The Yaya’s Cultural Heritage Performance Series
Book Black Women, Inc. has been recommended for funding through the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County’s 2026–2027 Grassroots Arts Program in support of The Yaya’s Cultural Heritage Performance Series.
The Yaya’s Cultural Heritage Performance Series is an ongoing initiative by Book Black Women, Inc. dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and reimagining Black cultural traditions through immersive artistic experiences. Through live music, theatrical storytelling, dance, audience interaction, and community-centered programming, the series transforms cultural history into engaging and entertaining experiences for audiences of all backgrounds.
Each Yaya’s production explores different eras, traditions, and influences within Black culture, creating opportunities for audiences to connect with the stories, sounds, aesthetics, and communal spaces that have shaped generations of Black artistic expression.
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Entertainment Rooted in Cultural Education
The Yaya’s series blends education and entertainment in ways that feel immersive, accessible, and alive. Rather than presenting history in a traditional format, the productions invite audiences into the experience through music, movement, storytelling, and atmosphere.
From Southern juke joint traditions to funk-inspired celebrations and interactive theatrical experiences, each production is designed to celebrate cultural memory while creating meaningful audience engagement. The series is intentionally designed to make cultural storytelling feel welcoming and accessible to audiences across generations and backgrounds.
Featured Programming
The Yaya’s Cultural Heritage Performance Series includes immersive productions and experiences that explore different eras, traditions, and influences within Black culture through performance, music, and storytelling.
Programming currently includes Yaya’s Juke Joint: The Musical (Revue), Yaya’s House O’ Funk, Yaya’s Amateur Night, Yaya’s Sunday Blues and additional multidisciplinary productions currently in development. Each experience is designed to support artists, musicians, performers, and creatives while creating culturally rooted experiences that connect communities through the arts.
How Funding Supports the Series
Support through the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County’s 2026–2027 Grassroots Arts Program will help Book Black Women, Inc. continue expanding The Yaya’s Cultural Heritage Performance Series through artist compensation, venue partnerships, production development, technical support, and community-centered cultural programming.
These investments strengthen opportunities for local creatives while contributing to the growth of Fayetteville’s arts and cultural landscape and supporting cultural tourism throughout the city. By creating culturally rooted experiences that draw audiences into local venues and performance spaces, the series also contributes to the continued growth of Fayetteville’s creative economy and cultural identity.
Book Black Women, Inc. is honored to operate this initiative with fiscal sponsorship support from Cool Spring Downtown District, whose partnership helps strengthen community-centered arts programming in downtown Fayetteville and beyond.
The Grassroots Arts Program is administered locally by Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Through this support, Book Black Women, Inc. continues creating spaces where culture, history, performance, and community meet.
Community Partnerships and Support
“I drove from Delaware to be here, and I have to tell you, you are doing a phenomenal job. Making sure our history is remembered in ways that all generations can enjoy is beautiful.”
— Granddaughter of Shirley Chisholm
Get Involved!
The Yaya’s Cultural Heritage Performance Series continues to grow through the support of artists, audiences, community partners, sponsors, and cultural advocates who believe in the power of storytelling through the arts.
There are many ways to support the series, including attending performances, sponsoring productions, partnering on community programming, volunteering, or making a contribution to help sustain culturally rooted artistic experiences within our community.
Whether you are an artist, organization, business, or community member, we invite you to become part of the movement to preserve, celebrate, and share Black cultural traditions in engaging and meaningful ways.