"The Russell Place of Promise Storytelling Program has been a phenomenal experience. This was my first time working with other black creatives. Talk about iron sharpening iron! What I loved the most about the program is that Russell Place of Promise is run by young people that realize that you can't get change from same. They are innovative, brave, and forward thinking. I wholeheartedly look forward to working with Russell Place of Promise in the future. They truly are keepers of their promises."
Cheketa Tinsley
"Initially, when I was introduced to the project, I believed this work would serve as a long standing time capsule of what the Russell Neighborhood was. As the project progressed I found that this work was an exploration into who Russell residents are. Now that this singular project comes to its finale, I am inspired and believe that the spirit of the Russell Neighborhood will be everlasting... and black."
Lance Newman
"My experience with RSP has been transformative to say the least. The work that is being done within the community around displacement, the importance of ownership, unity and the black narrative as a whole is not only admirable but it’s right on time and I’m honored and grateful to be apart of the history being made. #RussellProud"
Ashlee Phillips
"My RSP experience has been nothing but amazing. The growth and development from start to this point in time has allowed me to utilize my voice and strengths to be able to provide others especially the younger generation how building within your own community both relationships and Knowledge. One big key point that has stuck with me in our meetings is that in order to keep us thriving within the community and families is to address generational wealth."
Marcus Pipes
"My name is Dasia Woods, and I participated in RSP as an artist/writer. I wanted my project to illuminate the stories of these residents as authentically as possible — to reclaim their experiences, triumphs, and challenges as “theirs,” not the city’s or anyone else’s. Through tons of editing (peer and individual), drafting, scrapping, rewriting — I was able to create a body of work that I am proud of, and I hope the residents share that sentiment. Thank you to the residents for trusting me with their identities, knowledge, and honesty. I was and am still so fulfilled by the gems each of you have given me. Continue to be loud with your stories; they need to be heard. Continue to raise up the youth and young individuals like me by simply being you — in your entirety. Thank you to the staff — I could write paragraphs about how each of you has inspired and impacted me in the short time we’ve been with each other. You all have reignited a flame in me artistically that I haven’t felt in awhile, and I am so grateful. Each of you are a light in the Russell Community and every place you bless with your presence. I see each of you. I adore each of you. Keep shining."
Dasia Woods
"This was probably one of the most challenging art projects I’ve ever done in my art career (so far). I wanted to do so much that it was oftentimes hard to pare down and the importance of this project proved to be an obstacle I hadn’t considered until I was really in the thick of it. But community once again helped ground me and settled this overthinking mind of mine. Are there things I would have done differently? Sure! But I would change or take back the experience I gained from being a part of this."
Kala Lewis
