Inter-generational in scope, FATS’ cultural productions fearlessly bridge generation gaps between youth, elders, and hip hop heads. Side stepping traditional visions of leadership, From Afros To Shelltoes (FATS) remixes popular education, southern grandma tales, and good old common sense into a progressive series of cultural programs advocating practical strategies for social change, personal development, and emotional healing.

The brainchild and personal mantra of award winning writer/community activist Edward. M. Garnes, Jr., with Sugar Johnson riding shotgun, FATS is a community arts collective delivering educational, counseling, and event planning services, namely, identity focused workshops, panels, townhall meetings, seminars, and artist residencies.

Be it fashioning hip hop centered programming for the National Black Arts Festival, training and placing over 700 college students throughout New Orleans, Mississippi, and Alabama as organizers of the alternative spring break Katrina on the Ground, or bum rushing stages with the likes of Nikki Giovanni, The Last Poets, and Spike Lee we are about the business of solutions. For booking, hit us at booking@afrostoshelltoes.com

FATS has collaborated with a myriad of artists and leaders including:

Amiri Baraka, Nikki Giovanni, Spike Lee, The Last Poets, Joie Lee, Dead Prez, Luis Rivera, Jessica Care Moore, Killer Mike, Fahamu Pecou, Faith Evans, Shannon McCollum, Anthony David, Nappy Roots, Tony Rich

FATS Clients (Selected): Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, MTV Jams, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Atlantic Records, National Urban Leauge, 21st Century Foundation, Morehouse College, National Black Arts Festival, Fulton County Arts Council, Katrina On The Ground, Hands On Atlanta, Poetic People Power