The Harlem Renaissance Project is a community reinvestment initiative based in Albany, Georgia, dedicated to revitalizing the historic Harlem District—a once-thriving center of entrepreneurship, culture, and community life. Through transformative investments in healthcare, housing, business, and the arts, the Project honors the legacy of the past while building an inclusive future. Serving as a model for communities nationwide, the Harlem Renaissance Project demonstrates how creative placemaking and cultural pride can drive equitable redevelopment that connects history, health, and hope.
The Legacy Wellness Center is the first major development in the Harlem Renaissance Project’s three-phase plan and serves as a community-centered health and wellness hub. Located in Albany’s historic Harlem District, the Center offers integrated care — including primary and urgent medical services, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and wellness programming. The Center illustrates how local innovation can inform national conversations about health equity and place-based care, transforming a historic cultural district into a thriving destination for both wellness and community connection.
In a story resonating far beyond Southwest Georgia, the Harlem Renaissance Project has named four young artists as 2025 Honorary Creative Directors following its citywide design contest, “In Every Renaissance, the Artists Lead the Way.” The contest captured the imagination of the community and reflected a growing national movement: young artists leading neighborhood revitalization through creativity, culture, and care.
After weeks of anticipation and community engagement, the winners — Qe’Asia Arnold, Cedric “CJ” McClendon, Guadalupe Juan-Martin, and Destiny Melvin — were revealed during a live broadcast on Instagram and Facebook. (Replay: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GyXft5dZg/)
With winners representing both the city at large and the Dougherty County School System, the announcement highlights the power of local talent to drive broader change.
“Championing the creative talents of our students and gaining visibility for them is important; we want to showcase what our students are doing. This competition really highlights what our students can do,” said Dr. Samantha Fields, Dougherty County School System, Lead Art Teacher.
Each of these young artists has been named an Honorary Creative Director for 2025, a title recognizing their creative leadership and commitment to community renewal. Their original artwork will appear across Harlem Renaissance Project merchandise, with proceeds supporting The Legacy Wellness Center, home of the Samaritan Clinic — a model of how culture and health can come together to improve community life.
“The arts are a vital part of every community’s identity and preserving its culture,” said Latoya Cutts of the Harlem Renaissance Project. “As we usher in a new era for the Harlem District, we’re inviting all of Albany to share in the benefits — from expanded healthcare and housing to new opportunities for entrepreneurship, dining, and entertainment. As with any renaissance, art will be the thread that keeps the culture and history of the district alive while welcoming everyone and inspiring what’s next as we look forward together.”
A special thank you goes to all who supported In Every Renaissance the Artists Lead the Way, including the Dougherty County School System, Albany State University, Albany Area Arts Council, and judges Twontavis Cuff, Hyacinth Wright, Dr. Hezikiah Johnson III, and Carlton Fletcher.
