Cauley receives Radical Rest grant to support community work
By now, the Hendersonville community knows what Crystal Cauley can do.
The city resident founded and directs the Black History Collective of Henderson County, serves on local boards, is involved in the Black Business Network of WNC, the 7th Avenue/Brooklyn Community Garden and the Green Meadows community, and was twice nominated for the ATHENA Award, one of the community’s most prestigious recognitions.
Now organizations along the East Coast are taking notice as well.
Cauley recently received a “Radical Rest” grant from the Waymakers Collective, an organization that supports Appalachian art and culture. The organization of radical grantmakers aims to reach “the places and people grantmaking doesn’t often reach.”
“We strive to sustain creative practice, land, livelihoods, and dialogue across neighborhoods and disciplines,” the collective states on its website, www.waymakerscollective.org.
“We envision an Appalachia that supports the joy, imagination, and hopes of our artists, activists, and culture bearers. We sustain community organizations led by Black, Indigenous and People of Color, young people, LGBTQ folks, non-English speakers, new immigrants, and those unlikely to get mainstream funding.”
Organizations and artists are nominated for financial support and complete an application as part of the selection process. Last year, $4.5 million in grants were awarded across Appalachia. Cauley was nominated by William Isom II, director of Black in Appalachia, an organization that shares the culture, history and contributions of African-Americans in Appalachia.
“It was definitely a surprise,” Cauley said. “I plan to take the money and use it to buy a vehicle that will help me continue to do my community work. It’s a blessing.”
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The collective also offers opportunities for networking, and Cauley wants to spread the word about the organization and pay it forward.
“We have a lot of people here that do volunteer work that I can highlight now,” she said.
Black in Appalachia has a similar mission, or a common ground, Cauley said, with the Black History Collective of Henderson County, as Black in Appalachia finds stories passed down orally and brings them to life.
Cauley met Isom in April when he visited Hendersonville to learn more about Cauley’s activism, business networking and community work. Considering his work with Black in Appalachia, “it all made sense to meet with him to discuss the history of this area,” she said.
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“Henderson County has a rich and fascinating history that piques my interest to tell stories using art murals, exhibits, performing art events and spoken word poetry that I will do for the rest of my life.”
Cauley has no intentions of slowing down. She’s a parent, a businesswoman who’s recently enrolled in a business course, and has dreams of one day becoming a foster parent. She also would like to continue her public art initiatives. At the Aug. 9 City Council meeting, she plans to give a presentation asking for a public mural at Sullivan Park.
Cauley collaborated with artist Diamond Cash on the “Legacy” mural for the People’s Museum at Hands On! children’s museum. The People’s Museum highlights the history and culture of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in a free exhibit in downtown Hendersonville. Cauley is also included on the Wall of Fame at the museum. More information can be found at handsonwnc.org.
Cauley encourages people to follow the Black History Collective (www.facebook.com/BHofHC), Green Meadows Community (www.facebook.com/GREENMC22) and 7th Avenue/Brooklyn Community Garden (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093132731424) Facebook pages for updates and information about community events.
She’s been inspired recently by Tony Robles, an award-winning author who encouraged her to become a creative writer, leading her to receive the Wilma Dykeman Legacy Writers of Color award for two consecutive years. She also credits the Vision Henderson County leadership program offered through Blue Ridge Community College and its executive director, Gary Heisey, for inspiring her to “be the change” and work harder for the community.
Cauley said she’s formed genuine friendships through volunteering and has benefited from being surrounded by great women who are involved in community service and business.
“With the amount of support from family, friends and the love that Henderson County has shown me, I will always be grateful, humble and continue to strive for excellence,” she said.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Cauley receives Radical Rest grant to support community work
