Norman Jordan African American Arts & Heritage Academy Returns to WVSU This Summer, Adds Youth Media Workshops with Black By God

Students Can Still Apply for July Program Featuring Arts, Culture, and New Storytelling Opportunities

By Black By God Staff

INSTITUTE, W.Va. — The Norman Jordan African American Arts & Heritage Academy is once again preparing to welcome students from across West Virginia for a week of artistic expression, cultural exploration, and personal growth at West Virginia State University.

The academy, founded by the late Affrilachian poet, playwright, educator, and cultural leader Norman Jordan, is accepting applications for its 2026 summer program, which will take place July 13–18 on the campus of West Virginia State University in Institute.

Students attending the residential academy will live on campus and receive instruction from professional artists and educators in one of several artistic disciplines, including instrumental music, vocal music, theater, dance, creative writing, and visual arts. The experience also includes guest artist performances, field trips, and activities centered on African American history and culture.

For decades, the academy has introduced young people to the arts while helping them build confidence, community, and a deeper understanding of their heritage.

This summer, students will have an additional opportunity to explore creative expression through a new partnership with Black By God.

As part of the 2026 academy, Black By God: The West Virginian will lead youth media and storytelling workshops designed to introduce students to journalism, interviewing, digital storytelling, and short-form video production.

The workshops will give students hands-on experience identifying stories, conducting interviews, creating social media content, and exploring how storytelling can preserve culture and strengthen communities.

“For years, the Norman Jordan Academy has helped young people find their voice through the arts,” said Crystal Good, publisher of Black By God: The West Virginian. “This summer, we’re excited to help students explore storytelling and journalism as another creative pathway. We want young people to know that their stories, their communities, and their experiences matter.”

The workshops are part of Black By God’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of storytellers across West Virginia. Through its Youth Voices initiative, funded by  The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, BBG will work with young people to develop media skills while encouraging them to document and share stories from their own communities.

The addition of media and storytelling workshops reflects the academy’s continued evolution while remaining rooted in the vision Norman Jordan established years ago — creating opportunities for young people to discover their talents, celebrate Black culture, and connect with a broader community of artists and leaders.

Approximately 35 students will be accepted into this year’s academy.

The $300 registration fee covers housing for the week, meals, snacks, field trips, and academy activities. Partial scholarships and, in some cases, full scholarships are available for students who qualify.

Organizers encourage families to apply soon while spaces remain available.

For more information or to request an application, contact Dr. Brucella Jordan at (216) 290-8564 or email brucella45@live.com with the subject line “Academy Registration.”

Additional information is available at normanjordanaaaha.com.

As another generation of young artists, writers, musicians, dancers, and storytellers prepares to arrive on campus this July, the academy continues a legacy that has shaped countless young people across West Virginia — one rooted in creativity, culture, and the belief that every young person has a story worth telling.

Black By God: The West Virginian has documented the academy’s impact over the years through stories such as My Week at the Norman Jordan African American Arts & Heritage Academy, The Norman Jordan African American Arts & Heritage Academy Returns for 2023 Summer Youth Program at West Virginia State University, and Celebrating the Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy: A Legacy of Arts and Culture.