“My desire is to provide a voice for the voiceless. I am hopeful, we will begin to recognize community and our shared humanity.”
Broad Strokes on Broad Street
Awo (pictured) uses multimedia and QR codes to tell the story of those experiencing homelessness as part of the exhibit.
The Department of City Planning presented Broad Strokes on Broad Street, an exhibit featuring Jose’ Awo. The exhibit was created to bring increased awareness to Atlanta’s homelessness crisis. The Broad Strokes on Broad Street events advocate against homelessness using art activism, with a goal of allowing art to draw you in and letting the discussions thereafter touch your heart. Broad Strokes on Broad Street ran from October 28th through December 7th, 2021.
All proceeds from the exhibit were donated to CaringWorks, a local agency that is working to end homelessness by providing comprehensive services and resources to their clients.
The Book Club featured Dericka Webster, the Lead Case Manager, Metro Atlanta Red Shield Services, The Salvation Army and Dorian McDuffie, Public Art Manager with the Department of City Planning discussing the book Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems, and Changing Lives.
This book is the first to chronicle the story of Housing First (HF), a paradigm-shifting evidence-based approach to ending homelessness that began in New York City in 1992 and rapidly spread to other cities nationally and internationally.
Exhibit Opening
Attendees experienced artist Awo’s talents through a multi-media exhibit that combined a painting installation and videos that shed light on this country-wide issue. Opening night also included remarks by special guests: Commissioner Tim Keane, Woodruff Park Program Manager Ansley Whipple, and musical performances by singer/songwriter Cody Chesnutt.
In-person/Outdoor panel discussion
The art exhibit also hosted an in-person/outdoor panel discussion moderated by Terence Lester, Founder of Love Beyond Walls, an organization dedicated to providing resources and support to the city’s unsheltered. Guest speakers included Tammy Hughes, Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) Social Impact Director, Cathryn Marchman, Ronny Moore, and Malika Whitley. Participants heard first-hand accounts from people who have experienced homelessness.
“It takes patience and diligence to work through the system no matter what side of this issue you’re on. Through the experience of being able to speak on this panel my intention is to share the perspective of someone who was once in need of the services and now someone who is helping to find homes.”