A.R. Shaw is a two-time author and award-winning journalist.

Currently the Executive Editor of Atlanta Daily World, America’s first Black-owned daily publication, A.R. Shaw and his work has also been featured on ABC News, NBC, NPR, and the BBC.

An educator for over 30 years, a storyteller, poet, author, and poetry slam champion, Theresa Davis is a host for many of the lit events around Atlanta.  

Currently, she is working on a new collection of poetry titled “Dirt”. 

Atlanta-based conceptual artist and activist Jose Awo draws inspiration from international travels to create sublime pieces that are "challenging and daring.”

His notable works include the Broad Strokes on Broad Street and a commission by the Atlanta City Council to celebrate boxer Johnny L. Gant Sr. Day.  

Mark Kendall is an Atlanta based comedian and co-founder of CoolCoolCool Productions where they use comedy to encourage civic engagement. 

He is the co-host of the WABE podcast, "What's Good, Atlanta?"

Atlanta native Rohit Maholtra is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Civic Innovation and a social entrepreneur with years of experience in digital communication and community organizing. 

Rohit is a self-appointed expert on pizza and hip hop.

Daniel Flores (DTM, DaCreativeGenius) is a multidisciplinary Artist with 20 years experience in Graphic Design, Web Development, Concept Artist, Vector Illustration and Traditional Arts. 

Atlanta native Maria Saporta is a journalist and nurturer of the next gen of civic journalists through founding of the SaportaReport, a local independent online news site and her latest venture, co-founding a non-profit called Atlanta Way 2.0.

lauri stallings is a social practice choreographer.

Her newest work “Making Kin (In the Chthulucence)” is part of the High Museum’s LAB.   Her long-term project “The Traveling Show” will engage South Georgia’s Coffee County this fall. 

Illustrator and 45 year resident of Atlanta, John Nelson has worked with various local and national companies over the years.

You can find his work online at johnnelsondraws.com.

Jon Goode is an Emmy nominated writer who’s newest collection of short stories, Black Curio, should be released this August.

His work has been featured on CNN, HBO, and BET. 

Vivian McDuffie is a transplant to ATL with roots in New Jersey.

She is in several permanent collections including the New Jersey State Museum and the NJ Transit Light Rail. Her publications include Gumbo Yaya, and Art Against Apartheid.