Ode to Bazoline Usher
Artist Statement: Bazoline Usher was an incredible Southern woman who lived a full life. She was a woman of faith and an educator from Walnut Grove, Georgia. When asked to tell Bazoline’s story, I dove into research and the details of her life blew me away. From studying under W.E.B. DuBois as a young girl and integrating Atlanta City Hall to founding the first Black Girls Scout Troop, she is an excellent example of what is possible when we lovingly nurture young girls to reach their fullest potential.
I wanted to honor Bazoline’s life and legacy on the big screen. At the core of her life, I found a commitment to God and community. She made significant sacrifices in her personal life to ensure her work uplifted her community. Her discipline and steadfastness are traits I aspire to embody as a cultural worker. I am grateful to uplift Bazoline’s story to all Atlantans. Bazoline Usher is an Atlanta Legend!
Jasmine Nicole Williams is a Black American visual artist and organizer from Atlanta, GA. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Art in Printmaking from the University of West Georgia in 2017. Her work explores her experience as a southern Black woman through printmaking and murals to inspire people to dive deeper into their humanity.
Influenced by the work of artists like Elizabeth Catlett and Emory Douglas, Jasmine believes in the transformative power of portraiture, print, and public art. She understands the role of art and the need for art to be accessible to the people as a tool to advance the working-class struggle. With a deep interest in craft and process, Jasmine’s work reflects and relates to everyday people and injects them with optimism toward the future.
Since receiving her BFA, Jasmine has showcased at Prizm Art Fair, Perez Museum Miami, ZuCot Gallery, Eyedrum, MINT Gallery, and Echo Contemporary. She received residencies from Hambidge, Midtown Alliance, and The People’s Forum. Jasmine also won grants from RedBull, Sprite, WISH ATL, Dream Warriors Foundation, and fellowships from Living Walls ATL, Southern Graphics Council International, and TILA Studios. She has worked with [adult swim], Dashboard, and Nike. Jasmine is the 2024 recipient of the Emory Arts and Social Justice Fellowship.
Jasmine continues her practice in Powder Springs, GA.