Red Emma’s

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!)

Returning to the Baltimore mic is none other than LOVE the poet! Michelle Antoinette Nelson, also known as LOVE the poet, is a versatile career creative with a passion for storytelling, performance, and fashion. As a poet, host, custom hat maker, and author, she has made significant contributions to national and international art scenes.

Michelle has previously appeared on CNN, authored the books BLACK MARKS ON WHITE PAPER and OWN YOUR CAPACITY: H.E.A.L.T.H. IS POWER, and received the GBCA Baker Artist B-grant award. She has received the 2016 "Baltimore Legend" Crown award, has released multiple spoken word CDs and has performed at prestigious venues like the Orpheum Theatre, the Smithsonian, and university campuses nationwide.

Michelle is renowned for her dynamic stage presence, having starred in her one-woman play God's Country, having been a producer, host, and performer for the Punany Poets, and having founded the BE FREE Fridays open mic series. Her commitment to fostering creativity is evident in her current work as a professor of hat making at Maryland Institute College of Art, as an Urban Arts Leadership Program Fellow, and as the creator of “Live Lyrics!” creative writing workshops. She has also served as an MC for Red Bull Amaphiko, Summit, The Outside Festival, Gold Dust, The Medicine Show, and The Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival, where she also serves on the National Executive Board of Directors.

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 to support the artists: $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 will pass the bucket—physically and electronically—to give something to our featured poet and to help build for the future. Please support independent artists!