in a relentless pursuit of Black excellence, freedom, and equity. Join us and support Black art by attending upcoming NBAF events, donating to NBAF programming, and enjoying our artistic content as we purposefully and meaningfully celebrate Black art that inspires us to create the change that we want to see in the world.

For the love of art,

Stephanie R. Owens Executive Director NBAF

Photo by Kim Evans Photos

At NBAF, we believe that art is not just about creating beauty, it’s a call to address the issues of the day in new and creative ways.

2024 THEME: ARTISTRY UNBOUND

Art has the power to incite change in the world and in the individual. Beyond creating what may seem frivolous to some, we look to art to inspire and energize us as we face our daily struggles. It is its own form of evolution, encouraging us to be better and do better than we have been or than has been done to us. It calls us to find creative solutions to the problems we face as a people and a nation.

As the vanguard organization promoting and presenting the best in Black art, NBAF is always striving to innovate in the field, to find creative solutions to the obstacles that we face, and to present our work in ways that set the standard.

NBAF’s 2024 theme, Artistry Unbound is an exploration of the resounding power of African American art to propel us toward the realization of our collective freedom. This theme celebrates the profound contributions of African American artists in their relentless pursuit of social justice, equality,

and financial equity. It celebrates the trailblazers who have paved the way for a new generation of artists, continuing the legacy of social commentary and artistic innovation. This theme calls us to be “Black on purpose” and create programs that directly speak to the injustices that we still face as a people and find artistic and creative ways to address these issues.

Help NBAF answer the call by contributing $36 to help us reach our $36,000 annual individual donation goal! Your support helps sustain NBAF’s year-round, highquality public programs, youth-focused initiatives, and artist grant and professional development opportunities, enabling thousands of people around the country to experience the transformative power of Black art.

For more info or to donate, please visit: https://nbaf.org/donate/

NBAF’s 18th Annual Fine Art + Fashion benefit, which took place on Wednesday, March 27th at the Atlanta History Center, raised funds to support NBAF’s youth arts education programs for underserved students in Atlanta Public Schools.

FINE ART + FASHION 2024

This spectacular event, presented by NBAF and Neiman Marcus, showcased the top emerging and accomplished fashion designers and visual artists in support of NBAF’s in-school arts education programs for youth, and our Fashion Forward Student Design Program, designed to accelerate the studies of students enrolled in a college fashion design degree program.

Fine Art + Fashion also featured “The Art of Fashion” runway show curated by Neiman Marcus, an open bar and finely curated meal, an exhibition of work created by high-school students for the NextGen Visionary Artist competition, an awards ceremony honoring and award-winning Fashion Designer and Visual Artist, and the launch of the inaugural Radcliffe Bailey Award for Excellence in Visual Art.

The 2024 Fine Art & Fashion Designer Honoree, James Keith, is one of the most recognizable brands in the luxury accessories industry. The Keith James brand has become a favorite of celebrities and public figures from Floyd Mayweather to Beyonce.

Photographer Marilyn Nance was the 2024 Fine Art + Fashion honoree in Visual Arts and the inaugural recipient of the Radcliffe Bailey Award for Excellence in Visual Art. Nance has produced images of unique moments in the cultural history of the US and the African Diaspora. Sponsored by Vicki

and John Palmer, the Radcliffe Bailey Award for Excellence in Visual Art awardee was selected by a committee of esteemed Visual Arts judges, led by the High Museum’s Curator of African Art, Lauren Tate Baeza.

NBAF’s 2024 Fashion Forward Student Design Competition winners were college students Yemisi Sanni and Kuan Jackson. They both received a $1,500 cash prize, their work was highlighted at NBAF’s Fine Art + Fashion Benefit and they received a showcase at Neiman Marcus.

Photo by Kim Evans Photos

Camille Love and Mayor Andre Dickens

Photo by Kim Evans Photos

An annual event that promotes important Black artists, art movements, and genres, the NBAF Black History Month series focuses on bringing Black art history to life!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024: BLACKLISTED! BANNED BOOK FAIR

Every Black History Month, NBAF hosts immersive programming that takes a deep dive into an aspect of African American art, placing it squarely into historical context while highlighting the contemporary artists moving the art form forward.

Taking place from 12 PM - 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday, February 24th & 25th, 2024 at The Loudermilk Conference Center in Downtown Atlanta, the NBAF Blacklisted! Banned Book Fair featured celebrated authors, scholars, and activists from around the nation including, Tayari Jones, Dr. Yaba Blay, Feminista Jones, Nic Stone, Dr. Akinyele Umoja, Gerald L. Coleman, Dr. Renée Alexander Craft, Kimberly Latrice Jones, and many others!

NBAF’s Blacklisted! Banned Book Fair was an immersive experience with enriching activities to push back on the current nationwide removal of African American-authored or themed books. Participants engaged in moderated panel discussions with esteemed Black Authors & Intellectuals, an

Indie Black Book Marketplace showcasing African American booksellers and authors, and a film screening and talk back of the documentary, Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am.

For our youth, Blacklisted! hosted a Youth Book Fair offering live readings, a children’s book market, interactive children’s activities, and free book giveaways.

For more info on NBAF’s Black History Month program, visit: https://nbaf.org/black-history-month/

Photo by DV Photo/Video

Photo by DV Photo/Video Tayari Jones

The NBAF Artist Project Fund (APF) is a $2000 grant and artistic development program for Metro Atlanta artists seeking funds to complete an ongoing project.

ARTIST PROJECT FUND

APF seeks to support 20 professional artists over a 6-month period in the completion of an artistic project, foster a sense of community and creative collaboration, and provide immersive artistic and career development experiences to help each participant grow as creative entrepreneurs.

The 2024 NBAF Artist Project Fund Cohort includes:

Althea Brown - @altheabrowngallery

Andi Wantuadi - @Andikmusic

Ashley Jefferson - @nguzobabies

Crystal Autumn Brooks - @crystalautumnn

Danielle Swatzie - @daniswatziee

Darrell Grant - @artistsofcoloratl

DeSitaa Lipscomb - @gracefirstvideo

Elliot McKnight - @elliottmcknight.eth

George Galbreath - @GeorgeGalbreath

Honey Pierre - @Honeypierre

Immanuel Laidlaw - @immanuellaidlaw

Janice Liddell - @janice.liddell

Kamil Oshundara - @k6mil

Kemi Bennings - @kemibennings

Kimani Johnson - @thenameiskimani

Miyana Sarver - @miyanatl

Piera Moore - @slumpiera

Rahbi Raw - @RahbiRaw

Spencer Charles - @spencer charles

Umi IMAN Siferllah-Griffin - @umi iman movement

NBAF encourages the public to visit the artists’ Instagram accounts listed above to learn more about their practice and follow their progress!

NBAF congratulates all of the 2024 Artist Project Fund grant recipients, and is proud to play a part in their artistic and career development!

To learn more about the NBAF Artist Project Fund and other grant opportunities, visit https://nbaf.org/artist-project-fund.

APF 2024 at Alliance Theatre

APF 2024 at Buckhead Art & Company

Clockwise from left: Quiana Parler, Deninufay African Dance and Drum, Marcus Anderson

Each June, Black Music Month celebrates the African American musical influences that are an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage.

This Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19th, NBAF celebrates African-American alternative music with SOULREBELROCK, a Black Punk/Rock/Alternative concert experience at Center Stage Theater!

BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2024: SOULREBELROCK CONCERT

The history of Black alternative music is a dynamic and multifaceted journey that challenges traditional narratives of these genres as predominantly white spaces. They are spaces of artistic and political experimentation and from their inception, people of African descent have created, rebelled, and influenced within the different scenes. Black alternative music is a story of resistance, creativity, and breaking down racial barriers within

these genres. They are extensions of our call for collective freedom, of living outside of mainstream rules and expectations.

SOULREBELROCK celebrates the African American contributions to the genre while showcasing the contemporary talent pushing the genre forward via:

• Interactive timelines showcasing the genre’s history, icons, and movements

• Visual exhibitions that define the different eras of music

• Live performances by local and national bands that are elevating the art form

For more info, please visit: https://nbaf.org/black-music-month

RHABI

Hero The Band

Guitar Gabby & The TxLips Band

Who We Are

Who We Are

ADAMA is an innovative museum showcasing contemporary art and culture of the African Diaspora

We amplify the diverse voices of our global family through the creation of immersive experiences, cultivating shared learning, and facilitating meaningful points of connection

ADAMA is an innovative museum showcasing contemporary art and culture of the African Diaspora

ADAMA is an innovative museum showcasing contemporary art and culture of the African Diaspora We amplify the diverse voices of our global family through the creation of immersive experiences, cultivating shared learning, and facilitating meaningful points of connection

From Our Founder Dr. Fahamu

ADAMA is an innovative museum showcasing contemporary art and culture of the African Diaspora We amplify the diverse voices of our global family through the creation of immersive experiences, cultivating shared learning, and facilitating meaningful points of connection

Pecou

From Our Founder

ADAMA is an innovative museum showcasing contemporary art and culture of the African Diaspora We amplify the diverse voices of our global family through the creation of immersive experiences, cultivating shared learning, and facilitating meaningful points of connection ounder

We amplify the diverse voices of our global family through the creation of immersive experiences, cultivating shared learning, and facilitating meaningful points of connection ounder

Founder

Dr. Fahamu Pecou

.

Fahamu Pecou

.

Fahamu Pecou

r. Fahamu Pecou

Monday

"From Atlanta's thriving arts scene to the global stages where the African Diaspora's influence shines, ADAMA is here to fill the gap and elevate our cultural experience Join us as we build a future where every step we take is a reflection of our rich heritage and boundless potential."- Fahamu adama atl

"From Atlanta's thriving arts scene to the global stages where the African Diaspora's influence shines, ADAMA is here to fill the gap and elevate our cultural experience. Join us as we build a future where every step we take is a reflection of our rich heritage and boundless potential."- Fahamu

om Atlanta's thriving arts scene to the global es where the African Diaspora's influence es, ADAMA is here to fill the gap and elevate our ural experience. Join us as we build a future where every step we take is a reflection of our rich heritage and boundless potential."- Fahamu adama atl

rom Atlanta's thriving arts scene to the global ages where the African Diaspora's influence hines, ADAMA is here to fill the gap and elevate our cultural experience Join us as we build a future where every step we take is a reflection of our rich heritage and boundless potential."- Fahamu

www.adamatl.org

om Atlanta's thriving arts scene to the global es where the African Diaspora's influence es, ADAMA is here to fill the gap and elevate our cultural experience Join us as we build a future where every step we take is a reflection of our rich heritage and boundless potential."- Fahamu

Gallery Hours

Gallery Hours

Gallery Hours

Gallery Hours

Monday thru Wednesday - By appointment only Thursday thru Saturday - 12p-5p 352 University Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Monday thru Wednesday - By appointment only Thursday thru Saturday - 12p-5p 352 University Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Monday thru Wednesday - By appointment only Thursday thru Saturday - 12p-5p

Stay Connected!

Monday thru Wednesday - By appointment only Thursday thru Saturday - 12p-5p 352 University Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 Stay Connected!

Expanding on NBAF’s mission to educate artists to achieve economic equity, NBAF is excited to announce the creation of our virtual master class series, NBAF Art Academy!

ART ACADEMY

Through the NBAF Art Academy virtual workshop series, NBAF makes high level industry knowledge accessible to everyone! Led by some of the top names in Black Art, the series will feature 60 to 90-minute virtual classes on a variety of creative, technical, and career development topics.

Available via affordable paid download — and free to NBAF’s yearly artist grantees, the workshop series will be marketed nationwide to art students, artists, and the arts-

interested public via NBAF and our partner’s social media promo, art-related social media influencers, YouTube video snippets, media interviews, and more.

2024 Master Class Professors: Charly Palmer - Painter Sindy Guerrero - Dancer & Choreographer Ayokunle Odeleye - Sculptor

For more information on NBAF’s Art Academy Series, please sign up for our newsletter at www.nbaf.org

Charly Palmer

Ayokunle Odeleye

Sindy Guerrero

MOVE/ DANCE! PROGRAM provides dance education in local Atlanta public schools to encourage young talent and support their health and wellness goals.

NBAF ’s MOVE/DANCE! PROGRAM

Complimentary programs are offered in six APS schools, benefiting over 1,200 middle and high school students annually. Our partner schools are Maynard H. Jackson School, Charles R. Drew Charter School, Carver STEAM Academy, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Luther J. Price Middle School, Sylvan Hills Middle School. These year-round initiatives provide high-quality dance education, integrating a culturally responsive curriculum emphasizing socialemotional learning, health and wellness, the history of Black dance in America, and college/career preparation.

Students also have the chance to participate in community performances and exhibitions. The program includes enriching field trips to expose students to Black arts and culture in the broader

Atlanta community. Additionally, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) partnerships aim to connect youth with college students, providing direct pathways from high school into college and beyond in careers in the arts.

For more information, please visit: https://nbaf.org/move-dance/

Photos by Shoccara Marcus

NextGen Artist provides youth arts education program nurtures the dreams, creativity, and artistic talents of middle and high school emerging artists of African descent.

The NBAF NextGen Artist Program provides students engaged in the program with resources and exposure to the industries of film/media, visual arts, and fashion design. The program goals include increased presentation skills (written and verbal), an increased appreciation for the arts, and access to pathways to higher education and careers in the arts.

NEXTGEN ARTIST PROGRAM

The program provides a structured artistic experience with workshops, classes, lectures, mentoring, business and professional development, and opportunities for exhibitions. The aim of this transformative experience is to align with the educational objectives of our partner schools while exposing students to different aspects of the arts through a residency format. Through a curriculum

rooted in workforce development, we strive to identify and nurture the diverse talents of students across various creative arts disciplines.

For more info, please visit: https://nbaf.org/nextgen-artist

Photo by Kim Evans Photos

The NBAF’s Fashion Forward program is an annual competition for students and emerging fashion designers. Selected by a distinguished panel of judges, NBAF Fashion Forward honorees receive a cash prize of $1,500 and a showcase of their work at Neiman Marcus.

FASHION FORWARD

The award is open to students of African descent who are currently enrolled or have recently graduated in an accredited college or university fashion design degree program and possess leadership qualities in their personal life and professional aspirations. The 2024 NBAF Fashion Forward honorees were presented at NBAF’s Fine Art + Fashion Benefit on Wednesday, March 27th at the Atlanta History Center in Atlanta, GA.

The NBAF Fashion Forward honorees for 2024 are:

Yemisi Sanni

Yemisi Sanni is a senior at Savannah College of Art and Design, studying Fashion Design, Marketing & Management. Her cross-cultural experiences as a transplant from Lagos, Nigeria have inspired many of her fashion ventures and aesthetics. Sanni is driven to collaborate with others in connecting cultures and using fashion as a tool to shape a more creative, sustainable, and inclusive future. She is currently the

www.nbaf.org

Designer/Style Artist for Stylenspire, a fashion brand offering a mix of Chic and Afro-Contemporary clothing for women, with a focus on delivering quality and uniqueness.

Kuan Jackson Kuan Jackson is a freshman at Clark Atlanta University, studying Fashion Design & Merchandising. Born and raised in New Orleans, Jackson’s passion for fashion was heavily inspired by his hometown’s diverse culture and creative energy. In 2021, he launched his fashion brand Perfik Circo with a vision to create clothing that combines style, functionality, creativity, and a sense of community. The brand name Perfik Circo carries a powerful message: strive to be Perfik, embracing every member of your Circo. Jackson encourages all leaders, dreamers, and creators to celebrate the process as well as the destination.

For more info on the NBAF Fashion Forward Competition, please visit: https://nbaf.org/fashion-forward

Fashion Forward photos by Kim Evans Photos

NBAF’s Horizon Awards for Emerging Artists seeks to help aspiring emerging artists of African descent in Visual Arts, Music and Film to scale their careers. The award is highly competitive and grants the recipient in each category with a $10,000 awards package to fund their practice.

HORIZON AWARDS FOR EMERGING ARTISTS

limited last year’s candidates to emerging

This invite-only competition is judged by industry experts to ensure that outstanding rising stars are identified and uplifted in their careers as they innovate and push boundaries in their respective disciplines. Last year, in honor of NBAF’s 2023 Trailblazer in the Arts honoree, Film Producer Will

Christian Nolan Jones – Winner of the 2023 Horizon Award for Emerging Artists

Christian Nolan Jones was raised in Atlanta, GA and attended Howard University & New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He honed his creative skills shooting music videos for artists such as Cam’ron, A Boogie, and French Montana.

In 2022, Christian’s latest short film, GLITTER AIN’T GOLD, won the Special Jury Award for Directing and Community Filmmaking at the famed South By Southwest Film Festival. It recently premiered online via Short of the Week and was selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick. That same year, he directed an episode of Issa Rae’s latest show, RAP ISH, for HBO Max. He’s currently developing his debut feature film, KINFOLK, which is set to be produced in 2024.

For more information, please visit: https://nbaf.org/horizon-awards/

Packer, NBAF

Filmmakers!

Horizon Awards photos by Kim Evans Photos

THE From Pre-K through 12th grade, creating opportunities for each child to thrive is

WOODWARD

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Fiercely Facing Sickle Cell, Step-by-step

Most people learn to take their first steps during early years under watchful eyes of caregivers. But for TikTok influencer Keyera Jennings of LaGrange, GA learning to walk became a two-part process just as she turned 10.

Keyera was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (known as AVN), which causes the deterioration of bones due to lack of blood supply. It’s a serious complication of sickle cell disease SS, which Keyera was diagnosed with at birth. Doctors told her she would need both hips replaced, causing her to learn how to walk again.

For the more than 100,000 people across America living with the genetic blood disorder, every day requires strength to endure unexpected pain crises caused by the entrapment of sickle-shaped red cells in the bloodstream.

“I remember missing out on field trips, school dances, and so many things because I was either in the hospital or too sick to go,” says Keyera.

In recent years, to help manage pain and avoid other dangerous complications of the disease, Keyera has received monthly red cell exchanges, which removes units of abnormal red blood cells and replaces them with units of healthy red blood cells provided by generous blood donors. To date, she has received more than 200 blood transfusions.

“My pain has been a lot better since receiving [monthly red cell] exchanges,” says Keyera. “I feel like I have so much more energy than before. I feel like a whole new person when I get blood.”

Sickle cell disease, prominent in people of African descent, often requires frequent blood transfusions, which can lead to developing an immune response

against blood that isn’t closely matched. Fortunately, 1 in 3 African American blood donors is a compatible match for sickle cell patients.

“I know donating blood might seem scary, but it truly saves so many lives. . . it has saved my life,” says Keyera.

Support Keyera and others in the fight against sickle cell disease by rolling up a sleeve to give blood. Use the Red Cross Blood DonorApp, visit RedCrossBlood. org/OurBlood or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) to schedule an appointment today.

“I feel like a whole new person when I get blood,” says Keyera Jennings, a sickle cell warrior and advocate who relies on monthly blood transfusions.

Photo by Bita Honarvar/American Red Cross

NBAF BLACK ARTIST BALL

An exciting new evolution of the annual Gala, The NBAF Black Artist Ball brings together artists, arts organizations, and supporters to celebrate all that we have accomplished over the year to fulfill our mission to expose, educate, engage, and entertain audiences by supporting and presenting art and artists of African descent.

The theme of this year’s Black Artist Ball, The Work of Art, not only informs the dress code, but also carries through the exhibitions, program, photo moments, and styling of the overall event.

The Work of Art theme speaks to the important work that Black art does by celebrating the profound contributions of African American artists in their relentless pursuit of justice and equity. It recognizes us all as works of art, creatively expressing our history, culture, and style as we actively engage in the work of art to propel us toward our collective freedom.

Taking place on Saturday, October 26th at the

Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead Atlanta, the Black Artist Ball supports our year-round arts programming while celebrating the achievements of artistic excellence in the Black arts community!

For more info, please visit: https://nbaf.org/nbaf-gala

Gala photos by Kim Evans Photos

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

NBAF thanks our 2024 sponsors for their continued support of impactful Black arts programming. We are able to celebrate 36 years of quality artistic programming due in large part to their unwavering support.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

NBAF offers high visibility sponsorship opportunities with multiple tiers of sponsor benefits that include on-site interactive activations, brand recognition at special events, and inclusion in organizational and event collateral and online promotional outlets. To discuss event sponsorship and corporate donation opportunities, please visit: https://nbaf.org/sponsor/

Major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

NBAF BOARD & STAFF

NBAF BOARD

Tracey Lloyd Board Chair

Chief Executive Officer

Lloyd Holdings

Lisa Bonner, Esq. Board Vice Chair

Entertainment Attorney Bonner Law, PC

Theia Smith Board Secretary Sr. Director of BEIB Comcast/NBC/Universal

Felicia McDade Board Treasurer Principal Business Business Development & Strategy SE SE Engie

Angela Watts Executive 10 Squared Agency / RAGTRADE ATLANTA

Carole Irene Sykes Director of Communications

Georgia Public Defender Council

Nikki Tinsley Harland

Chief Operating Officer

Paradies Lagardere Travel Retail

Dawn Rhoden

Senior Vice President

Consumer Banking Region

Executive

Bank of America

Derek Johnson

Media Personality and Celebrity Hair Stylist

The J Spot Salon

Shaunya Chavis-Rucker Division Director Fulton Films Office

Jennifer Christian Software Quality Manager Baxter Blonka Winkfield

Senior Vice President of Development & Expansion The Leadership Program

Pamela Bishop Chief Innovation Officer Airacobra Development

Demetria Ali Technical Program Manager Microsoft

Malik W. Hakeem

Assistant Executive Director

Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation

Stephanie Owens * Registered Agent Executive Director Registered Agent EX-OFFICIO

NBAF STAFF

Stephanie Owens Executive Director

Oronike Odeleye Artistic Director

Kerri Garrett Youth Programs Coordinator –NextGen Artist

Krystal Odom Youth Programs Director – Move/ Dance!

Judy Hanenkrat Special Events & Fundraising Consultant

Page Yang Operations Manager

Jennifer WIlliams Programs + Marketing Manager

Darlene Allen Fund Development Coordinator

Jayda Abernathy JKA Associates - Accounting Consultant

GEORGIA-PACIFIC