Island SPACE to host 'Poetic Justice' evening of spoken word on April 26

An evening of powerful poetry, music, and cultural reflection is set to unfold at the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum on Friday, April 26, with Poetic Justice: The Artistic Experience. The event, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m., is part of the museum’s celebration of National Poetry Month and aims to highlight the transformative power of spoken word in Caribbean and Black communities.

Hosted and curated by well-known poets Frankie Red Wordz and Mecca Grimo, Poetic Justice brings together a diverse lineup of performers who use their art to explore themes of justice, identity, and resilience. The program is supported in part by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), one of the few federal agencies backing cultural and educational institutions across the country.

One of the night’s most anticipated segments will feature spoken word letters penned by local youth and professional poets to their younger and future selves. Organized with support from Permission to Succeed Education Center and Fe Pou Li – Children’s Hope Chest of Dreams, the intergenerational exchange is designed to spark reflection and emotional connection through performance.

Among the featured artists is Ben Francois, a Haitian-born mental health therapist whose work speaks to healing and survival. Mori Taiye, who draws on roots in Jamaica, Africa, and Europe, is known for a commanding stage presence and complex, emotionally charged poetry. South Florida talents include Miami Gardens’ Poet Laureate May Reign, whose work celebrates Black womanhood and perseverance, and Quick the Poet, an acclaimed performer known for his gripping takes on racial injustice.

Live music will be provided by The Tribe Band, with Eudora Sage on saxophone and Royce on keys. Guests will also have the chance to explore the museum’s exhibits and a themed pop-up display curated for the event.

As public funding for arts institutions becomes increasingly scarce, museum leaders say events like Poetic Justice serve a dual purpose: offering a memorable cultural experience while helping to sustain vital spaces for artistic expression.

General admission is $5 for youth and $10 for adults with advance purchase, or $7 and $12 respectively at the door. Tickets and additional event information are available at islandspacefl.org/poetic25.

Event Details: Poetic Justice: The Artistic Experience
Date: Friday, April 26, 2025
Time: 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, Broward Mall
Address: 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Suite 202, Plantation, FL 33388