Fayetteville, North Carolina • Est. 2022 • Arts • Culture • Community
Vol. IV • 2022—2026
Four years of creating space, preserving culture and putting Black artists center stage. Explore the stories, features and press that have documented the journey of Book Black Women.
The Next Chapter
BizFayetteville April 17, 2026
Four years after its founding, Book Black Women enters a new chapter of growth. BizFayetteville explores the organization's expanding cultural programming, community partnerships, original productions and vision for creating sustainable opportunities for artists.
Culture in Motion
The Fayetteville Observer February 2026
The Fayetteville Observer looks at the momentum behind Yaya's Juke Joint, the cultural inspiration behind the experience and what may be next for one of Book Black Women's signature original concepts.
Read storyCommunity Leadership
The Fayetteville Observer June 29, 2026
Original Observer story • syndicated link
The Fayetteville Observer introduces the Class of 2026 and explores the continued evolution of Fayetteville's 40 Under 40 under the leadership of Book Black Women founder Ayana Washington.
Read storyCultural Heritage
Up & Coming Weekly 2026
Coverage of the fourth year of 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America and Book Black Women's continued work using performance, history and collaboration to commemorate Juneteenth.
Read story2022 → 2026
Four Years in Print
From one black-tie performance to an expanding cultural arts organization, the headlines tell their own story.
Productions. Partnerships. Culture. Community.
The Headlines That Documented the Journey
2026
The Next Chapter
Four years in, Book Black Women enters a period defined by expanding programming, deeper partnerships, cultural stewardship and new investment in the work.
Organizational Growth
BizFayetteville April 17, 2026
A look at Book Black Women four years after its founding and the partnerships, programs and ideas shaping its next chapter.
Read storyOriginal Programming
The Fayetteville Observer February 2026
The Observer explores the cultural inspiration, audience response and future of Yaya's Juke Joint.
Read storyCommunity Stewardship
The Fayetteville Observer June 29, 2026
Originally published by The Fayetteville Observer
The Observer introduces the newest class of young regional leaders while documenting the continued evolution of the program under the leadership of Book Black Women founder Ayana Washington.
Read storyCultural Heritage
Up & Coming Weekly 2026
The fourth year of 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America continues Book Black Women's work connecting Black history, performance and community.
Read storyArts Funding
Up & Coming Weekly 2026
A $12,500 Grassroots Arts Program Grant supports the continued development of Yaya's Cultural Heritage Performance Series.
Read storyHonoring Black Women
Up & Coming Weekly 2026
The Blueprint Awards continues Book Black Women's tradition of recognizing Black women whose creativity, leadership and service are making an impact throughout the community.
Read story2025
Growing the Platform
A Signature Experience Evolves
Up & Coming Weekly 2025
Book Black Women's signature Blueprint event evolves into an awards concert celebrating Black women making an impact through arts, business, leadership and community service.
Read story2024
Visibility + Cultural Impact
As Book Black Women's programming expanded, local media began documenting not only the events, but the creative vision and cultural purpose behind them.
The Mission
BizFayetteville February 29, 2024
An in-depth profile of Book Black Women's beginnings, mission and growing portfolio of artistic programming, tracing the organization from its first production into an expanding creative platform.
Read storyThe Creative Force
Up & Coming Weekly By Amber Little July 30, 2024
Writer Amber Little profiles Book Black Women founder Ayana Washington, tracing the creative journey behind her work and exploring the productions, people and experiences that helped shape Book Black Women's growing cultural footprint.
Read storyCommunity + Culture
CityView June 13, 2024
A feature on the women and organizations behind a collaborative Cumberland County Juneteenth celebration and the work of creating cultural experiences that connect communities.
Read storyHonoring the Past
Up & Coming Weekly 2024
Book Black Women joins community partners for a multi-part Juneteenth celebration connecting history, performance and community.
Read storyThe Review
The Review
The Exclusive Press April 21, 2024
A review celebrating the energy, nostalgia and audience experience of Book Black Women's Apollo-inspired Yaya's Amateur Night.
Read story2022
Where It Began
Before the grants, partnerships, awards and expanding cultural programs, there was an idea: create the kinds of opportunities Black women in the arts deserved to have. These are some of the earliest headlines documenting that beginning.
The First Headline
February 2022
Up & Coming Weekly 2022
Coverage of Four Women, the black-tie concert that marked the beginning of Book Black Women and introduced the community to its mission of creating intentional opportunities for Black women in the arts.
Read storyA New Tradition
Up & Coming Weekly 2022
One of Book Black Women's earliest signature productions brings Black women performers together for an evening centered on representation, artistry and celebration.
Read storyClosing the First Chapter
Up & Coming Weekly 2022
Book Black Women closes its inaugural year with Candlelight Christmas, documenting how quickly an idea launched earlier that year had grown into a developing cultural arts organization.
Read story2022 — Present
The Story Continues.
The archive tells where we've been. See what Book Black Women is creating next.
Experience What's Next