The contagious energy and rhythms could be felt and heard from the streets outside of Frederick Arts Council on Friday night as From the Heart: Creative expressions in mental wellness kicked off its first event, Voices of Color! Hosted by Transformative Arts Project, the night was filled with artistic performances from local Black artists in honor of Black History Month. Dr. Laura Sherwood, founder of TAP and an avid Mental Health Workgroup Member, did an exceptional job gathering the outstanding artist line up and organizing the event.

The night spotlighted the following artists and their special, powerful performances:

• Lanai Monroe: Opening Poem

• Jaleesa “JayBaby” Cowan: Vocals

• Ósun’s Rising: Poetry

• Ramon: Percussion Performance

• Renee: Spoken Word Poetry

• Slow Mo the Poet: Poetry

• Lavern Pennant: Vocals

• Richard Treadwell-Williams: Spoken Word Poetry

• Zariah Paris: Lip Sync and Dance