ABOUT US
ORIGINALLY FORMED IN 2008, aRTS & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES AT RAILROAD SQUARE, INC, (ACERS) HAS HOSTED DOZENS OF EVENTS AND FESTIVALS, WHICH HAVE PROMOTED HUNDREDS OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTISTS TO TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PATRONS.
arts & cultural experiences at railroad square, inc. is a 501 c(3) organization. all donations are tax-deductible.
our team
Rebekah Hair-Stewart, Director
Originally from Georgia, Rebekah earned her Bachelors of Music at LaGrange College, and then received her Masters of Music Composition from the University of South Carolina before stepping out into the professional world to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.
After serving two terms of service with the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps Team, Rebekah moved to Savannah, GA where she met her husband, William, and began seeking work in the live music industry as an independent contractor.
Rebekah built a broad skill base in the nonprofit sector working with organizations like the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, The Savannah Food Truck Association, Thomasville Center for the Arts, and the Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellent in Tallahassee.
A creative at heart, Rebekah maintained her connection to the music world and simultaneously built a respectable reputation in the music industry, working with nationally recognized events like ONE Music Fest, Sweetwater 420 Fest, Bonnaroo, and Electric Forest.
LILLIAN BOYNTON KAYE - ACTING PRESIDENT
Lily Boynton Kaye, and her brother, Adam Boynton Kaye, are 2nd generation patrons of Tallahassee's Art District, having co-owned Railroad Square since 2002. They have been supporters of this non-profit since its original inception, and are now hopeful that it will further strengthen and sustain Railroad Square as Tallahassee's Art District, a desirable creative destination for locals and visitors alike. They are especially excited for ACERS to take over the production of the popular monthly First Friday Festival, which Railroad Square has proudly been running for over 15 years.
In her previous lifetime, Lily's community improvement endeavors focused on the promotion of health behaviors among low-income and racial/ethnic minority families, as a Director of the University of Florida's Health Psychology Research Team. She has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.
MUTAQUEE AKBAR - BOARD MEMBER
Born and raised in Tallahassee, FL, Mutaquee left after high school to attend Morehouse College on a full scholarship, later graduating Cum Laude (with honors) with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Mutaqee then attended the University of Miami School of Law, on full scholarship, where he served as President of the Black Law Student Association, among other positions, graduating Cum Laude with his Juris Doctor degree.
Passing up the opportunities to work at major corporate law firms, Mutaqee decided to take a job with the Public Defender’s Office in West Palm Beach, FL in order to represent the indigent in criminal court proceedings. After almost 10 years of being away from home, Mutaqee returned home to Tallahassee to open the Akbar Law Firm, P.A. and make an impact on the community he grew up in. Attorney Akbar continues to represent criminal defendants and also people who have been injured. His law firm is purposely located in Tallahassee’s historic Frenchtown.
In addition to being an aggressive advocate in the courtroom, Attorney Akbar is also an aggressive advocate in the community. He is active on many boards such as Boy’s Choir of Tallahassee (Past President of the Board), Tallahassee Barrister’s Association (Past President), Virgil Hawkins Bar Association (Past Vice President), Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Foundation, City of Tallahassee Utilities Citizen’s Advisory Committee, Tallahassee Police Chief Community Partners Committee, Leon County Census Committee, and Leon County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Advisory Committee, to name a few.
MAIA ROGERS - BOARD MEMBER
Maia is a Daytona Beach, Florida native who earned a pair of bachelor's degrees from the University of South Florida in 2018, and eventually landed in Tallahassee to pursue a graduate degree at Florida State.
Maia is a marketing and partnerships leader known for cultivating relationships, strategic communications, and creative purposeful storytelling. With a background spanning marketing, business development, legal services, and higher education, she brings a unique combination of skills and experience to our team.
As a self-proclaimed "jill of all trades", in her free time, Maia loves debating, screenwriting, producing music, dancing, baking, and spending time with friends and family.
BRYANT SHAW - BOARD MEMBER
Bryant Byrd Shaw is a dedicated professional with a strong background in public administration and community development. Holding dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Public Relations and Political Science from the University of Houston, along with minors in Spanish and certificates in Spanish and Swahili conversation, Bryant brings a diverse skill set to his endeavors.
As Operations Manager at HalisiAfrica LLC since 2019, Bryant has successfully implemented public relations fundraising campaigns, organized events for professionals across various fields, and managed marketing material design and distribution. His leadership as President of the Power and Knowledge Network Registered Student Organization from 2013 to 2015 showcased his ability to develop project calendars, set organizational goals, and coordinate promotional campaigns that consistently attracted over 100 attendees. Bryant is well-equipped to contribute to the mission of Arts & Cultural Experiences at Railroad Square, Inc.
FIRST FRIDAYS @ RRSQ
First Fridays at Railroad Square is the longest-running festival in town, occurring every month for nearly 20 years. This unique event series bridges the gap between maker and customer by offering the public an opportunity to experience art and locally produced goods in an easily accessible environment.
First Fridays are completely free and open to the public, offering a welcoming atmosphere to a diverse audience while simultaneously boosting the creative small business economy of Tallahassee.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH aCERS
FIRST FRIDAY COMMUNITY EXCHANGE
THE COMMUNITY EXCHANGE is a collaborative community space where local nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups can promote their mission, earn volunteer hours, and engage with the community by offering free activities and experiences for all First Friday guests. Our Community Exchange members are typically nonprofit organizations, art and performance groups, and student associations. Our members bring their passion to the public during First Fridays by offering mission-focused activities that reflect the great work these organizations are doing in Tallahassee.
Who can participate in the Community Exchange?
Nonprofit 501c3 organizations (arts organizations preferred)
Student, Greek Life, and Volunteer Associations
Service organizations
Specifically “Get out the Vote” and other organizations who register individuals to vote in local, state, and national elections
Who CANNOT participate?
Any political organization that is lobbying for any specific political party, politician, act, movement, bill, etc.
For-profit businesses
OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Thank you for YOUR CONSIDERATION OF supporting Arts & Cultural Experiences at Railroad Square (ACERS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
with your help, we are connecting the community with arts and culture in Tallahassee!
ALL INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD CONTACT DIRECTOR@RAILROADSQUARE.ORG FOR MORE DETAILS.
BE PART OF THE FUN! SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE ON THE PLANNING SIDE OF FIRST FRIDAY!