RISING SOUTH Rising South organizer Dr. Dedra Muhammad has described working with these artists to bring attention to community issues, including gun violence.
Save the date · Second Annual
Run 4 Peace:
Walk 4 Hope
5K & One-Mile Event
Run or walk together for peace, hope, and a stronger community.
May 15, 2027
Saturday · 8:00 a.m.
John Hunt Park
Huntsville, Alabama
Registration coming soon
Explore the Black Business Directory →
Shop local · Connect year-round
Huntsville Black Business Directory
Discover and support local Black-owned businesses, organizations, and services through Black Alliance of the South.
Why we gather
Creativity opens doors. Literacy keeps them open.
Rising South Literacy School brings people together through art, culture, and learning to address violence and help our communities thrive.
We create space for people to share their art, develop their voices, build connections, and imagine a future shaped by possibility. Our work centers education, cultural expression, and community-led responses to violence. Rising South also describes whole-person health and wellness activities, awareness of barriers facing vulnerable communities, and efforts to fill educational gaps.
Art and culture
Programs that give artists and neighbors a place to be seen, heard, and connected.
Literacy and opportunity
Learning and scholarship opportunities that help young people access more choices.
Community peace
Gatherings and resources that honor lives, strengthen relationships, and support prevention.
Our community in action
Past Events
Past event · October 24, 2026
Black Arts, Fashion & Culture Festival
Rising South Literacy School and Black Alliance of the South came together for a celebration of Black art, fashion, authors, music, and community.
Saturday, October 24, 2026 · The Mansion on Blue Spring · Huntsville, Alabama
View the 2026 festival guide Black Alliance festival site ↗
View full imageA new spotlight every three days
2026 Festival Highlights
Featured author: Dr. Dedra Lori MuhammadOctober 24, 2026
Black Arts, Fashion & Culture Festival
Celebrate art, authors, fashion, and community at The Mansion on Blue Spring in Huntsville.
Past event details ↗Youth voices
Essay contest
Explore the 2026 student essay contest theme, age groups, and prizes.
View the 2026 essay contestOur story
Community impact
See selected programs, partnerships, and creative work from Rising South’s history.
Our impact
Festival book debut
Celebrate General Motors’ Baby
Celebrating Dr. Dedra Lori Muhammad and the debut of her book at the 2026 Black Arts, Fashion & Culture Festival. The story comes from the world of Hidden Princess: The Rebirth of Making Mary.
Dr. Dedra Muhammad is an author, educator, and co-founder and executive director of Rising South Literacy School.Literacy
More access. More possibility.
We believe literacy can help young people build confidence, understand their options, and shape their futures. Rising South shares college and scholarship support, student guidance, and creative learning resources alongside its community programs.
Programs & 2026 goals Violence prevention
Learning programs
Opportunities to read, write, create, and grow through community-centered education.
Scholarship support
Explore Rising South’s existing college and scholarship support resources. Visit the support page ↗
Stories and art
Spaces where participants can share their work and find an audience that listens.
Selected highlights
Our impact, in moments
These are selected highlights and people connected to Rising South’s story, not a complete history of its events. Additional dates and personal stories will be added as they are confirmed.
From the archive
This older promotional flyer is part of Rising South’s history. It shows dates and plans printed at the time; please use current event announcements for schedules and ticket details.
View the full flyer ↗Rising South has shared plans for a concert and student-centered creative presentation exploring a journey from pain to purpose. The archival flyer above reflects an earlier announcement.
A person and story to honor here with approved wording and images.
A creative work to feature as part of Rising South’s impact story after its details are confirmed.
Background: Community Foundation listing ↗ · Rising South event page ↗
In remembrance
Every life is more than a headline.
We want to remember neighbors lost to homicide and keep their humanity at the center of our work toward peace. This space is being prepared for tributes shared with care and verified with families or trusted community partners.
A place for names, stories, and love
As families choose to participate, this memorial can include a loved one’s name, photo, remembrance, and the ways their life touched others. We will share submission details when the process is ready.
Violence prevention
Support and resources
Community care also means helping people find support. These national resources offer starting points while Rising South develops its local resource directory.
Immediate danger
Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
Emotional crisis
Call or text 988 for confidential crisis support in the United States.
Prevention tools
Explore the CDC’s VetoViolence resources ↗ for community prevention approaches.
Community powered
Keep free services within reach.
Your gift supports literacy, creativity, youth opportunities, and community peace.
Donate by card, Cash App, or PayPalRising South Literacy School · 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN: 33-1111254
Your service matters
Volunteer Check-In & Service Hours
Check in when you arrive and check out when you leave. Your completed service hours are recorded for organizer review and volunteer service certificates. This is separate from class attendance.
Creative Arts and Experiential Learning
Your learning hours count.
Students in Modeling and Runway can check in for class and rehearsal, then check out when they leave. Scan the class QR code or open the page below. An instructor can record attendance for anyone without a phone.