Aja Joi Grant

African American Cultural Garden moves toward phase two of development

By Aja Joi Grant ● Arts & Culture ● March 18, 2025

Currently, the garden is about $2 million short of its budget for completing construction. However, Cleveland City Council approved freeing up to $325,000 that was earmarked for this project.

Growing in St. Clair-Superior: Food Strong revitalizing 3-acre farm to fight food injustice

By Aja Joi Grant ● Development ● January 6, 2025

The former Community Greenhouse Partners space will soon house Food Strong and other community partners. Nonprofit leadership hopes the site will become a community gathering space, a hub for fighting food injustice, and a catalyst for growth in the neighborhood.

Op-ed: Cleveland Art Workers want minimum wage for performing artists in Cleveland

By Aja Joi Grant ● Arts & Culture ● December 9, 2024

Aja Joi Grant spoke with members of the Cleveland Art Workers collective on what it takes to survive as an artist in Cleveland and beyond. The wide-ranging conversation covers the need for an artists’ minimum wage, improved performing conditions, the trapfalls of gig work, and more.

Holden Seed Bank keeps growing, hits 1-year milestone

By Aja Joi Grant ● Sustainability ● October 3, 2024

Holden’s Restoration Seed Bank has spent 12 months collectings seeds for reforestation — with a special focus on biodiversity and native species.

Lakeview Community Center gets $32K donation for technology, other services

By Aja Joi Grant ● Social Equity ● September 20, 2024

A check for $32,000 was presented during an Ice Cream Social + back-to-school event at the community center playground that offered free book bags, community partner resources and treats like ice cream and a video game truck for kids. These funds have contributed to the establishment of the Spectrum Training and Technology Center at Lakeview Community Center.

Lead soil testing helps residents in East Cleveland, Cleveland

By Aja Joi Grant ● Health ● August 2, 2024

A series of events is giving East Cleveland and Cleveland residents a chance to test their own soil for lead.

Celebrating 10 years of Rooms to Let: An artist’s perspective

By Aja Joi Grant ● Arts & Culture ● July 1, 2024

Rooms to Let (RTL) has been making space for artists to ignite homes, buildings and storefronts with art, interaction and performance for 10 years. These places have been otherwise abandoned and left to the elements, due to economic changes within the Slavic Village neighborhood.

Writers in Residence empowers young voices with Chapbook release party

By Aja Joi Grant ● Social Equity ● April 25, 2024

The gathering of leading local writers celebrated the mission of helping young creatives in the juvenile detention system to find their creative spark.

Upcycle Parts Shop expands to new, accessible space in St. Clair Superior neighborhood

By Aja Joi Grant ● Economy ● February 29, 2024

Following a recent renovation, what was previously a 900-square-foot storefront packed to the brim with a seemingly endless supply of upcycle treasures has been transformed into an open, ground-level studio with plenty of seating for programs and meetings.

Comedy show double feature brings laughs and community to Clark-Fulton

By Aja Joi Grant ● Arts & Culture ● February 6, 2024

Two comedy/variety shows have taken over Sundays at Dunlap’s Corner Bar in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. Con-Tu and Sundaze showcase both experienced and up-and-coming talent, and work towards building community.

Aja Joi Grant

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