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Atlanta’s National Black Arts Festival to have new leader, after 2 key resignations

The nonprofit’s executive director and artistic director quit earlier this year.
Starting July 1, 2025, Leatrice Ellzy Wright will be the new president and CEO of the National Black Arts Festival.

Starting July 1, 2025, Leatrice Ellzy Wright will be the new president and CEO of the National Black Arts Festival.
May 1, 2025

The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) will have fresh leadership soon.

Starting July 1, Leatrice Ellzy Wright will be the nonprofit’s president and CEO. The news was announced during Wednesday night’s Fine Art + Fashion event hosted by the National Black Arts Festival at the Atlanta History Center.

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Actress Anna Maria Horsford is given her African ancestral information by Gina Paige of AfricanAncestry.com with the help of the NBAF's Leatrice Ellzy. (Raymond Hagans)

Credit: Raymond Hagans

Actress Anna Maria Horsford is given her African ancestral information by Gina Paige of AfricanAncestry.com with the help of the NBAF's Leatrice Ellzy. (Raymond Hagans)

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Leatrice Ellzy Wright (seated) posed with Hammonds House Museum museum staff when she was executive director (left to right) Donna Watts-Nunn, Ravi Windom, Wendell Hurst and Audrey Johnson. (Courtesy of Brian Christian)
Leatrice Ellzy Wright (seated) posed with Hammonds House Museum museum staff when she was executive director (left to right) Donna Watts-Nunn, Ravi Windom, Wendell Hurst and Audrey Johnson. (Courtesy of Brian Christian)

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ExploreGeorgia arts advocates mobilize in response to multiple budget blows

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About the Author

DeAsia is a music and culture reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She focuses on the intersection of arts, culture and diverse communities, as well as how emerging social trends are being expressed through the lens of the Atlanta aesthetic. DeAsia's work can be seen in Pitchfork, Essence, Teen Vogue, Elle and more.