Community celebrates history, art, culture: Black Butterfly Network
{Contributed Photos: Erle Craven IV}
Members of the arts community came together for food, fun and a celebration of local art and culture at the inaugural From Langston to Lexington with Love. The event was hosted by the newly formed Black Butterfly Network with the support of several organizations.
The black-tie affair, originally set for February, was postponed due to rising cases of COVID.
Friday’s event included a celebration of the past, present and future impact of the local arts movement.
Organizer Tina Royal offered history related to Lexington’s connection with Langston Hughes. Since announcing the event local historians Charles Owens and Zane Matthews shared research that the famous Jazz poet and columnist from Joplin, Missouri was a friend to Lexington Legend turned national hero -Baxter McCrary.
The homage to the past was followed by an introduction of the Black Butterfly Network, a spotlight of entrepreneurs and artists including Lynn Marshall-Linnemeier/Mixed Media, Ken Davis - Music/Mixed Media, Kenrick Jobe - Portraits/Painting, NaTavea “Q” Hargrave - Daily Lifestyle Photography, Clarence Hargrave- Culinary/Lifestyle Artist, James Littlejohn – Performing Artist.
Featured entrepreneurs included Joyce Hargrave and Kesha Henderson.
Future opportunities to join the Black Butterfly Network include membership tiers for supporting spotlights, events and education for local artists. The network is also working with local groups to collaborate on future arts and business-related events.
Black Butterfly Founding Members Tiers
Founders:
Tina Royal
Antionette Kerr
Clarence Hargrave
🦋Black Butterfly
Kivi Leroux Miller
Rosalind Baker
🦋Monarch
Kelly Carrick
David & Julia Dunn
Ted & Nina Smith
