Paw Paw on the Porch

Paw Paw on the Porch with S. Juain Young

Pull up a chair and spend some time with Paw Paw, a beloved theatrical character created and embodied by S. Juain Young.

Born from Young’s experiences growing up as a young Black man in the northern Arkansas Delta searching for connection, Paw Paw was created to become the grandfather figure he wished he had known as a child. Through years of educational and cultural work across the Delta, Young recognized that many young people were carrying that same longing for guidance, belonging, and intergenerational connection.

Part historical figure, part storyteller, part inspirational speaker, Paw Paw invites visitors into a space where wisdom is shared freely and community is built one conversation at a time.

Gather on the porch for songs, stories, laughter, and moments of reflection as Paw Paw draws from history, personal experience, and the rich cultural traditions of Arkansas to encourage audiences of all ages to see themselves as part of a larger story.

Things will be learned about the past. Things will be learned about yourselves. Most importantly, you’ll leave feeling a little more connected than when you arrived.

At its heart, Paw Paw on the Porch is a reminder that sometimes the people we need most can also be the people we create for one another.