Our Story

Athiri began in 2017 as an artist coalition dedicated to cultural organizing, rooted in the fundamental belief that the arts can change hearts and minds to inspire social and political action.

Athiri began in 2017 as an artist coalition dedicated to cultural organizing, rooted in the fundamental belief that the arts can change hearts and minds to inspire social and political action. Between 2017 and 2019, the coalition used poetry, art, music, dance, theater, and storytelling to confront violence, reclaim history, challenge poverty, and promote sustainability.

The organization dissolved in 2020 following the election of its founder, Jecorey Arthur, to the Louisville Metro Council. After a historic term of legislative victories, Arthur retired from public office to return to his organizing roots with a broader focus.

Joined by his wife, clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Arthur, the couple relaunched Athiri as a “school-without-walls” for holistic organizing, a practice that integrates mixed methods of organizing to achieve personal and collective change. Today, Athiri partners with public spaces such as libraries, community centers, and schools to provide programs specializing in health and wellness, arts and culture, and political and popular education.