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Bowling Green Honors African-American Leaders at Black Story Month

The joyful gathering at the Bowling Green Black Story Month program celebrating local advocates.

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News Summary

The 28th annual Black Story Month program in Bowling Green celebrated the achievements of three impactful African-American leaders. Hosted by the Trailblazers Committee, the event acknowledged Shatavia Barber, Shanetti Jones, and Linda L. Hill for their contributions to advocacy, education, and the arts. The community gathered at Next Level Church to honor these champions of change, highlighting the importance of local leadership in fostering progress and empowerment.

Bowling Green Celebrates Its Champions at Annual Black Story Month Program

Bowling Green came alive with joy and celebration on Sunday as the community gathered for the 28th annual Black Story Month program held at Next Level Church. This heartfelt event recognized three outstanding African-American leaders who have made a remarkable impact in the Bowling Green-Warren County area.

The program was lovingly organized by the Trailblazers Committee, which includes passionate representatives from six traditionally Black churches in the region: Mount Zion Baptist, Taylor Chapel AME, Seventh Street Baptist, Eleventh Street Baptist, State Street Baptist, and Next Level Church. Each of these churches played a crucial role in honoring local advocates who are dedicated to creating a brighter future for everyone.

A Young Leader’s Journey

One of the youngest honorees was the remarkable Shatavia Barber, just 10 years old. Shatavia has already made waves with her advocacy work and entrepreneurial spirit. Born with spina bifida, she utilizes a wheelchair full time, yet this hasn’t stopped her from championing accessibility at local parks and summer camps. During city commission meetings, she has voiced her concerns and pushed for improvements that benefit all.

Shatavia’s mother, Shalana Page, beamed with pride as she spoke of her daughter’s achievements, emphasizing the power of self-advocacy in the community. Alongside her grandmother, Shatavia took a leap into entrepreneurship by launching a fresh-squeeze lemonade stand, affectionately named “Tay Tay’s Lemonade.” Its popularity skyrocketed, and now, the community joins the fun with nearly 500 members connected through a lively Facebook group.

A Dedication to Service

Another inspiring figure recognized at the event was Shanetti Jones, whose years of community service have left a meaningful imprint on local schools. With over 14 years of experience on site-based decision-making councils, she has dedicated her passion to improving educational experiences for all students. For the past six years, Shanetti has been an active member of the Warren County Equity Council, tirelessly working to bridge academic gaps for minority students.

In addition to her prior commitments, she has served on the board of Community Education Bowling Green Warren County and recently joined the county’s Education Foundation, where she is taking steps to oversee the development of the upcoming IMPACT Center for Innovation. Her efforts show that one person truly can make a difference in the lives of many.

Arts and Community Legacy

Celebrated for her artistic contributions, Linda L. Hill was also honored during the ceremony. As the first and only African-American board member of the Fountain Square Players, Linda has utilized her talents to enrich the performing arts scene in Bowling Green. For over 35 years, she has touched audiences through her performances at the Public Theater of Kentucky and family-oriented plays that teach valuable lessons about life and history.

A Focus on Youth Empowerment

In addition to the individual recognitions, Jonesville Academy received accolades as a vital youth-centered organization dedicated to closing academic achievement gaps for Black and brown boys while nurturing their leadership skills. The academy is committed to providing holistic, life-changing support to its participants, reflecting the rich legacy of the Jonesville community.

The recognition ceremony brought together the community—friends, family, and supporters—celebrating significant accomplishments in advocacy, the arts, and education. It emphasized the powerful role that local leaders play in fostering change, education, and empowerment in the lives of others.

As the community continues to come together in celebration, the spirit of hope and progress remains strong in Bowling Green.