In Conversation with Professor Wendel Dandridge: Insights on Atlanta’s Community, Culture, and Art

 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 that bring culture to life. He also noted that many artistic expressions are tied to tradition and heritage, which adds layers of meaning to local events and projects.

This conversation gave me ideas for stories about murals as reflections of community identity, neighborhood spaces that foster cultural engagement, and how residents experience and contribute to local arts. Professor Dandridge reminded me that culture isn’t just created  it’s lived, experienced, and shared, and capturing that in stories means listening carefully to both experts and the people who make the community vibrant.

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