Annette Hope Billings: Let Me Tell You a Story

Using the rhythms of poetry, Annette spins stories about Kansas and the people who live here. She draws upon the rich traditions of African American storytelling and engages audiences of all ages into a world filled with joy, hope, and humor.

Join “Miss Netta Bee” as she uses the power of words to connect people over time and across generations.

Annette is an award-winning poet, storyteller, and actress from Topeka, Kansas. She is a 2026 recipient of a Governor's Award for Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Literature, presented by Kansas Arts Commission. A recipient of an ArtsConnect ARTY Award in Literature, her publications include four collections of poetry. Her most recent book is Just Shy of Stars (Spartan Press). Annette plans to reissue her first collection of poetry, Hope's Wife (2002), as well as a fifth collection soon.

This event is made possible by Humanities Kansas as part of “By the People: Beyond 250,” an initiative of the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

Annette is one of a dozen presenters chosen by Humanities Kansas Folklife Series which is part of the State's celebration of our Nation's 250th.

Kansas Folklife: Celebrating Kansas Traditions are dynamic presentations that connect Kansans with our state's rich traditions through engaging storytelling, food, music, craft and dance demonstrations.

Kansas Folklife: Celebrating Kansas Traditions is part of "By the People: Beyond 250," a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the nation in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

Together, these programs in Kansas and across the United States of America explore 250 years of the nation's cultural life and provide opportunities to imagine our future.

Registration is requested.

A Net Full of Hope

SPEAK EASY POETS