Aquil Charlton

Aquil Charlton is a teaching artist and consultant applying his youth development experience and artistic practice as a musician, writer, DJ, and visual artist toward his vision for a more just society. A John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Citizen Artist Fellow and teaching artist with Urban Gateways, he is passionate about providing imaginative spaces combined with educational tools that empower and validate children from systemically marginalized communities. Charlton began teaching art with Umoja Student Development Corporation, then co-founded The Crib Collective, launched the ALT-City new music ensemble with Chicago Public Schools All City Arts program, and served as a cultural ambassador for the US State Department.