Fayetteville has produced some exemplary talent across a variety of industries. From the NFL field to the big screen and the Grammy’s, this area’s knack for being the “hometown” of global superstars is worth a brag. A city that hosts one of the largest army bases in the world, two major universities, a major highway, and an ever-changing and growing economy, Fayetteville is the perfect backdrop for a hometown to Hollywood story.
Ayana Washington is a local creative who everyone should be keeping their eyes on. Founder and the driving creative force behind Book Black Women, Washington has curated artistic and cultural events for families and adults alike.
She is coming in hot off some highly anticipated and enjoyed events, including her highly successful stage production, 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America. Her success is the outcome of her persistence in seeing more art programs and shows in her hometown.
One could say that Washington is destined for greatness. Born at Womack Hospital to a family of musicians and servicemembers, creativity with equal parts determination and grit was there from the beginning. As with any musically inclined family, music education was just a part of everyday life. Her stepfather, a music teacher, introduced Washington to all genres of music and helped her “finetune” her ear, an era of her life she calls the “first step.”
Her resume reads like that of a seasoned professional. From Director to Producer to Creative Director, Washington has done it all, and done it well.
Her past credits include Dolly in Hello Dolly (Actress), Mrs. Phelps in Matilda The Musical (Actress), The Addams Family Musical (Costume Designer), Be Real Macy Weave (Costume Designer), In The Blood (Director), Frankenstein (Director), The Blueprint (Producer), 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America (Co-Producer), the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Independence Day (Featured Artist), and the Juneteenth Celebration (Creative Director).
Her upcoming project is the Darkness Rising Mental Health Block Party (Creative Director).
While Fayetteville is home, Washington spent some time away from the area, gaining new friends and experiences along the way.
“I traveled the States alone and learned a lot different ways of living and different perspectives. Living in places unlike your hometown will open your eyes to so much! When I stopped in Minnesota I was introduced to musical theatre. My 'second step' was built by my first director Christopher "CT" Teipner and my first MD Derick Rehurek at Lakeshore Players Theatre.
"They pushed me to play during my first show and made me fall in love with musical theatre. I moved around to a few more states before I fell on really hard times and had to seek refuge on my mother's couch. I am grateful for that second step because I learned to embrace all that I am; the weird, the quiet, and the artistic,” she recalls.
Coming back to Fayetteville has been rewarding for Washington and has allowed her to spread her wings far beyond her imagination. She has made connections that will last over a lifetime and built an organization that will go far beyond Fayetteville.
“Being back home felt different. I started seeing, feeling, and noticing more as a black woman in the arts. It was all still very new to me and wasn't sure what to say or do ... but I knew the things I was experiencing weren’t right,” she said. “I auditioned for Caroline at Change at Cape Fear Regional Theatre and this is where the 'third step' was formed for me. The content of that show mixed with some things that happened backstage made me want to do something but again, I wasn't sure what. It wasn't until a few years later that I was venting to my friend Michael Houck (Founder of A Yellow Beanie Project) that I had the idea to create a sort of safe place for black women, Book Black Women, Inc. He pushed me to make it a reality and I did.
"Cerina Johnson (No Longer Bound Ent, LLC; CEO), Mary Kate Burke (Cape Fear Regional Theatre; Artistic Director), and Tyanna West (Art of Sankofa; CEO) claim the 'fourth step.' I planned and executed every Book Black Women Inc. event on my own and it was
such a learning experience.
“Burke showed how important it is to strive for excellence backstage. Order and professionalism from the backstage crew, talent, lighting, ushers, and programs are as important as the spectacle produced on the stage itself. Cerina helped me learn networking and discernment are also important. Show your authentic self, collaborate, and network across unapologetically.
"Tyanna is the friend that will say your name in every room and I owe most of my opportunities to her. She grounds me and helps me not to lose my artistic, optimistic, and daring side. She reminds me that safety in black art is always the point, so safety in black art is always first;” Washington said of her journey to this point.
She’s been the literal voice on the stage, the brains, and creativity behind a TikTok viral video, and has secured contracts in other cities and states to do what she does best: create, in whatever form she’s needed. Washington’s career is headed toward more success and opportunity.
Washington is excited about the next step and what it has to offer her, saying, “This fourth step is so important to me because during this step I won BroadwayWorlds 2020 Best Vocalist, became a commission member with Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission, obtained Creative Director and Theatrical Director credits, and won Fayetteville's 40 under 40. This step has also propelled me to my fifth and current step with Dr. DeSandra Washington at FTCC and Carlita Victoria, CEO of Darkness RISING.
"Today, as I watch two of these women navigate their professional lives, I am inspired and pushed to be better. Being a black woman in business is difficult and being a black woman in art is difficult.
"You must invest in yourself and (even as an introvert) push to promote yourself which they do so well! Learning to navigate these new lessons is both beautiful and challenging and I’m excited to see the next step it leads me to.”
Stay up to date on all things Book Black Women at http://www.bookblackwomen.org/ and Ayana Washington at https://bit.ly/3LwOBF4.

(Photo: Ayana Washington is taking Fayetteville by storm. Photo courtesy of Ayana Washington)