A North Carolina professional visual artist, Kenrick Jobe, says he was terminated from Arts Davidson County after expressing concerns about the lack of opportunities for Black and Brown youth in the arts community.
Kenrick, who had been with the organization for nearly three years, made a Facebook post on Feb. 4, questioning the organization’s commitment to supporting young artists. He later revealed that he was informed of his termination via email, without being present for the decision or the opportunity to explain.
In a passionate social media post, Kenrick expressed his dedication to engaging and enriching the community through the arts.
“I am so sad, but I won’t give up fighting for the arts,” Kenrick wrote. “This is my life. I just want to engage and enrich the community. Art heals.”
Speaking with The North Carolina Beat, Kenrick shared his frustrations, stating that he doesn’t want to see “boredom turn into crime” for young people who lack creative outlets. He expressed his initial excitement about the direction of Arts Davidson County but now questions its direction.
“They don’t want to be held responsible for not doing much,” Jobe claimed.
On February 4, Kenrick posted on Facebook, questioning the organization’s efforts in supporting artists and youth in the community.
“Alright, I’ve been quiet and nice long enough. What is going on with Arts Davidson County? Where is the support for the arts? Someone please tell me what’s going on! We have kids to reach and artists to support. Where is the effort?”
When a commenter asked what changes he would like to see, Kenrick responded:
“Black and Brown kids from the inner city partaking in more art shows and plays. I want to see more representation. I want more churchgoers involved in the arts. We want the old and the young there. Gay and straight there. Hispanics need a lot more love right now! Art heals. I am all in. I just need the tools to continue to reach the people.”
Shortly after his post, the same morning, Kenrick received an email from Caitlin Williams of Arts Davidson County. Williams acknowledged his concerns and suggested that he address them during board meetings. However, she also requested that he remove his post.
Kenrick responded by citing previous attempts to discuss his concerns with them, stating that his outreach had gone ignored.
“I’ve already reached out to you and Amanda more than once,” Jobe wrote. “I get no support in my efforts to reach these kids and support the arts around here. I’ve been tagging Arts Davidson County under positive posts for weeks now and I’ve been ignored.”
Two days later, on February 6, Kenrick received an official termination letter from Williams.
“Following a careful review of your recent social media activity related to Arts Davidson County, a special board meeting was convened… After a vote, the board made the difficult decision to terminate your position,” the letter stated.
Many are rallying behind Kenrick, echoing his concerns and demanding more diversity from Arts Davidson County. Kenrick tells us that remains committed to continuing his advocacy for youth involvement in the arts.
The North Carolina Beat has reached out to Arts Davidson County for comment; so far, no response.
