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April 23-25, 2027

Word of South

Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson was born in Tallahassee, raised in Tampa, and graduated from Florida A&M University. She currently works as an elementary school teacher in Tampa and previously taught in China for four years, where she also wrote and directed plays for elementary and middle school students. She’s been singing since childhood and loves old jazz […]

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Rachel Porter

Rachel Basan Porter is the Director of Research and Programming at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum where she is responsible for the strategic development of exhibitions and collections care, as well as special events and projects. Prior to her employment with the Museum, Rachel held multiple roles with the Florida Department of State. In 2008 […]

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Tiffany Baker

Ms. Baker has spent the last twenty years fostering strategic community initiatives that demonstrate the importance of connecting the past to our future path. Since 2014, she has been appointed by Florida’s Senate President and House Speaker to serve as the Director of the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Her passion for strengthening communities extends far […]

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Jane Kamensky

Jane Kamensky is President of Monticello/ The Thomas Jefferson Foundation. A leading historian of early America and the United States, she earned her BA (1985) and PhD (1993) in history from Yale University. For thirty years, she worked as a history professor and higher education leader, most recently as Jonathan Trumbull Professor of American History […]

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Annie DiRusso

Annie DiRusso is a Nashville based indie-rock artist born in NYC, who wears the influence of both of these cities on her sleeve. She blends buzzing garage rock guitars and high-energy performances with a pop-infused flair. The magic she creates in her hooks and melodies is apparent in her previously released singles and debut EP, […]

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