Ida B. Wells – American Journalist & Socialogist
Portrayed by: Franque Bains (NSOUL)
Franque Bains is a poet, storyteller, and educator whose work centers on the power of story to inspire connection, reflection, and social understanding. Originally from Southern California, she has spent more than fifteen years performing and teaching through poetry and storytelling. Her work has been featured with the Salt Lake Acting Company’s Sankofa production, the San Antonio Public Library, Gemini Ink, KRCL Radio, and Story Crossroads. Her poetry and short fiction have been published by Torrey House Press.
Franque is deeply committed to collaborative arts experiences and community engagement. Her ability to bring historical voices to life through compelling narrative performance makes her an excellent choice to portray Ida B. Wells, the journalist, educator, and civil rights activist whose courage and advocacy helped shape American history.
Emily Dickinson – Iconic American Poet
Portrayed by: Janine Evans (Utah Storytelling Guild)
Janine Evans is a historical storyteller and Young Adult Librarian with the Murray City Library who specializes in bringing historical figures to life through first-person portrayals and educational storytelling. She has appeared at Better Days celebrations and other community events portraying notable women from history, including Sarah Emma Edmonds, Civil War nurse and spy, and Emmeline B. Wells, suffragist and advocate for women’s rights. She is currently researching and developing a portrayal of Revolutionary War heroine Sybil Ludington.
Janine is also a respected leader in Utah’s storytelling community, serving as a past president of the Utah Storytelling Guild and a member of the Weber State Storytelling Festival Committee. Through her library work and storytelling performances, she has extensive experience engaging audiences of all ages while making history accessible, memorable, and meaningful. Her background in historical interpretation and educational programming makes her exceptionally qualified to portray Emily Dickinson.