Franklin County Arts Council Celebrated Black History Month with Open Mic

February 27, 2017 Donna Campbell Smith local-nc, news
FCAC open mic, February 25, 2017. Source: Donna Campbell Smith, FCAC.
FCAC open mic, February 25, 2017. Source: Donna Campbell Smith, FCAC.

By Donna Campbell Smith, FCACarts.org

Franklin County Arts Council’s Diversity Team brought singers and poets together for an open mic Saturday afternoon, February 25, 2017. The event celebrated Black History Month with a theme of “Freedom.”

Music by Mr. Howard Overton greeted participants as they arrived. Mr. Overton is a long-time friend of FCAC and has provided music for several of their events. Guests included all ages from teens to grandmothers. Linda Riggin, Donna Campbell Smith, Linda Wade, Jackie Dove-Miller, Kim Hogan, Deana Vassar and Theodocia Snelling preformed with readings and songs to an enthusiastic group.

Jackie Dove-Miller, who is the diversity team-leader, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the open-mic sponsored by the FCAC diversity committee.  Participants interpreted the theme of freedom in her own way, whether politically in terms of race or male/female relationships, or personally in terms of social norms or individual aspirations. Then there were some who spoke of the lack of freedom and its effect on the psyche. Regardless of the interpretation, all the poets and singers inspired.  The audience was receptive and encouraging, and the facility, One Man’s Treasure Auction House, was cozy– a perfect setting for artists to gather and share.”

The FCAC diversity team is made up of members who seek to sponsor various arts opportunities to increase overall interest and participation in the culturally diverse community that is Franklin County. Anyone wanting to join the team and help plan more events can contact Franklin County Arts Council by emailing FCACarts@gmail.com or call 919.497.6910. The diversity team meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month at 2pm at the FCAC gallery on 22 S Main Street, Franklinton, North Carolina.

 

Theodocia Snelling at FCAC open mic, February 25, 2017. Source: Donna Campbell Smith, FCAC.
Theodocia Snelling at FCAC open mic, February 25, 2017. Source: Donna Campbell Smith, FCAC.

 

Mr. Overton at FCAC open mic, February 25, 2017. Source: Donna Campbell Smith, FCAC.
Mr. Overton at FCAC open mic, February 25, 2017. Source: Donna Campbell Smith, FCAC.

 

Linda Wade at FCAC open mic, February 25, 2017. Source: Donna Campbell Smith, FCAC.
Linda Wade at FCAC open mic, February 25, 2017. Source: Donna Campbell Smith, FCAC.

 

Jackie Dove-Miller at FCAC open mic, February 25, 2017. Source: Donna Campbell Smith, FCAC.
Jackie Dove-Miller at FCAC open mic, February 25, 2017. Source: Donna Campbell Smith, FCAC.

 

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About Donna Campbell Smith 78 Articles
Donna Campbell Smith, an author based in Franklinton NC, worked in the horse industry for over thirty years as an instructor, trainer, breeder, and writer. She has an AAS Degree in Equine Technology from Martin Community College and is a certified riding instructor. Smith has written four non-fiction books on equine management: The Book of Donkeys, (The Lyons Press 2016) The Book of Miniature Horses (The Lyons Press 2005), The Book of Draft Horses (The Lyons Press 2007), and The Book of Mules (The Lyons Press 2009). All her books are available at Amazon.com or ask for them at a bookstore near you. Donna is a member of Franklin County Arts Council. Visit her website at www.donnacampbellsmith.net.