Shayna and Chamari

Shayna Sawyers: “As far as my role in the community, my show on 107.9 The Beat is very inspirational and encouraging. I give my listeners a platform where their voice can be heard. I made sure to keep my listeners updated with the recent protects in Lexington and Louisville. I even did my show live from the state capital so that listeners could be a part of the rally demanding justice for Breonna Taylor. I am a member of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild—we educate our community about bourbon and how black people played a major role in the bourbon industry. We also give out yearly scholarships. I am a member of the Beta Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and we are committed to serving our community.”

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A Louisville Native, Shayna Sawyers, moved to Lexington in October, when she accepted a full-time position as the mid-day on-air talent for 107.9 The Beat. Shayna also is Live Host and Emcee for many events. She has hosted the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild Annual Holiday Gala and most recently hosted the Black Youngsta and Molly Brazy concert. During quarantine, you can watch her interviewing your favorite artists on Instagram Live for her “quarantine and vibe” series. You can catch her from 10 am-2 pm M-F on 107.9. “It’s not what they say, it’s what shayna say!”

Lexington in the Time of COVID-19 is an artwork about people practicing social distancing at a time of a deadly virus. And also offering kindness.

Kurt Gohde and Kremena Todorova capture photographs at the periphery of American culture, where drag queens, discarded couches, and abandoned motel signs exist.