A screening to showcase Black American in country music is set for 2 p.m. at the Fayetteville Public Library on June 30.

 

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Northwest Arkansas Events Unlimited, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cultural diversity in the Natural State.

 

Founder Gwen Kelly has played the gracious host to a cadre of talented individuals in support of Black Music including Grammy Award winner and former Motown and Stax Records CEO Al Bell.

 

The event will feature a trailer screening for “A Bad Case of the Country Blues: The Linda Martell Story” and a director interview with Marquia Thompson, followed by the documentary “Waiting in the Wings: African Americans in Country Music.”

 

Immediately following the screening, there will be a talkback discussion to answer questions and serve as participants on a panel discussing the past, present and future of country music.

 

“The magnificent thing about country music is that it truly resonates with an audience as diverse as the performers we will be celebrating,” Kelly said.  

 

“As a Chicago native, I too have fond memories of exploring country music while listening to artists such as Barbara Mandrell, Reba McIntire, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Alabama along with always having an appreciation for those artists that were able to successfully cross over into country music, such as incomparable artists like Ray Charles, the Pointer Sisters and country music legend, Charley Pride.”

 

Today, hip hop and R&B are now permanent fixtures on the radio airwaves in the Ozarks, and venues including The Walmart Amp and The Momentary regularly feature performances by mainstream artists of color.

 

However, the seed was planted more than 15 years ago by Kelly with a passion and penchant for change. The entire music-loving community of Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley is invited to celebrate with NWA Events Unlimited on Sunday, June 30. Tickets are available online now.

Courtesy of Gwen Kelly.