On August 30, Xernona Clayton, a pillar in the Civil Rights movement and a groundbreaking broadcaster, celebrated her 95th birthday in style at Xernona Clayton Park in Downtown Atlanta.
This renowned leader, who has made indelible contributions to society, was honored with a vibrant celebration that paid tribute to her lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and community upliftment.
Xernona Clayton’s life is a history of breaking barriers, particularly for Black individuals in the South.
A personal friend of the King family, Clayton played a crucial role in the desegregation of hospital facilities in Atlanta, making way for a more equitable future.
In 1993, she founded the Trumpet Awards, which celebrate the achievements of African Americans, and she also hosted The Xernona Clayton Show, the first prime-time talk show hosted by a Black person in the South, airing on the CBS affiliate WAGA-TV.
Despite facing profound challenges, including discrimination and racism, Clayton never wavered in her commitment to her community, demonstrating remarkable bravery and a spirit that inspired many.
Her remarkable list of achievements has been chronicled in her autobiography and a documentary film, evidencing a life dedicated to service and advocacy.
In recognition of her immense contributions, the city of Atlanta honored her legacy in 2011 by naming Xernona Clayton Way and the adjacent Xernona Clayton Plaza.
To commemorate her 95th birthday, a celebratory event was held in her honor at the very site named after her.
On Thursday, August 28, a crowd gathered at the park, which was adorned with newly curated nature-inspired installations, as WSB-TV’s Fred Blankenship emceed the evening’s festivities.
The celebration featured a poignant poetry reading by Hank Stewart, live music performances by Melvin Miller and Kathleen Bertrand, and a lively set by DJ Sed the Saint.
Attendees enjoyed ice pops from local vendors and delicious treats from food trucks while mingling in the lively atmosphere of Hardy Ivy Park.
Creative nonprofit Dashboard, led by Noa Hecht in her role with Atlanta Downtown, facilitated a project called Legacy in Bloom, featuring installations by three talented local artists: Grace Kisa, Chloe Alexander, and Sayma Hossain.
According to Abigail Justman and Anna Akpele from Dashboard, Xernona specifically requested that all the featured artists be women of color, reflecting her commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices in the art community.
They aimed to celebrate the themes of blooming and blossoming, visibly represented through color and energy in the park environment.
An integral part of the installations was the incorporation of Clayton’s favorite color, yellow, symbolizing brightness and hope.
Atlanta Downtown’s Noa Hecht emphasized the significance of such public art installations for community engagement and resonance.
Hecht transitioned from working with brands to her current role, finding renewed fulfillment in connecting art with the public.
She remarked on the importance of community interaction within art spaces, noting how the installation has encouraged local residents to take care of the newly established gardens.
Hecht remarked on the transformative effect of art on community experiences, striving to elevate both the space and the human interactions within it.
As the night continued, Blankenship shared his personal reflections on the celebration and his admiration for Clayton.
Having moved to Atlanta 18 years ago, he recounted feeling the profound impact of her presence from the very start, reinforcing the sense of family that threaded through the evening.
He expressed gratitude for being able to emcee the event, encapsulating the spirit of joy and appreciation felt by those present.
“Walking the streets where legends once walked is a transformative feeling,” Blankenship noted.
Conveying how much he cherishes Clayton, he asserted, “I love me some Xernona Clayton,” a sentiment echoed throughout the gathering.
The palpable atmosphere of love and community was evident as attendees celebrated the legacy of a woman who has touched countless lives through her work.
The installations of Legacy in Bloom will remain on display until October 28, inviting ongoing engagement from both the local community and visitors alike.
The creative initiatives surrounding Xernona Clayton’s birthday not only honored her legacy but also inspired a renewed appreciation for art and activism in Atlanta.
image source from：artsatl
