Injustice Thrives on Silence: Poetic Just Us Empowers Local Artists to Get Loud

By Kristen Hernandez

Lauderhill, FL The rapid rise of the spoken word as a form of artistic expression has exploded, and creative-minded South Floridians are on a continuous search for an outlet. Poetic Just Us, an annual event held at Chainless Change, located at 4300 North University Drive in Lauderhill, was the solution for those seeking a platform to theatrically and musically perform their poetry.

On a typical day, Chainless Change is neck-deep in supporting anyone caught up in Florida’s criminal justice system. They take a unique approach to helping those recently released from incarceration and those currently incarcerated through “reach-in” work while actively reducing the cycle of re-incarceration, or recidivism.

The office space of Chainless Change was transformed into a stage. A sign on the wall reads, “Feel, So You Can Heal.” Attendees were given a pen and a journal and were given a prompt to create their own poem. Those still looking for their voice were encouraged to read it during the open mic portion.

Many who performed during Poetic Just Us were formerly incarcerated individuals who focused their frustrations and fears into unique pieces of art. Poet Dax Douglas spoke about living in the “land of the free,’ where poverty and privilege collide. He reminded the audience that there is redemption after prison and that genuine second chances are possible.

“Imagine wearing a T-shirt that has all of your poor life decisions printed boldly on the front,” said Marq Mitchell, one of the founders of Chainless Change, on their website. “That’s what it’s like to have a criminal record.”

The poet, Jerrad, spoke about being not just a dad but a real father. Chance, who experienced her own stint in Fort Lauderdale’s jail, spoke about the Courthouse Blues, revealing her deeply personal experience as a young woman caught up in a revolving system.

Ebony Jones spoke about the battle between expectations and just being, accepting, and loving yourself. When poet Kash took the stage, he combined his poetry with hip-hop. He spoke of having a feeling while in prison and “turning the beat in my chest into music.”

Miko Atkinson, host of Poetic Just Us, announced poet Gary Feel as “the greatest voice ever heard.” Feel’s poetry piece was “a message for men in the street” titled “The Gift that is a Woman.”

Featured performer Micah Bournes is a creative writer, poet, and spoken-word artist. He read from his published book of poetry and spoke on topics like the English language. He linked Shakespearean speak to black slang, or Ebonics. Bournes spoke about how “poets from prison fight evil with poetry” and “beating the chain of stereotypes.” He read a poem titled “A List of Errands Before We Die,” which spoke about encouraging a kid’s dream, no matter their goal.

When Bournes touched on black history, he said, “I’m not mad about what happened years ago; I’m mad about what’s happening now.” Then he read The Color of Money, which touched on racial disparity and how the release of Harriet Tubman on a $20 bill is literal tokenism.

Not all poets who performed at Poetic Just Us were formerly incarcerated. New to spoken word was budding poet Shannon, who spoke about a passage from the Torah titled “The Angels You Can’t See.” She then questioned, “If creativity is the gateway to the world’s masterpieces, then why is art always an elective in our schools?”

“Some words, some lines, make some uncomfortable,” Shannon said, “and that’s when you know it’s good. Failure is to stop creating.”

The collective symphony of voices at Poetic Just Us was like listening to the soulful sound of the people. Anyone can use the spoken word to transform their deep-rooted pain into art. Spoken word has become a powerful way to broaden people’s understanding of the deep-rooted issues the disparaged and underserved face on any given day.