Harlem Renaissance Project announces honorary creative directors following citywide design contest

ALBANY — The Harlem Renaissance Project has announced the four winners of its citywide design contest, “In Every Renaissance, the Artists Lead the Way.”

After weeks of anticipation and community engagement, the winners — Qe’Asia Arnold, Cedric “CJ” McClendon, Guadalupe Juan-Martin, and Destiny Melvin — were revealed during a recent live broadcast on Instagram and Facebook. (The replay is available at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GyXft5dZg/.)

Winners emerged from the city at large and from the Dougherty County School System. 

“Championing the creative talents of our students and gaining visibility for them is important; we want to showcase what our students are doing,” Samantha Fields,

lead art teacher with Dougherty County Schools, said. “This competition really highlights what our students can do. Each of these talented young artists has been named an honorary creative director for 2025, a title recognizing their creative leadership and commitment to the spirit of community renewal.”

The four honorees’ original artwork will be featured across Harlem Renaissance Project official merchandise, with proceeds supporting The Legacy Wellness Center, home of the Samaritan Clinic.

“The arts are a vital part of every community’s identity and preserving its culture,” Latoya Cutts of the Harlem Renaissance Project said. “As we usher in a new era for the Harlem District, we’re inviting all of Albany to share in the benefits — from expanded health care and housing to new opportunities for entrepreneurship, dining, and entertainment.

“As with any renaissance, art will be the thread that keeps the culture and history of the district alive while welcoming everyone and inspiring what’s next as we look forward together.”

Officials with the Dougherty County School System, Albany State University, Albany Area Arts Council and judges Twontavis Cuff, Hyacinth Wright and Hezikiah Johnson III were recognized by officials for their help with the project.

The Harlem Renaissance Project is a community reinvestment initiative based in Albany that is dedicated to revitalizing the historic Harlem District, a cultural and economic hub once known as a cornerstone of entrepreneurship, community life, and artistic expression. Through transformative investments in health care, housing, business, and the arts, the project honors the legacy of the past while building an inclusive future that welcomes everyone.

The Harlem Renaissance Project stands as a model for how communities can come together to preserve history, improve lives, and move forward, together.

The Legacy Wellness Center is a community-centered health and wellness hub located in Albany’s historic Harlem District. As the first major development of the Harlem Renaissance Project in its three-phase plan, the center offers affordable, accessible, and integrated care, from primary medical services and urgent care to dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and wellness programming. With state-of-the-art facilities, trusted local providers and deep community ties, the Center serves as a welcoming health home for individuals, families, seniors, students, and institutions.