Mark your calendars because you do not want to miss The Blueprint Concerts and Awards hosted by Book Black Women on Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m., at 226 The Warehouse, 226 Donaldson St., Fayetteville.
The Blueprint Concert and Awards is not just an event; it is a powerful celebration of creativity and excellence in the arts and culture, shining a spotlight on the incredible talents within our community. Since its inception in 2022 as a concert, this event has evolved into a flagship occasion, uniting artists, audiences, and advocates for the arts.
This year's concert will feature stunning performances by remarkable artists who have made significant strides in their craft. Operatic vocalist Monique McLoed from the Choral Arts will mesmerize with her powerful voice. EE Smith star dancer Jordan Barnett will showcase his breathtaking talent on stage. Vocalist Kiara Hines returns to her roots after honing her skills in Fayetteville before making waves in New York's artistic scene. Alannah McMillan will dazzle us with her artistry as she builds her career at a performing arts college, while Yael Hilton brings national recognition with her exceptional talent.
The awards portion of the evening promises to be equally inspiring. Esteemed presenters like Rock 103’s Dominique Jeannette Womack and Fayetteville State University’s SeQuenna Pennix will honor deserving recipients, Cool Spring’s Ashanti Bennett, Dr. Tamara Colvin, and Up & Coming Weekly writer Amber Little.
Ayana Washington, Founder and Creative Director of Book Black Women, Inc., is deeply committed to amplifying and celebrating Black women in the arts through programming and community partnerships. The mission is clear: to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women across the arts and entertainment sectors and create spaces where their stories, talents, and perspectives are acknowledged and celebrated.
Ayana is on a mission to transform the landscape of the arts for Black women and people of color.
“I founded Book Black Women, Inc. to address the glaring lack of visibility and opportunity for Black women to create platforms that highlight creativity and celebrate their invaluable contributions, ensuring their stories are heard. It is not just about representation but also about creating an equitable future that removes barriers and creates diverse pathways to success,” Ayana shared.
Born at Womack Army Medical Center at then Fort Bragg, Ayana’s roots run deep in this vibrant community, shaped significantly by her grandfather's military service. This connection to Fayetteville is more than just geographical; it fuels her passion and commitment to creating an environment where every voice can shine brightly.
“My long-term vision includes establishing a performing arts center that reflects and represents our community. This center will be a beacon for untold stories, where narratives resonate with our diverse population, and tourable shows can expand our reach across the country. I am currently working on writing a new musical, which I am thrilled to premiere in 2026,” Ayana adds.
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Book Black Women embodies a steadfast dedication to collaboration, excellence, and innovation in every initiative they undertake. Their mission goes beyond simply hosting events; they craft unforgettable experiences that resonate with diverse audiences while nurturing artistic expression within communities.
Book Black Women is on a vital quest to champion the artistic endeavors of Black women, providing platforms where they can thrive as architects of their own narratives. This initiative seeks to create legacies that reflect their unique experiences and contributions—artistry that speaks volumes about resilience, strength, and the beauty found in diversity.
By centering efforts around Black women, their goals are to inspire transformative change, cultivate inclusivity, and pave the way for a more equitable future.
Amber Little, an award recipient, is a proud Bladen County native who has embraced Fayetteville as home for over a decade. She brings a rich background rooted in education and community service. With a degree in English education, her early dreams revolved around becoming an educator—an aspiration deeply influenced by growing up in a household with two educators, one of which was a business owner.
Today, she channels that educational foundation into her ventures: Amber Little Marketing and The Amber Little Brand. Amber Little Marketing specializes in website design and content creation tailored for small businesses, offering content classes and branding services that empower entrepreneurs to thrive. Meanwhile, The Amber Little Brand reflects her creative spirit through writing and creative directing—allowing her to explore the art of storytelling.
Family remains at the heart of everything Amber does.
“As a proud mom of two beautiful children and partner to my better half, Geroard, for over 18 years, I understand the importance of nurturing relationships at home and within the community. My commitment to giving back is evident through my role as President of the Jai6 Youth Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth—and as an active member of the Junior League of Fayetteville,” Little proudly shared.
For over a year now, Amber has considered it a privilege to be writing for Up & Coming Weekly, recently stepping into the role of staff writer. The opportunity has enriched her life immeasurably. It has allowed her to connect with diverse individuals while immersing herself in our vibrant community. Through storytelling, she strives to spotlight smaller businesses and organizations that are making meaningful contributions—because their stories deserve recognition.
“I believe wholeheartedly in the transformative power of storytelling—the essence celebrated by The Inkheart Award. As writers and creators, we hold an extraordinary ability to influence our surroundings,” Amber stated.
Come out to enjoy a promising evening of music, dance, and celebrate local women who are making significant contributions to our community. For tickets or to see all upcoming events, visit their website at https://www.bookblackwomen.org

(Graphic courtesy Book Black Women Facebook Page)