2026-2027 Black Appalachian
Storytellers Fellows Announced
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Baltimore – October 6, 2026 – Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachian Living Traditions (CALT) initiative is thrilled to announce the 2026-2027 Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellows. This program, in partnership with the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) and South Arts, honors and promotes the understanding of Black Appalachian storytelling traditions that embody the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans in the region. The National Association of Black Storytellers awards one Fellowship per year in Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties of each of the six eligible states: Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Fellows receive $5,000 in unrestricted funding, a unique physical award created by a Black Appalachian artist, and NABS membership during their award year. The 2026 Fellows will be honored at the 44th annual “In The Tradition…” National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference in Warwick, Rhode Island. They are also invited to present at the 2027 Festival and Conference. Each Fellow will receive a physical award created by Virginia gourd carver and instrument maker Dr. Dena Jennings.
The 2026-2027 Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellows are:
Kentucky
LeAnna T. Luney (Berea)
North Carolina
Lucretia VanDyke (Kings Mountain)
Ohio
Maureen Cadogan (Portsmouth)
Tennessee
Rita Lorraine Hubbard (Chattanooga)
Virginia
Lorenzo “Baba-C” Calendar II (Allegheny County)
West Virginia
Ron Scott, Jr. (Wheeling)
Learn more about the grantees on our website.
Image: (Left to right): Lorenzo “Baba-C” Calendar II; LeAnna T. Luney; Maureen Cadogan; Lucretia VanDyke; Ron Scott, Jr.; Rita Lorraine Hubbard. Credit: Courtesy of the artists.
About Mid Atlantic Arts
Mid Atlantic Arts supports artists, presenters, and organizations through unique programming, grant support, partnerships, and information sharing. Created in 1979, Mid Atlantic Arts is aligned with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. We combine state and federal funding with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to nurture diverse artistic expression while connecting people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond. To learn more about Mid Atlantic Arts visit www.midatlanticarts.org.
Contact:
Mackenzie Kwok
Communications and Social Media Manager
Mid Atlantic Arts
mkwok@midatlanticarts.org
410.539.6656 x123