New Program Helps to Close the Food Gap in Urban Communities
ATLANTA (JULY 13, 2023) – The Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC), AgLanta, and the Sweet Auburn Green and Equitable Initiative cordially invite you to attend the ARTICULTURE block party on Thursday, July 20th, from 3 pm to 7 pm at the historic Water Tower located at 631 Irwin St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
This vibrant event will feature Atlanta's talented Rhonda Thomas, an extraordinary vocalist known for her unique blend of jazz, vintage soul, and alternative R&B sound. An integral gathering designed to unite community members from Sweet Auburn and Old Fourth Ward areas, it aims to boost awareness of urban agriculture and foster appreciation of arts and culture within this bustling corridor of Atlanta.
The event is further supported by a grant from Local Initiatives Support Corporation ("LISC"), approved for $105,000 to support Equitable Healthy Food Access.
Grant funds shall support expenses associated with food access programming, community engagement, and organizational storytelling. Anticipated expenses include community garden start-up supplies, materials and post-production supports; program evaluation; a communications product; and stipends for farmers who will establish three functioning urban gardens and manage their build-out, operations, and community engagement activities as part of a new Farmer-in-Residence program.
During this lively celebration, attendees will be treated to delicious food and demos by partner Global Chef Society while enjoying live music from local performers alongside a DJ spinning everyone's favorite tunes. Intentional storytelling about the history of Sweet Auburn will provide enriching context for the event.
Along with public art engagement and urban agriculture activities in partnership with Truly Living Well, guests can partake in games and a mixologist demonstration offered by collaborating organizations such as Remerge, Studioplex, Praise House Project, and Dashboard.
As Chenee’ Joseph, CEO and President of HDDC explains: "ARTICULTURE serves as a celebration of our community's vibrant past while creating a space for everyone to join us in shaping its future. We're excited to unite all aspects of our beloved neighborhood under one roof – bringing together art, music, agriculture, and food justice – all tied into the fabric of Sweet Auburn."
She continues, “With something for everyone at this eventful day centered around architecture, agriculture, culture, and history – we invite everyone to come out and make an impact on how Sweet Auburn continues to evolve for all residents, young and old, by joining HDDC at this unique one-of-a-kind happening!”
The ARTICULTURE block party event on Thursday, July 20th, from 3 pm to 7 pm is free and open to the public.
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ABOUT HISTORIC DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC), one of Atlanta's oldest community development corporations, is the sole nonprofit organization committed to preserving affordable housing in the Old Fourth Ward district. For nearly four decades, HDDC has served as a driving force for equitable urban revitalization in Atlanta. To learn more about supporting, investing in their projects, and making a positive impact on the community, visit their website at www.hddc.org.
All media inquiries should be directed to T. MORRISON