Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Juanita Towns. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Juanita, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Back in 2014 -2015 there was a lot of violence going on in the city of Richmond. I have been living in my community now for a little over 27 years and through this community we had a lot of violence come into our community which caused death and harm to the children and people who lived here. I have seen bodies set outside for over 5 hours while the community just mourns the loss of a loved one, while waiting on the corners to pick the body up. So one day I decided to go around the whole apartment complex and take pictures of all the lights that were not working in the apartment complex. My findings were about 45 lights that have been not working as well as the security cameras. At that time I was the resident council president of that complex with my engagement in a diverse community we held community meetings with the City of Richmond, the Richmond Police Department and the Property Manager to address the violence that’s what was happening in our community. Through my advocacy, encouragement and determination to clean up my community, I gave all of them the pictures of the lights that were out, and I showed them how this caused harm and is unsafe for our children to play. So as I continue to work with the community the residents and the property manager the outcome was the property manager ended up getting a whole new security system and changing and upgrading all the lights that were in the community. Since it has been lit up it has not been as much violence as it was before it has been more peaceful and people feel more safe now that we have lights, our security guards was afraid also and they supposed to be there to protect us but they can’t if they can’t see what’s going on.This is why what I do is meaningful to me, I refuse to keep being part of the problem, but having the community as whole be part of the solution and that’s how you build community in any situation you are in.

Juanita, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Juanita Towns, and I’ve been blessed to live, create, and advocate here in Richmond, California for over 25+ years. I’m a painter, musician, community leader, and educator, and I use my creative gifts to help tell the stories of my people, the beauty, the struggle, the healing, and the strength of my community.

For those who may not know me yet, I want you to know this: my art is rooted in community. It’s not just something I do, it’s who I am as a person. Whether I’m painting, singing/ rapping, mentoring a young person, or working with families and communities, my heart is always focused on uplifting others and creating space for healing and creativity.

I’ve worked with city leaders, the Richmond Police Department, schools, and grassroots organizations to bring resources, mental health support, and conflict resolution services directly to the people. But I also bring those same values into my art. Every brushstroke and every lyric I write is a reflection of my lived experience and the voices of those around me.
Over the years, I’ve used my music and paintings to build connections, open conversations, and inspire growth, especially among youth and the underground music scene. I’ve helped young people use their creativity to find confidence, speak up, and see what’s possible beyond their current circumstances inside and outside of their schools.

What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built and the real relationships I’ve formed in my community. I’ve lived here most of my life, and I’ve seen Richmond grow from a place of pain to a place full of promise. And I’m proud to be one of the people helping that transformation happen through art, education, and solution base actions.

I want folks to know that my work comes from the heart. I don’t just want to be seen as an artist but as a person who is remembered as someone who showed up, used my gifts, and helped others see the power not only for themselves but the power of community.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Artists living and working without fear of displacement. Young people being capable to see their futures in the arts. Murals, value and music be the fabric of every community. community investment matching. and community vision. And a city of
Pride and Purpose and is known for amplifying voices from the diverse community I come from, without pushing them out.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative person and artist is the smile and love I received from my community, and that’s not just from young people or people my age but for the olde generation that did before me. sometimes you have to put yourself out there to be that example for your community, as long as I am Juanita Towns and still have breath in my body, I will continue to be that leader that I was destined to be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: nitanermg