Aitina Fareed-Cooke: Buffalo's Poetic Visionary and East Side Garden Walk Storyteller

The East Side Garden Walk proudly congratulates Aitina Fareed-Cooke on her appointment as Buffalo's second poet laureate, following Buffalo’s inaugural poet laureate, Jillian Hanesworth. 

Aitina's boundless creativity has graced the annual garden tour through powerful video storytelling that captures the spirit and resilience rooted in this historic neighborhood.

For those familiar with Aitina's diverse artistry, this honor is a well-deserved culmination of her impactful work.

Through her company, Get Fokus'd Productions, she has collaborated with Gardens Buffalo Niagara to produce stellar videos blending stunning visuals with insightful narratives that bring the East Side Garden Walk to life.

Aitina's profound connection to Buffalo's East Side, where she was raised and still resides, is evident in every facet of her craft.

Her writing, films, photography, and music pay reverent homage to the culture, humanity, and perseverance woven into this community's fabric, best exemplified by her Tales from the Porch video series.

In addition to her poetic talents, Aitina is an award-winning photographer, accomplished Christian hip-hop artist (under the name A.I. The Anomaly), and creative mentor. Her multidisciplinary approach has allowed her to uplift voices and provide artistic empowerment through nonprofit initiatives for nearly two decades. She was a featured artist on Lecrae Moore’s “Church Clothes 4” album that won a Grammy for best contemporary Christian album this year.

Aitina and team film East Side Garden Walk gardener Stan Simpson for the Join the East Side Garden Walk video.

From exhibiting her own work to curating exhibitions – at galleries like CEPA Gallery, Jamestown Community College, Buffalo State University, Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Erie Community College, Cornell University, Kean University, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and the Blue Plate Studio – to earning accolades like the $100K People's Choice Award at 43North's Ignite Buffalo competition, Aitina's accomplishments span mediums and institutions. 

Adding to her extensive resume, she has served as a “Say Yes” Community Schools Navigator, Young Audiences WNY Education Coordinator, CEPA Gallery Teaching Artist, Youth Services Site Coordinator with Community Action Organization’s NURTURE Academy, Mentor with the Heart Foundation and Gateway Longview and much more.

By exploring Aitina's portfolio at GetFokusdProductions.com, one bears witness to the incredible versatility of her storytelling gifts through documentary films, music videos, photography, and more.

Listen to Aitina’s What’s Next? Poetry as Service interview on WBFO here.

As Buffalo's new poet laureate, Aitina will undoubtedly inspire residents across the Queen City with her poignant lyricism and vision.

The East Side Garden Walk eagerly awaits her continued creative contributions that allow our community's gardens to blossom brighter.

Let us celebrate Aitina Fareed-Cooke – a poet, filmmaker, photographer, and creative force whose authentic work uplifts Buffalo one powerful, personal story at a time.

We are the Garden

By Aitina Fareed-Cooke, written for an East Side Garden Walk video production

There once was a seed who sang songs of future growth
Soliloquies beneath the surface that seep through the soil 
stretching towards the sun
Each space supplies solace from the symptoms 
of a shaken society
All saturated in the sacrifice of the gardeners hands 
Sow seeds of peace with us 
And embrace the rain from above
Walk with us on the Eastside of our dreams
Pull up the weeds that suffocate growth 
and watch us spring forth
Walk with us on the Eastside of freedom
Between the shadows of legends 
And surround yourselves with nature's tranquility
Hold fast to this moment and imagine the possibilities
Then open your eyes and experience this reality 
that together emerging from the soil of the earth
We are the garden.

Written by Jim Charlier, Designer and owner of JCharlier Communication Design, past President of Garden Walk Buffalo, co-author of Buffalo Style Gardens, and Harry Potter: Herbology Magic: Botanical Projects, Terrariums, and Gardens Inspired by the Wizarding World. Follow his garden blog at ArtofGardening.org.

Jim Charlier