Cultivating a Creative Legacy: Elevating Black Women Creatives 55+
Session Description:
Ready to turn up the volume on your creative life? Join Tribe 55+ for a joyful, high-energy hour that celebrates the brilliance, boldness, and boundless potential of Black women creatives aged 55 and up. Whether you’re a lifelong artist, a comeback queen, or just feeling that spark again, this workshop is your space to reflect, connect, and dream out loud. We’ll start with a warm welcome and real talk (10 minutes) — where everyone shares their artistic vibe, vision, or secret passion project. Expect laughter, affirmation, and that sweet “me too!” moment when you meet others walking a similar path. Next up: Legacy Mapping (15 minutes). Think vision board meets story quilt — colorful, creative, and full of YOU. Using paper, markers, and sticky notes, you’ll map out your creative journey, spotlight your superpowers, and dream up what you want to pass on. Then we shift into action mode with Collaborative Skill Sharing (20 minutes). Small group chats focused on juicy topics like grant writing, branding, digital tools, and community magic. Bring your tips, grab a few gems, and lift each other. Fast, fun, and full of aha moments. We’ll wrap with Vision Building & Commitments (15 minutes) — sharing big ideas, pairing up with accountability buddies, and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Because your creativity doesn’t retire—it evolves. You’ll leave with a map, a mission, new creative allies, and the glow that comes from knowing you’re part of a powerful movement of Black women influencing culture, storytelling, and legacy together.
Presenter: Stacey Cruise
Stacey Cruise is a pioneering educator, consultant, and community leader dedicated to promoting educational equity, preserving culture, and celebrating Black excellence. As co-founder of four innovative public charter schools in Philadelphia, she helped shape inclusive, high-achieving environments that served over 3,000 students. These schools integrated arts, global experiences, and real-world learning into their core missions. In 2014, Cruise launched Legacy School Services, providing governance, coaching, and strategic planning for schools nationwide. Since retiring in 2020, Cruise has focused on preserving Black history. As a re-elected Director of the Cromwell Valley Park Council, she founded its History and Cultural Heritage Committee, which has introduced Land and Labor Acknowledgments, educational forums, and a historical column spotlighting the contributions of Black Baltimore County residents. Cruise is also a co-founder of Tribe 55+, a creative collective for Black women artists and writers aged 55 and older. Inspired by artist Constance Mattox, Tribe 55+ has grown into a vibrant community spanning five Maryland counties and D.C. It supports professional growth through workshops, convenings, and exhibitions that highlight the creative legacy of Black women. Cruise has secured grant funding for events, including the upcoming “From Root to Sky” exhibition (May 2025), which celebrates Black women’s artistry beyond the age of 55. She holds a B.A. from Spelman College and an M.Ed. from Arcadia University, and has been a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for 44 years. Cruise continues to uplift Black voices through storytelling, advocacy, and the arts.
Date, Time, and Location
Tuesday, June 17th
Breakout Session 2: 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Room: CPA 110