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Ebon Dooley (1942 - 2006) ArtsXchange Founder https://www.artsxchange.org/ebon-dooley Ebon Dooley (1942-2006) was a caring, creative, brilliant, insightful, progressive, proactive, and delightfully charismatic community activist who established the ArtsXchange in 1983. A long-time advocate for the fair distribution of wealth, Ebon brought the spirit of grassroots collectivity to all of his efforts to achieve freedom, dignity, and equality for all people. He understood that these interconnected cornerstones of humanity provide the opportunity for creative expression, community building, and empowerment. The ArtsXchange is proud to present the annual Ebon Dooley Arts & Justice Awards in recognition of individuals and organizations that, like Ebon, work to improve the lives and futures of the communities they serve. Ebon was born Leo Thomas Hale in the small farming community of Milan, Tennessee, and went to Fisk University in Nashville after the 10th grade on a scholarship. His activism began with his work as managing editor of the Fisk literary magazine and newspaper (where poet Nikki Giovanni also worked as a freshman reporter). He entered Columbia Law School on a full scholarship in 1963. In New York, he saw two very different sides of the larger world: as a law school management trainee at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company and as a member of the Law Students Civil Rights Research Council and volunteer for a community action project in Harlem. He attended the first Black Power Conference in Newark in 1967 and was so impressed by the Chicago delegation that, after graduating from Columbia, he turned down a job on Wall Street to go work in Chicago as a VISTA legal volunteer. Ebon was active in Chicago’s OBAC (Organization for Black American Culture), and, in 1968, Third World Press published his book Revelation; a poem, which cemented his reputation as a talented poet and dedicated agent for justice. That same year Ebon moved to Atlanta, arriving at a pivotal time in the city’s evolution as a center for social justice movements under the Civil Rights banner. For many years Ebon owned a bookstore, Timbuktu Market of New Africa, which became a hub not only for political activists but also for Atlanta’s burgeoning community of progressive cultural workers. Ebon’s political and intellectual clarity and his calm and friendly demeanor quickly made him a sought after member of the city’s social change community. He served on the board of the Southern Education Program, worked for Atlanta Legal Aid, and was an early organizer of WRFG community radio. He joined the staff at Atlanta’s historic Neighborhood Arts Center in 1975 as a writer-in-residence and later served for nearly a year as the center’s acting director. As writer-in-residence, Ebon edited the regional magazine Potlikker and helped to organize the Southern Collective of African American Writers with author Toni Cade Bambara. He was involved in the establishment of the Dunbar Center, the Atlanta Center for Black Arts, and, in 1983, drew up the incorporation papers for the Southeast Community Cultural Center, giving birth to The ArtsXchange. When the ArtsXchange opened, it reshaped the landscape of metropolitan Atlanta’s arts scene. It was the first fully integrated center of its kind—multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary, and inter-generational. Over the years it has maintained its place as a hub of artistic expression for emerging and established artists who push boundaries, blend genres, and foster future generations of creative talent as well as a gathering place for community planning, activism, and events. The ArtsXchange is proud to pay homage to its founder, Ebon Dooley, and to other progressive visionaries, Revolutionary organizers, and cultural activists who carry forward Ebon’s quest for human dignity for everyone everywhere. OUR STAFF STUDIO ARTIST EBON DOOLEY HONOREES

Cleigaie Narcisse 2024 Jack Sinclair Gallery Assistant Cleigaie Narcisse is a Fine Arts Manager, detail-oriented independent curator, and Project Manager from the Bronx, NY. Her passion for creativity inspired her to pursue Graphic Design at Kennesaw State but her business acumen led her to receive a BS in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. After an early career in Marketing introduced her to the world of curation. Cleigaie quickly became engaged with the Atlanta art scene, reinvigorating her passion for supporting the arts. Cleigaie worked as the Manager and Associate Curator of Future Gallery, a black artist-owned fine art gallery exhibiting the works of emerging contemporary artists. She also works as Project Manager of Future Dead Artists, an arts organization that aims to develop a thriving arts ecology for local artists. Possessing a deep interest in representation and cultural awareness within communities, Cleigaie is dedicated to the equity of funding and access to opportunities that develop a more inclusive arts ecology where true representation can thrive and inspire. She continues to work with artists as a manager and consultant. Cleigaie Narcisse, is an Atlanta-based Arts Administrator passionate about supporting artists and creatives. Hailing from Bronx, New York she was exposed to a plethora of experiences in the arts, from music, theater, dance, and graffiti street art to museum exhibits developing a deep affinity for the arts in all its forms early on. After studying Graphic Design at Kennesaw State University, she interned with Cartoon Network’s in-house production studio, Williams Street on projects for their Adult Swim programming block. With a professional background in Marketing, Creative Direction, Brand and Project Management, Cleigaie quickly acclimated to the Atlanta arts scene and nurtured her passion for supporting the arts. In 2018 she signed on as the Gallery Manager and Associate Curator of Future Gallery in East Point Atlanta and Project Manager of the artist collective Future Dead Artists. Going on to co-curate over 15 exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops featuring local, national, and international visual and performance artists. In 2019 she head curated “Dead Ringer Vol. III”, a Future Dead Artists’ annual juried group exhibition, featuring a unique concept of the creative inspiration processes between visual artists and Photographers. During the turn of the pandemic, in 2021 as a member of Future Dead Artists and in partnership with The Creatives Project TCP she co-curated a Juneteenth-inspired group exhibition “Self-Liberated”. This exhibit focused on celebrating local Black artists who were trailblazers, leaders in their own right, who did things their way and on their terms, embodying the spirit of Juneteenth. She has been published in both Visionary Artistry Magazine and Voyage ATL. As a passionate volunteer and curator, she has worked with various organizations such as; MOCA GA, Future Gallery, The Creatives Project TCP, The Lines Gallery, TILA Studios, The ArtsXchange, SOHO Art Group, and has built relationships with independent artists and arts administrators in and around Atlanta. Possessing a deep interest in representation and cultural awareness within communities Cleigaie is dedicated to representing and creating inclusive and equitable opportunities for local artists. OUR STAFF STUDIO ARTIST EBON DOOLEY HONOREES

SisterSong 2023 Ebon Dooley Honoree Social Justice Champion info@sistersong.net https://www.sistersong.net SisterSong is a Southern based, national membership organization; our purpose is to build an effective network of individuals and organizations to improve institutional policies and systems that impact the reproductive lives of marginalized communities. SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective was formed in 1997 by 16 organizations of women of color from four mini-communities (Native American, African American, Latina, and Asian American) who recognized that we have the right and responsibility to represent ourselves and our communities, and the equally compelling need to advance the perspectives and needs of women of color. OUR STAFF STUDIO ARTIST EBON DOOLEY HONOREES

LaTosha Brown 2021 Ebon Dooley Honoree Social Justice Champion http://www.mslatoshabrown.com LaTosha Brown works at the intersection of social justice, political empowerment, human development, and the cultural arts. As a catalyst for change, thought leader and social strategist, her national and global efforts have been known to organize, inspire and catapult people into action—not just lip service—enabling them to build power and wealth for themselves and their community. Brown received the 2010 White House Champion of Change Award, the 2006 Spirit of Democracy Award and the Louis Burnham Award for Human Rights. She is also the recipient of the 2018 Bridge Jubilee Award and Liberty Bell Award. She has been able to use her voice in the U.S. as well as more than 30 countries abroad. In addition to being a well-respected leader in the South who has led numerous initiatives, campaigns, and special projects to empower marginalized communities, LaTosha is leading several international efforts to provide training, support and funding for women-led institutions based in Guyana, Senegal, Belize, and Tanzania. Perhaps one of her most important accomplishments is as Co-Founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund and the BVM Capacity Building Institute. Ms. Brown is working to eliminate human suffering and amplify women’s voices through her vision of the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium. She proudly serves as the Founder of Saving Our Selves Coalition, a community-led disaster relief organization that helped hundreds of families in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. OUR STAFF STUDIO ARTIST EBON DOOLEY HONOREES

Bobbie Paul 2018 Ebon Dooley Honoree Bridge Builder https://www.facebook.com/bobbie.paul.90 Bobbie Paul served as the first Executive Director of Georgia WAND (Women's Action for New Directions) from 2002-2013. Prior to coming to Atlanta in 1981 she worked as a professional theatre director in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, Florida where she co-founded what is now American Stage Company. Bobbie's political and environmental activism began in Atlanta in 1982 fighting the Georgia Dept, of Transportation's plans to build the Stone Mountain Freeway. She organized hundreds of neighborhood volunteers and designing theatrical events try to halt the construction a major 6-lane highway that would cut through eight historic Intown neighborhoods and parks. This marked the beginning of Bobbie's long association with Congressman John Lewis, an ally in the fight. fortifying her commitment to 'getting in the way', risking emotional pain to build partnerships in order to advance Dr King's vision of the beloved community. Bobbie spent 25 years watch dogging the Savannah River Site (a major US nuclear weapons Superfund complex located in South Carolina across from Waynesboro, Ga) and fighting to protect vulnerable Georgia communities from nuclear contamination. In 2010, Bobbie led Georgia WAND efforts to win Senator Johnny Isakson's leadership and support for Senate passage of a nuclear non-proliferation treaty with Russia called NEW START. Bobbie has served on the boards of Arbor Montessori and Paideia Schools, Theatrical Outfit, Dad's Garage Theatre, GreenLaw, the Advisory Committee of the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda. She's been recognized for her grassroots activism by the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability, Eckerd Alumni Association, Metro Atlanta Democratic Socialists of America, the Atlanta City Council and the State of Georgia for her service to the community. She was honored to be chosen to receive the Ebon Dooley Bridge Builder Award by the ArtsXchange in 2018. Bobbie is a founding member of Atlanta Grandmothers for Peace and is still active with that group. She is currently working on Run With Her, a creative fundraising campaign to help elect seven Metro Atlanta women to the the Georgia House of Representatives in November. She is married to filmmaker Rod Paul. They have two adults sons and two grandchildren – also of Atlanta. Bobbie is a longtime member of Central Presbyterian Church. In addition to Georgia WAND, Bobbie is a supporter Georgians for Gun Safety, Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, Planned Parenthood, the Equal Justice Initiative, Abuelas Responden, Nuclear Watch South, and several environmental organizations. * Barbara Seifer Paul – born July 11, 1949 in Philadelphia, Pa. OUR STAFF STUDIO ARTIST EBON DOOLEY HONOREES

Ashley Dopson 2022 Ebon Dooley Honoree Jack Sinclair Visual Artist tapestrymurals@gmail.com http://www.ashleydpaints.com/ Ashley Dopson is a conceptual fine artist who uses her art to create intimate moments in public spaces. Her murals can be seen in many corners of the city — “Dream Big: The Phases of Ms. Kamala Harris” on Cascade and Beecher, “Herstory: Heroines of the West End” at the Goodwill on Ralph David Abernathy, and “Fish Are Jumpin’ and the Cotton Is High” at the Krog Tunnel entrance to name a few. Raised in Atlanta, she credits her early childhood in New Orleans for her colorful palette and rich textures. Her works are a conglomerate of primitive impasto and a contemporary take on the painting styles of the Harlem Renaissance. OUR STAFF STUDIO ARTIST EBON DOOLEY HONOREES

Kenneth Zakee ArtsXchange Board Member Studio Artist kennethz.kz@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.zakee Kenneth Zakee is an Artist/Poet and community activist. A 35 yr old resident of Atlanta. Born in Cleveland, Ohio. While attending Morehouse College he co-founded America's first African Fraternity; KMT Asen in 1987. He served as Chairman of Metro Atlanta Kwanzaa Assn (M.A.K.A.) and membership.from 1988-2000. He co-founded Klub Kuumba; an open mic poetry gathering (1993-2000) Zakee also worked with the Atlanta homeless population and served as program director for Trinity House-Big Bethel program for homeless men with drug problems. During his tenure there; Zakee established the Kalonji Brotherhood: a rite of passage support group for men in recovery. Zakee has received numerous awards for social and artistic endeavors and appeared on several media outlets for his work. Zakee is committed to serving our youth and inspiring a new generation of artists and leaders. "The inspiration for my work comes from African/African American culture. I consider everything a canvas. I am presently working with clothing, greeting cards, wall hangings, and gourds from West Africa. African symbols state clearly the cultural pride of my work." - Kenneth Zakee OUR STAFF STUDIO ARTIST EBON DOOLEY HONOREES

Tasnim Mosabber 2018 Ebon Dooley Honoree Emerging Leader https://www.facebook.com/aitazzy Tasnim Mosabber is a visual artist who has demonstrated a history of using her platform to amplify issues and bring visibility to communities striving for justice. She began her journey in activism as president of her high school chapter of Amnesty International, for which she organized a fundraiser to help people impacted by the 2008 earthquake in Haiti. In college she worked with Planned Parenthood Federation and Get Covered America in their joint campaign to ensure that immigrants and low income people of color have access to affordable health insurance. Tasnim is currently the outreach coordinator for Raksha, Inc., an organization that works with South Asian survivors of domestic, sexual, and other violent crimes. Her Goddess art series inspires and evokes the power and nobility that is carried within every woman. OUR STAFF STUDIO ARTIST EBON DOOLEY HONOREES

Dr. Janice Liddell 2022 Ebon Dooley Honoree Change Maker Dr. Janice Liddell’s lifetime of work in theater has uplifted Black women, exploded myths about Black people, and reclaimed their histories. Moved by the reporting of the 50th anniversary of the Lena Baker execution, Liddell initially sent her play, “Who Will Sing for Lena?” to various theaters royalty-free if viewers would sign a petition for the posthumous pardon of Lena Baker. 2,500 signatures were sent to the Georgia State Board of Pardon and Paroles, which influenced the pardon in 2005. The play has since been performed at festivals, theaters and schools from Atlanta, Denver and NYC to Edinburgh, Belize City and Monaco. Liddell retired after serving in several capacities at Clark Atlanta University for more than 35 years, and as assistant vice president for academic affairs and coordinator of faculty development at Atlanta Metropolitan College until 2015. She is co-editor of a collection of literary criticism, an author of several published articles and poems, and has had several plays produced nationally and internationally. OUR STAFF STUDIO ARTIST EBON DOOLEY HONOREES

Elizabeth Omilami 2020 Ebon Dooley Honoree Economic Justice Champion https://www.facebook.com/eomilami Elisabeth Williams-Omilami has been "on the battlefield for her Lord", for over 30 years. Beginning as a very young girl, she accompanied her father, noted civil rights leader, Dr. Hosea Williams on marches and in movements across the south. Her "jailed for Freedom" record includes being the first Black woman in 75 years to spend the night in the Forsyth County jail during that infamous march in January of 1981. As an actress, she was able to combine her art with life as she toured in the play that her mother, State Representative Juanita T. Williams, co-wrote titled "The Life Of A King". Her parents, both gone home to be with the Lord in 2000, formed in her from a very early age that we all are accountable for each other and for the environment that exists on the planet and responsible to do all that we can to fight for justice for everyone. While working as an actress and playwright, Omilami had also worked for over 15 years in the background of her father's "Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless" efforts and, upon his passing in November of 2000, became the organization's CEO, expanding the organization to provide an additional 40,000 dinners yearly with the addition of events on M.L.K. Jr.'s Birthday and Easter Sunday. She is now planning for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners while adding to her busy speaking and touring schedule several international relief efforts in the Philippines and Uganda. She is a graduate of Hampton University in Theatre and founder of one of Atlanta's earliest theatre companies, People's Survival Theater, as well as the "Summer Artscamp", providing arts programming for economically challenged youth for over 7 years. She has written several plays, one of which "There Is A River In My Soul" will be touring in February 2002. She is a past member of both the Georgia Council For The Arts and the Fulton County Arts Council and is a passionate advocate for the arts to be instituted as a permanent part of our society. She is an accomplished actress and can be seen this Christmas at the Alliance Theatre in "A Christmas Carol" and in early 2002 in "Left Hand Singing" at the Jewish Theatre of The South. She can also be seen in the HBO made for television movie, Boycott (2001), and will be well remembered by fans of both In the Heat of the Night (1988) and the award-winning I'll Fly Away (1991). She is the wife of actor Afemo Omilami , co-director of "Hosea's Feed The Hungry and Homeless" and has two wonderful children - Awodele, 21, and Juanita, 16. She is a member of Abundant Life Church in Lithonia, Ga., where her Pastor is Rev. Woodrow Walker, II. She is an active member of the Prison, Missions, and Drama Ministries there. Hosea Helps Website Facebook OUR STAFF STUDIO ARTIST EBON DOOLEY HONOREES