Event is live, interdisciplinary celebration of community, knowledge and music

HUNTINGTON, West Virginia — Word on the Block #3 is set to light up 8th Avenue in Huntington once again, bringing an intergenerational, multidisciplinary experience that blends scholarship, storytelling, and new music— Saturday April 26, 2025 from 2:00PM-6:00PM on 8th Ave. between Hal Greer Blvd. and 17th Street.

Originally launched in 2021 with funding from the West Virginia Humanities Council as part of the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 relief package, this groundbreaking event was designed to reconnect communities after isolation.

Now, thanks to national funding from the National Endowment for the Arts’ ArtsHERE program, Word on the Block continues to grow, bringing the Word the Knowledge and the Rhyme in an innovative and electrifying live event.

This year’s lineup of Scholars — Dr. Phil Carter, Crystal Good, Sean Hornbuckle, Dr. Gregory Breeden, Dr. Georgiana Logan, Staysha Quintrell, and Jason Tartt — will share insights on topics such as farming, civics, men’s health, midwifery, human rights, social justice, the history of DEI from the civil rights movement to today, and freedom of the press. Their expertise sets the stage for rounds of interactive presentations that engage and educate the community.

Complementing the scholarship is an incredible lineup of performers, including Gardenn, NeeNee Incognita, AC, Bernard Craighead, Se7en, Deano Mission, Angela Linthicum and Scantag. With new, original music composed by these talented MCs, R&B singers, and co-producing partner Duke Johnson of Thyrd World Music, the event promises a diverse range of sounds—from urban eclectic to pop and street rap.

Executive produced by All Here Together Productions and Positive People Association (PPA), Word on the Block #3 is a testament to the power of collaboration. PPA founder Norman Branch has directed multidisciplinary programs for youth and families out of the

J.W. Scott Center for the past four years, while Carmen-Mitzi Sinnott, an internationally recognized writer, performer and producer, describes the event as the embodiment of community-driven innovation:

“Word on the Block is my heart… it’s what I know we are when we come together for the greater good. When Duke, Norman, and I first talked through the idea, their willingness to experiment made it possible. Now, here we are—nationally funded and stronger than ever.”

The conversation on stage starts with The Biz podcast—hosted by husband-and-wife duo Leah Brown-Branch and Norman Branch—breaking down historical content with scholars, and even more engagement extending the mic to the audience to chime in with questions.

“My mother would always say, people can take away material things but they can never take your education” says Norman Branch CEO of PPA.

Set in the heart of Huntington —on Eighth Avenue between Hal Greer Blvd and 17th Street — this multi-level, intergenerational, mixed-genre LIVE event will be a beacon of creativity, connection and education.