Events › Architects of Memory: A Poetry Workshop and Open Mic Honoring Black Poets

Join The Artistic Escape for a poetry workshop celebrating the legacy and influence of Black poets. Participants will engage with archival sources, such as magazines and other media, as inspiration for writing original poetry exploring memory, culture, and storytelling.

No prior writing experience is required. The workshop will conclude with an optional open mic, where participants may share their work in a supportive, community-centered space. Participants are welcome to attend the workshop, the open mic, or both, and may bring their own sources of inspiration if they wish.

Marcia Eastmond is a Chicago-born actor, photographer, creative director, and poet whose work explores identity, mental health, and spirituality. She earned her BA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago in 2020 and has since built a dynamic performance record. As a poet, she has performed alongside Useni Eugene Perkins and Dr. Haki Madhubuti. She is currently the Creative Director of The Artistic Escape, a collaborative platform for storytelling, workshops, and poetic expression.

Naiya “Cloud9aiya” Davis is a performing artist, cultural scholar, and youth leader at Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. She co-leads the LIT (Leaders in Training) program for teens, where she helps young people build confidence, discover their strengths, and give back to their community. She is also a talent agent and an artist who curates cultural open mics on Chicago’s South Side, creating spaces for storytelling, connection, and community healing. Her passion for advocacy began early — in high school, she delivered a TEDx talk titled “Ouch, Did You Mean That?…” about the power of words and the importance of empathy.

Accessibility

Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Photo Credit: The Artistic Escape