FILM

“This should be a movie, ” said a few kind readers.

So, we filmed a book trailer and it helped me realize that a feature film IS within the realm of possibility.

Currently, I’m working on adapting my novel for the screen. Hopefully, it’ll be coming to a theater near you soon.

WRITING

What makes relationships, families and neighborhoods thrive or die?

The Day Sonny Died

That’s what I explore.

Whether it’s academic research shared as creative non-fiction, a novel, or a workshop…I tell stories. In the past four years, I’ve written 57 freelance articles, a novel, 2 short films and a boatload of blogposts. Because I’m dedicated to:

finding solutions for the chaos we see erupting on the nightly news
and cultivating empathy across ethnic, economic and educational backgrounds

At least once a week, people—some of them incarcerated—share that that my writing has made them hopeful.

And that is the fuel that keeps me going…

COMMUNITY ART

: COMMUNITY BIKE RIDES (2018): In North Nashville, we are in desperate need of rituals that bring people together across differing backgrounds. So, during the summer, we curated monthly community bike rides. The goal of the community bike rides was to 1) Connect Neighbors 2) Foster Belonging and 3) Get More People onto the Street.

: We partnered with Walk Bike Nashville and Metro Police (North Precinct).

: Walk Bike Nashville planned the route, brought extra bikes, helmets and snacks. North Police Precinct helped us navigate the streets.

: Neighbor: I love North Nashville

: Commander Graves and Neighbors

: Baby E: Officer Pullleeeeze don’t let my parents take me on this bike ride.

: Black Girl (Biking) Magic

: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

: NORTH NASHVILLE WALK & BIKE (2018): Through a partnership with Metro Planning, Public Works and funded by Metro Arts, I helped gather community feedback on improving walking (and biking) in North Nashville.

: Over the course of four months, we engaged more than 150 people through community meetings, events, and direct interaction. We reached people across differing ethnic, economic and education backgrounds. We also reached a wide range of abilities and ages.

: This is a yard sign I designed and placed in high traffic areas around the neighborhood. We tried various ways of notifying neighbors, but we found word of mouth to be the strongest strategy.

: Due to the scope of the project, we had a number of Metro-Nashville Government Officials visit our meetings.

: The top two priorities identified were: slow traffic and make crossing streets safer for pedestrians. Pictured: Peter Bird, Metro Planning Department and Ms. Judy, Buena Vista Heights Neighborhood Association

: The Arthur Avenue Bridge underpass is dark even during daylight. Two winters ago, a body was found here. Better lighting is critical and a neighborhood priority.

: Here the neighborhood identified possible design solutions for the the Arthur Avenue Bridge.

: Through observation and listening, I helped identify an additional barrier to walking and biking. Historically, violence could erupt at any moment and many people do not feel safe enough to walk or bike alone. So, we piloted a neighborhood bike ride to 1) connect neighbors 2) foster belonging and 3) get more people onto the street.

: ART AGAINST VIOLENCE (2018) : In response to a triple murder and persistent youth violence, we, as neighbors, decided to fight youth violence through employment and engagement.

: We raised money, secured approvals, partnered with a local non-profit, employed two young men and commissioned a wood-cut public art installation honoring a neighborhood activist for non-violence.

: North Nashville Win: Approval from Metro Parks

: Temporary Public Art Installation: Mural of Mrs. Curlie E. McGruder, a freedom fighter, an advocate for the non-violent student movement and woman who risked everything for the cause she believed in.

: Nick is one of the young men from our neighborhood that we commissioned (and paid!) to build the mural.

: Art Against Violence Mural Dedication and Unveiling

: Art Against Violence Mural Dedication & Neighborhood Bike Ride

: VOICES ON THE EDGE (2017): This project was an artistic response to a troubling incident I witnessed. Two young boys ( ages 7 and 9) were stopped, questioned by two officers and escorted home in a police car for riding their bicycles on the sidewalk in Edgehill Village.