Majoring in fine art (painting focused), Kofi received a B.A. from Wabash College and studied overseas at the Slade School of Art, University College London, UK. After 10 years in arts education and education, Kofi achieved a Masters of Public Policy from Vanderbilt, Peabody College to bring more equity into education and employment practices. Active in several disciplines of the visual and performing arts, Kofi extends his training and experience throughout the Greater Louisville area. A lot of this experience was absorbed working at Gallery 37, a jobs training program for youth in the arts in Chicago and Chicago Commons Child Development program (reliant on an arts-based curriculum – the Reggio Emilia approach). When Kofi pictures black people, he sees patriots, entrepreneurs, fathers/family leaders, educated citizens and effective artists – demonstrating excellence for the nation, world and future generations. He aims to help others see this also. Having lived in Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, London UK, and Louisville, Kofi’s been inspired by afro-centric art in these cities and knows the positive, lasting impact public art has on the pan-African communities living in them. Kofi wants this impact in southern Indiana, Louisville’s northern suburb.

Orlando Bailey is a lifelong Detroiter. His professional career launched at Eastside Community Network where he most recently served as Chief Development Officer. Orlando is co-host and producer of the podcast, Authentically Detroit. Orlando is also the host of Urban Consulate; a space where people gather to have critical conversations about cities. He has been a regular contributor to 105.9 KISS/FM on the “Mildred Gaddis Show” with his own segment entitled “The Millennial Moment.” Orlando has values rooted in his faith and in his belief that residents are experts in their lived experience. He constantly advocates for the co-creation of projects, plans, and development efforts with existing residents and partners for sustainable and equitable neighborhoods. Orlando believes that practical application of lived experience coupled with technical expertise could be advantageous to Detroiters if properly facilitated. Orlando has been the recipient of the Marshall Memorial Fellowship of the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Knight Foundation Fellowship in their Emerging City Champions program with 880 Cities in Toronto. Orlando was also the recipient of the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award from Eastern Michigan University. Orlando serves as Chairman of the Board for One Detroit Credit Union and serves on other boards and committees throughout southeastern Michigan. Orlando received a bachelors degree in broadcast journalism from Eastern Michigan University.