SAY IT LOUD: A SONG FOR MAMA
Enjoy readings by Ellis Bryson, Tina Bryson, Dr. Abeni El-Amin, and Nita Clarke. The event is free and open to the public.
Ellis Bryson has always been fascinated with writing and has been in numerous writing programs, from the School for the Creative and Performing Arts to the Governors School of the Arts. His goal is to positively change the world by opening up discussions and viewpoints many people may not consider, adding a wider, more diverse conversation to the media narrativ
Tina Bryson leads the communications team for Christian Appalachian Project, the largest human services organization exclusively serving Appalachia. Prior to serving at CAP, Tina coordinated a special project for the University of Kentucky Alumni Association as part of the university’s Sesquicentennial. The project produced “They Came Before: The Legacy of African-American Pioneers and Trailblazers at the University of Kentucky.” Tina has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and a master’s degree in communications from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is also a community editorial writer for The Lexington Herald-Leader. She also serves as president of the Public Relations Society of America Thoroughbred Chapter, here in Lexington, and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Abeni El-Amin is an author and editor who holds Doctorates from Northcentral University, University of the Cumberlands, Colorado Theological Seminary, and Union Institute and University (in process, 2023). She has over 20 years of experience in management, occupational, and organizational development. Dr. El-Amin is co-founder of Project Ricochet, Inc, a thriving youth development organization. She has also served as the Multicultural Family Center, Executive Director for the City of Dubuque and as Chair of the Raleigh Human Relations Commission. Dr. Abeni El-Amin currently serves as WUKY’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Consultant.
Nita Clarke is a 73-year-old writer that hails from the bayous of Louisiana, and currently resides in the commonwealth of Kentucky where she retired in 2006. She is the mother of two children; Michael and Michele, a grandmother, and a great grandmother. Nita is a disabled Vietnam era veteran of the US Navy, where she served as a journalist and in public affairs. With nearly 10 years in Radio, Nita worked as an announcer for a KSLO/KOGM radio in Opelousas, Louisiana and for KJAE/KLLA in Leesville Louisiana. She attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette and is a graduate of the Lexington theological seminary in 2013. Nita enjoys reading, writing, volunteering for her church, St Peter Claver, and spending time with family and friends.
SAY IT LOUD: A SONG FOR MAMA is sponsored by WUKY, Kentucky Arts Council, LexArts, SouthArts, Chethik Family Fund to Advance Black Writers, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG), Lexington Writer’s Room, Southland Printing, and Foundation 47.
