Our History
If humanity were a nine year old Black girl, her name would be Callie Rose.
The Callie Rose Literary Arts Association was founded in 2014 as a community public homeplace – a restorative space for community building and healing.
Callie Rose provides programs and events based in the Black Expressive Arts Tradition. These art forms include poetry, creative writing, quilt-making, filmmaking, dance, spoken word, photography, singing, jazz, fashion, hairstyles, performance, carnival, and more.
At Callie Rose, one may find his, her, their voice and receive affirmation from this community so they go out into the world with confidence, support, and greater knowledge of themselves.
The organization is named after my maternal great-grandmother Callie Robinson. Born in the 1870’s in Memphis, TN, she was a Southern matriarch who enjoyed the arts. Her husband, my paternal great-grandfather worked in a flower shop and would bring her home unsold, budding roses to her each day.
In this moment of 2020, as the world undergoes rapid transition and transformation, Callie Rose is here to support healing justice organizations and initiatives with content, event planning and coordination, connection to local artists, and promotion.
Read the History of Callie Rose Here: https://www.flipsnack.com/florencealiesenetwork/callie-rose-literary-arts-9-7-in-2/full-view.html
“This place feels like a womb warm, cozy and nurturing. The head midwife Sister Alisa is attentive, compassionate and professional. Some are here to assist during the process, others are here to give birth and the rest of us are here to reborn again creatively.”
Kidest Assefa
Alisa's thoughts on Beloved Communities 