Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts and Ideas Founder Ricardo Morris recognized several local artists for achievements in the arts this month at his 3rd Annual Black Arts Awards.
Those recognized for achievements include the following:
Nicole Brown – Filmmaker
Dave Ragland – Music
Crystal Newsom – Dance
Ianatha Newton – Visual Arts
Marsha Mills – Literature
Barbara Shepherd – Volunteer of the Year
Interview with Ricardo Morris on Juneteenth and Black Arts Festival
Q: Why do you care about Juneteenth?
Morris: I care about Juneteenth because it is a significant part of black history. Particularly in our black community, we don’t necessarily know our history as well as we should. And so it’s an opportunity for us to not only talk about Juneteenth, but talk about black history that should be important to everyone, not just in America, but all over the world.
Q: What motivates you to put labor in?
Morris: I’m a professionalist. I like for things to be done right and I like for them to be well. I wouldn’t know any other way to do it. I get pleasure from seeing the results of my artwork.
Q: Who were the six artists you awarded and why?
Morris: We at the Black Arts Festival want to pay attention to black artists, so we look at all six of the artistic disciplines: Music, Dance, Film, Theater, Visual Arts. We didn’t want it to be a popularity contest where people were voting to decide who was the best in those particular areas. We chose our winners based on their achievements.
Q: Is it okay if I get those names of the artists?
Morris: Uh, let me recall. For Film Maker, we had Nicole Brown; Music was Dave Ragland; Dance was Crystal Newson; Visual Arts was Ianatha Newton; Theater we didn’t have anyone; Volunteer of the Year was Barbara Shepherd. She was the first time presented.
Q: What’s your title?
Morris: I’m the founder and CEO of the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts and Ideas. Four time Emmy Award nominated composer Dave Ragland will perform at the Juneteenth Commemoration Ceremony on Wednesday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at the Walker Theatre inside the Memorial Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
By Nevaeh Johnson, Age 15, East Hamilton High School
Camp REACH student journalist
(Camp REACH is a program of the Mary Walker Foundation)