Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302808
LOCAL BUZZ MACON ARTS ALLIANCE CELEBRATES ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH OCTOBER IS NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH, celebrated in recognition of the importance of arts and culture in America. This year, the arts have played a significant role in getting us through the COVID-19 pandemic and in amplifying the need for racial equity across the country. "Macon Arts Alliance believes that arts and culture can play a pivotal role in uniting our community by promoting dialogue, understanding and collaboration," said Julie Wilkerson, executive director of Macon Arts Alliance. "Now is the time for people to get involved either by participating in a cultural event, advocating for artists and arts friendly policies or telling others about their artistic endeavors or how art has made a difference in their lives." While many events and performances have been cancelled or postponed, there are still local cultural opportunities, both in-person and online. Macon365.com has a complete listing of events and a special section devoted to virtual happenings. In celebration of the month, Macon Arts Alliance is encouraging residents to participate in the Americans for the Arts 31-Day Instagram Challenge. #ShowYourArt2020 is a social media campaign designed to promote awareness and engage the public in celebrating the power and diversity of the arts in our lives. Macon Arts Alliance is asking participants to use this platform to showcase the ethnic, cultural and creative diversity that makes Macon- Bibb County unique and to tag @AmericansForThe Arts as well as @MaconArts in the posts. LOCAL BUZZ Great Collard Green Giveaway keeps neighbors fed THE GREAT COLLARD GREEN GIVEAWAY returns to Gateway Heights-An Urban Agrihood from 3-6 p.m. Nov. 22. Presented by ONE South Community Development Corporation, this food giveaway will aid in alleviating food scarcity within the 31201 Census tract by providing Thanksgiving-themed produce baskets to families in the area. The baskets will contain collards, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and onions. "The return of the Great Collard Green Giveaway is most appropriate this year," said Danny Glover, executive director of ONE South. "As our community and nation deal with the crippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our most vulnerable neighbors need us now, more than ever." If you'd like to donate to the event, which is happening at Pentecostal Temple, 928 Anthony Road, contact The Urban Ceo at admin@theurbanceo.org, 478-254- 7774 or donate through Cashapp: $theurbanceoinc. 30 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020