After a successful re-launch of Spoken Word, Season 4, Converge Gallery and CG Projects will continue on with an extra special night planned for November. On Friday, November 14th from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Spoken Word will continue on as usual but will feature special guest speaker Zachariah Wells.
Wells is a local poet with an incredible story to tell. At 29 years of age, Wells already had seven felony convictions, but was able to turn his life around into a more positive direction through the use of written word and poetry. While in jail, Wells discovered his passion for poetry and eventually became a published author. His book “Ignorance is Not Bliss: Never Ignorant Gaining Grammar Educational Revolutionary” was released in July and is inspired by his experiences as an African American.
Wells is looking to inspire creativity and change in today’s youth. He wants to serve as a role model for young people so they don’t have to go through the struggles he did as a child.
In addition to Wells, we will be featuring a special poetry reading from an area student. To start things off, the winner of the Beloved Community Council’s writing competition will recite their poem on what the Beloved Community means to them. The mission of the Beloved Community Council is “To inspire our community to overcome barriers of injustice and oppression through education and peaceful compassionate action.” For more on the contest, please contact Mary Woods at marymargaretwoods@gmail.com.
For this extra special night of Spoken Word, we will be trying something different and will be asking for a $3 suggested donation. Spoken Word has been graciously hosted by Converge Gallery as a free, public event for the past three years. We are looking to expand the awareness of Spoken Word locally and are asking for a small donation to help fund the creation of a Spoken Word website and also produce a limited run of t-shirts celebrating the event. Any contribution is greatly appreciated.
Spoken Word has a simple setup: we turn on the mic and ask those interested in reading poetry, prose, free style verse, dramatic readings, stand up comedy and more keep it under 5 minutes.
All are welcome even if you just want to listen rather than participate. Come share your talents!