Award-winning duo Sister Outsider Poetry will deliver a spoken word performance as part of the Guest of Honor University Artist/Lecture Series on Thurs., Feb. 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the KIVA.
Standing at the intersection of art and activism, Sister Outsider uses poetry as a tool for social change, expanding conversations about identity, inclusion, race, gender and LGBTQ violence, and gender-based violence. Inspired by the life and work of Audre Lorde, they connect deeply personal stories to a diverse range of social and political issues. They write their "otherness" into the center and encourage others, particularly those in marginalized communities, to do the same.
Sister Outsider represents two of the top three female slam poets in the world, Dominique Christina and Denice Frohman. They have appeared on six national poetry slam finals stages and have won six championships collectively.
A writer, performer, educator, and activist, Dominique Christina holds five national slam poetry titles, including the 2014 and 2012 Women of the World Slam Champion and 2011 National Poetry Slam Champion. She is the only person to have won two Women of the World Poetry Championships.
An award-winning poet, lyricist, and educator, Denice Frohman was the 2013 Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion, 2014 Canto Mundo Fellow, 2012 Leeway Transformation Award recipient, and 2013 Hispanic Choice Award winner.
This event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow in the Multicultural Student Center. For questions about the event or for special accommodations for accessibility, please contact the Honors College at 330-672-2312 or honors@kent.edu.
Prior to the performance, Sister Outsider will also host a writing workshop for undergraduate students titled "What Does It All Mean?” The purpose of the workshop is to provide students “with the necessary tools to understand how language is a step toward understanding the world and ultimately, ourselves." Registration is required.
For more information about Sister Outsider, visit sisteroutsiderpoetry.com.
The Guest of Honor University Artist/Lecture Series is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and coordinated by the Honors College. The Spring 2015 Guest of Honor: Sister Outsider Poetry is co-sponsored by Black United Students.