Poetic Pages: When Black Poets Speak (by Millicent Ansah)

This evening celebrates the resilience, depth, and storytelling power of Black poets, who through their words, preserve and share the diversity of Black experiences, capturing histories and narratives often left untold.

Featuring three accomplished poets, this event highlights the beauty and importance of amplifying Black voices in literature and poetry. Together, these poets exemplify the power of storytelling and the richness of Black voices in the arts.

We are excited to introduce you to our February 7th, 2025, panel:

James C. Ellerbe is a seasoned poet and performer from New Jersey, known for his appearances on BET’s Buy The Book and at the iconic Showtime at the Apollo. He has performed internationally at venues like Montreal’s Kola Note and across esteemed institutions such as Rutgers University and Sarah Lawrence College. A finalist for the 2017 Indie Author Legacy Award for Poet of the Year, James has authored the poetry book Beyond the Event Horizon (2015) and the spoken word album Pulsar (2018). His work also appears in On the Verge: Poets of the Palisades III (2020).

Ameerah Shabazz-Bilal, a Newark-based poet, artist, and educator, has earned accolades like EvoluCulture’s Women in Poetry Award and the Maria Mazziotti Gillan Literary Service Award. Her work has been featured at prestigious festivals, including the Dodge Poetry Festival and Lagos International Poetry Festival. Ameerah is the founder of "When Women Speak" and "When People Speak", creating platforms for diverse voices. She is the author of "Breathing Through Concrete" and has performed internationally in Cuba. A dedicated advocate for the arts, Ameerah continues to elevate cultural narratives through her work.

Marc W. Polite is a Harlem-born poet, essayist, and award-winning writer who now resides in Jersey City. The author of five books, including "Poetic Ruminations of Mr. Born Nice" and "Quiet With A Loud Mind", Marc explores social issues, literature, and technology in his work. His commentary has appeared in outlets like "The Amsterdam News". As a featured poet at Mocha Mic with Millie and a collaborator with the Jersey City Public Library, Marc is committed to inspiring the next generation of poets.

Millicent Ansah, fondly known as Millie, is an educator, poet, and community organizer who has called Jersey City home for over a decade. As a first-generation Ghanaian American, Millie believes in the transformative power of kindness and inclusivity, dedicating herself to building spaces where everyone feels welcomed and connected.

In 2023, she launched *Mocha Mic with Millie*, a monthly open mic event that serves as a creative haven led by and for Black women. Millie calls her attendees her “tribe of scribes and good vibes,” creating a space for unity, expression, and support. *Mocha Mic* is more than an event—it’s a community.

Millie is excited lead poetry and creative workshops for children at the Jersey City Library and to collaborate with local businesses and partners to strengthen community ties and foster connections. Through each effort, Millie’s mission remains clear: to bring people together in a spirit of kindness and connection.