Last week's Artivist Awards were a roaring success! Je'Miyah Suggs, one of our teen artists working on Trinity City Comics Issue #2, shares her experience.
You just had to be there! From the alluring lights that brought such beautiful colors to the room to the many options for amazing food. From the mind-blowing band Dusky Waters that played throughout the night to the many beautiful faces that were brought together, this encapsulated the theme of community—a community that came together to celebrate while also holding each other accountable for the next step.
I am Je’Miyah Suggs, former member of 826 NOLA Young Writers Council, co-author of Trinity City Comics #2, and Tulane University student. And I was there.
The ambiance was festive at our incredible venue, Beanlandia!
The celebration was in the air as the Trinity City community came to acknowledge their awardees. Chakula Cha Jua, Ausettua Amor Amenkum, and Walt Sandifer lll are all activist superheroes who embody the fight for justice in Louisiana through their study and craft. As they came one by one, they spoke in such a poetic way. Most humbly, they explained their purpose and how everything they do intends to do it. Their focus is to make a change and uphold the difference they’ve made. However, it would be absurd not to celebrate them because they deserved every applause they received.
Walt Sandifer lll, the Spy Boy of the Beautiful Creole Apache, gave his thanks to water, the universe, and his tribe. It is more than dressing up to honor his ancestors to Walt. This young man lives every day to honor his tribe and ancestors.
Ausettua Amor Amenkum, cultural advocate and educator, made a vibrant room still and attentive as she insisted that there is a demand for help in our community and it is up to us to help everyone. Our community needs love rather than separation. She ended her beautiful speech by teaching a song to the audience that brought tears.
As the ceremony was coming to an end Chakula Cha Jua (legendary New Orleans actor, director, producer, and theater educator) emphasized the importance of the participation of youth in activism. While giving thanks to the current artists of Trinity City who attended this event, he insinuates their work is far from done. Every honoree emphasized that the work is never done because there is always work to be done.
(L to R): Walt Sandifer lll, Ausettua Amor Amenkum, and Chakula Cha Jua, our three awardees.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to every single person who made the 2024 Artivist Awards a success. Stay tuned for what's next!
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