Congratulations to the Six Fellows from KY, NC, OH, TN, VA, and WV!
Baltimore – October 24, 2024 – Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachian Living Traditions initiative announced the 2024 recipients of the Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowships. The program honors and promotes the understanding of Black Appalachian storytelling traditions that embody the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans in the region.
The National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS), in partnership with Mid Atlantic Arts and South Arts award the Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowships in Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties of Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. NABS awards one Fellowship per year in each of the six eligible states. For 2024, two awards were made in West Virginia.
Fellows receive $5,000 in unrestricted funding, a unique physical award created by a Black Appalachian artist, and NABS membership during their award year. The Fellows are honored each year at the “In the Tradition…” National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference.
The 2024 Fellows are:
Kentucky
- Jim Embry: Social and environmental justice advocate, agrarian, performer, cultural organizer; Madison County.
North Carolina
- Beverly Fields Burnette: Performer, author, poet, Founder and President of the North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers; Buncombe, Polk, and Burke Counties.
Ohio and Virginia
- Omope “Mama O” Carter Daboiku: Author, performer, teaching artist, historian, quilter; Lawrence County, Ohio, and Wise County, Virginia.
Tennessee
- Felecia “Sista’ Felecity LUV” Outsey: Interpretive dancer, author, motivational poet, cultural organizer, arts activist; Knox County.
West Virginia
- Janice Lynn Cooley: Historian, researcher, exhibit curator; Greenbriar County.
- Eric “Monstalung” Jordan: Recording artist, performer, hip hop producer, teaching artist, Creative Director of the Norman Jordan African American Arts & Heritage Academy, Program Coordinator for the West Virginia University Center for Black Culture; Fayette and Monongalia Counties.
Learn more about the Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship and past honorees here.
About Mid Atlantic Arts
Mid Atlantic Arts supports artists, presenters, and organizations through unique programming, grant support, partnerships, and information sharing. Created in 1979, Mid Atlantic Arts is aligned with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. We combine state and federal funding with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to nurture diverse artistic expression while connecting people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond. To learn more about Mid Atlantic Arts visit www.midatlanticarts.org.
Contact:
Mackenzie Kwok
Communications and Social Media Manager
Mid Atlantic Arts
mkwok@midatlanticarts.org
410.539.6656 x123