The Board of Directors of Friends of Brentwood Library, Inc. (FOBL) is bridging the gap and uplifting the youth of the community through poetry and dramatic arts. The James Weldon Johnson Poetry and Dramatic Arts Young Writer’s Festival Awards Ceremony was recently held at the James Weldon Johnson Park hosted by City Councilman Reggie Gaffney. The agenda included a musical jazz prelude featuring Ray Mezo followed by the James Weldon Johnson Poetry Contest Award Ceremony. Founded by former director of “Tots and Teens” Theatre, Inc., Ms. Sharon Coon, the festival honored local poet laureate, James Weldon Johnson and students from grades 1-12, who expressed their creative potential in poetry and dramatic arts. Parents, teacher Participating schools included: Elementary Divisions: Brentwood Elementary, Andrew Robinson Elementary, Good Shepherd Christian Academy and John E. Ford; Middle School Division: LaVilla School of the Arts and Arlington Middle School; High School Division: Andrew Jackson High School and Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Friends of Brentwood Library, Inc. (FOBL), a non-profit organization, was founded in 2013 by Ms. Sharon Coon. When Ms. Coon learned of the possible demise of Brentwood Library, she sprang into action to save it. The Friends work to bridge the literacy gap offering urban-core programs to children and their families living in a fragile community. For more information and how to volunteer, call (904) 444-3743. Shown l-r are students and their awards Giavonnie Sparks, Serenity Jearlds, Kendall Sweat, Antwawn Riley, Zachary Burch, Trinity Thorbs, Jadelyn l. Daniels, Stefan White, Janise Larochester, Pebble Buggest, Alison De’Leon, Nigel Griffin and Sidney Montfort.
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