Artist
Lei’anna Gladden
Rooted in the rich soil of the American South, Lei’anna Nicole is an artist, lover of nature, words, chicken wings, and beaches; whose work breathes life into the intangible essence of human emotions. A vibrant voice in the world of art and storytelling. Lei’anna weaves together threads of cultural heritage, black feminist discourse, spirituality, and theatrical expression. As a Black Southern woman, storyteller, Pan-African feminist, and theater practitioner, Lei’anna’s work serves as a testament to the power of narrative in empowering communities and conjuring liberation. Growing up amidst the rhythm of gospel hymns and the echoes of ancestral tales, Lei’anna was deeply influenced by the traditions and aesthetics of her black southern heritage. From the front porches of her childhood home to the stages of esteemed theaters, she learned the art of storytelling as a means of world conjuring, healing, and fostering connection.
Central to Lei’anna’s artistic vision is the belief in the transformative power of art grounded in the principles of Pan-Africanism and Black Feminism. Lei’anna’s artistic journey is a celebration of the diverse voices and experiences within the African diaspora. Through her work she seeks to create spaces for dialogue, healing, and transformation, challenging systems of oppression and envisioning a utopian world for all. She seeks to invite viewers on a journey of self-discovery, collective healing, ancestral reverence, and world conjuring. From grassroots theater workshops to large- scale productions, Lei’anna uses her platform to inspire, educate, and provoke change.
In addition to her work on stage, Lei’anna is an avid advocate for arts education and youth empowerment. She believes in the power of creativity to ignite imagination, enact healing, and cultivate liberatory fervor in the next generation of leaders and storytellers. Through her storytelling prowess, her commitment to black feminist principles, and her unwavering dedication to black liberation, she invites us to reimagine the world and our place within it.