Femi Nilaja Anderson
1971 - 2020
Renaissance Connection takes on this endeavor in memory of its co-founder and Executive Director, Femi Nilaja Anderson, who passed away in March 2020 during the first COVID-19 wave. Femi was a beacon of light to the Albany community as an artist and art patron who mentored numerous young African-American visual artists as well as helped seasoned artists expand their opportunities. Not only did Femi help visual artists, she also was supportive of the arts across all genres. Femi stood behind all artistic expressions, offering her physical and financial support to musicians, poets, dancers, etc. She brought that same love and passion for the arts into Renaissance Connection as she spearheaded several successful endeavors by the organization, including a highlight of her life – bringing back home, internationally renowned guitarist and jazz master, Russell Malone, for a hometown concert in 2018.
Russell Malone
International renowned guitarist and jazz master.
Driven by a passion to expose people to the arts, Femi’s work included providing arts events for her community. She would often say, “I don’t want people to have to go to Atlanta for a good time.” She did her part and did it wholeheartedly.
Her family, Renaissance Connection, and her community immensely miss her.