The Howard School announces INDABA, a black arts conference to be held Aug. 15-17.
Organizers said, "Join us as we re-claim "Unity Through Art, History and Shared Purpose. INDABA (?n'd??b??)—a powerful Zulu word meaning “a gathering to discuss important matters”—is more than just a conference. It is a call to action.
"Launched as a pilot initiative of the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas, INDABA is where conversation becomes collaboration and ideas become impact.
It is a dynamic, three-day convening designed to celebrate black creativity, preserve cultural memory and foster economic, artistic and communal empowerment.
"This pilot seeks to explore how a structured, principle-based arts conference can become a replicable model for cultural healing, cooperative growth and black-led innovation. By placing the arts at the center of this gathering, we affirm that art is not just a form of expression—but a strategy for change.
"This pilot program will bring together artists, educators, entrepreneurs, organizers, and thought leaders from the Greater Chattanooga Area to socialize, network, discuss and collaborate—ensuring this program’s success in benefiting the entire black creative community."
Conference schedule overview:
Friday, Aug. 15 – Screening of Six Triple Eight Film
• 6 p.m. - Opening Mixer & Networking at the Walker Theatre
Register: http://tivolichattanooga.com/Bobby-Stone-Film-Series
Saturday, Aug. 16 – Building the Foundation
• 10 a.m. – Meet & Greet with light refreshments
• 11 a.m. – Introduction of Speaker: Dr. Micheal Williams, director of the Africana Studies Program & professor of history at UTC
• 1:45 p.m. – State of Black Arts in Chattanooga panel with local leaders of black owned or managed arts organizations:
Ricardo C. Morris, president & CEO, Black Arts & Ideas: Festivals Series
James McKissic, president of Arts Build;
Carl Cadwell, producer, composer and audio engineer
Jamar “Crown Vibes” Harden, co-founder, Community Arts Summit,
Shane Morrow, co-founder and xecutive director of RISE;
LaSha Rockymore-Mitchell, co-owner at The SmArt Oasis & founder & CEO Music, Fashion and Arts Foundation;
Marsha Mills, CEO Rhyme-N-Chatt
• 4 p.m. – Introduction of B.A.N.D. Black Artist Network & Directory and The Hubbard Group
Sunday, Aug. 17
• noon-2 p.m. - Closing Brunch in Celebration of Marcus Garvey's 138th Birthday at Home Bar & Restaurant
Free registration for INDABA
here.