The Canopy Atlanta Tri-Cities Community Social, held in the Paul Robeson Theater at the ArtsXchange, was a celebration of culture, arts and the rich tradition of storytelling. 

The day kicked off with a lively performance by djembe drummers and African dancers of the I Am Arts Performance Company. Canopy’s Stephanie Toone and ArtsXchange longtime resident photographer/activist Jim Alexander provided a welcome and introduction to both organizations. While Jim shared ArtsXchange’s history of visual and performing arts for the southwest Atlanta community dating back to the 1980s, Stephanie gave insight on the unique way Canopy champions community-centered journalism anchored in underserved neighborhoods across metro Atlanta, including Tri-Cities.

About 40 folks gathered to enjoy performances, panels, and a smorgasbord of fresh, delectable food carefully prepared by the junior chefs of Champion Gardeners Youth Entrepreneurs, led by founder Charlie Robinson. Multimedia artist and poet Baba Zakee shared two poems on social justice. Canopy co-founder Kamille Whittaker moderated a panel with fellows Genia Billingsley, Brent Brewer, J.P. Irie, and Nzingha Hall, about learning the intricacies of community journalism.

Thank you to ArtsXchange for offering their beautiful space and partnership for this event, and to the Fulton County Behavioral Health Network for hosting a table and providing vital information on mental health. 

Lastly, thanks to all the residents, community leaders, artists, and journalists who spent the afternoon supporting community journalism and the arts!