Last year, the luminescent blue lights of the inaugural Blueprint Awards could be seen from the front door of 226 The Warehouse, as honorees, their guests, supporters of Book Black Women, and Fayetteville leaders and decision-makers filled the space to celebrate.
The night was full of creative expression, acceptance speeches, beautiful dresses, dapper suites and an air of elegance and sophistication that only Book Black Women can bring to an event. This year’s awards ceremony will be nothing short of a physical manifestation of giving flowers to some of Fayetteville’s best and brightest.
The second annual Blueprint Awards are set for Saturday, Feb. 28, at Blissful Alchemists located at 414 Ray Avenue from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/dngxf9c.
Dinner and cocktail mixer hour are for honorees, but anyone wishing to participate can purchase VIP tickets, which include priority entry during the cocktail hour (Dinner is not included with this ticket). Last year’s theme was Blue, fitting for its first year.
Every inch of the space vibrated with hues of blue and crystals. This year’s theme? “...a fantastical and whimsical, concert-style experience. Enchanted décor and multiple modes of artistic expression are woven throughout the evening, honoring the event’s roots as a concert series while creating a cohesive and memorable experience for guests. I’m encouraging everyone to come dressed as if you’re stepping into an enchanted forest…because you will be,” explained Ayana Washington, Founder and Creative Director of Book Black Women.
The Blueprint Awards made a lasting impression on the Fayetteville community. It highlighted creatives in the city whose work is often not even a category for bigger community awards.
Washington was surprised by the outpouring of support and recognition, stating, “The response to last year’s inaugural Blueprint Awards exceeded our expectations. While we knew there was a need for intentional recognition of cultural excellence in Fayetteville, seeing the community show up so fully affirmed that desire. The energy in the room, the feedback we received afterward, and the continued interest confirmed that people felt proud, inspired, and seen. It was clear that this was a space the community valued and wanted to see continue.”
A few differences are happening this year, the biggest being the number of honorees.
“This year’s award categories were shaped by listening closely to the community and by engaging past Blueprint recipients in the review process. Categories were selected with an emphasis on impact, consistency, leadership, and service rather than visibility alone. We wanted the awards to reflect the many ways people contribute to the creative and cultural ecosystem, including work that often happens behind the scenes,” Washington stated.
While there may have been a scale back, this year’s honorees have more than earned their night in the spotlight.
Washington is excited for those chosen for this year, adding, “This year’s honorees represent a beautiful range of leadership and impact. Sylvia Glanton, recipient of the Innovator Award, is the founder of Future Rich Aunties, where she connects women entrepreneurs to resources and community.
"Stephanie Kegler, recipient of the Health Vanguard Award, is a fitness and expressive movement advocate who inspires wellness and holistic care.
"April Mata, recipient of the Rising Star Award, is a creative manager focused on cultivating growth among artists and creatives.
"Kia Anthony, recipient of the Cultural Stewardship Award, is dedicated to preserving and amplifying Black history through events and education.
"Sheila Cuffee, recipient of the Blueprint Icon Award, is a longtime leader and mentor supporting civic engagement and community initiatives.
"Michael Houck, recipient of the Hand-in-Hand Award, is a strategic partner whose support through grants and mentorship has contributed to artist growth. Each of these women and allies brings a unique lens of service, innovation, and community uplift, demonstrating that meaningful impact takes many forms.”
One thing that will not change is the concert portion of the ceremony. From live bands to live dance performances, last year was a beautiful journey through the arts, something Washington promises will continue this year.
“Guests can expect an elevated, intimate, and immersive experience this year. The evening blends live performances from local talent with intentional moments of recognition, creating a dynamic and engaging flow throughout the program. From the moment attendees arrive, the event is designed to feel celebratory, connected, and reflective of the creative excellence within our community,” Washington said.
The 2026 The Blueprint Awards will be one for the books and a tradition that Book Black Women, Inc is excited to continue.
“I envision The Blueprint Awards becoming a signature cultural institution in Fayetteville and beyond. Long term, I see it growing into a regional and eventually national platform that honors cultural creativity across artistic disciplines while remaining grounded in community. The goal is to build something sustainable that continues to elevate and celebrate people while they are actively shaping the community,” Washington explained.
A project this big is a massive undertaking that takes months of planning, countless “thankless” hours, and support. Book Black Women, Inc has put all of these things into creating an event that truly captures the soul of the city through its honorees. A task like this can’t be accomplished alone.
Washington said, “I would love to acknowledge the past Blueprint Award recipients who served on this year’s selection committee: Ashanti Bennett, Michaela Penix, and Kenjuana McCray. I’m also grateful to this year’s recipients for accepting the honor and trusting us with their stories. Special thanks to The Creative Studio by Jae Renee and Randy Burkhead for bringing my creative vision for décor to life, to 1910 Wine Nest for sponsoring the event, and to Blissful Alchemists for providing the venue. I’m deeply appreciative of the Book Black Women team and the Fayetteville community for continuing to show up, support, and believe in the power of the arts.”
For more information to support or purchase tickets to the show, visit www.bookblackwomen.org.