Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alfonso Brooks.
Hi Alfonso, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
From a young age, I was deeply influenced by the rich tapestry of cultures within the African Diaspora and their profound impact on the world.
This fascination led me to establish AfriKin, a nonprofit organization that serves as a platform for cultural connection through artistry and dialogue aimed at fostering civic and community engagement. My journey began with a desire to harness the power of cultural expression to drive social change and build kinship across the globe.
As a speaker, activist, and social entrepreneur, I’ve been privileged to engage with diverse communities, leveraging art and culture as human development and enrichment tools. Through AfriKin, which marries the concepts of ‘African’ and ‘kinship,’ we’ve been able to spotlight the crucial roles that art plays in societal evolution and the dismantling of oppressive systems.
Our festivals, workshops, and cultural programming deliver messages that promote engagement, quality of care, and a reimagined image of the Black world, fostering strategic partnerships and rejuvenating core human values.
I’ve worn many hats throughout my career— from marketing expert and event producer to DJ and sound engineer. Each role has equipped me with unique insights and skills that I bring to my work at AfriKin. Whether in Miami, New York, or London, I’m always looking for ways to innovate and inspire.
At the heart of my mission is the belief that our commonalities far outweigh our differences. Through AfriKin, I aim to catalyze change that transcends racial, class, and sexual boundaries, advocating for the agency and representation of marginalized communities.
I encourage everyone to embrace a new way of being and seeing, grounded in the understanding that “the art of a people is the genesis of their freedom.” As we continue to grow and evolve, my vision for AfriKin is to celebrate our shared heritage and empower individuals to craft a more inclusive and equitable future.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey with AfriKin has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. The road to fostering a global community through art and dialogue is never smooth, but every obstacle has been a stepping stone toward greater understanding and impact.
One of the major challenges we faced was the initial establishment of a solid foundation for AfriKin as a cultural and community-focused platform. Building credibility and trust within the global Black community required not only time but also a demonstration of consistent, impactful work that truly resonated with the people we aimed to serve.
Financial hurdles have also been significant. Securing funding for a nonprofit that focuses on such a unique intersection of art, culture, and social justice has been daunting, especially in the early stages. We had to be innovative with our approaches, engaging a diverse array of stakeholders and demonstrating the tangible benefits of investing in cultural capital.
Additionally, the logistical complexities of organizing large-scale events such as the AfriKin Art Fair involve numerous challenges, from coordinating international artists to managing venue logistics and ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants. Each event is a learning experience, refining our strategies and approaches.
However, these challenges have been accompanied by immense triumphs. Seeing communities come together, witnessing the positive changes in perceptions, and engaging in enriching conversations has been profoundly rewarding. Each successful event, each partnership, and each community initiative that fosters understanding and collaboration is a testament to the resilience and potential of our collective efforts.
Despite the difficulties, the journey with AfriKin continues to be one of profound personal and communal growth. It’s a road paved with the joy of seeing art, and dialogue catalyzes real, positive change in communities across the globe. Having the New York Times recognize our work and feature us as one of the best fairs for the season in 2023 was quite an accomplishment, and we are working diligently to continue to raise the bar with our 2024 programming.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the core of my work is AfriKin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering cultural connections through art and conversation, which facilitates civic and community engagement on a global scale. My specialty lies in leveraging the transformative power of art to address social issues, stimulate economic reform, and uplift the global Black community. This fusion of art, culture, and activism underpins everything we do at AfriKin.
I’m known for my holistic approach to cultural programming, which encompasses everything from art exhibitions and workshops to large-scale festivals like the AfriKin Art Fair. These events serve as platforms for dialogue, artistic expression, and community building, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful exchanges that challenge the status quo and promote inclusivity.
What I am most proud of is the impact AfriKin has had on rebranding the image of the Black world here in the West, allowing for more strategic partnerships and a renewed understanding of our fundamental human values. Our work dismantles systems of oppression and promotes a narrative of unity and strength in diversity, which resonates deeply within and beyond the communities we serve.
What sets AfriKin apart is our commitment to not only celebrating African and diasporic art but also using this platform to advocate for systemic change. Art saves lives. Our approach is unique because it combines cultural appreciation with active social engagement, creating a dynamic space where art is not just seen but experienced as a catalyst for change.
In addition to the cultural and social aspects of my work, I bring a rich background in marketing, event production, and sound engineering, which allows me to enhance the sensory experience of our events and ensure they leave a lasting impact. Whether I’m behind the scenes managing logistics or on stage sharing insights, my goal is to inspire a new way of seeing and being, guided by the belief that our creative expressions are the foundation of our liberation.
AfriKin Ethos: Our Why.
At the heart of AfriKin lies a profound purpose: to celebrate and elevate our diverse cultural heritage while fostering a global community rooted in understanding and unity.
I founded AfriKin not just as an organization but as a movement – a response to the deep-seated need for a platform where the rich tapestry of our experiences and expressions could be showcased and appreciated.
I recognize that the emotional trauma and challenges faced by our community are not ours alone. They cross ethnic and cultural boundaries, resonating deeply with people around the world. AfriKin is our answer to these shared struggles, a beacon of hope and solidarity. It’s a safe space where we can collectively heal, learn, and grow.
Our “Why” is simple yet profound: To bridge the divides that have long separated us. In a world where division and segregation are rampant, AfriKin stands as a testament to the power of unity.
We bring people together from all walks of life, offering a glimpse into the beauty and resilience of our culture. Through events, products, and various creative expressions, we not only celebrate our heritage but also provide a platform for dialogue, education, and mutual respect.
AfriKin is not just about what we offer – it’s about the emotional connections we forge, the stories we share, and the inclusive community we build. Our journey unites people in a shared experience that transcends borders and backgrounds. It’s a celebration of humanity in its most vibrant form.
Our mission extends beyond mere cultural showcase; it’s a call to action for empathy, understanding, and change. We stand as a reminder that our struggles and joys are interconnected, and in acknowledging this, we find strength. Join us in this journey of discovery and unity. Be a part of AfriKin, where every voice is heard, every story is valued, and every individual is an integral thread in the fabric of our shared human experience. This is why AfriKin exists – to connect, to empower, to inspire.
Save the Date for the upcoming AfriKin Art Fair 2024: Threads of Life in Fragments of Time –A Cultural Odyssey at the Heart of Miami Art Week.
As highlighted by The New York Times, the AfriKin Art Fair 2024, themed “Threads of Life in Fragments of Time,” will illuminate the global art scene from December 1st to December 8th for its 10th year anniversary at Maison AfriKin, located within the Scott Galvin Community Center in North Miami during the peak of Miami Art Week/Art Basel Miami Beach. This exposition is more than a group show; it’s a profound journey through the interconnectedness of human existence, the cosmos, and the transcendent powers of the arts.
Event Details:
• Venue: Maison AfriKin, Scott Galvin Community Center, 1600 NE 126th Street, North Miami, FL 33181
• VIP Opening & Press Preview: December 1, 2024, 6 pm – 9 pm
• Public Days: December 2 – 8, 2024, 11 am – 9 pm
Global Narrative: The fair will weave a dynamic tapestry showcasing a broad spectrum of African Contemporary Fine Art, responding to the times and reflecting on the essential threads that bind us across dimensions of time and space.
Through this exploration, “Threads of Life in Fragments of Time” invites attendees to delve into the deep connectivity that defines our collective journey through the cosmos. It focuses on the invisible yet palpable threads that connect us, weaving a rich narrative of African Contemporary Fine Art and highlighting the global impact of African creativity and how we are all just familiar strangers.
Miami, the burgeoning Mecca of the art world, will once again host this transformative event. The fair aims to serve as a nexus for artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the globe, showcasing a diverse range of artworks and installations that speak to the dynamic expressions of life and the universe.
See you soon!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories that profoundly shaped my passion for music and culture was when I was around 7 or 8 years old. I remember making musical instruments from tin cans and cardboard boxes and forming a makeshift band under a neighborhood tamarind tree on the small island where I grew up. Coming from a family deeply rooted in music, this was my playground where I first expressed my creative spirit despite the challenges of limited resources and big dreams.
Another memorable moment from my early teens was when I honed my DJ skills and formed a musical group. We would acquire instrumental records to craft our own songs, complete with choreographed dances. My mother, ever supportive, transformed her living room into our rehearsal space, removing all the furniture to make room for our dreams. She was our biggest fan, cheering us on at every event with a zeal that filled us with pride and joy. My younger brother and I, along with our friends, felt like stars in her eyes, and she was undoubtedly our hero.
These formative experiences are still vivid in my mind as I work on international festivals and fairs today. They remind me of my humble beginnings and fuel my dedication to fostering cultural connections and celebrating the arts through AfriKin. These early adventures under the tamarind tree and in my mother’s living room not only ignited my love for music and performance but also instilled in me the value of community and the transformative power of art.
Contact Info:
- Website: afrikin.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/afrikinnation
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/afrikinnation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfonsobrooks/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/afrikinnation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/afrikin
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/afrikin-miami-4?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/rockersmovement
- Other: https://afrikin.art
