FOUNDER/FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Carolyn A. Butts is the publisher/founder of African Voices, a leading arts magazine devoted to publishing fine art and literature by artists of color. Spelman College will house African Voices’ arts collection, which includes the work of more than 4,000+ writers and visual artists. She is also the founder of the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series, the first Academy Qualifying Film Festival for Shorts devoted to women filmmakers.
Carolyn is a proud recipient of the 2024 Just Brooklyn Award. She was one of five Brooklyn leaders making a last impact on social justice in the arts in Brooklyn and NYC. She was also recognized as one of 25 Brooklyn Changemakers for her contributions to the arts community.
In honor of the organization’s 33rd Anniversary, African Voices has an ongoing national membership campaign to support its operations and archives at Spelman: Support AV. Carolyn oversees a pop-up art gallery in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn where the magazine is published and continues to serve artists.
Reel Sisters 28th Anniversary season will be held on Oct. 25-26, 2025 in Brooklyn with a month-long celebration kicking off on Oct. 8. Visit www.reelsisters.org | www.africanvoices.com.