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A Conversation with Sara West of South Coast Organizers At South Coast Organizers, decluttering isn’t just about creating tidy spaces—it’s about creating space for transformation, healing, and community care. We sat down with Sara West, founder of the organizing company and a consistent contributor to the Little Art Library, to learn more about her mission, her methods, and how sustainability is woven into her work. The Power of Letting Go For Sara, decluttering comes before organizing. “When we purge the things that no longer serve us, it’s cleansing,” she shares. “It helps us build toward the life we want.” Letting go of clutter isn’t just about physical items; it can lift mental burdens, ease anxiety, and make room for new possibilities. Sara emphasizes the emotional weight that clutter carries and how freeing it can be to release it. A big part of that process is giving items a second life. “If you throw it away, it just ends up in a landfill. Everything you’ve ever owned still exists somewhere,” Sara says. That awareness drives her commitment to sustainability. Many of her clients feel guilty for overbuying or not using certain items, but knowing those supplies will be used by someone else, especially artists or kids, makes it easier to let go. Crafting a Creative Connection Sara was introduced to the Little Art Library through a personal connection, and she instantly saw the value. “Crafty people LOVE to hang on to things for ‘future projects’ that never happen,” she laughs. “If they know it’s going to a good place, they’re more likely to share.” Since then, she’s become a regular contributor, donating everything from coloring books and yarn to odd-shaped wood pieces, party supplies, and costume-worthy accessories. “I always think, ‘Would a crafty person love this?’ If yes, it goes in the pile.” Though she hasn’t seen the direct impact of her donations just yet, she’s hopeful and excited about the ripple effect her contributions are making in the local creative community. Helping Clients Let Go with Intention Sara makes a point to tell her clients where their items are going, and that makes a big difference. “They get so excited to give more,” she explains. For those who feel attached to certain things, she invites them to share the story of the item or take a photo before parting with it. It helps them honor the memory without holding onto the physical object. She’s heard countless stories of relief and joy when clients realize their long-forgotten craft supplies will finally find a home and purpose with someone new. Tips for Decluttering Her advice for others looking to declutter thoughtfully? “Start with your why. Once you have your pile, get creative. There are so many organizations that can get those things into the hands of people who need them most.” Through small, intentional acts of generosity, Sara West is helping people reclaim their space, reduce waste, and make meaningful contributions to their community, one box of art supplies at a time. Learn more about South Coast Organizers at socoorganizers.com or her Instagram @saralwest_socoorganizer. Follow along with the Little Art Library (we have a Facebook group page ) to see where these donated treasures land next!

A Thoughtful Surprise from Ms. Beverly of Tootsie & Friends At Baton Roots, the work we do is rooted in community, and it’s often the smallest gestures that remind us just how deeply that community cares. Over the past year, we’ve been uplifted by simple acts of generosity that reflect a shared commitment to one another and to a better Baton Rouge. One such moment came recently when Ms. Beverly from Tootsie & Friends delivered over 30 beautifully assembled goodie bags to our office, each one packed with love and appreciation for our Baton Roots volunteers and members. Inside were gardening gloves, snacks, wildflower seeds, and other thoughtful treats designed to support and celebrate the people who make this work possible. The response? Pure joy. Our volunteers and members were surprised and deeply touched. What might seem like a small gift made a big impact, reminding us all that giving doesn't have to be grand to be meaningful. Whether it’s a packet of seeds, a word of encouragement, or a donated hour of time, every contribution helps us grow together. Ms. Beverly and Tootsie & Friends embody the spirit of their tagline:  "Celebrating Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things." And here’s the truth: we all have something to give. Whether it’s time, resources, or kindness, every act of generosity helps build a stronger, more connected Baton Rouge. Thank you, Ms. Beverly, for showing us once again that when we give from the heart, we all thrive.

Get ready— JOLTcon  is coming this June, and it’s bringing the heat to two cities  at once. On June 12, 2025 , youth in Baton Rouge and Dallas  will experience the power of entrepreneurship through the lens of gaming, streaming, and esports. Whether you're already building something big or just starting to explore your passion, JOLTcon  is where inspiration meets action. This high-energy youth entrepreneurship conference is packed with workshops, panels, pitch competitions, and real community connections . The 2025 focus is all about gaming, streaming, and making a living doing what you love . If you're curious about how to break into esports, grow your brand, or turn your content into a career, this is the place to be. 🎮 Baton Rouge Details: Date:  June 12, 2025 Location:  Southern University ESPORTS Lab & Ballroom Time:  Full-day experience Learning the business of esports Tips from pro streamers and content creators Multi-state esports competition Pitch sessions for the JOLTCon Trophy and Cash Prize Major Partners:  Southern University, Charles Lamar Family Foundation, Cox Communications, Capital One, UNUM 🎮 Dallas Details: Date:  June 12, 2025 Location:  For Oak Cliff, 907 E. Ledbetter Dr., Dallas, TX 75216 Time:  9 AM–3 PM Esports and gaming career pathways Youth-led panels and community storytelling Interactive learning with local creators Streaming and digital branding tips Major Partners:  For Oak Cliff, Santander Consumer USA, the Moozie Foundation Whether you're in Baton Rouge or Dallas , JOLTcon 2025  is your chance to explore the future of tech, creativity, and entrepreneurship. This isn’t just a conference—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of game changers. Keep your eyes open for speaker reveals, registration links, and esports brackets. You won’t want to miss this.

This spring, The Walls Project  is thrilled to announce a series of hands-on volunteer opportunities that will empower local communities to support school gardens, student murals, and the growth of future food forests across the Denver metro area. These events are part of a growing effort to build sustainable outdoor learning environments, foster youth creativity, and cultivate healthy habits—just in time for Earth Day. Thanks to generous support from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation , volunteers will play a vital role in transforming school grounds into thriving, green spaces that nourish both students and the community. With projects taking place at Lansing Elementary , Garden Place Academy , and Ponderosa Elementary , there are multiple ways for volunteers to get involved and make a lasting impact. Lansing Elementary (Aurora, CO) – Mural Preparation & Garden Beautification – April 14-16, 2025. Join us in preparing two large mural activations  with local muralists Juls Mendoza  and Sandra Fettingis , while enhancing the school’s garden courtyards. Volunteers will help prep the mural spaces, tidy the garden areas, and get everything ready for a week of Earth Day activities. Students will then paint the murals and plant spring starters alongside the artists, combining art and sustainability in a powerful hands-on experience. This project is proudly supported by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation , a national leader in youth wellness and nutrition education. Their values—centered around access to fresh food, school gardening, and empowering future generations—align perfectly with Lansing Elementary’s mission to build vibrant, health-focused learning spaces. Garden Place Academy (Globeville, CO) – Garden Beautification Project – April 14, 2025. Help prepare the garden beds by spreading mulch, enriching soil, and removing invasive shrubs to support a healthier, cleaner space for student learning. Volunteers will work alongside The Preservery Foundation , while students and The Birdseed Collective  bring new life to the school's shipping container, transforming it into a colorful mural. Ponderosa Elementary (Aurora, CO) – Food Forest Preparation – April 17-18, 2025.  Volunteers will help lay the foundation for a large-scale food forest  by digging holes for 40 heritage apple trees  generously provided by the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project . The volunteer support will ensure students are ready to plant the trees on Earth Day, creating a long-term food source and learning opportunity for years to come. “These events are about so much more than planting seeds in the ground,” said Thomas Donley, CO Director of The Walls Project. “They’re about planting ideas—inspiring students to care for the earth, express themselves through art, and see how their actions can grow into something truly transformative. We’re so grateful to Sprouts, the inspiring administration at each school and our incredible partners for making this possible.” Volunteer Information: Community members are invited to join this inspiring project by helping prep the space, support mural installation, and enhance the gardens. Sign up to volunteer at:  bit.ly/earthdayco2025 .

Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference? Join The Walls Project for Earth Day Baton Rouge 2025, a high-energy, hands-on celebration happening Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9 AM to 2 PM at the beautiful Baton Roots Farm in BREC’s Howell Community Park (5509 Winbourne Ave). This isn’t your typical Earth Day. We’ve turned up the volume on sustainability with DIY gardening workshops, interactive eco-art experiences, recycled paint giveaways, and get-your-hands-dirty service projects that connect people to the land and to each other. Whether you’re a kid, a parent, a local creative, or just someone who loves the outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Plant something. Paint something. Learn something. Let’s grow a greener Baton Rouge together. "The continued support from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation empowers us to create impactful programs that resonate with the Baton Rouge community," sai d Dr. Ashlyn Harrison, Executive Director, Louisiana, at The Walls Project. "Earth Day Bato n Rouge 2025 is an opportunity for individuals and families to come together, celebrate our environment, and take actionable steps towards a sustainable future."​ Earth Day Baton Rouge is the second of four reactivation events hosted by The Walls Project annually. The first was MLK Fest, where hundreds of volunteers transformed local spaces with murals, gardens, and cleanups. Now, we’re carrying that same spirit into spring, with even more dirt, creativity, and impact. This event is free and open to the public, thanks to support from Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, City of Baton Rouge, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Humana, SouthArts and the National Endowment of the Arts, Capital One, Giraphic Prints, the USDA Forest Service, Green Sheen, BREC, and Red Cake Events. Spots fill up fast! Visit   www.thewallsproject.org/earthdaybr  to RSVP and check out the schedule.

Louisiana Visual Artist Lionel Milton paints the BREC Baker Gym, originally painted in 2017. Public art doesn’t just color a wall—it tells a story, sparks pride, and breathes new energy into the places we gather. In Louisiana, few artists embody that truth quite like Lionel Milton . Known for his bold lines, electric color palette, and unmistakable NOLA flair, Milton recently discussed with us about one of his most iconic murals at BREC Baker Recreation Center. We caught up with him to talk about his journey with The Walls Project, the power of public art, and what comes next. Morgan Udoh (Walls Project): How and when did you first get involved with The Walls Project? Lionel Milton:  I got involved with the Baker Gym seven years ago. I got an invite from The Walls Project, and we agreed it would be a great fit. Colorful, whimsical, sports! MU: What’s the biggest difference between creating a new mural and restoring one?LM:  The difference creating both murals was waaay  different. My approach—and my art—grew. I laid a great foundation in the beginning, and later it was fun to add my new ideas and style to a great piece. Super fun for both. MU: What role do you think public art plays in spaces like the Baker Gym? LM:  Hope! When you’re able to see yourself and your community in a positive light—bigger than life—on a mural, it’s inspiring. So I think hope and inspiration. MU: How do you hope young people or longtime community members feel when they see this mural? LM:  Love this question. I think they feel prideful and included. A few kids stopped by to try to shoot ball while I was painting. They for sure let me know, “Good job OG!” That’s all I needed! MU: What advice do you have for young artists who want to make public art that lasts?LM:  Be deliberate with your designs, super pro in the execution, don’t miss ya free throws. Leave the game better than ya found it. Don’t do it for the money—do it for the legacy! MU: What’s next for you after this project? LM:  My next project is an animation. We’re working on the funny job I had before art—I was a mascot in a gator costume for our local cable company. Shit was ridiculous! I got jumped like Barney! Soooo, I can always laugh at myself. We’re animating dat !

James Madison High School student works on beat samples with Let the Beat Build. The energy is high, and the creativity is flowing. Culture Club has officially launched its 12-week spring programming in Texas, and it is already making waves in the classroom and beyond. This season, students are diving into two powerful programs: Let the Beat Build  and Texas Trees . At Lincoln High School and James Madison High School, young artists are learning the art of music production through Let the Beat Build , a hands-on program that blends creativity with social and emotional learning. The journey will wrap up with a much-anticipated beat battle between the two schools, bringing rhythm, rivalry, and community spirit to the forefront. Meanwhile, students in AP Earth Science are rolling up their sleeves with Texas Trees , a program designed to introduce agroforestry and landscape design. Through research, collaboration, and applied learning, students are developing real-world plans to shape and improve the outdoor spaces on their school campuses. Culture Club continues to be a space where young minds are encouraged to explore, create, and lead. With programs like these, we are not just teaching new skills. We are nurturing the next generation of changemakers. Stay tuned as these projects grow and evolve throughout the semester.

Last week marked The Walls Project Culture Club’s official launch of Hornet Brew Café at Scotlandville Magnet High School, and the buzz is already undeniable. But this isn’t just another high school coffee stand. It’s a fully student-powered initiative that’s serving up more than lattes and cappuccinos. It’s building confidence, creativity, leadership, and an entrepreneurial spirit that’s energizing the entire campus. This exciting project was made possible through a grant from the Academic Distinction Fund (ADF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing public education by funding innovative programs in Baton Rouge area schools. Thanks to ADF’s support, students at Scotlandville have had the opportunity to bring their vision for a student-run business to life, turning classroom concepts into a functioning café where learning happens in real time. What makes Hornet Brew Café special is the depth of student involvement. From the beginning, Scotlandville students have been in charge. They didn’t just show up to pour drinks. They built the brand from scratch. Everything from choosing the name and designing the logo to crafting the menu and setting up the café space was done by students with guidance from faculty mentors. In running Hornet Brew, students are gaining real-world business skills that go far beyond what’s taught in textbooks. Inventory management, customer service, budgeting, marketing, teamwork, and time management are part of their daily responsibilities. Whether they’re managing the morning rush before first period or promoting new drink specials on social media, these students are learning by doing. “It was really helpful with his personal story… Like, if I really plan out my business and work hard the first few years, I can retire and enjoy my life.” Erik P., Culture Club Student To celebrate the grand opening and inspire even more student entrepreneurs, The Walls Project Culture Club invited Justin Burnett, a local business owner to speak on campus. Burnett shared his personal journey, from the early days of hustle and uncertainty to building a successful Black-owned diner, Dearman’s Diner. It was an honest and motivating conversation that gave students a better understanding of what it takes to run a business. Justin Burnett, Dearman’s Diner; “I’m extremely appreciative of [The Walls Project] for allowing me and trusting me with an open floor conversation with the kids. It was therapeutic for me…” The opening day of the café felt more like a community celebration than a typical school event. Espresso machines hummed while students and staff lined up to try signature drinks created by the student team. Teachers and administrators showed up to support the launch, and there was a noticeable buzz of excitement in the air. Students are loving their new on-campus cafe and are even more excited and prepared for their futures. Beyond coffee, Hornet Brew is becoming a hub for collaboration and creativity on campus. It’s bringing together students from different grades and backgrounds, creating opportunities for mentorship, teamwork, and shared leadership. The café space is quickly becoming a go-to spot where ideas are exchanged over mugs of hot chocolate or iced lattes. Looking ahead, the Hornet Brew team is already planning what’s next. The Hornet’s Brew has plans to expand the hours of operation and the student-led staff for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Hornet Brew Café is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. It’s a hands-on learning experience, a source of pride, and a launchpad for future entrepreneurs. And thanks to the support of the Academic Distinction Fund, students at Scotlandville aren’t waiting for the “real world” to begin. They’re building it right now, one cup at a time.

Volunteer helps transform Lansing Elementary's entryways into bright and colorful experiences. On Saturday, January 11, 2025, The Walls Project proudly hosted its  first-ever MLK Fest in Colorado  at Lansing Elementary School in Aurora. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, we brought together artists, volunteers, students, teachers, and families for a powerful day of service, creativity, and connection. What unfolded was a beautiful example of how community-driven collaboration can transform a space—and spark a deeper sense of pride and belonging. Beautifying the School: Murals with a Message At the heart of the day’s work were  five vibrant murals  painted throughout the school. Designed in part by high school students from Overland High School and led by professional muralist  Julio “Juls” Mendoza , the murals reflected themes of  growth, education, cultural identity, and mindfulness . Volunteers painted three interior school walls and two entryways leading into the courtyards. The imagery celebrated nature and learning, with bold, simple shapes and joyful scenes of children reading, gardening, and exploring. Juls brought his unique “Cultural Surrealism” style and a deep connection to community storytelling to the project. With his guidance, dozens of volunteers—many with no painting experience—were able to leave their mark on Lansing in a way that will inspire students for years to come. A mountain of Green Sheen Paint given away! Giving Color Back: Free Paint Giveaway In partnership with  Green Sheen Paint , we also hosted a  reuse paint giveaway , distributing  56 gallons of recycled paint  to local families and volunteers—completely free of charge! Not only did this promote sustainability and reduce waste, but it also empowered community members to beautify their own spaces with high-quality paint. Growing Together: Garden Bed Refresh The interior courtyard gardens received much-needed love as volunteers worked to  repaint and refresh raised garden beds , clearing out debris and preparing the space for the spring planting season. These garden beds are part of a larger vision to turn Lansing’s courtyards into an interactive  learning garden and food forest  for students and the broader Globeville community. The Kid Zone allowed for creativity and artistic experimentation. Uplifting Teachers & Kids The energy extended into the classrooms too! Volunteers helped  revitalize teacher bulletin boards , bringing color and positive messaging back into shared spaces. Meanwhile, younger children were invited to explore creativity in a  Kid Zone  packed with art activities, giving them a chance to express themselves while learning about service through fun. Looking Ahead MLK Fest 2025 was more than a day of painting—it was a day of  collective impact . Through art, service, and shared effort, we created lasting change at Lansing Elementary while honoring Dr. King’s dream of community empowerment and unity. We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers, partners, and school staff who made this event possible. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of our work in Aurora. Together, we’re building something beautiful.

Volunteers at MLK Fest 2024 help fill in a community garden bed. Baton Rouge, LA – The Walls Project is proud to announce MLK Fest 2025, an annual festival of service dedicated to revitalizing and reactivating neighborhoods in Baton Rouge. This year's event, powered by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, will focus on the Eden Park neighborhood, bringing together participants from January 17 to January 20, 2025, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a series of resource events and community service. Since its inception in January 2015 as a one-day event, MLK Fest has grown into a multi-day festival, engaging thousands of volunteers in projects aimed at neighborhood improvement and community building. The 2025 festival will feature activities such as painting and placemaking projects, garden bed refreshes, blight and trash cleanup, and a block party and resource fair. ( thewallsproject.org ) The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation is committed to improving health outcomes by supporting nutrition education, access to nutritious foods, and wellness programs. Their partnership with MLK Fest 2025 underscores their dedication to empowering communities and fostering environments where healthy choices are accessible to all. ( sprouts.com ) Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate in MLK Fest 2025. Registration is available for various shifts throughout the weekend, with activities designed to accommodate individuals and groups. To sign up or learn more about the event schedule, please visit   The Walls Project's official website . This event would not be possible without the generous support of additional sponsors and partners, including ExxonMobil, the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, South Arts and the National Endowment of the Arts, the City of Baton Rouge, OCD, Our Lady of the Lake, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Cox Communications, Baton Rouge Community College, BASF, UNUM, Partners Southeast, Giraphic Prints, Sherwin Williams Paint, BREC, Communities of Color Network, Lamar Advertising, Baton Rouge Green, G.E.E.P. Blight Ministries, Representative C. Denise Marcelle, and EBRPSS Superintendent Lamont Cole.

The Walls Project proudly welcomes Dr. Ashlyn Harrison, a visionary leader dedicated to transforming communities through art, education, and innovation. In this interview, she shares her inspirations, bold ideas, and vision for driving meaningful change. Walls: Dr. Harrison, welcome to your new role as Senior Director of Programs at The Walls Project! Let's start with something unconventional—what's a personal philosophy or mantra that guides how you approach community-driven work? Dr. Harrison : My personal philosophy is rooted in a mantra my mom used always to tell me: 'Don’t be a product of your environment; make your environment a product of you.' This principle has guided my approach to community-driven work, inspiring me to not only adapt to my surroundings but to actively shape and improve them. It reminds me to lead with purpose, create opportunities for growth, and foster resilience in the communities I serve, ensuring that every challenge becomes an opportunity for transformation. Walls : Your background is impressive—how has a specific challenge in your career shaped your approach to collaborative problem-solving? Dr. Harrison : One challenge that has shaped my approach to collaborative problem-solving was addressing burnout and resource strain among educators and staff in underserved communities. As someone deeply involved in mental health and education, I witnessed how overworked teams struggled to meet the needs of their students and themselves. To tackle this, I focused on building partnerships and creating wellness-focused initiatives, like mental health workshops and streamlined workflows, to alleviate stress and improve efficiency. This required bringing together stakeholders from different backgrounds, educators, administrators, and mental health professionals and finding common ground to prioritize both student outcomes and staff well-being. This experience taught me the importance of listening, creating space for innovative ideas, and ensuring that solutions benefit everyone involved. It also reinforced my belief that true collaboration isn’t just about solving problems it’s about empowering people to thrive. Walls : The Walls Project is known for bringing creativity and innovation to urban revitalization. What role do you think art plays in breaking down systemic barriers? Dr. Harrison : Art has always been a powerful way to break down barriers, whether it’s visual, performing, or even literary. For me, it’s not just about murals; it’s about how art in all its forms can connect people, spark important conversations, and inspire change. Growing up, dance and theatre were my outlets. With over 15 years of experience training and teaching dance, I’ve seen firsthand how the performing arts can transform lives, especially for young people. I’ve worked with students who were shy at first but found their confidence on stage or in the studio. That’s why I’m such a big believer in exposing kids to the arts early. It gives them the freedom to explore their creativity, think critically, and discover what makes them unique. Art doesn’t just change spaces; it changes people, and that’s where the real transformation begins. Walls : What’s a book, film, or piece of art that deeply influenced your worldview and how you engage with the world today? Dr. Harrison : As a young Black woman, several books, films, and works of art have profoundly influenced my worldview and shaped how I engage with the world. Books like Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow and Multiplication Is for White People by Dr. Lisa Delpit opened my eyes to systemic injustices and fueled my commitment to education, advocacy, and equity. Becoming by Michelle Obama highlighted the power of perseverance and authenticity, showing me how to navigate challenges with grace and determination. Films like 13th by Ava DuVernay and H.U.S.H. by Antwon Lindsey taught me the importance of resilience and storytelling, providing both a lens into the past and a call to action for the future. Hidden Figures and The Woman King illustrated the transformative power of representation, reminding me of the importance of seeing ourselves reflected in stories of strength, intelligence, and leadership. The art piece Sugar Shack by Ernie Barnes has always been a powerful inspiration for me. Its vibrant depiction of joy, community, and culture captures the essence of resilience and unity in the Black experience. Each of these works has reinforced the importance of engaging with the world intentionally, leading with empathy, and striving for meaningful change in my community and beyond. They remind me that representation matters because it allows us to see what is possible and inspires the next generation to dream bigger. Walls : In your opinion, what’s the most underestimated skill or quality that a leader in community programming should have? Dr. Harrison : In my opinion, one of the most underestimated skills a leader in community programming should have is emotional intelligence . While strategic planning, resource management, and policy knowledge are essential, emotional intelligence, encompassing self-awareness, empathy, active listening, and interpersonal communication is the true foundation for building trust, fostering collaboration, and addressing the nuanced needs of our diverse communities. Walls : If you were to develop a program that addresses an emerging issue no one is talking about yet, what would it focus on? Dr. Harrison : One issue in underserved communities in Baton Rouge that isn’t being talked about enough is the lack of culturally responsive, holistic mental health services. As a licensed mental health therapist, I’ve seen how mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all, and traditional approaches like sitting on a therapist’s couch doesn’t work for everyone. For many, healing comes in different forms, whether it’s through art, music, movement, or storytelling. Addressing mental health needs to be about treating the whole person, mind, body, and spirit in ways that feel accessible and empowering. This could look like mindfulness workshops, community support groups, financial wellness classes, or creative outlets like dance and theatre. By meeting people where they are and offering options that reflect their unique experiences, we can create a more inclusive and effective way to support mental well-being. Walls : When you think about the long-term legacy of The Walls Project, what do you hope future generations will look back on and say? Dr. Harrison : When I think about the long-term legacy of The Walls Project, I hope future generations will look back and say it was more than just a movement to transform spaces, that it was a catalyst for empowering people and redefining what was possible in marginalized communities. I want them to remember how it brought art, creativity, and innovation to the forefront of urban revitalization, breaking down systemic barriers, fostering connections, and creating lasting opportunities. To continue growing the organization and expanding its impact, I plan to develop new partnerships, secure sustainable funding, and implement programs that amplify the voices of underserved communities. My goal is to create more accessible spaces where people can express themselves, celebrate their culture, and discover their potential through art and creativity. By investing in these efforts, I want to ensure The Walls Project becomes a lasting symbol of hope, inclusion, and progress that future generations will build on. Interviewer : Let’s end on a lighter note—if you had to paint one wall in your city, what would it look like, and what story would it tell? Dr. Harrison : If I could paint one wall in Baton Rouge, it would be on Southern University’s campus my first alma mater, honoring its legacy as the first and only HBCU system and the resilience of the Scotlandville community. The mural would be titled “A Legacy Unbroken,” it would feature pivotal moments in Southern’s history, including the Civil Rights Movement and the tragic campus riot where two young men lost their lives fighting for justice. It would also celebrate the university’s contributions to education, civil rights, and community empowerment. With symbols like the bluff, the Jaguar mascot, the Human Jukebox, and the oak trees, the mural would serve as a powerful tribute to Southern’s enduring legacy and the strength of those who shaped it, ensuring their stories inspire future generations.

This year, Culture Club at Scotlandville Magnet High School (SMHS) and Capitol High School (CHS) empowered students to transform their campuses and communities through creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. The program provided students with the opportunity to explore the intersection of art, agriculture, and sustainability, leaving a lasting impact on their schools and personal development. At SMHS, students immersed themselves in the world of graffiti art, designing their own lettering styles, crafting custom alphabets, and even transforming them into digital fonts for sale. Their graffiti installation now adds bold energy to the school’s weight room. Beyond art, they explored culinary creativity by learning how to make sushi and embraced urban farming by revitalizing the mural garden at the school’s entrance. Students also painted personal symbolism portraits, created relief carvings for the African American Museum, and played a key role in Fall Fest logistics, including running a popular henna tattoo booth. Their hard work culminated in a field trip to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM), where they explored the King Tut exhibit, learned about engineering, and created their own amulets and cartouches. CHS students also had a transformative year, leaving their mark on campus and in their garden. Under the guidance of Yasmyne Wells of Just Growing Here, they built and painted seating for their outdoor space, harvested fresh greens, hibiscus, and herbs, and crafted vibrant garden signs. The Culture Club Garden Beautification project provided students with a deeper understanding of farming and its relevance to everyday life. They explored the benefits of growing their own produce, learned the principles of farm-to-table living, and gained insight into how agriculture can evolve into a sustainable livelihood. The artistic journey at CHS included mastering wildstyle graffiti techniques and painting a front entrance ground mural that proudly proclaims, “If no one has told you they love you today, BABY WE DO,” a daily message from their administration. These projects, led by Morgan Udoh, exposed students to various art techniques, styles, and mediums, fostering their creativity and self-expression. Looking ahead, students from both campuses will continue their urban farming and public art explorations in the spring. Digital media students will join forces as the official photography and videography team for the MLK Festival of Service, capturing the spirit and stories of their shared community work. Culture Club continues to thrive as a space where students learn, grow, and leave lasting legacies on their schools and beyond. Through a blend of agriculture, art, and innovative education, this semester’s efforts have expanded the minds of future leaders and thinkers while fostering pride in their schools and communities.