Tales of Downtown Atlanta describes itself as part-podcast, exhibit, and old-school mixtape, all presented with short stories written, voices, and visually amplified by notable Atlantans! And while that is a mouthful, you still might be wondering…what? Taking place on Friday, November 14th is
Evoke: Tales of Downtown Atlanta - A Listening Party at the Oakland Cemetery Visitor’s Center. I reached out to the founder of Tales of Downtown Atlanta, Sundiata Rush, to let us in on this not-to-be-missed event.
Rush explains that this will be an uplifting community spotlighting talent and using audio stories, art and more. He speaks about the stories that will be shared including pieces on Signs, Oakland Cemetery, the Centennial Olympics, and Madame C. J. Walker.
I asked why it was important to collect and share stories about Downtown Atlanta. Rush speaks about the area being on the cusp of a significant change. Which has stopped and started for several years, but now, with the world coming to the FIFA World Cup, it is even more important to remember what our downtown once was as we begin a new future for the community. Rush considers himself a history buff, and he wants us all to engage and talk about our city. He encourages those who attend to walk away with a new sense of belonging.
This idea of listening parties began as a “thought bubble.” I asked Rush how he took a creative concept and brought it to fruition. He explains how his thought of using stories to bring our community together, and using his background in strategic marketin,g Rush put together a plan that allowed him to connect with available grants and sponsors.
The event Evoke: A Listening Party takes place Friday, November 14th at the Oakland Cemetery Visitor’s Center.