Red Emma’s

"I choose to reflect the times and the situations in which I find myself. That, to me, is my duty. And at this crucial time in our lives when everything is so desperate, when every day is a matter of survival, I don't think you can help but be involved…How can you be an artist and not reflect the times? That, for me, is the definition of an artist." — Nina Simone

It’s time once again to use our poetic artistry to reflect and process our stressful times, and to strengthen each other in the continued Struggle! Let's come together in a poetry/spoken word open mic of justice, conscious thought, spirituality, fam, real life—whatever advances the village! In the tradition of Emma Goldman’s “Mother Earth” magazine, come drop some rad “fiyah” on us, or contribute just with your presence and energy! By the way: it’s a non-erotic poetry, non-“Love Jones” type of evening, so we ask that you not go there. (And, almost needless to say, leave the misogyny, homophobia and other unnecessary ish outside!)

Featuring this evening will be one of the fastest-rising stars of recent years in the DMV poetry scene: 2chillphyl!

Phyl "2chillphyl" Neal is a divinely destined alchemist! She transforms pain into power through her work as an award-winning spoken-word artist, author, mentor and activist. In 2023 she earned the #8 ranking at the Woman of the World Poetry Slam. She is the current DMV Renaissance Awards “Best Female Poet” and is a published author and multi-time slam champion who has been featured on Button Poetry, at Busboys & Poets, Voices in Power, Release Open Mic, Piano Keys and many more!

After writing for over 20 years, she began performing in mid-2022. In March 2023, she released her debut book, "Bye-Ku: Putting Pain in the Past," and released her long-awaited second book, "Phylosophy Vol. 1," in August 2023. Inspired by poets Nikki Giovanni, Toni Morrison, and Dwayne Carter, she aspires to speak on international stages. Phyl believes through words we express, heal, inspire and change the world! https://pneal2014.wixsite.com/2chillphyl

Holdin’ it down for the evening is Analysis—poet/spoken word artist, author, rad minister and bookseller, educator, justice & human rights person… Y’all know what’s up! https://www.liberationandpoetry.com CashApp: $AnalysisThePoet

The mic list will be ready for you at Emma’s so you can get on the mic and share something with us! Additionally, we’ll pass the bucket—physically and electronically—to give something to our featured poet and to help build for the future. Please support independent artists!

The evening is, indeed, brought to you by Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse, a worker-owned and collectively operated restaurant, bookstore, and community events space in the Waverly neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland that is dedicated to putting principles of solidarity and sustainability into practice in a democratic workplace! http://redemmas.org https://www.facebook.com/redemmas Twitter & Instagram: @redemmas

Remember: PEACE, JUSTICE, POETRY! Will we see you there?