Five Spoken Word Poets Making an Impact

Safia Elhillo, of Sudanese descent and based in Washington, D.C., often performs her poems back-to-back, creating cohesive narratives that explore cultural identity and the concept of borders. Her recent collection, *The January Children*, published in March by the University of Nebraska Press, captures these themes. Elhillo reflects on her early experiences with poetry, recalling a middle school assignment inspired by *The Odyssey*. She values performance as a means of connecting with the audience, emphasizing the importance of sound and emotion in her work. Elhillo is particularly drawn to the complexities of identity, including the challenges of translation across cultures. A poem by her friend Charif Shanahan, titled “Asmar,” resonated deeply with her, expressing the nuances of hybrid identity.

Aja Monet transcends the label of poet, identifying as a performer, artist, educator, and activist. Her work addresses her experiences as a Cuban-Jamaican woman and explores themes of oppression and empowerment. Monet gained recognition for her poem, “My Mother Was a Freedom Fighter,” delivered during the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. She recalls her early performance in a high school talent show, which sparked her love for the poetry community. Monet views writing and performance as acts of resonance and truth-telling, particularly important in a society that often silences such expressions. A powerful poem she encountered at a poetry competition in a correctional facility highlighted the untapped voices of incarcerated individuals, reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of poetry.

Olivia Gatwood, who frequently tours between New York and Albuquerque, emphasizes the importance of girlhood and vulnerability in her writing. Her debut collection, *New American Best Friend*, released in March, quickly became a bestseller in its category. Gatwood’s early memories involve performing poetry instinctively as a child, and she sees her writing as an evolving practice. Her focus has shifted to exploring the complexities of adolescence and personal accountability. She recently found resonance in a poem shared by Melissa Lozada-Oliva, which stirred her emotions significantly.

Melissa Lozada-Oliva combines humor with poignant reflections in her poetry. Anticipating the release of her chapbook, *Peluda*, in September, she shares that her experiences shape her writing, particularly in relation to Latinx identity and body image. A standout memory includes a college performance that left her feeling alive and connected to her audience. Lozada-Oliva’s recent poetry, focused on hair removal and cultural identity, seeks to reclaim and empower aspects of her heritage. She was particularly moved by a performance from a 14-year-old poet that showcased exceptional talent.

Elizabeth Acevedo merges storytelling and poetry, seeing her work as a form of love and survival. The daughter of Dominican immigrants, Acevedo has captivated audiences through her performances, TED Talks, and published works, including the forthcoming *The Poet X*. Her poetry often tackles issues of anti-colonialism and identity, aiming to reconstruct narratives that empower her ancestors and community. Acevedo found inspiration in Safia Elhillo’s poetry collection, appreciating the cultural dialogue it fosters.

These five poets exemplify the richness of spoken word poetry, using their voices to challenge societal norms and advocate for change.