TACOUMBA AIKEN

As a fine artist, his work has enjoyed exhibition throughout Minnesota, Florida (Miami), and Nigeria (Lagos).

In 2022, he was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship for his work, “Awakening.” He cites African drums and Gregorian chants as influences for the layered painting.

Photo c/o Tom Dunn Photography

MYCHAEL WRIGHT

Co-Owner of Golden Thyme Cafe (St Paul) and founder of the Selby Avenue JazzFest. Mychael was awarded AARP’s 50 over 50, for bringing hope to the Minnesota community.

As of 2023, the festival has enjoyed nearly twenty years of bringing quality arts programming to underserved markets.

Photo c/o John Autey (Pioneer Press)

CHRISTY PRIESTER

Though her childhood was riddled with domestic abuse, Christy has dedicated her life to inspiring others on how to break cycles of abuse. In 1996, she published her first issue of the Atlanta Child Care Guide (ACCG) Magazine. Since then, she's published several books and developed multiple community programs.

ANTONIO RICHARDSON

A creative director based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Richardson is passionate and driven by the synergy of design and technology. He strives to bring meaning into every project.

He is also a champion of the JK Movement, a nonprofit agency providing mentoring programs for middle and high school youth.

JOHN GRIFFIN

In 2007, John become the owner of his own janitorial service, Basic Green Cleaning. As a childhood friend of the director, he touched on his experiences since ICYL and gave a heartfelt impression of the film.