A Great Day in Atlanta is a gathering of the creative community on the campus of Clark Atlanta University for a photograph similar in style to the “A Great Day in Harlem” photograph that assembled jazz musicians on steps in Harlem and was taken by Art Kane. Kemi Bennings, an iconic creative in Atlanta, and photographer John Crooms are leading the charge to reproduce the Atlanta Photograph for its 20th Anniversary on Sunday, March 26th at 11AM on the CAU Campus.
I asked Kemi Bennings how the first photograph was taken in 2003 emerged. She speaks about the renaissance of the arts that was taking place across multiple genres. While in Washington, DC, with other creatives, they talked about the groundswell of great art and cultural events where creatives were thriving. The Art Kane photo was on the wall, and it was suggested that each city, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA, and Atlanta, GA, should recreate the photographs with the creatives in their hometowns. Each city put out the call and produced a picture.
For 2023 the clarion call has gone out, and creatives who could not be in the 2003 or 2013 photographs are encouraged to participate this year. You must complete a two-stage registration to participate.
The “Carrot Dog” is another offering from Kemi Bennings. I had to ask her about her pop-up restaurant serving hardy soups and the one and only Carrot Dog. She encourages us to all eat healthily to live long and continue to share our creative energies.
You can follow Kemi Bennings, John Crooms, and Carrot Dog ATL on Instagram.