Celebrating Our Organizations's Rich History
African American Writers & Artists (AAW&A) formerly – Black Writers’ and Artists of San Diego, was established in March of 1981 as told by Founding members- Jihmye Collins, Daryl Grisby, and Calvin Manson.
African American Writers and Artists Inc of San Diego (AAW&A) formerly – Black Writers’ and Artists of San Diego, was established in March of 1981 as told by Founding members- Jihmye Collins (1939–2011), Daryl Grisby, and Calvin Manson.
In 2006 AAW&A celebrated its 25th anniversary by reflecting on years of membership. Co-founders Jihyme Collins and Daryl Grisby remember those who gathered at Pyramid Book Store owned by Queen Mother Barbara Brown (1929- 2006) in May of 1981. They had no idea that the brainstorming that took place in that room would come to fruition and sustain itself for 25 years.
The Writing Center was the first writing group to invite AAW&A to share. Sankofa Bird Project, Centro Cultural de La Raza, the city and state arts commissions, libraries and schools, parks and recreation centers as well as businesses throughout the county provided sturdy legs for AAW&A to stand on.
The most gratifying commitment of AAW&A is its accomplishments in serving the community through our youth, working with and encouraging the development of their talents, as an alternative to involvement in destructive behavior.
AAW&A has published anthologies from many writing workshops. “Poems from within a Teenage Soul” is a collection of Poems from the Girls Rehabilitation Facility in San Diego. In these books young artists express some of their deepest, innermost thoughts. “Poets like Jihmye Collins, give the girls a forum to express themselves and encourage their creative talents.” San Diego Union Tribune May 1998.
AAW&A is approaching its 44th anniversary. It has been a journey that is sometimes up and down as members come to the well, fill up and move on. AAW&A has touched thousands of lives over the years. We are entering a new era, yet our mission remains unchanged. We are committed to serving the youth of our community and encouraging the development and creative talents of all individuals.
The Writing Center was the first writing group to invite AAW&A to share. Sankofa Bird Project, Centro Cultural de La Raza, the city and state arts commissions, libraries and schools, parks and recreation centers as well as businesses throughout the county provided sturdy legs for AAW&A to stand on.
In 2006 AAW&A celebrated its 25th anniversary by reflecting on years of membership. Co-founders Jihyme Collins and Daryl Grisby remember those who gathered at Pyramid Book Store owned by Queen Mother Barbara Brown (1929- 2006) in May of 1981. They had no idea that the brainstorming that took place in that room would come to fruition and sustain itself for 25 years.
The most gratifying commitment of AAW&A is its accomplishments in serving the community through our youth, working with and encouraging the development of their talents, as an alternative to involvement in destructive behavior.
AAW&A is approaching its 44th anniversary. It has been a journey that is sometimes up and down as members come to the well, fill up and move on. AAW&A has touched thousands of lives over the years. We are entering a new era, yet our mission remains unchanged. We are committed to serving the youth of our community and encouraging the development and creative talents of all individuals.
"writers and artists of varied genre have tasted the fruit of AAW&A’s flower, pursuant to harvesting their personal goals of creative expression.”"
Gallery of Elders
Here are some of our members that are with the ancestors. You are are not forgotten
