✨ Origin Story
Where Culture, Creativity, and Purpose Meet
Creative Futures ATL was born in Atlanta from the vision of two media professionals and an arts educator who believed young people need more than access — they need opportunity with intention. Founders Karlief and Charlene Legend spent years in the world of film and television, watching how few creative spaces were built with Black and Brown youth in mind. Pastor Christy Robinson, a beloved educator with over 30 years of experience, had walked alongside generations of students whose artistic talents often went untapped or unsupported.
Together, they saw the power of combining media, the arts, and character-building into a single force for transformation. That’s how Creative Futures ATL was born — a dynamic space where young people don’t just learn how to create, they learn how to thrive, collaborate, lead, and show up for their community.
Now, through hands-on workshops, studio labs, real-world tools, and mentorship, we’re building a pipeline of youth creators who are ready to shape the future of culture and career in Atlanta and beyond.
Our Story
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Our Mission
Creative Futures ATL is a youth talent and workforce development program that equips young people with tools, experiences, and mindsets to thrive in today’s creative economy. Our mission is to cultivate creative confidence, career readiness, and community impact through media, arts, and storytelling. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their voice, sharpen their craft, and build a future they’re proud of.
Our Values
🎨 Creativity First: Every young person is born with a creative spark.
🧠 Character Counts: Soft skills and emotional intelligence matter as much as technical skills.
🤝 Community Roots: We build with, not just for, our community.
💡 Innovation with Intention: We embrace technology and trends, but stay mission-aligned.
🌍 Equity and Access: All youth deserve access to tools that shape their futures.
H
Humility
Know your value, but stay grounded. Always be willing to learn.
U
Unity
Collaboration over competition. Build with others and move as a team.
S
Self-Discipline
Master your time, your craft, and your attitude. Show up and follow through.
T
Tenacity
Push through setbacks. Keep going, even when it’s hard.
L
Leadership
Lead by example — in how you work, treat others, and carry yourself.
E
Excellence
Don't just finish — finish strong. Quality matters.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Passionate Staff Committed to Creating Unforgettable Experiences
Director
Karlief Legend
Operations Specialist
Charlene Legend
Activities Coordinator
Christy Robinson
Videographer
Philip Salter
Videographer
Emanuel Bristow
Audio Engineer