LOCAL AUTHOR’S WORK PERFORMED AT BLACK STORIES BLACK VOICES 'SHINE'

On Friday, Feb. 27, Winston-Salem author Brenda Fulmore was honored at the Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia in Abingdon. Its fifth annual “SHINE: Illuminating Black Stories” is an event of powerful theatrical storytelling celebrating the Black experience in Appalachia, curated by Barter Theatre’s Black Stories Black Voices (BSBV) initiative. The event features original monologues and scenes by Black playwrights from across the nation. 

Performed and directed by Barter’s professional actors, these works provide a platform for voices that are often unheard. Fulmore’s monologue, “I See You: A story of finding my voice in a roomful of noise,” was one of six works selected in this national competition.

FIRST SUBMISSION WAS A WINNER

When asked about what prompted Fulmore to enter the contest, she said, “I was encouraged to submit a piece when I read about the contest in the Winston-Salem Writers’ newsletter. I’ve been a member for about four years but I’ve never submitted to a contest before. This was a unique experience for me; I had never written a monologue before, especially one so personal.”

Fulmore received an email in January from Geovonday Jones, co-director of BSBV, notifying her that her monologue had been selected to be part of the 5^th annual SHINE. “I couldn’t believe it! I was so excited!” Fulmore said, “They told me I would receive a cash award and all expenses paid for travel and lodging. I didn’t know what to expect since this was a new journey for me.”

James Jiggetts, co-director of BSBV & artistic associate, wrote in an email: “We received roughly over 30 submissions this year, which is more than we have ever received over the years of running SHINE! Brenda's piece moved me specifically because I have been there in a room not feeling seen.”

A MEMORABLE WEEKEND OF THEATRE

Fulmore’s experience began on Thursday, Feb. 26, when she arrived at The Barter Inn to check in. That evening she attended the premiere of “Trains” by Quinton Cockrell, an African American playwright and professor at Troy University in Alabama. The play was based on a racial incident on Oct. 31, 1919, in Corbin, Kentucky, when a mob of 200 angry white citizens drove the Black community into rail cars and banished them from Corbin.

“What was a lightbulb moment was when I was in the lobby before “Trains” began,” related Fulmore, “and I saw a poster with Rita Cole’s picture as a performer in “Trains” and realized she was the actress who would be performing my piece! The playbill noted that she is a member of The Actor’s Equity Association.”

On Friday, Fulmore attended the rehearsal for SHINE and watched as Rita Coles worked with Jiggetts, the director, to perfect her performance of Fulmore’s monologue. Fulmore said, “Before the rehearsal started, James told me that my monologue was a strong, powerful piece that he had really wanted to be included in this performance. He wanted my piece to be the opening for SHINE to set the tone for the rest of the evening.”

“I put it right at the top of the show so people could feel seen right from the opening,” said Jiggetts. “It's a layered piece since not only is it about the Black perspective, it's also about a woman's perspective too, and it was important to me to shine a light on that and amplify it so that the world could also feel heard and/or seen.”

Fulmore added, “Rita said to me that I may not realize it, but this was a big deal. That made me feel very honored.”

The evening culminated in the presentation of the monologues and scenes held on the Gilliam Stage of the Barter Theatre. “As I sat in the audience, while Rita performed my piece, it was as if the words leaped off the page and she was living my experiences.”

Several people in the audience were moved by Fulmore’s monologue and spoke to her afterward, expressing how they could relate to the message of her experiences as they had similar experiences. 

Jiggetts added, “This year's SHINE focused on Black Joy … and I feel the event was full of it, not only on stage but off as well!”

The evening ended with the playwrights and actors, along with sponsors and guests, celebrated at a reception. “Even Abingdon Mayor Dwayne Anderson attended,” said Fulmore.

Fulmore said the entire weekend was memorable. “It was a power-packed weekend from beginning to end. Not only being honored at SHINE, but also meeting the other playwrights and actors and finding that we had many things in common with each other, such as being from New York.”

FROM CAREER TO COMMUNITY SERVICE

Fulmore was born in Lumberton, North Carolina, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and is the youngest of 15 children. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and spent 27 years in corporate America before taking a position with Winston-Salem State University for 12 years. She retired in 2022. 

In 2024 she was inspired through her work with the nonprofit organization Winston-Salem Creative Corridors Coalition, Inc., to write an historical book about iconic bridges entitled “Highways Divide, Bridges Connect Communities,” highlighting their impact on communities, as well as an accompanying children’s coloring book. Fulmore served 11 years on the executive board, design steering committee, and was the fifth chair of the organization. 

Her dedication to community engagement continues as she serves as vice chair on the Winston- Salem Community Appearance Commission board. Her deep love for community and family, along with her experience in leadership, inspire her to share her journey and insights.

Fulmore is a proud single parent of two adult daughters and a grandmother of eight. In her free time, she enjoys playing an electric bass guitar, is a certified Pickleball instructor, and continues to be an active member of her community, serving on the board of Winston-Salem Writers.

For more information about Brenda Fulmore and her books, go to www.promisedfinancial.com or email her at btuesdae@aol.com.

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