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October 2023 through May 2024 We were thrilled to unveil our Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility mural project called , a testament to Durango's vibrant artistic community and collaborative spirit. This ambitious project, located along the Animas River Trail near Santa Rita Park, has brought together nine talented local artists to transform the walls of the Water Reclamation Facility into a stunning canvas celebrating the beauty of our region and the flow of its vital waterways. A Creative Collaboration The mural project is more than just a visual enhancement; it celebrates teamwork and creativity. Beginning in October 2023, The Walls Project and local artists—Silas Armstrong, Cindy Atchison, Chelsie Begoody, Laurie Cullum, Mariah Kaminsky, Parker Ledford, Jordanne Pelkey, Maddie Sanders, and Hannah Wilson—worked tirelessly to bring their individual styles and visions to the mural. Each artist has contributed their unique perspective, from realistic portrayals of local fauna to imaginative interpretations of water and nature. A special highlight of the mural includes intricate water droplets, each capturing local animals, plants, and symbols related to our rivers and streams. The collaborative process has been a journey of learning and mutual inspiration, with artists sharing techniques and refining their work together. It's been an incredible experience to see their distinct styles blend seamlessly into a cohesive and breathtaking work of art. Read the Durango Herald Article Here Once the temperatures increased, every day during April and May, you would see an artist or two working their allotted portion of the  Community and Artistic Impact Our mural project perfectly exemplifies how creative collaboration can enrich our community. The project's success is not just in the final artwork but in the process —bringing local artists together, supporting each other's growth, and contributing to a shared vision. It reflects Durango's deep artistic roots and the collective effort that makes our city shine. The mural was officially unveiled during Animas River Days on June 1st and 2nd, an event that was both engaging and colorful as the mural itself. We invite everyone to visit the mural and celebrate this fantastic addition to Durango's public art collection and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our local artists. We also had a kid’s mural activity where they were able to paint their mural on a giant canvas provided by The Walls Project. A Big Thank You We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The City of Durango, the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility, Sherwin Williams, and all the supporters who have made this project possible. Your commitment to enhancing our community through art is truly inspiring. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey!

On Wednesday July 3rd, The Walls Project hosted a group of 25 leaders from the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program at the Baton Roots community farm at BREC's Howell Park. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the founding flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative. The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a six-week leadership institutes which includes studying business, civic engagement, or public management at U.S. colleges or universities.  The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished leaders and have established records of promoting innovation and positive impact in their communities and countries. This group of Fellows is studying at LSU and has connected with a number of local organizations for community service and other cultural experiences through the LSU Center for Community Engagement, Learning, & Leadership. Fellows joined Baton Roots staff and summer interns for a farm tour, learning about the ways Baton Roots works to transform the local food system by growing nutrient-rich crops in areas of high food insecurity and training the next generation of urban farmers in South Louisiana. Fellows and staff planted sweet potatoes together. . Following the tour and sweet potato planting, the Baton Roots team and Mandela Washington Fellow sat down with Stephanie Elwood of Southern Ag Extension and had an open conversation about food systems and urban agricultural work across geographical contexts. Baton Roots Senior Program Coordinator Mitchell Provensal shared the following: "They were talking about the same problems we have here: people from rural areas moving into the urban areas, big corporations buying up rural land, growing commodity crops. They were discussing how they can inspire young farmers. A few [of the fellows] worked for agricultural non profits." Provensal also shared, "Hosting the Mandela Washington Fellows was an honor. Our staff and youth summer program participants enjoyed connecting with people from across the globe to share our hopes and visions for a new agriculture system. It was interesting to hear of  similar challenges we are all facing and the great success they have accomplished in their countries. It was truly inspiring and we hope to keep in touch for future collaboration!"

Baton Roots Community Farm is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the Basic Needs grant from the Capital Area United Way to support the Baton Roots Urban Agriculture Program. This program is dedicated to addressing food insecurity in Baton Rouge, with a particular focus on individuals and families living at or below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Threshold. The Baton Roots Urban Agriculture Program aims to provide fresh, healthy, and locally grown produce to those in Baton Rouge who lack consistent access to nutritious food. Through this initiative, Baton Roots operates 11 garden sites on East Baton Rouge Housing Authority properties, three gardens at public high schools, and a 4-acre community farm at Howell Park. These sites not only supply fresh produce to local residents and students but also offer hands-on education and training to empower individuals and families to grow their own food, thereby improving their food security and nutrition. “Our goal is to create a resilient community where everyone has access to the fresh, healthy food they need to thrive,” said Mitchell Provensal, Senior Program Coordinator of Baton Roots Community Farm. “This grant from the Capital Area United Way will enable us to expand our reach and enhance our impact, providing even more support to those who need it most.” The Baton Roots Urban Agriculture Program is strategically designed to serve communities with the highest rates of food insecurity in the Capital Area, including zip codes 70805, 70807, 70811, 70812, and 70802. By partnering with local schools, churches, nonprofits, coalitions, and community centers, Baton Roots ensures that its services are accessible to those who need them the most. Additionally, the organization promotes its services through community outreach, social media, and its website. Key components of the program funded by the grant include: Increased Program Delivery and Community Engagement: Baton Roots will enhance existing programs like Hustle and Grow, community gardens, and food preparation demonstrations. The organization will also seek alliances with groups that support re-entry programs and food access systems, such as SNAP. Increased Access to Fresh Produce: The grant will enable Baton Roots to produce and distribute more fresh and healthy produce throughout the Louisiana Capital Region, helping to alleviate food insecurity. Education and Training Opportunities: The grant will support the development of educational materials and workshops on gardening, healthy eating, and food preservation. It will also fund the hiring of additional staff to oversee these programs. The impact of this grant will be substantial, allowing Baton Roots to: Reduce food insecurity by increasing access to over 20,000 lbs of fresh produce annually. Improve the health and well-being of food-insecure individuals and families through education and training. Support the local economy by creating jobs and purchasing supplies from local vendors. Foster a sense of community through shared gardening activities. Promote environmental sustainability by encouraging organic gardening practices. Baton Roots Community Farm is grateful to the Capital Area United Way for this generous grant, which will significantly enhance the organization’s ability to serve the Baton Rouge community.

Cultural connection through art is not a new discovery, but equal access to art in spaces is still a challenge in many neighborhoods. Through community service events, like Reactivate BR, The Walls Project combines beautification and community impact into a space to create and celebrate simutaneously. This summer, Reactivate BR brought vibrant art activations to Baton Rouge around the Juneteenth holiday, engaging community members in meaningful and creative ways. Here’s a recap of the exciting events: June 14: BREC Late Night Hype at Gus Young Park At Gus Young Park, community members gathered for an evening of creativity and collaboration during BREC’s Late Night Hype event. Participants provided feedback on, voted on, and helped paint two stunning murals on the back of the pool house, facing the popular basketball courts. These murals, rendered with UV-reactive paint, highlight the power of sports, particularly basketball, to unite the community. They also honor the legacy of Simone Augustus, a basketball legend who attended Capitol High School in the area. June 19: Mural Activation at Banks Community Garden In collaboration with Scotlandville CDC, The Walls Project facilitated a mural activation at Banks Community Garden. MYWE students had the opportunity to paint a mural on the fence line, guided by mentoring artists Bryson Boutte and Mike Weary. The students learned valuable skills in tool use, preparation, painting techniques, and paint disposal, and explored careers in public art. This hands-on experience not only beautified the garden but also empowered young artists with knowledge and inspiration. June 22: Living Sculpture Installation during Scotland Saturdays Levitt Amped Concert Series During the Scotland Saturdays Levitt Amped concert series, a unique living sculpture designed by Skye Erie was installed. Sherwin Williams partnered to produce color blocking on the concrete pad, transforming it into an outdoor stage. Community children participated in a living history-themed art installation, engaging with a playhouse themed after historic Black businesses that once thrived on Scotland Avenue. This interactive art piece celebrated the rich history and cultural heritage of the area, providing a space for education and play. These Juneteenth art activations by The Walls Project not only brought colorful and inspiring artworks to public spaces but also fostered community engagement, historical awareness, and artistic education. Thank you to all the artists, partners, and community members who made these events a success. Want to support future Reactivate BR events like our activations this Juneteenth? Click here to donate.

Nestled in the heart of BREC Howell Park, the Baton Roots Community Farm is a beacon of sustainability, community, and now, vibrant art. Recently, a unique project brought an infusion of color and creativity to the farm: the repainting of old yard signs, transforming them into wayfinding and identification signs for the garden plots. This initiative not only beautified the space but also celebrated the spirit of community and the importance of art in everyday life. A Canvas in the Garden Baton Roots Community Farm has always been a place of growth and connection. From fresh produce to educational programs, the farm serves as a hub for the local community. However, the recent addition of painted signs has added a new dimension to the farm's atmosphere. The idea was simple yet impactful: take old yard signs that had seen better days and repurpose them as colorful guides for visitors. Volunteers and local artists came together, armed with paintbrushes and vibrant palettes, ready to transform these signs into works of art. Each sign, now adorned with unique designs and bright colors, not only directs visitors to various parts of the farm but also tells a story of creativity and collaboration. "Art can be collaborated into anything you do... Whether you're seeing it or creating it, art adds so much to our everyday lives." said partnering artist, Darrionne Ellis. The Art of Wayfinding Wayfinding signs are essential in helping visitors navigate the farm's expansive grounds. The new signs serve a dual purpose: they provide clear directions and identification for garden plots while enhancing the visual appeal of the farm. Each sign is a unique piece of art, reflecting the diverse talents and perspectives of the artists who created them. The repainting project also provided an opportunity for volunteers to engage with the farm in a new way. It was a chance to leave a lasting mark on the space, contributing to the farm's aesthetic and functional landscape. The process was as much about community building as it was about art, with volunteers sharing stories, ideas, and laughter as they worked. Cultivating Community Through Creativity The repainting project aligns perfectly with Baton Roots Community Farm's mission of fostering community and sustainability. Art has a unique way of bringing people together, and this project was no exception. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds participated, united by a common goal of enhancing their beloved community farm. The newly painted signs have already made a noticeable impact. Visitors are greeted with bursts of color and creativity as they explore the farm, adding an element of surprise and delight to their experience. The signs not only serve as practical guides but also as conversation starters, drawing attention to the importance of art in public spaces. A Lasting Legacy The impact of the repainting project extends beyond the immediate visual transformation. It serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of coming together to create something beautiful. The signs are a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the volunteers and artists who contributed their time and talents. As the garden plots continue to flourish, so too will the vibrant signs that guide visitors through Baton Roots Community Farm. This project has sown seeds of creativity and collaboration, cultivating a sense of pride and ownership among those who call the farm their own. In the heart of Baton Rouge, at BREC Howell Park, the Baton Roots Community Farm stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. The repainted signs are more than just wayfinding tools; they are symbols of unity, creativity, and the enduring spirit of the Baton Roots community. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or a first-time visitor, we invite you to come and experience the beauty and creativity that now adorns Baton Roots Community Farm. Together, we can continue to grow, connect, and create a vibrant future for our community.

Welcome to BREAK N2 Tech, the Futures Fund workshop series, where you can learn key skills related to tech and digital creativity. February's workshop focused on helping those with businesses prepare for creating a website. This part of building a website is the most overlooked, but perhaps the most critical, in being able to successfully create and deploy a results-driven website. Helena Williams, Director of The Futures Fund, leads her class through the stages of website preparation, including: Website Goals setting Target Audience defining Buyer Persona building (hands-on activity in the worksheet) Customer Journeys and Website Outcomes connections Website-building Strategy Content creation Project Management Sprints If you would like to download the presentation that is covered and the worksheets that accompany the class, please click the links below. Interested in our next workshops? Please check out the upcoming workshops this spring below: Need more support? We have a community for you! Join us at BREAK N2 Tech Web Development virtually every Tuesday and Thursday night beginning February 20th. This event series was made possible through the support of organizations that want to see you advance in tech! This includes Capitol One, Huey & Angelina Wilson Foundation, Capital Area United Way, and UNUM.

On Saturday, April 27th, JOLTcon hosted its highly anticipated Business Pitch Competition. This event is the second and final part of a 2-part conference series held every semester at Southern University’s T.T. Allain building, dedicated to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. Under the theme "Creating NextGen Innovators," participants were trained in March at JOLTcon Part 1 on all things business to prepare them for Part 2. Read about JOLTcon Spring 2024 Part 1 here. The competition segment saw a unique range of entries, with many teens vying for the top prize. Among them, Kadra Bates emerged victorious with her business pitch for NuturerHer, a mental health and wellness subscription box series. Her innovative concept impressed the judges, earning her a well-deserved $500 cash prize to further her venture. Prior to the competition, attendees were treated to inspiring talks from guest speakers. Bailey and Harper Galloway, ages 13 and 8,  from Posh Pop (read their 225 magazine coverage here).  and Zein Clayton, the 19-year-old owner of The Meltdown (read his 225 magazine coverage here), shared their entrepreneurial journeys, motivating teens to pursue their business aspirations with passion and determination. For those not inclined towards competition, Kirsten Roberson of KRO Management offered step-by-step guidance on registering LLCs, empowering young entrepreneurs to formalize their ventures and set a solid foundation for future growth. Every teen attending this workshop walked out with a full LLC business registration. JOLTcon's success wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of sponsors such as Louisiana Healthcare Connections, NexusLA, Capitol One, Huey & Angelina Wilson Foundation, Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, Sparkhound, Baton Rouge Alliance for Students, Charles Lamar Family Foundation, New Schools for Baton Rouge, Kuvare and Southern University, along with generous contributions from individuals passionate about fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. As JOLTcon continues to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, it stands as a testament to the community's dedication to cultivating creativity, resilience, and endless possibilities among today's youth. With each event, JOLTcon reinforces its role as a beacon of hope for a future brimming with entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity. Stay tuned for the next semester of JOLTcon this fall, starting in September.

Looking towards the future and the innovations that will come is something teens come by naturally. Yet, pathways to engaging in the development of technology aren't as straightforward. Through programs like the Futures Fund, creative arts and technology become closer within reach to youth in the Greater Baton Rouge area and beyond. This April, JOLTcon hosted a two-part teen conference, one part Hack-A-Thon competition and the other part technology and digital asset-based workshops. See related story: Futures Fund Hack-A-Thon Training Event 2023 Hack-A-Thon Competition The Hack-A-Thon competition is the first-ever youth-driven app development competition in Baton Rouge. This competition built upon the previous Futures Fund Hack-A-Thon training workshop held the month prior, allowing teens to develop a conceptual app tackling one of two prompts. Teens in groups of 1-5 competed head to head in ideate, mock, design, and pitch an app that would either (1) Help teens communicate with friends better or (2) Connect music with social media more seamlessly. 5 groups participated in this competition, made up of students from all around Baton Rouge area high schools. The standouts of the competition were the app AME and FiveLanguagesinOne. Ultimately, only one winner of the $500 cash prize could be named, and a hard decision was made. AME, with its beautifully fleshed-out interface and feature descriptions, won out in the competition. Sister and brother teamed together in this competition, excitedly bringing home the cash grand prize. AME weren't the only winners of the day. After attending the workshops, teens got entered into a 2-winner raffle of a laptop and printer combo, donated to JOLTcon by Cox Communications and the Southern University Law Center Technology Clinic. See AME's presentation here. JOLTcon Technology Workshops Those looking to learn, rather than compete got a in-depth look at the many sides of technology. From the graphic design, branding, and user interface side to the new frontiers of AI technology and Web 3.0, teens learned skills and understanding of the emerging digital landscape. Workshops included Intro to Cybersecurity, where Teressa Calligan introduces teens to the ways to stay safe in the digital age where scamming, password hacks, fraud, and identity information are always at risk. Kirsten Roberson walked teens through registering their burgeoning businesses with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Nina Tran guided teens through UI/UX (user-interface and user-design) and digital design. Joshua Newbins and Madeline Bonton hosted an interesting discussion on the morals and ethical dilemmas we are facing with the new AI technology with guest panelists Mo Vij, Marina A. Biragova, and Jaymes Durriseau. This event and competition were made possible through the support of Cox Communications, Charles Lamar Family Foundation, Giraphic Prints, Unum, and ThreeSixtyEight. Futures Fund plans to continue presenting reoccurring workshops and training in the future, so stay tuned!

On Monday, May 13th, Ochsner Health team members toured the Baton Roots Community Farm at BREC's Howell Park and assisted the farm team in building a Johnson-Su Composting Bioreactor. On the tour, Ochsner staff learned about how Baton Roots sustainably grows seasonal crops in areas with low food access in order to directly address food insecurity. They also learned about our ongoing educational efforts through community events, workshops, and training programs which teach community members how to grow their own food and hopefully become the next generation of urban farmers that our city and region need. Afterward, Ochsner pitched into some labor-intensive farm work – the building of a Johnson-Su bioreacting compost system. These compost systems are excellent for the farm because once you build them, they sit for a year and then can be used to fertilize an enormous amount of land. This compost system allows Baton Roots to grow high-nutrient food at many sites, as well as give compost away to community gardens and residents. Thank you to the #OchsnerServes team for visiting the farm and contributing directly to this critical work! If your group would like to set up a volunteer or learning event at Baton Roots, please contact batonroots@thewallsproject.org.

The next time you visit Baton Roots Community Farm at BREC's Howell Park, visitors will see the newly installed pollinator garden and upcycled signage. The pollinator garden was installed with the assistance of many volunteers and collaborators, truly embodying the spirit that many hands make light work. First, Walls Project Public Art Coordinator Morgan Udoh and Artist Sky Eerie worked with a group of volunteers at April's Sow Good Saturday event to build out the letters spelling "Baton Roots" out of upcycled materials. Two weeks later, Earth Day volunteers assisted Baton Roots staff in preparing the land for a garden, which involved spreading a layer of cardboard over the grass and then covering the area with 2-3 inches of woodchips. After another two weeks, volunteers at May's Sow Good Saturday planted pollinators and native grasses into the garden. Plants and garden design were donated by the Louisiana Wild Society and Sweet Fern Landscapes. The new pollinator garden is located next to the Harmony Garden raised beds, which are used for garden demonstrations and workshops, as well as growing easily accessible seasonal crops for neighbors to harvest. The Baton Roots Farm Team hopes that we can continue expanding pollinator and native plant gardens throughout the farm to support a lush and vibrant habitat for local wildlife and sustainable crop production. This reclaimed metal sculpture was made possible through a grant with Keep Louisiana Beautiful.

As the spring breeze gently ushers in warmer days, it also brings with it the culmination of an exciting journey for the participants of the online Futures Fund Web Development Spring 2024 semester. Over 10 weeks, a group of enthusiastic adults embarked on a transformative journey, delving deep into the coding languages of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and the intricacies of web design platforms like Wix. But it wasn't just about mastering the languages; it was about fostering teamwork, honing project management skills, and ultimately, bringing visions to life through code. For the Advanced Web Dev class, the challenge set before our graduates was no small feat: design a website for a booking service. Armed with determination, creativity, and a thirst for knowledge, they dove headfirst into the world of web development, guided by our expert instructors every step of the way. What emerged from this journey was nothing short of inspiring. Graduates like Cherronna Mitchell, Tamika Taylor, Alvin Coco, Pamela Adikema, and Chiagawem Hezekiah poured their hearts and souls into crafting a website that not only met the brief but exceeded expectations. From sleek user interfaces to seamless booking functionalities, every aspect of the website bore the hallmark of dedication and passion. Click here to check out the mock website, "Tasty Treats" by the team of Pamela Adikema and Chiagwem Hezekiah. And now, as we close out the Spring 2024 semester, we do so with immense pride and satisfaction. Our graduates not only walk away with a certificate of completion but also with a tangible portfolio piece that showcases their skills and talents to the world. But perhaps most importantly, they leave with the invaluable experience of working collaboratively in a development team—a skill that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

In a world where environmental consciousness is more critical than ever, communities, including professional artists, are taking proactive steps to educate and engage citizens in sustainable practices. Keep Louisiana Beautiful has stood at the forefront of innovation by supporting a year's worth of Earth Day activities through The Walls Project that fosters eco-awareness alongside artistic expression. During the Earth Day event on April 27th, 2024, participants immersed themselves in a plethora of educational and hands-on experiences. Among the highlights was an enlightening session on the proper disposal of acrylic solids from used paint water. Through the use of floccing chemicals, attendees learned how to separate acrylic solids, ensuring the safe reuse of the remaining liquid as grey water (watch the video tutorial below). Additionally, participants delved into the world of wild clay, practicing identification and the art of hand-building with this natural material. The creation of mini murals signage for Baton Roots farm from recycled campaign yard signs showcased both creativity and resourcefulness while weaving reclaimed fiber art totes from burlap rice, seed, and feedbags emphasized the importance of upcycling. One of the most impactful endeavors was the February Eco-art Happy Hour workshop, where participants discovered the process of producing natural pigments from indigenous florals, grown at the Baton Roots farm, for watercolor paints. This innovative approach not only fosters creativity but also reduces the reliance on synthetic pigments, thus mitigating the risk of microplastics in groundwater. During the March Sow Good Saturday event, participants collaborated to repurpose paint cans, glass bottles (donated by Glass Half Full Nola), and scrap metal into sculptural signage for the Baton Roots farm. This project exemplified the transformative power of creative reuse in beautifying community spaces. Culture Club afterschool programming from December 2023 to April 2024 engaged 45 high school students from the 70805 and 70807 zip codes in a series of eco-art modules. Students engaged in recycled collage portraits, wild clay handbuilding, recycle plastic sculptures, and creative reuse while placemaking on their campus, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and artistic expression among participants. Related Article: Cultivating Creativity, Skills, and Community: A Recap of Culture Club After school Activities The Walls Project is grateful for the innovative application of this year’s Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant that encourages eco-conscious stewardship of our soil and waterways in the creative community.