We kicked off the month with the formation of a Black W(hole), a convergence of Black feminist artists, writers, and cultural workers exploring memory and making as portals toward Black futurity. Nested within MoAD NEXUS Black Art Week, this day of happenings drew together a constellation of voices whose work expands the possibilities of Black feminist practice across the Bay and beyond. The gathering became a living archive of Black feminist imagination in motion.

But the month is still young! Later this October, AAFR heads to Paris to continue carrying our work and community into new conversations around the world… Scroll down for some exciting news!

In community,
Ashara, Christian, Ietef, Marcella, NiQueen, Sam, and Zandashé

AAFR founder Ashara Ekundayo will represent Detroit on the global art stage this fall as part of the inaugural DETROIT SALON, a landmark contemporary art initiative connecting Detroit’s vibrant creative community with international audiences. Developed in partnership with Art Basel and 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, DETROIT SALON spotlights Detroit’s artists, curators, and cultural leaders through a series of exhibitions and events debuting at Art Basel Paris in October 2025.

Ashara will moderate “Detroit and African Art,” a featured conversation at the Hôtel de Talleyrand on October 23, alongside Touria El Glaoui (Founder, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair) and Conrad Egyir (Detroit artist). Together, they’ll explore Detroit’s role as a nexus for diasporic and African art and its growing presence on the international stage.

This milestone marks an exciting step in Detroit’s global cultural evolution and we are honored to be part of it.

Marcella Sanchez’s Neon Prints are part of two group shows in San Francisco this fall!

First up is Storied: SF at Mini Bar (837 Divisadero St) — a vibrant community show celebrating the many creative voices that make this city what it is. The exhibition closes Monday, October 21, so if you haven’t stopped by yet, now’s the time!

From there, her Neon Prints will continue their glow as part of “Meet Me for a Drink”, on view through November 21. This show brings together photographers exploring the intimacy and atmosphere of nightlife.

My Neon Prints began as an experiment — capturing neon signs in square format and cutting them like Polaroids. What started as a study in color and light turned into a meditation on memory, place, and the poetry found in small, glowing details of city life. If you’re in San Francisco, see them in person! Grab a drink, enjoy the art, and take in a bit of that neon hum that keeps our city shining.

Storied: SF at Mini Bar
837 Divisadero St San Francisco
On view now through October 21

Meet Me for a Drink at Madrone Art Bar
500 Divisadero St, San Francisco
On view October 22 through November 21

Access and equity are core to AAFR’s mission. We create inclusive, community-led arts programming that centers healing, cultural memory, and creative leadership. Programs are held in physically accessible spaces and offered at no or low cost. We welcome participants of all abilities and identities.

Need accessibility support? Email us at artistresponder@gmail.com