Criminalized Culture | Community Conversations Series

Criminalized Culture: Challenging the Perceptions of Black Boys & Men | 6-8 pm | Thursday, Aug. 8 | Free!

Take a ride through Atlanta’s Black bike culture with a screening of Young Kings. 

A discussion on societal perceptions & the criminalization of Black boys & men for their cultural expression will follow. Featuring Jonathan Banks, award-winning filmmaker & photographer; Chilly-O, multidisciplinary creative & founder of Chilly-O Culture Co.; Tavis D. Tinsley, life coach on Tavis Talks & youth/young adult pastor at Central United Methodist Church; with moderator Ralph “rEN” Dillard, visual artist, curator & poet.

ABOUT YOUNG KINGS (runtime 17 minutes)

From pulling clutches to pushing pedals, poppin' wheelies through the concrete jungle is an authentic, unapologetic form of Black expression in the heart of Atlanta. It is art and culture. It is freedom and escape. But in the news and in certain neighborhoods, bike life is criminalized. “Young Kings” uncovers the deeper meaning to Black cycle culture in Atlanta as these cyclists ride for dignity. This mini-documentary produced by Jonathan Banks aired in 2023 on PBS' Reel South. Support for Reel South is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Center for Asian American Media and by SouthArts.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Jonathan Banks is an award-winning photographer, copywriter, & filmmaker who loves the art of storytelling. He's been capturing & sharing storied images of the people & places within his various communities for the last decade. His work has been featured in international publications & he's exhibited consistently since 2016. Influenced by creatives like Gordon Parks, Dawoud Bey, & Jamel Shabazz, he aims to connect with his community on a very intimate level.  www.journeybrave.com

Chilly-O has been a humble legend in Atlanta's numerous creative, bike, and entertainment circles for going on two decades, thanks to his unwavering presence and persistent role as a major contributor to every community he touches. He has become a legend, not just for his resilience, but for his boundless capacity to evolve and inspire evolution around him. 

What started as a graphic t-shirt brand, "Chilly-O," has transformed into a culture brand that defies boundaries. Chilly-O's journey is one of raw passion and relentless perseverance, capturing the spirit of fine art photography and film, hosting high-level art shows, and delving into design work. His philanthropy in the action sports world, particularly for underserved youth, and his mentorship of young creatives are testaments to his deep commitment to giving back. He has helped countless young creatives move off street corners and into positive, self-sufficient careers. 

Despite the odds, Chilly-O's accolades shine brightly. As a brand ambassador for AT&T, he’s brought his unique vision to a wider audience. Collaborating with icons like Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys for the Dean Collection, working with Spotify to support skateboarders, and partnering with high-end ad agencies, he continues to push creative boundaries. His work with Brunner ad agency has helped build strong, trustworthy relationships with their blue-chip client list. 

He is also a recipient of the Invest Atlanta and Mayor of Atlanta Creative Industries grant award. Chilly-O's journey is a powerful narrative of a "starving artist" beating adversity, continuously showing us what's next and inspiring others to do the same. Echoing Frida Kahlo’s mantra, "I am my own muse, I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to know better," he pursues his dreams with unwavering determination, inspiring others to do the same. www.instagram.com/chillyolovesyou

Tavis D. Tinsley is a thinker, certified life coach, theologian, & poet with a passion for uplifting the black community; redefining manhood & masculinity; & building healthy communities through healthy relationships. Tavis is a graduate of Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, with a Master’s in Pastoral Care. He is from Owensboro, Kentucky, where he acquired his Bachelor of Psychology degree at Kentucky Wesleyan College. He is now attending Mercer University to pursue a Master of Family Therapy. Tavis seeks to unpack life with discernment & critical thinking, & facilitate much needed dialogue to equip communities. One of Tavis’ guiding quotes is, “Listen as passionately as you want to be heard.” www.instagram.com/donta_thinks

Hailing from Savannah, now based in Atlanta, Ralph “rEN” Dillard is a multidisciplinary creative who uses oil paint, precious metal, spoken word, & collage to convey rich philosophical ideas & new narratives about the future. The co-founder of the original Spitfire Poetry Group, Dillard critically examines the western canon, the works of old masters, the traditional notions of authorship & mastery. Questioning the systematic erasure of Black bodies & Black identity in his work, he translates glimpses of the mundane & transient moments of life with profound empathy & insight. His work has been featured at South Fulton Arts Center, Telfair Museums, J Costello Gallery, the Thomasville Center for the Arts, Dekalb International Student Center, Gallery 992 & others. https://renswork.com/main/