In another AthFest-affiliated event, 10–15 local writers who submitted via open call will be performing spoken word poetry and book readings, hosted by Athens Poet Laureate Mikhayla Robinson-Smith. Robinson-Smith, who will also be reading, is a poet, essayist, fiction writer and educator who graduated from the University of Georgia in 2020 with an English degree. Her work is often connected to community, which is a big part of her goal in holding this event. She says, “I am also excited about bringing new voices to the forefront and highlighting the cosmic, poetic talent we have right here in Athens. Poetry is not a luxury, and we deserve beautiful words, and not only that, but people deserve to have their stories heard. With every project that I have been a part of or collaborated on, that has been my goal. I’m always going to find a way to illuminate underrepresented, marginalized voices. I’m bringing as many folks with me as possible into anything I do.” Robinson-Smith also credits Rob White of Neighborhood Books and Ellie Swanson, with whom she co-facilitated an authors group called Tattered Writers, for making the event possible.
WHO: Voices of Athens
WHEN: Saturday, June 21, 3 p.m.
WHERE: The Globe
HOW MUCH: FREE!
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