Lynnee Denise Bonner – increasing the awareness of the cultural contributions

TOUGH MIND, TENDER HEART FEATURES ACTIVIST WORKING TOWARDS SOCIAL JUSTICE THROUGH CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Atlanta, August 6, 2014 -“You can’t help it.  An artist’s duty, as far as I am concerned, is to reflect the times”– Nina Simone. The words of Nina Simone best represents the work of  Lynnee Denise Bonner, a dedicated activist being featured on our emerging social justice website, A Tough Mind & Tender Heart. Her work focuses on creating a more just world through creative expression. Today we highlight Lynnee as she continues to promote facets of social justice through the intersection of music and culture.

Lynnee Denise Bonner is presently focusing on increasing the awareness of the cultural contributions of various unpopular identity groups. With Nina Simone as one of her inspirations, Lynnee thinks about social justice in a global context and as such is documenting the artistic contributions of continental Africans, women and those living with HIV/AIDS.

To learn more about our dynamic activist, Lynnee Denise Bonner, visit our website at www.toughmindtenderheart.com.

Nathaniel Borrell Dyer – to Exhibit in Urban Art Boutique

ATLANTA, GA.   August 20, 2014. Nathaniel Borrell Dyer, artist and renowned community activist, will have a solo exhibition entitled “Renaissance Man in the Surreal”. He will be a featured artist of the Urban Art Boutique Exhibit presented by Fulton County Arts & Culture and the West End Performing Arts Center located on 945 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, SW in Atlanta, GA. The exhibition will run August 21 through September 2, 2014.  The opening reception for the exhibit is Friday, August 22, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. Most recently, his work was on display as part of the Eyedrum exhibit called “Neighbors” which featured artists in the West End community.

Being in the business of graphic design for more than 20 years, Nathaniel’s art exhibit will showcase his use of pencil and acrylics to stimulate the eye and provoke thought. Regarding this art show, Nathaniel stated “I am very excited to be a part of  Urban Art Boutique for this solo show. It is nice to be recognized in Southwest Atlanta because it is where I live and do a great deal of my community work.” He is also an instructor of art and creative writing at the West End Performing Arts Center.

The West End Performing Arts Center is dedicated to bringing quality performing and visual arts programming to the historic West End community, enhancing the quality of life of all Fulton County citizens through the delivery of quality arts education, performing arts programs and providing access to underserved communities.

Equity Matters – Clayton County Residents to Receive Public Transportation

Equity Matters!!! Clayton County made history on Saturday, July 5th with a 3-1 vote to place a referendum on the local November ballot that allows Clayton residents to decide on a one-cent sales tax increase for public transit.Nathaniel Smith, an activist featured on our website, A Tough Mind and Tender Heart was active in the fight for this change. The organization he founded, Partnership for Southern Equity along with others mobilized a grassroots effort to ensure that the voices of the residents were represented. This accomplishment was both a win for equity and regional cooperation in that the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will be the administering agency if the referendum passes. Clayton residents will have a chance to ride on public transit in Clayton because a committed group of local leaders and partners chose to stand up for access and equity.

Feature dedicated Activists throughout the Country

June Press Release 

TOUGH MIND, TENDER HEART HIGHLIGHTS ACTIVISTS WORKING TOWARDS A MORE EQUITABLE SOCIETY

Atlanta, June 16, 2014 – Maya Angelou believed her mission in life was not merely to survive but to thrive and do so with passion and compassion. Her involvement in the civil rights movement, working with Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X demonstrated her passions and ability to thrive as she believed in creating a more just world. Today, the emerging social justice website, A Tough Mind and Tender Heart continues to feature dedicated activists throughout the country whose work is propelled by their passions for equity.

Edward Chisolm works to ensure that all students, particularly black males have access to quality educational and social services within the public school system. He is motivated by the level of devastation caused by racial discrimination in our society. Edward has dedicated approximately 30 years of his life towards working on these issues in Savannah, GA.

Nathaniel Smith is the founder and chief equity officer at Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE)  which advocates for public policies that increase access and opportunities for vulnerable populations. PSE developed the Metro Atlanta Equity Atlas, which provides regional stakeholders with a comprehensive resource that aids in determining how to create a more fair and equitable region.

Andrew Tyner is a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying political theory with an emphasis on the history of political thought. He is interested in the history of justice movements as he addresses economic inequalities and racial injustices in higher education.