Poetry by Nikki Giovanni and Crystal Wilkinson are included throughout the collection along with playlists for each era (available on YouTube). The purpose of this collection is to amplify their narrative and remind audiences that there are quality artists creating in the mountains.Īlthough the base of the project is visual arts, music and language are highly recognized components of the Appalachia. “You don’t hear us because you’re not listening you’re not listening because you don’t know we exist.” - Kreneshia Whiteside-McGee, curator.

Conversation with Kreneshia Whiteside-McGee, curatorĭescription: “Y’all Don’t Hear Me” is a statement by someone who feels disregarded, which resonates with the Black Appalachian community. Thursday, June 1 – Elizabeth Catlett Exhibitions:ħ p.m.Our mission is to showcase emerging and established local artists of African descent who are creating, innovating and producing extraordinary work in the disciplines of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, film and literature.' The arts delight, instruct, console, awaken and refine us and if we let them, they restore our humanity. 'Wielding the transformative powers of the arts, our festivals are revolutionary acts of sankofa- retrieving that which was ours and had been forgotten. We honor our ancestors by holding this day in reverence and celebrating ourselves to celebrate them. 'CFBA&I orbits around June 19 because Juneteenth represents a historic triumph of the human spirit. This will be accomplished in part by not only including local artists, speakers and workshop leaders, but by adding more reginal, national and internationally recognized artists.

Officials said, 'Our goal for this year and years to come is to grow the festival. Events and activities will take place in varying locations throughout Chattanooga. In its sixth year, the Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas: Juneteenth Independence Day will run June 1-19.

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