Black History Makers
Natalie Battles-Reed
Black History Makers.
Creating a rich history, for the future, in the present.
Natalie Battles-Reed
“You may never see me again but I have planted seeds and those seeds will grow. The world, life, and universe will water them.” -Natalie Battles
Natalie Battles is a visual and performance artist. She uses her gifts of photography, cinematography, event curation, acting, directing, and hosting to educate, amplify and inspire. Natalie does this by taking control of the melanated narrative, helping melanated people to love themselves, their stories, and their image. Natalie is the founder of Melanated in America production and event company where the mission is to highlight promote and showcase everything melanated in America. Natalie's accomplishments include being a mother, and radio host/ event host for over 18 years. She has a degree in theater from Northern Illinois University. Natalie is also a filmmaker and received her film education from the Community Film Workshop of Chicago and The Logan Center's Digital Storytellers Intensive. Natalie was recognized as a Chicago Woman in Film by the Community Film Workshop of Chicago and the University of Chicago in 2022 for her documentary Film "At Their Feet". "At Their Feet" has been screened in many film festivals including Black Harvest. She is also the creator and curator of the annual Melanated in America Exhibition. Natalie officially began her curation career at the historic South Side Community Art Center.
Natalie's artistic endeavors do not stop there. As a photographer, her work has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, and publications including the Chicago Tribune, The American Journal of Folklore, and Chicago Community Activism Magazine, Just to name a few. Natalie has also done photography for amazing organizations and companies like the University of Chicago's award-winning court theater, fusion 92, South Side Community Arts Center, Community Film Workshop of Chicago, and many more. Natalie is also the founder, creator, director, producer, and cinematographer for the web series Melanated in America. Natalie consistently pours into her community through motivational speaking, teaching, and mentoring youth and adults. She also gives back with her service work through Talking Trash community clean-up initiative, City Motivators, and IMAN. Natalie was the recipient of a Melanated Queen Award for servant leadership in 2019 and The Rachel Royal Award in 2023. Natalie was featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune sharing the history of the South Side Community Arts Center, she was also featured on the cover and in a full article in the Chicago Community Activism Magazine in 2022. Natalie is also a historian with a passion for African and African American history.
“You may never see me again but I have planted seeds and those seeds will grow. The world, life, and universe will water them.” -Natalie Battles
