Posted by | Ray Cornelius
On Saturday, June 6, 2015, the Atlanta community, (comprised of artists, business professionals, community leaders, politicians, friends and family), will come together to attend a special program in tribute to Margaret Kargbo, entitled: The Love of Margaret, a Celebration of Life, held at The Aviation Community Cultural Center (ACCC) from 11am – 2pm. With recent funeral services held in Kargbo’s hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, her Atlanta extended family has organized a special program where the public can celebrate Kargbo’s life, and witness her philanthropic work that she has completed for over a decade. Kargbo, who tragically died on May 20, 2015, in a car accident along with Frank Barham, was a young woman who has impacted so many lives due to her commitment and passion through serving others.
I had the pleasure of working with Margaret (Maggie is what many of us called her) for nearly 10 years. We first met when she was a consultant for The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF). After leaving NBAF, Margaret created her own business entitled: iWonder Media Group – a boutique creative arts agency that offered a variety of services in strategic marketing, brand awareness, and event planning. Her clients included: Sustainable Rural Regenerative Enterprises for Families (SURREF), Ryan Partnership, GTM Central, National Black Arts Festival, Porter Novelli, League of Women Voters of DeKalb County, Atlanta Art Now and many others.
More than a business colleague, Margaret and I were close friends who celebrated each others personal and professional successes. We would often attend events together or just hang out and act like “complete fools” as she would say. She was one of many who encouraged me to start this website and go after my passion. In the last year, Margaret and I worked together to promote the Pan African Film Festival and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
It is going to be very hard not seeing her face around the city—networking, organizing and promoting. She had become a permanent fixture at festivals, concerts, plays and gallery openings. I will truly miss her smile and her caring heart.
Saturday’s ceremony will be located at the Aviation Community Cultural Center (ACCC), 3900 Aviation Circle NW, Atlanta, GA 30336. The formal program will be from 11am – 12pm and will be streamed live for those who are unable to attend. Featured performances during the program will include vocalist, Julie Dexter, LotusLove, Mausiki Scales and The Common Ground Collective, and music by DJ Kemit and DJ Jamad will take place from 12pm – 2pm. Donations will be accepted onsite and online via GoFundme.com. To learn more about Margaret Kargbo, please visit the dedicated Facebook page: CelebrateMargaretForever.
Photo Credit: RayCornelius.com