As women, we are forever growing, evolving, adjusting and reinventing ourselves. Through JOABG, Courtney seeks to explore the authentic space of the transitions, what influences identity, the relationship with self, and how to love yourself unapologetically. In addition, JOABG focuses on the importance of sisterhood and how it shapes our relationships with peers and the women we look up too; it inspires engagement with the community in multifaceted works of public art, representing our culture responsibly, through experimentation of contemporary works of art in hair, fashion, performance, film and visual installations.

Courtney Brooks is an Atlanta based independent curator, multifaceted visual artist, and art instructor. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Brooks carries a decade of experience, giving creative direction for interactive art events and curating over 20 solo and group exhibitions throughout the Atlanta area. In 2019 she exceeded expectations as the lead curator and gallery director for ArtsXchange, Jack Sinclair Gallery located in East Point. Courtney is currently the first Curator-In-Residence for the Atlanta Beltline. Her eye-catching skills, collaborations with other visionaries and innovative ideas helps connect communities to the arts.

PHASE I: What Black Girls Are Made Of

Date: March 14th, 2020
Time: 2-5pm
Where: Southside Trail Entrance at Glenwood and Bill Kennedy


The opening to Journey of a Black Girl merges the core of self-expression and the innocence of adolescence. Integrating everyday rituals and practices passed down through our ancestors, Phase I is dedicated to the moments when we learned we are black.

This Crown Belongs to Us.
During this activation, a community-based project is held to create workshops on hair braiding and invites women of various communities, nearby neighborhoods, hair stylists, college, high school and elementary students to participate in making 18ft long braids with various materials. Mission is to increase sisterhood bonds with multiple ages, sharing of stories and learning a skill that carries on over generations.

PHASE I EVENTS

Homegirl’s Clubhouse.
An interactive safe space created for self-care, with exterior walls with words of affirmation. Interior designed with black women author book selections and artwork positive imagery for a girl hideaway. (Artist – Yuzly Mathurin)

Express Yourself.
Live music performance (GSU- Panther Group Entertainment)

Phase II. I’m Every Woman

Date: March 21, 2020
Time: 3-6pm
Where: Southside Trail – Milton Ave


A Journey of a Black Girl transitions into womanhood where one learns to stand in power, accepting flaws and embracing true beauty inside out. Sometimes this may get lost in translation based on life interactions. Becoming a black woman, there are lessons learned when dealing with the good, the bad and ugly that society places on you. How letting go of what no longer serves you by knowing your purpose and your worthiness to sharing your gifts. Womanhood is holding a place for spiritually, honoring those ancestors who walked before you and practicing beliefs passed on to you or what you may have discovered on your own. The Importance of dealing with the trials and tribulations and the outcomes caused by trauma. What energy is being released and energy is invited, the revisit to self-care is part taking care of mental health.

PHASE II EVENTS

Chosewood Tunnel – 95 Milton Avenue

  • Healing Ritual projections – Charmaine Minniefield
  • Performance art – Angela Davis Johnson
  • Spoken word – Theresa Tha Songbird
  • Photo imagery (Melissa Alexander)
  • Mural reveal- TBH

Phase III. Black Girl Magic

Date: April 4th, 2020
Time: 3-6pm
Where: Southside Trail – 1015 Boulevard


The closing of JOABG is a reflection of my personal journey. Growing up in Denver, Colorado as a young black girl interested in art, I was not aware of artists who looked like me. No large murals of faces who resembled mine, no directory for African American women visual artists creating or known museums or galleries to view such works. However, I was fortunate to witness the images my parents would share through their vinyl collections, documentaries on Black History and popular black culture magazines like Jet, Essence and Ebony spread throughout the house. Intrigued by the black advertisements for beauty and hair products, I would fall in love the beauty of black women. I would pay close attention to fashion and hair styles shown in movies, TV shows and music videos. These experiences, in particular, increased my imagination as a young creative.

EXHIBIT CLOSING EVENTS

Mural Reveal
Representation Matters, Black Girl Image from Denver Artist (Thomas “Detour” Evans)

Upgrade You
Fashion pop up display that expresses the Black girls never goes out of style. 3 designers/stylist, 9 models- 2 designs each that represent past and future. Music mix over 5 decades.

Control
Vinyl soundtrack all female DJ set (TBH)