Spoken Sol Sessions (The Composition Entertainment LLC)

Rapha Aka Lee Williams

From Las Vegas is a Spoken word artist. 

Who started off with his first love hip hop at the age of 9 years old. He discovered how to write music from his uncle Anthony at young age, and it became therapy for him. Since then he has performed on many live stages and open mics. Now he has turned another leave in the poetry world with spoken word. He is also a certified meditation practitioner, certified to coach in the counseling field, and often studies on psychology and spirituality. He is also an author of the book power of the mind on Amazon.

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www.lwmuzic.com

tweet @lwmuzic

www.facebook.com/lwmuzic

Sit down interview with Poet Boo

The year was 2000, and a Muslim Hip Hop group named "Suni Tribe" just won the Buffalo Music Awards. One of the emcee's was Arleym Habeeb aka

> The Black Moor (Now Alkebulaun). After wining the Buffalo Music

> Awards, Arleym Habeeb slowly left the stage as a hip hop artist &

> evoled in the poetry arena. After cultivating his skills as a poet

> and winning several Poetry Slams, Arleym started to realize he began

> only writing for the crowd and Judges. At that point he left the Hip

> Hop and Poetry scene completely, all the while watching his brother

> Quadir Lateef shine and flourish in both venues... But as the state of

> Consciousness worsened and after years of hearing the call from Quadir

> Lateef to jump back into the battle to create conscious music to

> combat the constant flood of ignorance over the airwaves indoctrinating our youth.

> Now armed with emceeing and spoken word, Arleym Habeeb

> has now rejoined the battle of good vs evil through spoken word and hiphop

Occupy 6:09 ALKEBULAUN The Warrior, The Poet, The Lover ...The Lyric 0 6

Also please vote for The Composition To be The Opening Act link below.

http://openingact.radio.com/2023/the-composition

Khadijah Muhammad is the CEO, creator, and designer of Designs By Dij. She's always been quite the creative soul and innovative thinker, so it's not shocking that she's in this space in this moment in time. But yet and still, she didn't quite see herself doing exactly what shhe's doing. But that's the beauty of life- when you live it a little, it has its way of uncovering all of the little parts of you that you have yet to explore; and helping you discover your talents and gifts in that area. Watering it a bit and nurturing it along the way grows into something even bigger, and that's how she winded up here. Khadijah created Designs By Dij to give us permission to love on ourselves. We've been denied love for so long, that now... we have completely taken our power back and have given our own selves permission to boldly and freely love on us as much as we want. Her brand feeling explores all of the -ations that you've missed and that will give you back all the feels... Celebration. Affirmation. Representation. As her customers accept her brand into their homes, she hopes they will feel special and celebrated. Khadijah's mission is to shine a positive light on what makes us beautiful, while celebrating the power and depth of our black culture. Khadija says, "We have a story to tell and although we aren't all one in the same as black people, we share the same experiences and it's what connects us as a whole; it's what makes us feel for each other and empathize so well with one another in times of challenge AND in times of triumph. We can all be so different, we can be total strangers, we can come from all different walks of life, different backgrounds and different faiths, but there's this unexplainable common thread that just connects us and unites us as a culture because of the beautiful layered complexity of our melanin skin. Our story is so incredibly entrenched in rich culture, tradition, and strength and it has gone uncelebrated for far too long. The minor blemishes are glorified by society ten times faster than our strides, and ours story of greatness and legacy is never quite captured in the beautiful way that it should be captured. Representation and diversity lacks.. and as a woman who doesn't fit the mold of society, that just didn't sit well with me." 

This is how Designs By Dij cultural creations came to be. Through Designs By Dij, Khadijah always aim to create pieces that are self affirming and that center black joy, while reflecting some of our shared experiences, empowering beauty, and accurately encapsulating our shared emotions and feelings. She places a specific emphasis on the beauty of natural hair, because in 2023, black women are STILL being discriminated against because they "dare" to wear their natural curls to the workplace, Corporate America, schools and more. She aims to continue creating justice awareness by creating pieces that celebrate and empower black women and girls. Khadijah actively participates in numerous local Jackson events, such as the Juneteenth on Farish events and more, showcasing accessories of representation. Khadijah continues to give back to the community and she continues to serve those who look like her by producing new designs for every little girl and black boy to see themselves in. Khadijah was named and awarded as one of the Top 50 Women In Business in Mississippi in 2020 in Pearl, Mississippi at the Black Women's Business Expo. As of July 10th of this year, Khadijah has been announced as one of the top five finalists that are in the running to receive The Best Of Mississippi award in the category of Entrepreneur Of The Year and in the category of Small Business Of The Year! 

You can stay updated on all of her upcoming events and new items by following her across all social platforms on Facebook and Instagram @designsbydij http://instagram.com/designsbydij

http://www.designsbydij.com/

Vote for Khadijah Muhammad here:

https://form.jotform.com/221955515635157

https://youtu.be/setR6rJU0TA

https://youtu.be/KBOqqEClWD8

https://music.apple.com/us/album/good-girl/1602578669?i=1602578746

Ebony tha GODDESS, "The Moon of Moss Point'' as she's locally esteemed, uses a pen and pad to expose her heart, spreading "tha GODDESS" experience to the world, and leaving others in awe of her transparency. Aside from being a member of S2DM, she's also a member of THE 20/20 Podcast, LLC of Mobile, AL. 

Ebony tha GODDESS made her debut after witnessing the GODDESS energy of Mobile, AL's prodigal daughter, Lady Tess. Seeing the poetic powerhouse that is Tess, evoked something within "tha GODDESS" to dig deeper, finding her voice and birthing her album entitled Ebony Speaks. It was done in dedication of the late Lady Tess and the lasting impression she's made on her. Ebony Speaks was produced by Halo City Entertainment and available for purchase at Bandcamp.com.

ebonythagoddess | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree 

This episode we have special guest co host K Diva join the studio as we talk about a trending video sent in by a listener

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/westmoor-drive/1672407476

A 1994 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Tamika Harper, known by her stage name, “Georgia Me,” is an accomplished spoken word artist and actress who has:

-Toured with Def Poetry Jam

– Starred in Russell Simmons’ Tony Award Winning Show, “Def Poetry Jam on Broadway”

-Performed at the 2003 Tony Awards

-Performed at the Showtime at the Apollo

-Done readings with Danny Glover, Phylicia Rashad and Jeffrey Wright

-Performed in the “Vagina Monologues” at the Edinburgh Playhouse in Scotland

-Acted in Tyler Perry’s “Madea Goes to Jail”

After being honored with the “Kuumba” award by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated in 2008, Harper began hosting the “Tamika Festival”—an annual event that showcases and honors excellence in Black culture.

Sources: Voyage ATL’s interview with Tamika Harper;

After over a year we're back with another episode of Spoken Sol Sessions . I love you guys

We welcome back to the Spoken Sol Studio the incomparable Ebony Bradley as we talk about her New Book and new endeavors.

http://www.ebonythagoddess.com/

https://linktr.ee/ebonythagoddess

De'Andre Hawthorne AKA Blaq Ice is an Award Winning, American poet, International Spoken Word life artist, entertainer, lecturer, promoter, producer, host, videographer, graphic designer, published author, mentor and activist. The contributions of this amazing artist to American and Chicago spoken word poetry is truly Monumental. 

HISTORY MAKER

Blaq Ice is the first Hip Hop/ Spoken Word artist in Chicago to run for political office. In 2001 he ran for Alderman of the 17th Ward placing in 2nd.

Blaq Ice made history by establishing the 1st National Spoken Word Awards in 2017. This Award show is the Grammys for performing poets.

In 2021 Blaq Ice, as a member of the Black Heroes Matter Movement, was instrumental in helping to change the historic Lake Shore Drive to Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive. This was done after 200 years of denying the honor of the black man who founded Chicago.

On April 2, 2022, he won his 8th Chicago Music Award, his 7th for best poet. He has produced and released over 30 albums and has produced over 15 albums for other artists. His poetry has been published in 9 anthologies and he just released his new book in April of this year.

THE ACTIVIST AND MENTOR

As an activist and mentor he has mentored thousands of young people in Chicago Public Schools since 1990. He has lead Peace marches on the southside and westside of Chicago against the murder and gun violence. He and his wife, Chicago's favorite Black Power Couple, visit prisons, feed and clothes the homeless.

Not only has he left an imprint in the Spoken Word Genre internationally, but he has also left his footprint in communities all across the world with his artist/activist movement P.O.E.T, inspiring thousands of ordinary people to use their gifts to do extraordinary works in their communities.

Aquil Hussein Ali Bashir, deemed "The Most Interesting Man in the Hood" by radio personality Patty Jackson, was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 2, 1972 to two loving parents, Dr. Abdul M. Bashir and his late wife, Nazirah A. Bashir, the iconic power couple who brought Paramount Dental to Philadelphia, PA on 52nd Street & Master Street. Aquil grew up all over the country learning and helping his family to facilitate affordable dentures to impoverished communities, while affording them the ability to smile again.

While a student at Overbrook High School in 1988, Aquil was a Radio/TV personality on "The Way It Is" at the tender age of 15 on WDAS-AM/FM radio, working alongside radio greats such as the late "Butterball" Joe Tamberro, Jocko Henderson, Georgie Woods, Tamblin Henry, E. Steven Collins, Doug Henderson, and Patty Jackson just to name a few. He's Interviewed Smokin' Joe Frazier, Marvis Frazier, Percy Sutton of the Apollo Theater, Kool Moe Dee, Heavy D, Black Box, Toni Tony Tone, Maxi Priest, Prince, Michael Jackson, and James Earl Jones.

Aquil's contributed to television credits for PHL17 Kid Time News, and also made guest appearances on BET's Teen Summit. 

At the age of 16, Aquil became the CEO of Talent Network For Teens showcasing HipHop legends like Parry P, Cool C, EST and many more. He also hosted B-Boy battles and DJ battles involving DJ Jazzy Jeff, Double Trouble, and many more. He distributed and sold VHS mixed tapes of local teenage talent that he's managed.

 In 1996, Aquil became a club owner of The Grindstone, a hot spot for Philly's elite celebrities, hustlers and athletes, subsequently writing a book on his experiences some 20 years later.

From 1998-2003, Aquil was the CEO of Frontline Security, also an armed soldier for Insomnia Security and F.O.I., protecting stars and various venues in the Tri-State area of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, providing security details for stars such as Jill Scott, Beenie Man, Sizzla, Buju Banton, Beyonce, TLC, Jadakiss, Earthquake, and many others. 

In 1999, Aquil acquired his certification from National School of Mechanical Dentistry and started working alongside his family serving low income individuals all over Philadelphia for over 20 years.

In 2017, "Aquil Ali the Soul Poet" emerged on the scene as an author/spoken word artist after suffering a stroke and bouncing back from his near death experience after being left abandoned on his deathbed by his then wife. He channeled his misery in his writings and poetry.

As a performer, "Aquil Ali the Soul Poet" has graced several stages across the country on his Bucket List Tour, leaving audiences mesmerized and entertained by his commentary of survival stories and his gut-wrenching poetry, inspiring others to have faith and to push through life. 

Aquil's latest book and poetry production is called "Memoirs of a 3X Husband", captivating audiences again with in-depth poetry about real-life events of his life that every divorced man and woman can identify with.

Orion Meadows is a Slam/Spoken Word Performance Artist, activist, author and public speaker. Much of his activism is expressed through his art. Orion is a member of organizations such as NAEFI (National Alliance for the Empowerment of the Formerly Incarcerated) and PNAP (Prisoners Neighborhood Arts & Education Project)while attending Northeastern Illinois University. He is an advocate for the implementation of the creative arts and academic programs in the Department of Corrections and has served as a participant in Queen Mother Helen Sinclair's Jessie Ma Houston prison outreach ministry which is a branch of the Rainbow Push Coalition. Among his other accomplishments, he has attained ordination in West African and African American religious and cultural studies from the Temple of Ole which is also known as Ruyah Ole, and is the founder of SAHU CREATIVE. His 3 publications are entitled Inside The Box, Birthmark and The Rose That Grew Through The Barbwire. Orion is very passionate about his craft, urban aesthetics and culture and using Hip-hop arts as a vessel to raise awareness in the community. His social media outlets are Facebook under his name Orion Meadows and his account on Instagram is listed as omeadows.

Na'Quel is originally from Kingston Jamaica. His appreciation of words started at a young age. He was a founding member of the I Am Poetry group out of the African American Museum. He has curated and hosted several open mics over the years, notably the Long Island Open mic. He is currently the host and creator of the Podpoets Lounge podcast. 

Shamise "Ladie" Jacobs. 

Baltimore native. Published Poet. Life Coach.  Motivational Speaker. Founder and Owner of The RVA Project.

Hattress is a Harlem native with a love for language and writing. His work actively explores themes of social justice reform, deep introspection and emotion to tell stories in an authentic way with a clear voice. Hattress describes his writing style as emotion-based minimalism, in which he seeks to simplify complex feelings at the root of the emotion which can be digested easily by the reader. 

Hattress' debut poetry collection, If Ever We Were..., takes readers on a journey into adulthood tackling themes such as mourning, masculinity, love and relationships, and race. 

You can find Hattress all over the NYC Poetry circuit featuring at locations such as Nuyorican Poet's Cafe, Open Mic Renegades, Parkside Lounge, Bowery Lounge, Hexagon Lounge, and Harlem Mist. He also curates his own monthly open mic in the heart of Harlem called The Poet Tree. His work has been featured in publications such as Queens News Letter, Daily Post, and many more. 

SERVICES: 

speaking, writing workshops, writing services, creative services, performances, etc. 

T’challa Williams is author, poet, performer, Executive Co-Founder of the literary organization Hartford’s L.I.T; Chairperson of the Weaver High School’s - School Governance Council; member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Hartford Arts Council; member of YWCA Advocacy Advisory Council; and Poetry Book Moderator for This Browne Girl Reads Book Club. T’challa is committed to her ties in the Hartford community as Zone One leader for the BOE Family Community Engagement Council. Her work and dedication earned her nomination into the Class of 2021, 100 Women of Color. She is a contributing author for the new release, Blessed Not Broken Vol 4, The Power of Letting Go which began pre-sales February 2022. This is her second publication this year after having her poetry included in the Every Kinda Lady & Her Sister Pages Anthology which was released in January 2022. It brings even more excitement about her third book of poetry entitled Vehemence releasing Winter 2022. Ever present and advocating for the rights of the people, you can always find her lending a hand and her voice, working to advance lives forward. Through performance, teaching or leadership T’challa’s heart beats for her city and the arts. A Lover of life, people, and community, T’challa is a walking interpretation of revolutionary love.

WHO THE F&$K IS CROW?

* 4x published author

   -  Blank Pages

   - Windows to my Past

   - Sinning on my way to Church

   - The Search for Substance (award winner)

Available now at Barnesandnoble.com, Amazon.com and your local library 

* Performed on ESPN during the NBA All-Star game in Atlanta 2003.

* Filmed and Host the original 13 episode documentary on poetry Poetry TV PRESENTS " The Cipher " which played from 2012-2014 on local NYC cable (filmed in 2011)

* Curated & Hosted events at the world famous Nuyorican Poets Cafe in NYC 2012-2020 including "Poetry TV PRESENTS " The Cipher " Open Mic, Move the Crowd, With Honors (honor show/ceremony), The Red Room. Naked and more.

* Performed around the country including Savannah GA/ NYC/ Washington D.C/ Philadelphia. PA/ Dallas and Fort Worth. TX/ Charlotte, NC/ Fort Lauderdale. Fl/ Akron and Columbus. OH/ Chicago, Illinois and more. Since 2012.

* Performed at the NYC Poetry Festival  in 2012 & 2014

* Named one of the top sexiest 50 male poets of 2013

* Winner of the 2014 Poetry Author of the Year via National Poetry Awards (NPA)

* 2017 Erotic Poet of the Year Male via GANSPA awards

* 2019 Strawberri Taylor Erotic Poet of the Year via National Spoken Word Awards 

* Produced the original documentary on women entitled "She is" (Filmed in 2012/ TBR 2022)

* 2022 Produced "The Pendemic" featuring/ promoting artists and poetry venues from around the country

 * Find me https://youtube.com/user/Mylastwrites

Maleika “Ladii” B is a native Jersey Girl who resides in Virginia. She is a mother of three beautiful growing young men who owns her own business. Starting her writing journey in elementary school, she found a place for her pen through short stories, poetry, journaling, and various other forms of writing. Understanding the power of her words and her works in high school, she began to focus many of her poetic pieces towards her love for her culture. Her muse went from literary works to her environment and her love to push true knowledge in the direction it’s needed. Through her many years of life, she has used her experiences, her perspective and education to push life through her words as a teacher, mentor, motivational speaker, writer and mother. She is currently getting back into writing and hopes to finally showcase her work through novels and collections in the near future.

“For each day is anew, each moment is a memory…. To one’s perception is life, but where you are rooted your BEING blossoms” -Ladii B

Gina Carrillo, originally from Flint, MI, moved to Franklin, TN in 1989.  She inherited a creative streak from ancestors on both sides of her family, talented in different genres.  Some of her interests have included both drawing and painting, as well as poetry.  She has even dabbled in music.

She was able to study oil painting in NY with T. E. Britenbach, as well as Art at O'More College of Design & Columbia State College.  Although her favorite medium is Acrylic on canvas, her work also includes watercolor, oils, and chalk.  

Her art is colorful, bright, expressive and unique.  Some of her work has been displayed at a few popular restaurants in Downtown Franklin.

Just as painting is an expression of one's innermost feelings, her poems also show the same passionate depth of emotions.  Some of the well known poets who have influenced her style, are Edgar Allan Poe, Chaucer, as well as Shakespeare.

Her Poetry is thought provoking and soul searching.  Gina's creative art and poetic writing are a heartfelt and loving gift to society.  They will continue to touch others, for generations to come.

Tre Brown 
Born and Raised in New Britain, CT
Introduced to poetry at age 8. His favorite poets are Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Tupac Shakur, Black Ice, Rudy Francisco, and Nego True. 
He’s an author of 10 spoken word books with an 11th on the way self-entitled “T. R. E.” which is an acronym for “Testimonies Revealing Everything.” Tre is also working on a spoken word album called “The Black Marathon” which coincides with his 9th book; an album that will have blends of jazz, poetry, gospel, funk, R&B, and hip hop. Tre is the co-founder of the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition, an activist, a drummer, singer, up and coming playwright, and an ordained elder in the CME Church. 

BIO:Whether through his career in Social Services....or his presence on the spoken word scene, Nathan Pearson, AKA Nathan P. has found a way to uplift, motivate, inspire as well as entertain those he cross paths with.

Beginning in 2000, he became a Nuyorican Poet's Cafe Grand Slam finalist and slam host, hosting at the cafe for seven years as well as hundreds of other venues and events, earning him the reputation as THEE host to experience.  

His poetic travels have taken him to several college campuses, 3 poetic off Broadway productions, two chat books, 1 CD (Chalklines on Black Asphalt)...countless performances, and blessed to meet and perform with a Fort Knox vault of talented artists!

In 2002, he became one of the founding members of a poetry troupe called “Machismo Redefined” alongside Eric Crow Draven, John Chance Avecedo and one other member. They performed in multiple venues throughout NYC and northeast colleges.He hosted and performed@ NYC Inspired Word and  is the host and a member of the wonderful "Agents of Change": a poetry collective consisting of social workers and educators using poetry to make a difference in the community they work in. Along side founders Helena D. Lewis, Raul Rios and Eric Crow Draven, Nathan performs and all the proceeds the collect is donated to a worthy charity.

Poet, Writer, Author, Curator. She is the founder of Fire Bird Management Team, a brand management group established in 2010 that manages the legendary Street Poets NYC Art and Mentorship brand founded in 2011 that brought the world Thee Open Mic and The Street Poets Den. Hrsh is currently Putting out her word on her YouTube channel and download, where you can also find her podcast material about Spirituality and Poetry! 

https://youtu.be/uLeIX9S8NYEhttps:765u//youtu.be/lU4rODBv56Q
https://youtu.be/lU4rODBv56Q
https://youtu.be/CThtlmkrV6A

Nicole Najmah Abraham aka Najmah53 is the 2018 Zanette Lewis Environmental and Social Justice Slam Champion(Yale) and 2018 Black Writers Conference Slam Champion(Medgar Evers). 

As a Teaching Artist she facilitates workshops, lectures and programs for justice-involved juveniles, inmates, adults and seniors. She is the Program Manager of Green Earth Poets Cafe, 501c3 literary arts non-profit organization.

As an entrepreneur, Najmah's digital media business, Najm Designs is known globally for Graphics/Websites, Marketing and Photography, Working with notable brands like Gap Inc., and being published in international publications such as Vogue Arabia, and Newsweek.  She is also the Marketing Director of the international film production company, Halalywood Entertainment.

Najmah53's goal is to continue utilizing her talents to spread powerful messages that foster positive changes in her community.

Spoke N-Words (His friends call him Spoke)

No publications, no certifications, no degrees...just a knack for speaking to the soul. Spoke is a raw slam poet who insists on pushing boundaries while being a versatile & topical writer. A local poet out of Nashville Tn; Spoke gained momentum after winning the Vox poetry slam in 2017. Since then he has featured in multiple Nashville-based shows such as The Vanguard, Poetry & Motion live, Vanderbilt University, The City Wnery, Soulfood Poetry Cafe and the Loft at Ella Jeans. Last but not least, Spoke is a brand ambassador of a poetry corps called Poboys & Poets Nashville. Poboys maintains a monthly poetry showcase consisting of live music, cyphers, and an open mic along with a featured act. 
https://drum.io/pbnpnash

I am who I am and that is enough.” Melikia Courtney

Melikia "Lady Molotav" Courtney, is an everyday down to earth woman who refused to remain invisible! After experiencing the bondage and aftereffects of domestic related violence, over a number of years, Melikia vowed to find her pen again, revive her innate power and infuse love into every burdened person God placed in her life. 

A dedicated mother of six and grandmother of five, her devotion to family is undeniable. An adventurer by nature, she can be found focused writing her next book, melting mics,  jumping from perfectly good planes, kayaking with crocodiles in the middle of the night among friends and dropping fire bars regularly!

A master in her Entrepreneurial space over the past 20 years, Melikia serves as a professionally trained listener,  Creative Writer, Master Trainer, Servant, Guidance Coach and Consultant in several disciplines. 

Whether operating as the founder of the SANCTUARY XP (Experience), Healer, Coach, or Professional Friend, her markers are patience, consistency, completion & mischief! An accomplished woman in her own right, she still creates time for local and virtual communities, mentors young adults, serves family and loves on a vast inner of circle friends, tirelessly. 

Connect with Melikia directly via social media by finding Santazhelpr on IG and Melikia Courtney across all other medias. Also Join Lady Molotav & Father Time, Scott Harrell, virtually Fridays at 8pm Eastern in Partners In Rhyme poetry club on Clubhouse where Lyrical Vibes lives!

Gihonah Fields aka Ghana Shamar is a lover of music and the arts. She first felt the inspiration for poetry in high-school and had the pleasure of being on a youth bnv team in 2012. Though she graced the final stage, she is still working on making  a mark in the poetry world. Gihonah Fields is currently apart of two poetry groups one known as the composition and another referred to as the wolf pack. She is devoted to getting better at her craft. She spends her days developing her music, she currently is working on a project called mindscape and book of poems. 

Bio:
“Mysterious” fell in love with performing spoken word poetry in February 2007.   Since then she has performed on multiple stages across the country, interviewed and featured on radio stations, podcasts, virtual events,and open mics,  as well as  released two poetry books “Completely Blessed” and “Completely Poetic: A Birth Defect”, as well as a fiction novel entitled “Talented & Complete.”  Her recently released album “YDHMT” (Yall Dont Hear Me Tho) is streaming on all streaming platforms. As her love of poetry and performance continues to grow so does her involvement in the poetry community. She is poetry in motion in the form of an artistic vessel. Be on the lookout for Put it in P.A.R.K. With/Mysterious a YouTube special starting Nov 4.

Born and raised on the southside of Chicago, Marcia "Gofindmars" Eastmond is an actor, photographer, and poet. Most often her multidisciplinary storytelling explores themes such as identity, mental health, and spirituality.

Marcia discovered joy in self-expression when she wrote her first poem at 8 years old, which would later be the foundation of her artistic development. 

In high school, she discovered the many roles she could have as an artist. During the time, Marcia became her school's newspaper lead photographer, a radio host apprentice, and an editor of a magazine entitled Spotlight. She also discovered her love for performance when she began to participate in Louder than a Bomb, Chicago's largest youth poetry competition. She then became a spoken word artist and explored other avenues of performance such as theatre and dance. By 2014, she discovered her love for acting and eventually moved on to receive her BA in Acting in 2020 from Columbia College Chicago.

As of now, she hopes to continue to expand as an artist.

The Grand Griot Competition Finale is on April 15th 9pm est here’s the link you guys

https://www.clubhouse.com/join/spoken-sol-sessions/47XBxR8f/PQbpKWY8?utm_medium=ch_invite&utm_campaign=oGNQEUPD3_Ovs4eSkgoZ4A-669240

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this is an introduction to the Spoken Sol Sessions Podcast. Here is where we celebrate the spoken  word  artist. We will have some great content and some amazing spoken word . I hope you guys join me every Friday .

Sitdown interview with the very talented Tarishi Shuler

Robin Danielle Bobo is an 80's baby born in Ypsilanti Michigan. In a town so small, the only thing to do was write, sing, dance, and create. It is there that Robin discovered she was an artist.

Robin moved to Chicago in the late '90s and was sucked into the poetry scene. Competing in any slam she could find, several Louder than Bomb competitions, and of course the fiery open mic stage, Robin was rarely seen without a mic in her hand as a teenager. 

The day Robin walked into Austin Town Hall Cultural Center is the day her life changed. After meeting Dionne Hawkins, her mentor and close friend, Robin used the stage for more than clever rhymes and 16 bars. Robin begin to do several stages plays at both Austin Town Hall Cultural Center as well as Circle Theater in Oak Park, Illinois. Musical theater was a calling that she could not ignore. From The Wiz to the Broadway masterpiece Once on this Island, she began to star as a vocalist and actress. It is here that she would meet others who love creating as much as she did.

After several other stages and television performances, Robin drifted to dance. The Hornets Drill Team of the west side of Chicago was an outlet for dance, drill, and of course a little theater. Robin competed in competitions all over the USA, but could not forget her first love.

In 2005, Robin and her cousin Edwin Edot Clayton, along with several other talented friends started So ILL. So ILL (short for So Illinois) consisted of writers who brought their gifts to the stage with song, comedy, and of course, poetry. It was on those stages that she meet the love of her life, Darnell BRock Bobo (one-half of the hip hop duo The Ox-E-Morons). In 2008 she married BRock (of course their vows were poems).

Now Robin begins her new chapter as an artist by being Vice President of B.O.B.O. (Black Owned Black Operated) Enterprises and owner of Bobo Emporium, Host of Padded Room Open mic, and Co-creator of Think Tank NFP (a non for profit) that focuses on ethnic pride education, life skills training and financial planning for children of color). In a recent production of Dreamgirls Robin starred as Effie White, still keeping a close relationship with theater, music, and dance. The Bobos are artists who not only take their talents to any open mic or stage in Chicago but use those talents to give back to young Chicago artists like they once were.

Outside of art, Robin has a BSN RN degree, MBA in Human Resources is the acting operations manager for CEDA Call Center. She owns a few successful businesses, Robin's Resume Renovations, Robin B. Productions event planning and artist services, and the Bobo Emporium Hip Hop Shop/event Rentals. 

Robin B. has always been in love with creating and the creator. She's a wife, mother of three, artist, and an original Renaissance woman.

https://www.facebook.com/robin.d.bobohttps://www.facebook.com/ThePaddedRoOmOpenMichttps://www.facebook.com/RobinResuMakeover
https://www.facebook.com/RobinResuMakeover

https://www.facebook.com/Robin-B-Productions-106245498269270

https://www.facebook.com/boboemporium

https://www.facebook.com/ThePaddedRoOmOpenMic

https://www.facebook.com/ThinkTankNFP

https://www.facebook.com/Robin-B-Productions-106245498269270

Ray Jane is a Black female poet born in Brooklyn and raised in Far Rockaway Queens. She uses her poetry to lift herself and other women of color. Always aiming to strengthen her voice, Ray Jane was also the recent winner of the Verb Benders slam poetry team’s inaugural poetry slam and was published in Lalibreta.online an online poetry journal for Women in Creative Rebellion (2021). She has participated in poetic writing workshops focused on empowering women like “RoblesWrites Presents: Respite, Write, and ReleaseTM amongst many others and served as contributing editor for the anthology Love Letters to Gaia (2021). You can hear more of how she uses her voice in over 50 recorded poems on SoundCloud (https://soundcloud.com/jay-ray-11), walking around NYC on the app Hear, Before https://www.hearbefore.nyc/; and on several podcasts including We Be Imagining/Black Siren Radio, and Sound Minds Podcast’s “Potent Women Wordsmiths”. For more visit ItsRayJane.com.
https://soundcloud.com/jay-ray-11https://soundcloud.com/jay-ray-11

Indigeaux is a multifaceted creator who hails from Brooklyn, NY. She has always possessed a love for writing, and especially poetry, since she was a child - utilizing it, even at a young age, as an outlet to release her bottled up emotions. She now uses her writing to help uplift women and tell stories that are relatable, and helpful for self-healing. Indigeaux graduated with honors from City College of New York, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and Journalism She is a self-published author of two books available on amazon.com ( I Manifest and Prelude to Love). She is currently embarking on her newest passion and career as a Life Coach, which she is trained in the self-discovery process (Life Purpose Institute) and coaches clients in finding their life purpose, new identity, etc. Amongst being an author and life coach, Indigeaux is also a content creator of all varieties , entrepreneur and brand consultant.She temporarily resides in Florida, but is a true expat of the world who loves to travel and be adventurous. 

Summer Rose,

 is a Creative writer, Poet and Educator,  she has a passion for people and love for the arts. She enjoys teaching and mentoring youth and adults. Her aim is to spark hope, encourage and empower others through her poetry writing and creative workshops to see themselves and their agency through their own strength

Jashua Sa-Ra is a father, an award-winning performance poet, author, playwright, event producer, host, lecturer, actor, educator, publisher, graphic designer, percussionist, and healer. It’s a lot to say! So, true to his unique style, Jashua created the term “communications artist” to describe the full scope of his work.  He brings a memorable and lively interactivity to audiences, born from genuinely connecting with participants. Community is the obvious intent every time he gets in front of a crowd or classroom.

Jashua launched his exciting language arts career by creating and hosting a legendary open mic in West Palm Beach, FL called SpeakEasy that ran weekly for five years. With the collective that gathered there, he became the founder of a traveling performance troupe, Sol Griots, that used poetry, dance, singing, rap and musicians to create community sharing spaces. After touring the country promoting a spoken word CD, producing several other successful events, becoming Grand Slam Champion multiple times in his region, and winning the first Best Poet of Palm Beach Award, Jashua moved to NYC. He was quickly recognized as a valuable contributor, and began hosting the most popular open mic series in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Nights, after being there only two months. He hosted that event for several years, as well as others and became known throughout NYC as one of the best hosts in the city, and by many accounts, the best!

As an active artist in his community, he has produced and/or hosted several critically acclaimed performance events, including open mic venues, competition showcases, slams, and a variety of special events. His ultimate creativity and community love was expressed through the festival he created in Brooklyn, NY called The Lyricalympics. It’s a competition-based event, with $500 prizes in the categories of poetry, hip hop, and comedy. It also includes headlining performers, workshops, language competitions, venue village (an area where various performance venues had booths and facilitated impromptu ciphers) and activity booths. Jashua has also co-written a critically acclaimed play entitled, “You Are Who You Eat,” that was produced by Green Earth Poetry Theater in 2018.

As an educator, Jashua has worked in the classroom, as a trainer and mentor to other educators, as a guest lecturer, and as a workshop facilitator. He creates arts-infusion curricula, that are implemented as stand alone lessons or integrated into classroom and common core objectives. He has been the Artistic Coordinator of the Kravis Center Annual Spring Residency for over ten years, being asked to retain the position even after moving to NY. He recently began publishing the math book series “I Am Mathematics,” and has released the first three books.

Activist.:.Host.:.Poet.:.Writer.:. 

The Poet Rosegold

Jennifer K. Yancey, a.k.a. The Poet Rosegold, hails from “the real Gotham City.” The Bronx, New York native started writing poetry at 15 as a more creative way of communicating to the world. She joined the U.S. Army eight years later, having served as a journalist, understood the power of the written word. Rosegold retired (20 years, eight assignments and three deployments later) in 2015. Rosegold moved to Colorado Springs shortly afterward, discovering a large spoken-word community that soon rekindled her relationship with the pen and helped her realize the power of her own voice.

She jokingly refers to her work as “incendiary Redbone poetry,” highlighting the injustices tarnishing the American landscape; spirituality; love/sex; toxic relationships; mental health; and (past) life in the military. Her platform serves as a voice for those who don’t feel they have a voice, those who feel their voices aren’t “strong enough,” as well as those who are afraid to speak up and speak out. 

FB: @RosegoldPoet 

IG: @thepoetrosegold

E: rosegoldsnap01@gmail.com

Highlight performance:

·      TEDx Colorado Springs 2019

Published in the Following Works:

·      The Cuddy Family Foundation For Veterans Poetry Journal, Volume Two (2021)

·      The Cuddy Family Foundation For Veterans Poetry Journal, Volume One (2021)

·      Love Letters to Gaia (2021)

·      Poet Speak Magazine, Issue #40 (2021)

·      Between a Laugh and a Tear (1991)

Community Engagements:

·      Juneteenth Celebration at COATI Uprise

·      2nd Annual Juneteenth, Pride and Black Music Month Story Time

·      Children of Gaia presents One Year in Solidarity: Candlelight Vigil in Honor of George Floyd

·      One on Poetry (Alumni Edition) hosted by William Washington

·      World Poetry Day at COATI Uprise

·      AAHGSCS presents Celebrating Women’s History Month: Poetry by Women of Color

·      Boss Babe Networking at COATI Uprise

·      Meet the World Image Solutions Black History Month Literary Weekend

·      La Bodega Gallery presents PALABRA: An Evening of Poetry

·      Pikes Peak Lodge #5 presents Sixth Annual Dr. Nathaniel Granger Jr. Celebration of Black History

·      Ethically Immoral Podcast, hosted by Mike Payne

·      One On Poetry hosted by William Washington

·      Kamal Speaks and the 1,000 Word Family All-Star Weekend Spoken Word Champs

·      Mr. Speaker Ink Presents Zoom Serenade Sessions: What Women Want

·      The Art of Seduction Open Mic hosted by Tantalizing Productions Inc.

·      Got Love? Artist, Musician and Vendor Showcase

·      CS Indy voting campaign project

·      Respect My Vote! at Van Diest Park

·      Poetry 719 Open Mic, Black Lives Create Fest

·      Lil Miss Story Hour, Black Lives Create Fest

·      #IAmVanessaGuillen Rally for Awareness at Acacia Park

·      What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? at COS City Hall

Ayanna McNeill Bio
 
 A native of “Pre-gentrified” Bed-Stuy, Ayanna McNeill grew up being exposed to the beauty of storytelling and the power of freeing people’s minds through writing. At the age of twelve, she fell in love with poetry and began writing. 

The daughter of an educator, Ayanna learned the importance of education and the responsibility of sharing knowledge early in life. She attributes her upbringing to why she writes, and why she chose to become an educator and mental health counselor. She graduated from the nation’s oldest historically black university, Lincoln University PA in 2008. She then earned her Master’s from Alfred University in 2010.
 
 

As a poet, spoken word performer and cultural curator, Ayanna has been called, “Harriet Returned.” She created a LLC to promote her various artistic projects with the same name. Ayanna has performed on stage, television and radio alongside seasoned artists such as Saul Williams and Abiodun Oyewole of ‘The Last Poets’. Ayanna released her first collection of poetry Before There Were Guns There Were Gods in 2010. 
 
 

Currently, she is a member of Power in the Pen Writing Workshop and completing a trilogy of fictional suspense novels titled, Half of What You See: The Scars of Love, None of What You Hear: Redemption and Repairs, and Everything You Feel: When Trauma Creates Mayhem. Ayanna is also a Motivational Speaker in the process of creating a collection of motivational daily messages to be released later this year https://linktr.ee/HarrietReturned

BIO

Carvens Lissaint is a Haitian American International award-winning poet, actor, and singer. He currently stars in the Tony Award winning musical HAMILTON as George Washington at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood, CA. Carvens was selected as an honoree by Blavity & Shadow And Act at the first annual Shadow And Act RISING Star Awards, highlighting the top black actors/actress, creatives & executives in the industry. He has graced stages across the United States, United Kingdom and The Caribbean. Featured on TED Youth, Sundance Film Festival, The United States Green Build Council in Arizona, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on Broadway at The New Amsterdam Theater & the Off-Broadway Hip-Hop Theater Festival, debuting his one man show “Walk” at the Ohio Theater. He was on the second, third, & fifth seasons of the hit television series “Verses and Flow” on TV One and has opened for the likes of John Leguzizamo, Common, Luke James and Jill Scott. A graduate of The American Academy for Dramatic Arts and St. John’s University with degrees in Acting/Dramatic Arts for Film & Television and holds an MFA from NYU Tisch School of The Arts Graduate Acting Program. He gives all glory and honor to Jesus. 

Biography and career[edit]

Grant was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx.[2] His father, Samuel, was a locksmith and carpenter at Montefiore Hospital, and his mother, Theresa (née Maxwell), was a teacher.[3] He first gained widespread attention as a poet and performer when he was featured in the documentary SlamNation, which followed him and the other poets of 1996 Nuyorican Poetry Slam Team (Saul Williams, Beau Sia and Jessica Care Moore) as they competed at the 1996 National Poetry Slam.[4]

Grant took the name "muMs" when he was 20 and performing in a rap group. Due to retaining traces of a childhood lisp, a friend suggested he call himself “Mumbles”, which Grant shortened to "muMs", as an acronym for "manipulator under Manipulation shhhhhhh!"[3]

In the book Words in Your Face: A Guided Tour Through Twenty Years of the New York City Poetry Slam, author Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz wrote of muMs's time in slam poetry, noting his writing "was street poetry at its purest. Thoughtful, precise but not without humor, his work spoke honestly about the life he and his friends and family lived and the city that he loved.[5]"

muMs performed his poetry on seasons 2, 3 and 4 of HBO's Def Poetry Jam, and was a member of New York City's LAByrinth Theater Company. In October 2007, muMs played a role in A View from 151st Street, a play about people trying to reconstruct their lives after gunfire.[6] In September 2014, muMs wrote and performed "A Sucker Emcee", hip-hop and slam poetry, based on his personal recollections.[7] In February 2015, muMs' play, titled "Paradox of the Urban Cliché", about a young couple living in Harlem, was performed at the Wild Project as part of the Poetic Theater Productions's Poetic License festival.[8] In February 2015, muMs played a role in "The Insurgents", a play about rage among the free, brave, and disenfranchised, produced by LAByrinth Theater Company.[9]

Grant guest-starred in the 2016 Netflix series Luke Cage as Reggie "Squabbles", and was featured as a recurring character, Ricardo, on three episodes of Louis C.K.'s web series Horace and Pete.[citation nee

About Georgia ME

Atlanta, GA

You know it's Tamika Harper by the sound of her shoes.

Coming down the stairs of her mother's home on Westmoor Drive on Atlanta's west side, they make a big noise. Compared with the black leather Roman sandal-stilettos that laced halfway up her legs when she made her Broadway debut last year, these tan strap pumps are elfin. But they've still got drama.

So when Harper, who uses the stage name Georgia Me, finally appears in the room, she fills it as certainly as the overstuffed floral chairs and the bookcase of family photographs behind her. Her lips glisten. Her dress is paisley. Her hair spills onto her shoulders in Rapunzel-like corkscrews.

"My look sells me more than anything else in the world," says the 27-year-old star of "Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam," which arrives at the Fox Theatre on Thursday, "because people think: 'How dare this big black girl think she's beautiful!?' And then on top of that, I am!"

After years of self-doubt, Harper, who stands 5-feet-10 and weighs more than 200 pounds, seems to have come to terms with her size. In poems like "Full Figure Potential: A fat girls blues" and "Nig-gods," both of which are showcased in the Tony Award-winning "Def Poetry Jam," the Booker T. Washington High School graduate and self-described "ghetto belle from the 'hood" sings a song of herself --- with no apologies.

"GA Me," or Georgia Me, is an acronym for her life's credo: "God's apostle, moving everyone."

Since her conversion to poetry in 1998, the Bankhead Highway gadabout has played the Aspen Comedy Festival, toured Europe with "Def Poetry Jam" and performed on the 2003 Tony Awards program. She has done readings with Danny Glover, Phylicia Rashad and Jeffrey Wright and, while in Scotland with "Def Poetry," was invited to appear in "The Vagina Monologues." Her work has just been published in "Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway" (Atria, $20), a book of poems and interviews.

She was more recently featured in The New Word Order Word Warriors Tour
June 21st through August 6th 2008.

September catch The Queen of Spoken Word in an additional 30 performances nationwide with Treasures Entertainment. Dubbed The Largest Spoken Word tour in America. Produced by Prysmatic Dreams and costaring
Max Parthas & Tribal Raine. Collectivelly recognized as Maximmum Impact

Next Harper wants to pursue a career in TV, film and writing --- and dreams of running for political office. "I'm like Arnold Schwarzenegger," she says. "Only I can speak English."

A major force in Atlanta's vibrant spoken-word scene, making appearing at places like Club 112. In 2001, this fan of Nikki Giovanni and Goodie Mob was named Poetry Slam Champion of Atlanta.

After appearing three times on "Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry," HBO's Peabody Award-winning spoken-word series, Harper joined the 10-member company that took the show to Broadway. The event got rave reviews and signaled that this urban-incubated, hip-hop-influenced poetry style was finally gaining acceptance as a legitimate art form. A visceral combination of the personal and the political, of the anger of alienation and the urgent rush of empowerment, "Def Poetry Jam on Broadway" meant that the world was finally listening to folks like Georgia Me.

"I gave my all, and poetry gave me what it could give," she says. "It's my weapon and it's my wealth."

"I don't do a poetry project without calling her first," says producer Stan Lathan, who partners with Simmons on the HBO and Broadway shows. "There are two or three poets that are the go-to poets, and she's absolutely one of them," says Lathan, a prominent TV director whose credits include the pilots for "Martin" and "Moesha." "I can't imagine a 'Def Poetry' sho

BIO

Ibrahim Asad Siddiq is an artist, community organizer and educator that uses his art as a vehicle for activism and social change. In addition to performing, he is the artistic director of The Free Art Project,  A grassroots arts and educational program focused on empowering youth with tools to escape the pitfalls of dire societal circumstances to create healthy and engaging opportunities. 


These programs are designed to alter the course of the school-to-prison pipeline and opportunity gap that captures too many of our brilliant youth.

His long-term goal is to  grow  the  current space into a recreational community hub that functions as a self-sustaining space and expands throughout the boroughs of New York metro area.  A fully equipped art center, incubator and community hub designed to cultivate creativity and develop the minds of future leaders, artists, inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators

Poet Janet Dawson 

Has been writing poetry since she was 14 years old. With over 15 years of performing she's known for her heart felt words and fearless blunt attitude. She's the Author of 4 books including a ebook. she's host, co host and performed in well over 50 shows. Local and nationally.  

If you’ve not yet met her, you’ll soon find out how this Brooklyn, New York native has the ability to leave her mark at the core of each and every venture she pursues. Angelic Kreations has proven herself as a gifted teaching & performance artist, poet, public/motivational speaker, actress, host & model. She began her career at the age of thirteen and has since developed a resume exemplary of a well-polished professional. With a host of experience in performances, public speaking & television Angelic is definitely no stranger to the camera. Always ready for work and willing to travel local or international to get the job done. Karen has served as the host of the first Jazz festival in Trinidad and Tobago, produced poetry and theater events in Los Angeles California, New York, New Jersey, and Michigan along with making television appearances on the Dexter's Lab show and other sitcoms.

In 2011 Phi Ro Pi awarded her a National Champion in Poetry. In 2013 her work she became a National finalist oratory speaker. (Her topic “Preserve Our Legacy”) Her poetry performance held the top forty record at Eastern Michigan’s University’s where she received her Bachelors & Masters in Communications and Performance Studies. To date she has recruited and trained hundreds of students in performance studies and higher education.

In late 2012 she put her career on hold to relocate back to NYC to care for her Mother and Uncle in NYC. In 2016 she was employed by the Department of Education as Substance Abuse Prevention & Intervention Specialist overseeing four schools where she received several accolades & certifications. As founder Angelic Kreations Inc. she has been teaching & performing poetry for over ten years. Implementing a public speaking poetry & pros program into organizations, nonprofits & schools both private & public. In 2017 students were given the opportunity to publish their poetic words in the book series available her website AngelicKreations.Com offers her audio poems, health & hygiene products are available online. Additionally she offers "Poetry On Demand" services writing, performing & delivering original poems that inspire, cultivate & educate people on past & present achievements.

Her Passion & love for working with the youth, teaching & performing extends beyond the classroom as she still finds the time to give back to her community, working in the field of healing & education through Edutainent. After the devastation of the CORONA virus along with its effects on her business Angelic was determined to keep her business alive. With a keen business sense Angelic Kreations currently helps people ZOOM their way to success with online virtual video remote training, through public speaking poetry &. Pros. Currently meetings are held on Wednesdays 6-7pm & Saturday's 12-1pm while currently working on her poetic album featuring The Harlem Diva & the late great Shamello Durant. Through hard work, commitment & dedication Angelic Kreations has been able to follow her divine path by staying grounded and humbled in the will of the creator.

Ms. Karen Yelverton

Angelic Kreations Inc.

(678) 612-9877 (cell)

MISSION: Angelic Kreations Poetry on Demand specializes in writing book series, performing original poems and programming that inspire cultivate & educate people on how to achieve their “Visions Dreams and Goals”

VISION: To Celebrate Living while we are still here. To empower people to share their unique story in order to help 7 inspire others along life’s journey.

Give a Lasting & Loving gift of a lifetime (all year round / any time of the year) "Poetry On Demand"

With a few questions, Angelic Kreation

Slangston Hughes is a National Slam Champion based out of Baltimore, Maryland. Director of Youth Poetry at Dew More Baltimore and lead coach of the world champion (2016 & 2018) Baltimore City Youth Poetry Team. His work has been published in the Poets ‘ America anthology via the Kratz Creative Writing Center. Slangston published his first collaborative literary work “Writers’ Alchemy with prosaist Devlon E. Waddell as part of E.M.B.O.D.Y.  In 2017 Slangston Hughes (Victor Frantz Rodgers 2nd) released a collection of his poetry that spans nearly the past 2 decades. "Slanguage Arts & Griot Glimpses" is both a chronicling of one individual’s growth as a writer over a 15 year period (2002-2017) of poetic evolution as well as a record of some of this era’s most pressing most pressing sociopolitical issues and happenings as witnessed and responded to in arguably some of the most radical and profoundly truthful incantations ever written down via the medium of poetry in a manner where the political and personal merge. Slanguage Arts & Griot Glimpses is very much "a research guide for the soul." In addition, founder of Speak Out: Slammageddon. Slangston was also a member of the Slammageddon Baltimore slam team that won the 2016 National Poetry Slam and Southern Fried Slam in in 2017  2018 & 2019 As well as Ink Slam 2019

"I have told him that if he was around when the Last Poets first started he could've rolled with us!" -Umar Bin Hassan of The Last Poets...

-- 

Victor Rodgers
(Slangston Hughes)
Artistic Coordinator 
DewMore Baltimore

Abel Meeropol
American songwriter

Description

Description

Abel Meeropol was an American songwriter and poet whose works were published under his pseudonym, Lewis Allan. He wrote "Strange Fruit", which was recorded by Billie Holiday. Meeropol was a member of the American Communist Party, but would later quit. Wikipedia

Born: February 10, 1903, Bronx, New York, NY

Died: October 29, 1986, Longmeadow, MA

Nationality: American

Spouse: Anne Meeropol

Education: DeWitt Clinton High School

Children:

A modern-day griot and a living legend. Anyone who knows Vicki Acquah also affectionately known as "Mama Oladeji" knows that is a fitting description of the woman we've all come to know and love. Though it's only the tip of a very large iceberg when it comes to describing this multi-talented, multifaceted artist. Vicki Acquah is a Poets/ Artist who encourages everyone she encounters to strive to be the best they can be. Pushing you to push yourself. Encouraging others to bring their very best. In the I've had the pleasure of knowing her, while already being a master at her craft, I've watched her challenge herself. Learning several types of poetry. I've watched her at times being her own worst critique, creating an online group where she invited other Poets and aspiring Poets to share their work and seek to better themselves as burgeoning Poets.
The topics I've seen her work cover throughout the years is like watching a poetic newscast. Women's rights, love, heartbreaks, social commentary in the United States and abroad. Reading this Poets work is like CNN for the poetic soul. Evoking a deeper level of thought to the reader with every word read. It's with immense pleasure and anticipation that I look forward to the world coming to know this great artist and human being. I don't say those words lightly. I say it because it's a fact. In this day and time, it's hard to find people that truly support your endeavors. Myself and many others can attest to the dedication Vicki Acquah has given to her family and friends, whether it's participating in her many poetry groups, or being supportive behind the scenes, she has been dedicated to the advancement of online poetry shows; As well as many community activism projects, she's either started or stood behind. Readers of this creative compilation of words will be left with a myriad of thoughts and emotions. After reading each piece. They'll be left asking themselves such questions as “Did I love enough?” “Have I contributed enough to make this world a better place?” and “How can I do more?”by Candace Mumford.

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/yTGnAjPrYEDLWEFc9

Orion Meadows is a Slam/Spoken Word Performance Artist, activist, author and public speaker. Much of his activism is expressed through his art. Orion is a member of organizations such as NAEFI (National Alliance for the Empowerment of the Formerly Incarcerated) and PNAP (Prisoners Neighborhood Arts & Education Project)while attending Northeastern Illinois University. He is an advocate for the implementation of the creative arts and academic programs in the Department of Corrections and has served as a participant in Queen Mother Helen Sinclair's Jessie Ma Houston prison outreach ministry which is a branch of the Rainbow Push Coalition. Among  his other accomplishments, he has attained ordination in West African and African American religious and cultural studies from the Temple of Ole which is also known as Ruyah Ole, and is the founder of SAHU CREATIVE. His 3 publications are entitled Inside The Box, Birthmark and The Rose That Grew Through The Barbwire. Orion is very passionate about his craft, urban aesthetics and culture and using Hip-hop arts as a vessel to raise awareness in the community. His social media outlets are Facebook under his name Orion Meadows and his account on Instagram is listed as omeadows.

J. Steven Williams aka Tha Real is an accomplished actor, poet, host, curator and author.  

As an actor his work goes back over 15 years. Working on projects of his own and others. In 2009, he landed the role “Ugly Man” in the full-length film King Of Paper Chasin. An indie Urban Crime Drama based in NYC. This indie film broke ticket sales at the HBO Latino Film Festival totally selling out two showings in a matter of hours. The film has been seen on HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, NETFLIX and HULU. Currently he is pursuing a degree in film from the L.A. Film School so that he can produce the best films and documentaries 

As a poet, since 2000 he has graced many stages in NYC. From the historic NuyoRican Poets Café to Thought Provoking Poetry Slam, the United Nations to The National Action Network. People has experienced his brand of sign of the times poetry. Tha Real has also performed at community-based events from Autism Awareness to the homecoming of A political prisoner, He is also the curator of over 90 poetry showcases, open mics and events to date including a participant in the 10,000 poets for peace worldwide day of poetry.

 Since 2001, Tha Real has hosted talent shows, award shows, slams, open mics, fashion shows. From live events to T.V. shows there isn’t an event he hasn’t hosted. 

He is also multi-book author, his Book: Reloaded: And That’s Just Why Your Ass Is Still Single, a non-traditional relationship book that looks at the behaviors that keep people from finding the right one.  A book that was written to truly help women understand men and how their words and wording creates either Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now.

To keep up with Tha Real and that he is doing, you can follow him on Instagram @I_am_Tha_real

https://youtu.be/6227uoyAoRg
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Marlo Browne is a Barbadian author who has been writing poems since 2009 and self-published his first book Pictorial: Writing for Stars that want to Return to Constellations in 2019, where he envisioned a concept where he could paint pictures with words. Since then, he has taken part in the “16 days of Activism against Domestic Abuse” competition that was held online in November 2020, where he placed third with his poem ‘John Keats.’ He has participated in both local and international open mics and some of his work has been read by the ‘Poetrybattles’ and ‘The Heart Tribe’ communities. Recently, he has been the guest on the ‘Inside the Chrysalis’ podcast, where he featured some of his work from this book. Since then, he has published his second book Marlo Browne presents: The Young and Gifted where he takes you down an emotional journey through words. Both books are available on Amazon and have received 5-star reviews.

Sent from my iPhone

An advocate for global wellness using art and social sciences, the poet Lady Obsidian Rain is passionate about helping individuals develop healthy identity and self-esteem through creative self-expression and spirituality by hosting empowerment workshops under her slogan Bloom in Spite of Everything; Rise to Become Anything. Lady Rain is a mother and has a passion for nurturing others in the hopes of being a positive impact on the development of future generations. She is co-founder of Poets of the Round Table, has published two poetry books: Weathering the Storms and Love After the Eruptions, and can be found on Spotify,  iTunes, and most social media platforms

https://youtu.be/qGyCEwofb7I
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