An evening of revelatory poetry and story exploring the different ways we share our words, 7 p.m. on Sept. 20 in Dart Auditorium.
How do we share for others to receive? In a spoken word performance, the expectation is that people open their mouths and words come out, usually in the dominant language. Yet there are other modes of communicating and language experiences, and that’s what this performance event is all about.
Hosted by Masaki Takahashi, Lansing Poet Laureate Emeritus, a spoken word artist who will share his identity poems, the evening’s feature is from New York City, slam poet The Bee, who has a speech impediment. LCC Theatre students will perform an original poem crafted by LCC English students on the themes of language and what constitutes spoken word. Hard of Hearing poet Tai Dorsette from Detroit will perform her poems with American Sign Language voice interpreted for hearing audience members, and Jia Bin, an MSU researcher will give a short presentation on the science of speech impediments. The entire program will be sign interpreted by students in LCC’s Sign Language Interpreter Program, and will conclude with an audience Q&A.
Please note some poems contain adult language and address substance and physical abuse as well as intimacy.
Free to attend, no registration required, and all are welcome! If you have questions, please contact producer Melissa Kaplan at kaplanm@lcc.edu.
A Way with Words is a collaboration of The Poetry Room, Lansing’s premiere open mic featuring guest artists, musicians, and area poets, LCC’s Sign Language Interpreter and Performing Arts programs, and sponsored by the LCC Arts and Sciences Division. It’s a featured event of the inaugural Lansing LIT festival, celebrating Lansing’s literary scene over the weekend of Sept. 20-22.
Bios of the performers and presenters:
The Bee @thebee.theartist is a NYC born and raised artist who creates pieces exploring intersectional identity and youth. They are the winner of the 2023 III List Poetry Slam, 5th ranked at the 2023 Woman of the World Poetry Slam, a member of the 2023 Urban Word NYC Slam Team placing 2nd Place at the National Brave New Voices Festival, a four-for-four time champion and former host of the NPC (and a 2023 Grand Slam Champion), and host of One Love, One Mic. The Bee is a national spoken word artist, a slam poetry and spoken word coach, and a student of Columbia University. They are a member of Poetic Justice, an internationally ranked slam poetry team proudly from New York City representing young womxn from all different boroughs and all different backgrounds. Spoken word blends music, performance, and poetry, and through it we were lucky enough to discover both our love for the art and our love for one another. Our goal is to share that love with everyone; poetry is one of the most powerful tools for human connection.
Tai Dorsette @thisgirlnamedtai is a hard-of-hearing writer, actress, model, performer, mother, and visionary entrepreneur. Growing up on Detroit’s East Side, Tai’s passion for music and writing ignited at the age of nine when her father first played Luther Vandross’ debut album. This early encounter with the power of storytelling shaped her journey, drawing inspiration from icons like Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Smokey Robinson, Gemineye The Poet, and Deaf poet Dorothy Miles. Tai’s creativity knows no bounds. She has penned over 100 literary works, including poems, songs, short stories, and feature films. Her talent in songwriting led to collaborations with recording artists on her father’s record label, TeddyBoy Records, established in 2004. At just 12 years old, Tai made her mark in the acting world, sharing the stage with luminaries such as Ella Joyce, Keith David, Kamal Smith, and Taral Hicks. Although she paused her acting career in her early 20s to embrace motherhood, Tai’s unyielding spirit brought her back to the stage and screen in 2017. In 2020, Tai channeled her dedication to wellness and self-care into launching her own massage. and body wellness business. Balancing her role as a mother to three sons, Tai exemplifies the belief that life’s dreams are limitless. Recently, she has re-emerged as a professional model and recording artist, poised to share her own written work with the world in the coming year. Tai’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. Her story continues to inspire, proving that no matter the challenges, one can rise, create, and shine.
Jia Bin, M.A., @jia.bin_ is a doctoral student and research assistant at Michigan State University in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. She serves as board member for the World Stuttering Network, chapter leader of the National Stuttering Association, and president of the Spartan Stuttering group. Driven by her own experiences with stuttering, Jia’s work focuses on challenging stereotypes and nurturing a dialogue that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, connecting stutterers globally through common experiences and support.
Masaki Takahashi @theoriginalsaki is a driving force in poetry and community engagement, blending artistic excellence with a profound commitment to fostering creativity and connection in his community. A Lansing poet laureate emeritus, Takahashi founded The Poetry Room Open Mic and its affiliated nonprofit, creating a vibrant platform for poetic expression and community support. Takahashi’s work has resonated through numerous publications, including esteemed journals such as Lunch Ticket and Rigorous, as well as Write About Now. His commitment to poetry and its power to effect change became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when The Poetry Room mobilized to raise thousands of dollars in collaboration with local nonprofits, showcasing his dedication to both art and community. Under Takahashi’s leadership, The Poetry Room has welcomed some of the nation’s most celebrated poets, including Beau Sia, Siaara Freeman, Brenna Twohy, Megan Falley, Olivia Gatwood, Neil Hilborn, Rudy Francisco, Natasha T. Miller, Phil Kaye, and Ebony Stewart. These events have not only highlighted the room’s role as a premier venue for poetic performances but also affirmed Takahashi’s commitment to bringing diverse voices to the forefront of the literary world. Beyond his contributions to the poetry scene, Takahashi is deeply passionate about education. He has led workshops for Lansing schools, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and several local colleges and organizations such as National Park Services and MCTE. This work underscores his belief in the transformative power of poetry and his desire to inspire the next generation of writers and thinkers. In 2019, Takahashi’s impact was recognized by the Lansing State Journal, which named him among the six people to watch as leaders making a difference in Lansing’s business and community landscapes. This accolade reflects his significant role in shaping both the cultural and civic fabric of Lansing.
Jia Bin, M.A., is a doctoral student and research assistant at Michigan State University in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. She serves as board member for the World Stuttering Network, chapter leader of the National Stuttering Association, and president of the Spartan Stuttering group. Driven by her own experiences with stuttering, Jia’s work focuses on challenging stereotypes and nurturing a dialogue that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, connecting stutterers globally through common experiences and support.
If you have questions, please contact producer Melissa Kaplan at kaplanm@star.lcc.edu.
