Black History Arts Gala in Hendersonville
Jewel Ward performed at the Rise Up! Performing Arts Event in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on February 25, 2023. Sponsored by the Black History Collective of Henderson County, the Black History Month program was held at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Jewel performed “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and “Summertime” as part of an ensemble of poets, dancers, spoken-word artists, musicians, and visual artists.
The event was organized by Crystal Cauley and Minister Diane Caldwell, with Tynesha Carden serving as mistress of ceremonies.
The program included Crystal Cauley and Tony Robles performing “Black Love,” featuring poetry by Christopher D. Sims and Crystal Cauley; Alyeh Cady dancing to Rihanna’s “Diamonds”; Phyllis Bailey reciting “Blacker,” a poem by Crystal Cauley; Indian Jackson sharing a life testimonial through interpretive dance; and Pam Suber performing to music from Selma alongside a monologue honoring Langston Hughes’s “Mother to Son.”
Wanda Ruiz Padilla also performed “Wind Beneath My Wings” a cappella in tribute to Tyre Nichols. Jamaria and Jakerrion Kilgore contributed artwork inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, and Etta Robinson created a visual display highlighting Black history in Henderson County.
Performers and participants at the Rise Up! Performing Arts Event in Hendersonville, North Carolina, February 25th, 2023. Photographer unknown.
