AAFR January Newsletter

January 2025

Artist As First Responder January Newsletter

Beloved Poet Nikky Giovanni, 1943 - 2024

We welcome 2025 with an open and humble heart. Designated as The Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac and symbolizing spiritual growth and transformation, we have already been called to be courageous, quick, and ready to shed what can no longer serve us. As we are writing this newsletter we are still reeling from the wildfires of Southern California and complete destruction of communities and entire towns, and we have entered another calendar year with the ongoing US-backed genocide in Palestine. So much is uncertain about our survival and yet, we are tapping into deeper depths of our creativity and we are making choices that center love.

One thing we know for sure is that we will need each other more than ever this winter season and that we will need to continue amplifying the voices and practices of the #ArtistResponders around us.

We are looking forward to being in community with you and hope you'll join us for another year of art exhibitions, curatorial residencies, public forums, and archival research and activation.

With love, with gratitude,
The AAFR Team
Ashara, Christian, Ietef, Marcella, NiQueen, Sam, Zandashe

Bringing Baldwin into 2025

Sabrina Nelson’s "Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin" is still on view at the The Wright Museum in Detroit through February 28th and also at the Ruth S. Hartley University Center at Adelphi University on view from January 27 - February 28, 2025. Join Sabrina for an Artist Talk at Adelphi University on February 3rd from 4 to 6pm.

(Image Credit: Typing the Truth by Sabrina Nelson)

Coming up in January

11th Annual March to Reclaim MLK’s Legacy | Monday, January 20th at 11AM in Oakland, CA

This year, Inauguration Day falls on MLK Day. Towards the end of King’s short life he had moved towards a politic rooted in Black liberation and freedom—and he vociferously rejected war, capitalism, and white supremacy.

Join us in the streets to Reclaim King’s Radical Legacy for the 11th year in a row!

Ashara Ekundayo @ Bar Shiru Selector Series | Wednesday, January 22nd 8 PM Til’ at Bar Shiru in Oakland, CA

Join us for AAFR founder Ashara Ekundayo (aka BluBlakwomyn)’s Birthday at Bar Shiru as she shares the music and sounds that have and continue to influence her passions and politics across genre and the Afro-Diasporic geography and discography.

Hers is a sonic palate deeply cultivated by soul, deep house, gospel and r&b mixed with protest chants and poetry. Come wax poetic in celebration!

MORE HERE

Open House & Artist Reception for Xenoform Labs w/ Artist-In-Residence Dr. Ietef “DJ CAVEM” Vita| January 23rd from 7-11pm in San Francisco #SFArtWeek

DJ Cavem, also known as Ietef Vita, is a groundbreaking visual and sonic storyteller merging the worlds of hip-hop, environmental activism, and plant-based living into a dynamic and transformative experience. His new project: Breathing Art, is an innovative fusion of ecological consciousness and creative expression, designed to transform the way we experience art and the environment.

MORE HERE

AAFR at FOG Design and Art Fair| January 25-27 in San Francisco, CA

Catch us in the streets for FOG, San Francisco’s art and design fair featuring leading international galleries during San Francisco Art Week. The fair is synonymous with a uniquely pioneering spirit due to its bold hybrid approach and intimate presentation of art and design, dynamic programming on-site and its community-led mission to champion art and design in its historic Fort Mason setting.

MORE HERE

SOMArts presents Artist as Witness| Monday, January 25th 7:30-10PM in San Francisco, CA

Artist as First Responder is delighted to partner with SOMArts, Stanford’s Institute for Diversity in the Arts, and Jonathan Carver Moore to present "Artist As Witness," for #SFArtWeek showcasing the works of filmmakers of color centering resilience and resistance through stories of womanhood, identity, community, and histories often overlooked. Curated by AAFR Curator-In-Residence Adrian Burrell! This event is currently sold out.

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AAFR @ Prospect6 | January 27th - February 2nd in New Orleans, LA

We’ll be in New Orleans for Prospect 6, an ongoing arts initiative for New Orleans and the premiere triennial of international contemporary art in the US. Curated by Miranda Lash and Ebony G. Patterson, “The Future Is Present, The Harbinger Is Home” presents works by 51 visionary artists honoring this city’s history while offering opportunities for shared contemplation, discovery, and a reimagining of possibilities.⁠

MORE HERE

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