The Nyla Perspective

 At Clark Atlanta University, creativity and community show up in more ways than one. For my beat community, art, and community voices  three campus organizations stand out for how they uplift student expression and help define the culture of CAU. Each one brings something different to the table, whether through visual art, leadership, or media storytelling. The  Clark Atlanta University Art Museum (CAUAM)  is a cultural anchor on campus. Known for celebrating African American art and highlighting emerging student talent, the museum plays a key role in shaping how CAU students see themselves and their place in a larger artistic legacy.  Story idea:  a behind-the-scenes look at how students get their work featured in the museum and how CAUAM helps young Black creatives build visibility in Atlanta’s art scene. The  Orientation Guide (OG) program  also plays a major part in building community at CAU. Even though it’s not an arts organization in the t...

To strengthen my understanding of community, art, and culture in Atlanta, I followed three professional journalists whose work aligns with my beat. Observing their reporting and social media engagement gave me insight into how professionals cover local culture, art, and community voices. Journalists I Followed: Kelundra Smith  — Arts journalist/critic & Editor‑at‑Large at ArtsATL X/Twitter:   @pieceofkay Why:  Writes about theatre, visual arts, and culture in Atlanta  great for stories about local art, galleries, and performances. DeAsia Paige  — Culture Reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) X/Twitter:   @deasia_paige Why:  Covers music, arts, culture, and Black communities in Atlanta  her work shows how cultural and community stories intersect. Jewel Wicker  — Freelance Culture & Entertainment Reporter X/Twitter:   @JewelWicker Why:  Reports on entertainment, film, and cultural events useful for spotting local ...

 While walking around campus, I spotted a bright and festive flyer for Clark Atlanta University’s  “Light Up the Heart of the City”  holiday tree lighting celebration, and it immediately caught my eye. The event will take place on  Monday, November 24th, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the President’s Lot , and it promises to be a magical evening filled with holiday cheer. This is exactly the kind of community event that makes our campus feel alive students, faculty, and neighbors coming together to celebrate, share laughter, and enjoy the season. From twinkling lights to festive music, it’s not just about lighting a tree it’s about lighting up the heart of CAU itself. I snapped a photo of the flyer to capture all the details and share the excitement with everyone!

#communityart Why it matters:  Highlights art made by and for the community. Use it for:  Public art, group projects, community workshops, or art tied to social issues. #atlculture Why it matters:  Highlights Atlanta’s unique culture, traditions, and shared experiences. Use it for:  Festivals, cultural celebrations, local music, food, and heritage stories. #atlantavoices Why it matters:  Amplifies stories from local people, activists, and community leaders. Use it for:  Interviews, community projects, personal stories, or civic engagement posts.

 Atlanta has always been a center of creativity, culture, and artistic expression. For my beat, I explored three historic local dates that helped shape the arts and community storytelling we see today: 1. October 5, 1881 — The Opening of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) The AUC began forming in the late 1800s with the establishment of institutions like Atlanta University and Clark College. This moment laid the foundation for a powerful creative and intellectual community. Today, the AUC continues to produce artists, filmmakers, writers, musicians, and culture-shapers whose voices influence national conversations. 2. September 12, 1960 — The AUC Students Launch The Atlanta Student Movement AUC students began organizing sit-ins and community actions that used storytelling, media, and public presence to fuel change. This movement showed how powerful  student voices  and community-centered expression can be, influencing the role of art and culture in activism today. 3. May...

I recently subscribed to a free Substack newsletter called  Culture Study  by writer Anne Helen Petersen. It focuses on creativity, cultural trends, and the way communities influence the art we make. One post that stood out to me was titled  “How Creative Spaces Shape the Way We Tell Stories.” The article talks about how the environment around an artist affects their voice and expression. When people feel supported, included, and inspired by the space they’re in, their creativity shows up differently. Petersen uses examples from community studios, college campuses, and local artist collectives to show how shared spaces help people grow, experiment, and collaborate. Reading this connected directly to my beat   Arts, Culture, and Community Voices . So much of the work I cover comes from people creating within a specific environment: students on campus, Atlanta artists, and storytellers building community through their work. It reminded me that behind every story is a s...

 

 I engaged with my classmate  Madison Rose’s  post on her news beat, which focuses on fashion within different cultures and how clothing, patterns, and styles symbolize identity.  Her post really helped me see how fashion isn’t just about trends it’s a form of cultural expression and storytelling. Reading Madison’s work helped me think about my own beat  community, art, and local voices  in a new way. Clothing, like murals or local performances, reflects identity, history, and shared experiences within a community. It reminded me that to truly cover culture, you have to pay attention to  the meaning behind what people create and wear , not just the surface-level aesthetics.  Engaging with her post gave me ideas for stories connecting  community and culture , like highlighting local fashion designers who celebrate heritage, or exploring cultural events where clothing is a form of artistic expression. I’ve followed Madison on X/Twitter to conti...

  Publication Reviewed: The Atlanta Voice For this week’s beat check-in, I read a recent story from The Atlanta Voice about Atlanta’s community art scene  a neighborhood-based arts showcase that featured local Black creatives (painters, musicians, small business owners). The article focuses on the event, giving readers exposure to the artists and their work.  One thing The Atlanta Voice got right was its emphasis on  community impact . The article doesn’t just list event details  it connects the showcase to the broader narrative of Black art in Atlanta, highlighting why representation matters and how community support helps artists thrive. The quotes from artists help ground the piece in real stories. Another strength was the focus on  culture and identity . The writer underscores how Atlanta’s creative scene reflects the lived experiences of the people behind it, exploring themes like cultural heritage, resilience, and the need for visibility in historical...

 While attending a community meeting in southwest Atlanta this week, I overheard a conversation that could be valuable for Baylen Yarbrough’s crime beat. Notes from the conversation: Resident 1:  “The neighborhood has been quieter lately, but there have been more car break-ins around the park.” Resident 2:  “Yeah, I noticed too. People are worried about leaving their cars overnight, especially with the streetlights being so dim.” They also discussed community response: “The neighborhood watch has been trying to do more patrols, but they need more volunteers and better coordination with the police.” Both agreed that  communication and awareness  are key residents are more likely to report suspicious activity if they feel connected to each other and local authorities. Why this matters for Baylen’s beat: Provides insight into  resident perspectives on crime  in Atlanta neighborhoods. Highlights a  specific crime type  (car break-ins) that could ...

 I had the chance to speak with  Professor Wendel Dandridge , my Biblical Heritage professor, about my beat  community, art, and local voices in Atlanta. Even though his expertise isn’t in journalism or the arts, he offered fresh perspectives on how culture, identity, and storytelling intersect in communities. Professor Dandridge emphasized that art is more than decoration  it reflects the values, history, and identity of the communities that create it. He pointed out that public murals, pop-up exhibits, and local projects often carry stories overlooked by mainstream media. He also highlighted the importance of  spaces , like parks, community centers, and libraries, in shaping who interacts with culture and how residents engage with creative expression. One of the most valuable takeaways was the idea of blending  academic insight with local voices . While scholarly perspectives provide context, it’s the stories of residents, organizers, and participants tha...

 As I track the pulse of community, art, and voices across Atlanta, certain numbers don’t just sit on a spreadsheet  they hint at deeper stories about who we are, who we could be, and how art intersects with city life. Here are three especially telling stats for the city, and how they could shape stories worth exploring. 1. Atlanta’s Growing Population — 520,070 (2024 estimate) According to the latest U.S. Census “QuickFacts,” Atlanta’s population as of July 1, 2024 is estimated at  520,070 , up from 498,715 in 2020. A growing population suggests an expanding audience and potentially more creators. What does this growth mean for the city’s art scene? Are new residents contributing to a shift in cultural identity? This could frame a piece about “How Atlanta’s Growth is Reshaping Its Creative Landscape,” exploring how influx of people influences galleries, street art, community murals, small‑venue performances, or grassroots arts initiatives.  Census.gov +1  ...

 While attending a neighborhood festival in Atlanta this week, I overheard a conversation between two community members that really spoke to the heartbeat of the city  exactly the kind of insight my beat focuses on. Notes from the conversation: Person 1:  “I love how events like this bring people together. It’s not just about the music or food  it’s about connecting with neighbors and sharing stories.” Person 2:  “Exactly. You get to see who’s doing work in the community, from local businesses to youth programs. It reminds you how much culture is alive outside the big events.” They also discussed community challenges: “Sometimes it feels like funding and attention only go to the big projects. Small groups and local initiatives need support too.” Both agreed that public gatherings, block parties, and cultural events  help amplify local voices and create stronger connections . Why it matters for my beat: This conversation highlights key themes about Atlanta’s...