Café Soul will feature spoken word artist Mahogany Browne in a performance focusing on women’s empowerment at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Redbird Ballroom B of the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Uptown Normal. Sponsored by Illinois State University’s Diversity Advocacy, the event is free and open to the public.
Browne is the editor of the women’s anthology His Rib: Stories, Poems & Essays by HER, and author of several books including a new volume of poems titled Swag. Browne bridges the gap between lyrical poets and literary emcee, and has released five records of spoken word performances, including the live album Sheroshima.
A co-founder of the Off Broadway poetry production Jam On It, Browne is also co-producer of the SoundBites Poetry Festival. She facilitates performance poetry and writing workshops throughout the country, focusing on women’s empowerment and youth mentoring. Her freelance journalism can be found in the magazines Uptown, KING, XXL, The Source, Canada’s The Word and the UK’s MOBO.
The evening will also include spoken word performances by Illinois State students celebrating women and sisterhood. After Browne’s performance, she will have a brief Q & A session. Please note: The performances may include adult content and language.
Café Soul is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and alumni to showcase their identity through their creative talents. Performances often include singing, dancing, poetry and art.
For additional information, contact Diversity Advocacy at 438-2008.
