CELEBRATING

Throughout the year we recognize, honor, and celebrate our varied cultures in the Upper Cumberland. This is our way of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

On July 3, 2025, UCDA board members presented a $3172 check to Friends of the Library-- bringing UCDA's total support for the bookmobile project to $64771! Pictured from L-R (front row) Art Circle LIbrary's Wayne Schobel, UCDA board members: Holly Neal, Cindy Stahler, Karen Saunders, and Read Saunders. (back row) UCDA board members: Jaime Freels, Wilson Jackson, and John McArthur.

Annual Meeting and Picnic

The annual meeting was held on May 15, 2025 at Pavilion #1 at Cumberland State Park. Election of officers for the fiscal year 2026 was held followed by a picnic dinner and fellowship. John McArthur, incoming president, presents Lilly Janecek, outgoing president, with a certificate of appreciation for a job well done!

UCDA board members (front row) Lilly Janecek, Cynnie McCoy, Nort Goodman, (second row) Cindy Stahler, Holly Neal, Karen Saunders, Read Saunders (back row) and Wilson Jackson presented Wayne Schobel of the Art Circle Public Library a check for the Friends of the Library bookmobile project on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Thanks to the generosity of UCDA members and friends, $3,305 was raised to help expand access to books for children and elderly residents of Cumberland County. This contribution will support the library's mission to bring literacy and learning opportunities to those who need them most.

To celebrate Black History Month the Upper Cumberland Diversity Advocates sponsored a musical and dramatic presentation at the Art Circle Public Library on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Eldaa Royer delivered a powerful program featuring music and dramatic monologue that honored the contributions and history of African Americans.