CHIEF CATALYST

Starting with darts, Michael Banner spits out a poignant point of view that stitches Island CultureZ across this American flag that’s representative of a racial disparity that highlights a prison industrial complex that’s wielded against a mostly landless Black people here, even at this later date in history. Michael Banner, more affectionately known as Magneto, comes to this work as a formerly incarcerated 3x felon who is redeeming himself with heavy fingerprints on the radicalized Grassroots Agriculture Movement, building it in the very community setting where he participated in street activities during his troubled youth. This predominantly black historic community known as “Da Island” has a keen affinity with Banner’s story, so while paying homage and allowing him a few feet, at his beck and call to pass the operating tool, as his street smarts have deemed him supremely resourceful in working the scene with a surgical precision, from his co-piloting the Cooperative Extension’s Urban Farm School, to serving as the inaugural Chair for the City of Winston-Salem’s Urban Food Policy Council & City Council advisory board. Magneto’s experience in more diplomatic functions of Da Island, in elevating this narrative to a world stage, would not be possible without the bonds of solidarity having been formed with the pioneer of “Food Council” work in our city. Our two wits matched, have lit a fire in Winston-Salem, “and how I wish the flame had been kindled.” ~Magneto

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CULTURE LIGHTZ LEAD FACILITATOR

Anakha Anet is a native of Winston-Salem and a nurturing mother of two children. She has a passion for liberation and repulsion towards structural racism. For 7 years, she has amplified her grassroots activism in East Winston through the radical expression of civic engagement, political strategies, writing, public speaking and popular education. Her favorite food is potato salad and she enjoys the simplest things in life that involve poetry, growing food, reading, and walking. Anakha Anet’s mission as Facilitator of Culture LightZ is to strengthen the relationships between families and neighbors by using solution-based, community-led initiatives.

CO-CATALYST

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