Seattle’s The Poetry Experience celebrated their 25th anniversary earlier this month, marking a quarter-century of sharing, creating, and community building. Founded by Rajnii Gibson-Eddins, The Poetry Experience consists of workshops and held space for people to come together and explore the power of the written word. The celebration took place at Blue Cone Studios, bringing together poets like Monique Franklin, Ebo, Roberto Ascalon and more.

“People need an opportunity to be able to share their narrative,” Eddins said. “Particularly Black people, who were the founders of human civilization and so much in the world since then.”

For Eddins, the intentionality behind the workshop is a counter to what he says are attacks on the narratives and history of his community. Through The Poetry Experience, he’s been able to create space to preserve lived experiences and offer others the chance to write their legacy.

“It’s about preserving the stories that make us who we are, and that empower and uplift us,” Eddins said. “They affirm us in our true character and let us feel a sense of being well-seeded in ourselves.”

Teaching Artist and Poet Roberto Ascalon said the space created by The Poetry Experience has been extremely valuable and encouraging.

“It was always safe. You can always come and do the work that you need to do,” Ascalon said. “Being a person of color in a world like this, that’s hard to come by.”

You can find out more about The Poetry Experience at Rajnii’s website https://www.rajniieddins.com/

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