A new chapter: Book Black Women Inc. deepens impact with new partnerships and new programming

By Kate Griffin, posted Apr 17, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Book Black Women Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as a creative platform and a connector for artists to display their craft through performance art.

In just four short years, Book Black Women Inc. has flourished exponentially. New partnerships, serious sponsorships, a new location and putting on an all-original play are just some of the accomplishments on the horizon for Ayana Washington’s creative hub.

“The heart of it hasn’t changed but the vision has expanded,” said Ayana Washington, founder and executive director. “At this point I’m thinking of how to make sure this is sustainable, how we can create long term access for artists and not just those one time moments.”

Book Black Women produces and hosts a multitude of community events, keeping the spirit alive, and its portfolio has only increased since the organization’s start. Signature events Yaya’s Juke Joint, Yaya’s Muse, Yaya’s House O’ Funk and Yaya’s Amateur Night provide a creative outlet and a literal and figurative spotlight for local talent to shine. Awards ceremonies and initiatives like Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 and the Blueprint Awards honor and recognize rising leaders and subsequent accomplishments within the community.

“Collaboration is probably the biggest part of what we do,” said Washington. “Connecting with local organizations help us expand our reach so we’re always connecting with new audiences, and those connections sometimes add new layers to the programming.”

Recently, Book Black Women Inc. has received support via its fiscal sponsor, Cool Spring Downtown District. Having a sponsor changes what’s possible for the organization.

“Cool Spring really helped put me on that path, they’re helping me with a lot of the background stuff making sure my foundation is strong,” said Washington. “So once our partnership expires which I believe the fiscal end is June of next year, that I am good to stand on my own, learning all that I have this year so we’re gonna see where this goes.”

Through this new and exciting partnership, Book Black Women Inc. is given room to pursue their community-driven artistic work.

As a brand new expansion, Book Black Women Inc. now has a permanent performance venue at The Palace. Located on Clinton Road conveniently close to downtown, The Palace will be a central location for the organization’s endeavors and live performances.

“Event spaces in the area are difficult to come by, and for an artist to be able to afford them, it feels like a major milestone to have that,” said Washington. “It’s been a wild three years.”

In an exciting new development, Washington is bringing to life an original theater production she has written to the Clayton Center on May 1, 2026. Yaya’s Juke Joint: the Musical Revue is going to be an unforgettable performance, a thoughtfully written blend of culture, legacy and artistry. The show will invite audiences to both see and engage with this kaleidoscope of creative virtuosity.

a major milestone to have that,” said Washington. “It’s been a wild three years.” In an exciting new development, Washington is bringing to life an original theater production she has written to the Clayton Center on May 1, 2026. Yaya’s Juke Joint: the Musical Revue is going to be an unforgettable performance, a thoughtfully written blend of culture, legacy and artistry. The show will invite audiences to both see and engage with this kaleidoscope of creative virtuosity.

Public historian and performer in the show, Tyanna West, ensures accuracy to the regional history and culture. The show has support from the Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation in addition to the North Carolina Arts Council and the Johnston County Arts Council, making certain the show reaches the broadest range of audiences.

“Lots of layering, lots of connecting and shifting and programming. I guess I just want them [the audience] to feel connected to the work, the artist and to each other,” said Washington. “I love to see when the audience interacts with each other, like with people they didn’t even come into the room with – the art makes them feel at home enough to speak to their neighbor and just to have a deeper connection to Black creatives and Black art.”

The steady growth of Book Black Women Inc. reaches far beyond its stage. It has truly expanded into a very special place in the community for showcasing local artistry, highlighting overlooked talent and showing audiences another side of culture. Each production serves a dual purpose as both a celebration and a reclamation.

At the heart of it all is Ayana Washington’s undeniably genuine passion and drive. Washington’s vision and unwavering authenticity powers Book Black Women to take the stage again and again.

“Everything that we do we try to make sure that its intentional, so it’s rooted in purpose, culture and community,” said Washington. “There is real value in investing in culture and community-driven work, supporting organizations, artistic organizations like Book Black Women contributes to a creative ecosystem that benefits the entire city.”

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