Soque Street llc : Creative Community Development

01/27/2026

Thanks to the City (Cornelia Main Street) for making The Ballard Center available for this mural project to host workshops and serve as art studio until it's completion - June 2026.

Stay tuned for OPEN STUDIO hours!

01/27/2026

Love & Appreciation to Sinister Wisdom and Charis Books & More for remembering our sistuh, doris.
Thursday, January 29 at 7 p.m.
Tribute to Dr. doris davenport with Briona Simone Jones
Writer, educator, and literary and performance poet doris davenport grew up in the Appalachian foothills of Habersham County (Cornelia) Georgia. She earned degrees from Paine College (BA English), State University of Buffalo (SUNY), New York (MA English) and the University of Southern California (PhD Literature). She published nine collections of poetry and was until her death in 2024 a beloved member of the Sinister Wisdom community. Join Sinister Wisdom board member Briona Simone Jones for a tribute to doris davenport featuring readings of work by doris and memories from friends and comrades.

This event takes place on Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tbZkiylmRwCrbSA8zFAhpw #/registration Registration is required for virtual attendance. Register here. Passcode: doris

01/21/2026

12/30/2025

There has been a heartwarming, outpouring of support from "community members" - those who still live here, new to the community, and some no longer live here - and even from some who have never lived here. It has been wonderful to experience. And for all of them, I'm grateful.
The authenticity of Kwanzaa can be embraced by expressing generosity through meaningful deeds and thoughtful tokens of appreciation rather than expensive, material gifts. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to a specific principle that inspires people to exemplify their best selves, pay homage to their ancestors, and commit to building a positive legacy for future generations. https://www.realsimple.com/kwanzaa-history-meaning-8407786

12/29/2025

HABARI GANI! Nia (Purpose - the 4th principle of Kwanzaa):
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. And with that, I present my child - Renetha Gipson to share a memory. Keisha has been my child for years, and SHOWS UP when I call! I was her babysitter soon after she was born. Her grandmother - The Honorable "Mother Gracie" and my mama The Honorable "Mother Ethel" were best friends!

12/29/2025

HABARI GANI! Nia (Purpose - the 4th principle of Kwanzaa):
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. And with that, I present my childhood and long-time friend Margaret Shirley-Myers to share a memory!

12/17/2025

Stories Transform into Landmarks -

You're invited to this "special" Kwanzaa Gathering. Come share your memories of The Hill & The Cafe. Discover how our memories are connected that define our COLLECTIVE MEMORY as a neighborhood. MEMORY PROMPT: Regional African American Museum of Northeast Georgia, Inc. Legacy panels will be on display.

12/10/2025

Always on the look-out for an opportunity for intergenerational work, I was drawn to Abigail Bennett's enthusiasm, and depth of thought as a young adult and dedication to using public art for broad based community-building.

We met online during an American Planning Association webinar and she put her question in chat "What measures have been taken to ensure that these investments in low-income neighborhoods don't contribute to displacement? How do we revitalize without gentrifying?"

I responded to her question - "Great question! In fact, my Master of Architecture thesis was just that - "Gentrification without Displacement". Would you be interested in connecting?"

I'm grateful to have her with me in the overlap of the mural and parking lot projects. As both a mentee, and co-creator.

12/09/2025

This mural is the first spark—a beacon calling us toward the Jim Smith Mural Project and a deeper remembering our collective legacy.

12/09/2025

A Saturday afternoon, a rare occasion - alone with Ms. Sally in the Cafe. It couldn't get NO BEDDUH. When she looked up and exclaimed - as I contemplate my next sugary treat - "Jammesss Browwwnnnn!!!! Seemed like it took me three years to turn around and look, but there he was walking in the door. GRINNING - and there I was, unable to breathe!

12/06/2025

Most all of Doris Davenport's books include SOMETHING about Soque Street and the people who made up our Beloved Hill. In all her travels, she carried this community in her whole heart.