Nearly 100 guests gathered Sept. 5 at the YWCA Women’s Empowerment Center to celebrate the launch of Picture the Power, a statewide juried photography exhibition hosted by the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice.

The exhibit features compelling images submitted by 65 professional and amateur photographers from across the state, showcasing democracy in action. The work of 14 selected photographers is on display, with three honored for their contributions during the event.

At the start of the launch and gallery talk Dianna Payton, YWCA executive director, framed the exhibit within a broader context. “Without artists who shared their gift, we wouldn’t know the history or have memories to share with the next generation. Today is a (presentation) of this generation’s era, as we reflect on where we are in our country, our state, and our local community.”

Gerri Hobdy, director of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Arts Framework, explained the roots of creative civic movements. “In the ’60s and ’70s, the (Free) Southern Theater took small plays into communities to help folks know what was on the ballot, especially those who were not literate. It was creative people often risking the gun,” said Hobdy. She initiated the exhibit following Power Coalition President and Founder Ashley Shelton’s vision to integrate art into the organization’s work.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 25, 2025 Media Contact:Maya MillerExhibition Director, Power Coalition Arts FrameworkPhone: 225-778-9768Email: moments.mayaphoto@gmail.com Baton Rouge, LA — The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice proudly announces Picture the Power, a statewide juried photography traveling exhibition that highlights Louisiana’s ongoing fight for voting rights and democratic participation. The public is invited to the exhibition launch on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 pm at the YWCA Women’s Empowerment Center, 1690 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, featuring a gallery talk by Cree Matlock, Director of Government Affairs & Policy for the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice. Statewide Tour Schedule September 11 – 25: Imperial Calcasieu Museum, Lake CharlesOctober 3 – 10: Davis Studio and Creative Space, ShreveportOctober 17 – 24: Mason Freetown, LafayetteNovember 10 – 28: Shell Gallery – Arts Council Greater Baton Rouge Exhibition Awards President’s Legacy of Power Award: Khaelyn Jackson, New OrleansVoice of the People Award:...

“If you can’t figure it out in Louisiana, you can’t figure it out anywhere,” says Ashley Shelton, Executive Director of Power Coalition for Equity and Justice. As leader of one of the state’s most powerful civic engagement tables, she sees the abysmally low voter turnout in last month’s gubernatorial election — just 36 percent, the lowest in a decade — and the hard right state government it portends as a call to action, not a time to throw in the towel....

Lafayette, LA, September 20, 2023 —A film commissioned by the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, titled “The Chamber Room” by local writer and director Natalie Spencer, will be screened, followed by a facilitated conversation regarding the film and voting at the Clifton Chenier Center Auditorium in Lafayette on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with screening at 6:30 p.m. This filmed play shares the voices of national civil rights leaders who pioneered the battle for African American voting rights with a young man not aware of the power of his vote and its relevance to his life. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Cultural Crossroads, a non-profit committed to preserving and promoting BIPOC cultural and artistic expression, hosted the Artspreneur: The Business of Art Conference in Baton Rouge last March. At the conference, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice granted four artists commissions themed “Your...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SHREVEPORT, LA, August 4, 2023 —A new mural commissioned by the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, titled “The Power of the Ballot” by local muralist KaDavien Baylor will be unveiled at the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity House in Shreveport on August 16, 2023, at 6:00 PM. This piece of art pays tribute to local and national civil rights leaders who pioneered the battle for African American voting rights in Shreveport, providing a significant reminder of past struggles and progress achieved. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Cultural Crossroads, a non-profit committed to preserving and promoting BIPOC cultural and artistic expression, hosted the Artspreneur: The Business of Art Conference in Baton Rouge last March. The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice granted four artists micro commissions themed “Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Power.”  The awardees selected by conference attendees were KaDavien Baylor of Shreveport, David Jones II...