The Truth In This Art with Navasha Daya-Hill & Fanon Hill of the Youth Resiliency Institute

In this episode of “The Truth in This Art,” host Rob Lee speaks with Navasha Daya and Fanon Hill, co-founders of the Youth Resiliency Institute, about the 8th annual Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival. They discuss the festival’s origins, emphasizing its role in celebrating Cherry Hill’s historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage. The festival, started with no funding, now serves as an economic generator and a platform for community engagement through arts and culture. The episode also highlights the festival’s diverse food options, musical performances, and the importance of supporting independent black media.

Episode Highlights:

• The founding of the Youth Resiliency Institute (00:02:44) Navasha and Fanon discuss the founding of the Youth Resiliency Institute and its focus on utilizing arts and culture to support young people, children, and families.
• Protective factors and cross-generational programming (00:04:23) They discuss the importance of fostering protective factors and cross-generational programming in children and youth through arts-based initiatives.
• Early art experiences and personal journeys (00:06:32) Navasha and Fanon share their early art experiences and how they were nurtured and inspired to pursue their current work in the arts and community engagement.
• The story behind the Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival (00:15:23) They discuss the history and significance of the 8th annual Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival, providing insight into the festival’s purpose and impact on the community.
• The significance of the festival in Cherry Hill (00:17:21) The historical and cultural significance of the festival in Cherry Hill, addressing the trauma and disinvestment, and the festival as a communal ceremony.
• The resilience of the Youth Resiliency Institute (00:19:41) The institute’s approach to programming without funding, the economic impact of the festival, and the focus on workforce development.
• Creating spaces for community voices (00:27:26) The importance of creating entry points for community members to give voice to their exeriences and heritage through the festival, and the ongoing work behind the scenes.
• Honoring the legacy and inspiring younger generations (00:30:34) The festival’s role in honoring the historical legacy of Cherry Hill, inspiring younger generations, and the festival as a platform for tutelage and empowerment.
• The song “Patapsco River Love” (00:37:16) The inspiration behind the song, its connection to the festival’s theme, and the importance of connecting younger generations to environmental advocacy.
• The feeling on the day of the festival (00:43:50) The experience of creating and witnessing the festival, including the energy, preparation, and the sense of accomplishment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Community Trust is Key: Building genuine relationships within the community can create a strong foundation for impactful initiatives.
2. Art as a Catalyst for Change: Utilizing arts and culture can effectively engage communities in meaningful conversations about social justice and heritage.
3. Accessibility Matters: Ensuring events are free and inclusive allows everyone to participate and celebrate their community’s legacy.
4. Economic Empowerment through Festivals: Local festivals can generate economic opportunities and foster workforce development within the community.

Website and Socials:
cherryhillfest.com
www.youthresiliencyinstitute.org
X: @YouthResiliency
Instagram: youthresiliency

🎧 Don’t miss this special podcast episode featuring the co-founders of the Youth Resiliency Institute, Navasha Daya and Fanon Hill, as they dive into the transformative power of the Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival and their impactful work in arts and culture. Visit and support their website and social media links to stay connected with their inspiring initiatives. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review it to help us reach more listeners. Additionally, consider supporting my Patreon to keep bringing you more insightful conversations. Your support makes a difference! 🌍🎨

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About “The Truth In This Art“

Hosted by Rob Lee, “The Truth In This Art” podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore. 

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