Meet the HomeGirls

Akina Morrow

Managing Director (She/Her)

Akina is a Memphis native and graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where she studied media. She currently works as a Business Analyst for ALSAC/St. Jude while balancing Managing Directorship at HomeGrown Arts.

Over the years, Akina has been involved with the local arts community in Memphis. In 2018, she directed Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls,” Evergreen Theater. She provides creative direction for local, independent projects and artists. She serves on the media team for First Baptist Church Broad as well as serves as a board member for Perfecting Gifts, Inc.

Bria Saulsberry

Executive Director (She/Her)

Bria is a Memphis born poet, youth arts advocate, and lover of all things Memphis history. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Rhetoric Studies from Oglethorpe University in 2012. As a creative arts educator, Bria partners with local arts programs, utilizing her creative writing and performance arts background to service Memphis city youth and communities. In 2017, she was awarded The 100 Interesting and Influential in Memphis, TN. In 2019, Bria co-founded a local arts organization, Homegrown Arts, where she co-wrote and performed in Women's Water: The Emergence of Drought, Flood, and DanceBria serves as the Director of Education and Youth Development at the Soulsville Foundation.

Jasmine Settles

Artistic Director (She/Her)

Jasmine Settles a writer, director, and creator. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University and Masters in Literature (concentration in African American Literature) from the University of Memphis (2020). In 2019, Jasmine became a Berry Hannah Prize winner.

Jasmine is the owner and operator of Cafe Noir, an online bookstore & cafe. Having now founded the Literature is Liberating Foundation, she has performed on many stages in Memphis and prides herself on always operating with intentionally.