Sat 2/22 @ 7-9PM
Akron Soul Train gallery invites writers to share their works of poetry and prose on Saturday, February 22nd from 7-9pm. The open mic will feature award winning poet Damien McClendon, who will challenge power through spoken word, examining racism, poverty, masculinity and fatherhood.
He states, “My work seeks to create confrontations with power. Using narrative, creativity and compelling performance to call out systems of oppression, to reach back and remember the lessons of my ancestors, and to answer the questions I struggle with as a poor, Black father. My work explores the penalty and privilege in being a Black male and the transformation of my ideas of masculinity and Blackness.”
As a resident artist for Akron Soul Train, Damien and other artists are asked to provide a community engagement aspect to their event. On Saturday, the gallery will partner with Vibe Collective for a professional development writing workshop with prompts surrounding childhood, parenthood, family or chosen family.
[Written by Jenna Thomas]
191 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308