I love fall, it’s become my favorite season. I love when it’s hot in the day time and chilly in the evening. I love wrapping up in wool and pulling out velvet leggings and platform boots, and scarves, and hats… I also love that psychically and creatively, I get ready to be in a state of focus that comes with the chill of the air and the possibility of snow. Also, being the permaculturist that I am, I love that it’s harvest season and time to reap from you’ve planted, it’s time to celebrate, and it’s time to feast.

This year has been ripe with successful beginnings and continuations such as:

• International artist residencies and partnerships in Cape Town, South Africa and Bahia, Brazil • Launching the AfroPortals Project Space & Archive • Launching the Black Curator’s Lab • New funders • An expanded board • The opportunity to continue sponsoring artists’ work, locally, nationally, and internationally •

Yeah, I love September. Join me in congratulating our team and join us for a bountiful season of arts practice and justice!

• Ashara

Welcoming Helen Peña, AAFR Social Media Strategist!

Helen Peña is a Dominican-American child of the Atlantic, culture worker and filmmaker from Miami, FL. Their work has screened in festivals across the country including Prismatic Ground, New Orleans FIlm Festival and Third Horizon Film Festival. In 2020, Helen participated in the UCLA Sanctuary Spaces Residency, where they worked on their first short film, When Angels Speak of Love, which screened on PBS South Florida. In 2017, Helen co-founded (F)empower, a collective of queer feminist artist-activists. For over 5 years, they have worked in communications for various organizations at the intersection of social justice, art and film. Their art and organizing has been showcased at the Museum of Modern Art, the Norton Museum of Art, ICA Miami and more.

“Front Line Prophet: James Baldwin” Exhibition Extended!

July 12-September 7, 2023

An exhibition of more than forty unique interpretations of James Baldwin created by Detroit-based artist, Sabrina Nelson. “Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin” includes sketchbooks, drawings, paintings, installations and mixed media compositions developed by the artist over an intensive seven-year study period and has been co-curated by Ashara Ekundayo and Harlem’s Omo Misha.

The Interchurch Center 61 Claremont Avenue New York, NY 10115

September’s Men’s Wellness Fellowship

September 19, 2023 • 6:30-8:30pm

Men’s Wellness Fellowship is back for their monthly support group and community fellowship experience specifically for “Men Of Color”. Welcoming Fathers, Brothers, Uncles, & Sons in Oakland, CA.

• Free Catered Food and Beverages •

• Hosted by Co-Founders Karega Bailey & AAFR Social Economies Fellow, Christian Walker •

Topics Include: • Mental Health•Wellness Practice• Support Group•Community Resources•Marketing Platform • Volunteering Opportunities •

1427 Broadway Oakland, CA 94612 • Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation •

AfroPortals Project Space & Archive at BAMPFA!

October 1, 2023 • 1pm - 3pm PST

A special conversation led by interdisciplinary curator and organizer Ashara Ekundayo, along with collaborators from the AfroPortals Project Space & Archive. This conversation will explore strategies that center Black life in places where Black people and families are being displaced, attempt to lower the barriers between campus and communities, and, as Ekundayo explains, “illuminate how radical Black thought, Black genius, Black privacy, and Black art, maintain Black ‘hoods.”

Programmed by Black Life co-curator Ryanaustin Dennis.

2155 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94720

Welcoming This Fall’s Black Curator’s Lab Residents!

Ashara Ekundayo welcomed this fall’s Black Curators Lab (BlkCL) residents, Ashley K. Arnold and Marcella Sanchez, for their studio orientation at Minnesota Street Project!

Residents were able to see the facilities and learn about what to expect from their time with BlkCL. We’re so excited to see what their creativity brings forth during their time in residence!

We Launched a Spotify Channel!

From playlists shining light on the Sounds across the waters and deep cut jazz selections, to our Annual Black August Meditations - check out our Spotify to catch the AAFR vibe wherever you are!