PoetryPalooza
Poetry Palooza
Fayetteville is about to experience poetry like never before! This April, in celebration of National Poetry Month, the city will come alive with Poetry Palooza Bingo, an innovative and interactive way to engage with poetry, art, and community. Created by the visionary poet and event organizer Yolanda “Yogiiw2I’s” Barnes, Poetry Palooza Bingo invites the entire community to step into a world where "Poetry is Everywhere—A Community that Creates Together Can Come Together " What is Poetry Palooza Bingo?
Imagine a citywide poetry adventure where every event, workshop, and performance brings you one step closer to BINGO! Poetry Palooza Bingo is a selfguided, interactive challenge that encourages participants to attend poetry and community events throughout April. As attendees experience spoken word performances, poetry slams, and creative workshops, they’ll collect stamps on their bingo cards unlocking exciting prizes along the way!
How It Works
Get Your Bingo Card – Participants can access their Poetry Palooza Bingo cards through the official website: www.bit.ly/PPB25.
Attend Events – Throughout April, various poetry and community events will be happening across Fayetteville Keep an eye out for where you can get your card stamped both in person and online!
Win Prizes! – Completing certain patterns or filling up the entire card will qualify participants for exclusive prizes, including a one-of-a-kind custompainted journal by artist Samod Wilson, autographed books, calendars, and event tickets from Fayetteville’s creative community.
A Growing Vision
What started as an idea inspired by the phrase, “I didn’t see that on my Bingo Card”, has transformed into a movement celebrating poetry in a fresh, fun, and engaging way. Yogii saw how people were shifting from vision boards to bingostyle goal setting, and she knew it was the perfect fit for poetry. Over time, the concept evolved into a multi-layered event, featuring:
A dedicated website with event details and poet spotlights.
Specialized bingo cards for poetry slam lovers, children, teens, and citywide participation.
A Poetry Palooza magazine to highlight poets and creative experiences
Scratch-off cards with instant prize opportunities at events.
Join the Fun!
Poetry Palooza Bingo isn’t just about winning prizes it’s about bringing the community together through the power of words. Whether you’re a poet, a fan of spoken word, or someone looking for a unique way to experience Fayetteville’s artistic scene, this event is for you!
“I'm calling on the community to come out, create, and have fun playing Poetry Palooza Bingo in the month of April ” – Yogii Barnes
Stay connected with event updates and announcements at www.bit.ly/PPB25 and follow along with #PPB #PoetryPaloozaBingo on social media.
Grab your bingo card, show up to an event, and let poetry surprise you—because you never know what might be on your Bingo Card this April!
One lucky person will Win a custom painted Journal from artistic phenom Samod Wilson
Lakiesha Williams Meet The Poet
Lakiesha Williams is a mother and a dedicated poet and social-emotional workshop facilitator with Lost Voices Empire. With 28 years of experience in poetry and 16 years working with children, she combines creative expression with emotional growth. Known for her ability to craft impactful poems in a short time, Lakiesha was recognized early on for her talent, receiving an award for her poem A Butterfly with One Wing in high school.
Holding an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Lakiesha is passionate about guiding children in using poetry as a tool for selfexpression, healing, and finding their voice. Through her workshops, she empowers young minds to navigate their emotions and communicate their experiences through the art of words.
Neil Ray Meet The Poet
Born in Fayetteville, NC,with the help of a midwife, on November 20, 1955. My mother died when I was 7 years old, and my sister and I grew up with my grandparents, Neill and Bernice Melvin. My sister passed away on August 6, 2021. Attended Ashley and Edward Evans Elementary schools, Washington Drive and Alexander Graham Junior High Schools, and graduated from Terry Sanford Senior High School in 1974.
Served in the United States Air Force from (1975 -79), and was stationed at Dover AFB, Delaware, as a Law Enforcement Specialist.
I published my first poem in the third grade, and on occasion would write poems for friends, and fellow students in high school to get lunch money. Between 1975 and 1995, I wrote sparsely with most of my material being published in local newspapers, and college magazines and newsletters.
1995, became a member of the Writer’s Ink Guild, a local literary group that assisted writers of all genres in creating, developing, nurturing their works. 1997, published first chapbook, “Quest of the Plebeians” (FlamingHeart Productions), 1997, became a member of the North Carolina Poetry Society.
1998, selected as Chairman of Membership Development for the North Carolina Poetry Society, which I served for 1998 and 1999. (One year term)
1998, became the host of “Java Expressions”, weekly poetry and prose event, which features the voices from our exceptionally diverse community. The event is currently in its fourteenth year and has been recognized as one of the finest literary events in the state.
1998, became a member of the Four Finger Family Writing Group, which was composed of artists of all genres, and for a brief time was the editor of the group’s literary journal, The Bohemian Scribe.
In 1999, I was co-editor of the Writer’s Ink Guild Anthology, “Homecoming” (Old Mountain Press) and the first Coffee Scene Poetry Anthology.
In 2000, won the first Fayetteville “Slam Poetry” competition.
In 2000, performed at a book signing for Poet Nikki Giovanni.
In 2004, 05, 07, and 08 I was voted “Best Poet in Fayetteville”, by the readers of Up and Coming Magazine.
In 2008, became co-host of the “Local Music Showcase” on WFSS 91.9 FM.
I must confess that over the years I have been involved in numerous literary activities, and there are some I can not remember. I have been recognized as a poet on a local and international level. I have had the pleasure of working with poets from all over the world, from Charles “The Hawk” Weyant (Fayetteville), Elisha Porat (Israel), and Averil Bones (Australia). I have been published in several online publications, Poetry Life and Times, www.poetrylifeandtimes.com and That Poem, www.thatpoem.com. I have had featured articles written about me in Up and Coming Magazine (2006) and the Fayetteville Observer (2008). The most recent being The Color of Fayetteville in 2021
Neil Ray Meet The Poet
From Jan. 2009 to May 2009, I performed poetry in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, Colorado, in association with the Colorado Poets Society.
Feb. 2009, created, developed, promoted, and hosted a poetry event, (Musings: An Evening of Expression), at the F-Stop Café in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Feb. 2009, won the monthly “Poetry Slam” at the Bean Cycle, in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Mar 2009, created, produced, promoted, and hosted music event, (Muggs in the Basement), at Muggs Coffee Shop in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Mar. 2009, featured poet on The Poetry Show, KRFC 88.9 FM in Fort Collins, Colorado.
I have created a poetry program (The Neil Ray Project) that motivates, inspires, and encourages the writing of poetry by school children from grades 3 to 12. Although originally developed for a high school Honors English class, it is flexible and easily customized to fit the needs and requirements of the above-mentioned grade levels.
Apr. 2009, conducted The Neil Ray Project for Special Education students (Behavioral/Emotion) at Poudre High School in Fort Collins, Colorado. Ms. Rhondda Walker was the instructor, and with her help, we assisted the students in creating their first poetry anthology, which they received at the end of the school year.
June 2010 to Present -- began playing music with Erik Smallwood, and we became the Erik Smallwood Duo. June 2010, became co-host of the Local Music Showcase, on WFSS 91.9 FM, with Corky Jones.
Jan. 2011 to 2014, became the host of the Local Music Showcase, on WFSS 91.9 FM.
August 2010 to May 2016, performed with National recording artist, Erik Smallwood.
2012 founded the Southeastern Regional North Carolina Poetry Festival, which is currently going into its sixth year.
2014 Began doing karaoke at Paddy’s Irish Pub 2014 created Java Expressions “Live”, the monthly live stream of poetry and music from the Coffee Scene in Fayetteville, NC.
May 2017 to present became a member of the Chris Sorrells Project.
February 2019 was selected as a Fayetteville Music Icon. December 2020 began working with Shaun McNamee to form the group, Dirt Road Sinnerz (formerly Shaun and Neil).
Clevette (Chyna) Roberts Meet The Poet
He watched endlessly, night after night, as she poured her heart out on stage. Clevette (Chyna) Roberts Mesmerized by her voice and unwavering confidence in pursuing her dreams, Clevette "Chyna" Roberts is a woman destined for greatness Born in Kinston, North Carolina, she spent part of her early childhood in Baltimore, Maryland, before returning to Kinston, where she was actively involved in recreational sports and graduated from Kinston High School From a young age, Clevette discovered a passion for writing, using poetry as an outlet to express her thoughts and navigate life's challenges. Her talent was recognized early when three of her poems "Alone," "Commotion," and "The Unexpected" were published in the anthology The Silence Within She later published her own poetry book, Still Standing, available on Amazon.
Ms Roberts pursued higher education at Southeastern Academy in Kissimmee, Florida, earning a degree in Travel & Tourism, followed by an Associate Degree in Business Computer Technology. She is also a Certified Professional Life Coach and the Founder & CEO of Affirmation of Change, a life coaching business dedicated to helping individuals embrace their uniqueness and achieve personal growth through art healing techniques.
Ms Roberts is currently developing a unique curriculum that integrates Life Coaching with Art Healing. Her forthcoming book, Walking in Purpose with a Passion, will be the first in a series and debuted at the Community Council for the Arts in Kinston, NC, on November 19, 2019.
She has received numerous accolades, including the 2011 New & Up-and-Coming Poet of the Year Nominee at the National Poetry Awards in Dallas, Texas. Her track Element of Surprise was featured on the 2012 National Poetry Awards Soundtrack, and she won the 2013 National Poetry Awards Haiku Contest
In 2009, she reignited her passion for spoken word by launching her own local poetry venue, Illusions, a performance arts-based space designed to inspire and enlighten individuals through creative expression. Over nine years, Chyna established herself in the poetry community, gaining recognition in newspapers (Kinston Free Press, Sun Journal, Eagles News & More) and magazines (Our Success Magazine, Substantial Magazine, Poetic Flows Magazine, Chocolate Informed Magazine) Her impact has reached audiences nationwide, spanning North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Washington D C , and even internationally in London and the Bahamas.
A highly recognized poet, Chyna was a 2011 C O U P (Community Oriented Underground Poet) Nominee for the National Underground Spoken Word & Poetry Awards She was also named an Up-and-Coming Artist by East Carolina University’s Choose Art Project and has collaborated with Friends of the Kinston-Lenoir Public Library and the Kinston Free Press Newspaper in Education Awareness, hosting annual open mic events for local youth and the community. Dedicated to empowering young minds, she led an inner-city youth workshop, Refining Your Gifts, at G A T E for four years As a motivational speaker, she has delivered impactful talks at churches, libraries, conferences, and military bases, including a performance and workshop for Fort Bragg's Special Forces Division
With a deep passion for working with inner-city youth, she has served as a Board Member of StandUp~SpeakOut, specializing in Youth Facilitation, Mental Health, Criminal Justice, Gang Prevention, and Youth Project Development
Beyond poetry, Chyna has an affinity for acting She starred as Lady in Blue in For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf (April 2014) and has performed in various plays and monologues She is currently writing her own stage production, Truth Hurts, which will be the first of many under her upcoming production company, Truth Hurts Productions Her acting credits include roles in Crossover: The Revenge, IVC (a mental health short film on YouTube), Lord Do It For Me (YouTube), and a background role in BET Plus’s Deadly Intentions (2024)
As Kinston’s Poet Laureate, Chyna has been featured at major events, including the National Council for Negro Women (April 16, 2023) and the Raleigh Arts & Film Festival (March 29, 2023) She continues to host and perform at numerous events nationwide
She is also the host of The Lyrical Cypher Radio Show, airing on Blog Talk Radio for over 11 years with a growing audience of over 100,000 listeners. The show serves as a platform for artistic expression, inspiring a community of visionary creatives
In recognition of her contributions, the City of Kinston proclaimed March 28th as Clevette "Chyna" Roberts Day on March 16, 2020. Mayor Dontario “Don” Hardy honored her as Kinston’s First Poet Laureate for her dedication to poetry, motivational speaking, and community service.
Residing in Kinston, North Carolina, with her two children (28 and 22), she enjoys family time, traveling, dancing, acting, shopping, painting, designing, writing, drawing, and indulging in a good book.
Dr. K. Mhina Entrantt Meet The Poet
Dr. K. Mhina Entrantt Author. Workshops. Online Learning
“The real power behind whatever success I have now was something I found within myself — something that’s in all of us.”
Tina Turner
Catch on Fire Workbook Coming January 2025
Theme: "Ignite Your Own Flame!"
Brenda Lynn Douglas Meet The Autho
Brenda Lynn Douglas has been a resident of Fayetteville, NC since 2017. She is a proud mother of two sons and an even more proud grandmother of one beautiful granddaughter named Laylinn. Brenda is the current owner of a mobile cleaning service called “Maid By Bre.” She was born in Far Rockaway, Queens New York and relocated to Inwood, Long Island where she grew up. During her Junior year of High School she worked as a dental assistant in Cedarhurst Long Island which sprouted her love for the field of dentistry. After graduating high school in 2001, Brenda attended The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. In 2003, while attending college Brenda became pregnant with her second child. She continued her studies with new motivation growing inside. May 14, 2004 Brenda gave birth to her beautiful daughter Layla and her family welcomed the newest addition with love and joy. Sadly, just two short months after Layla was born, she passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S.) The loss of Layla devastated her entire family and has left a permanent void in her heart.
daughter both motivates and saddens Brenda. Her journey in healing lead her to write her first children’s book titled “My 1 st Visit To The Dentist” in honor of Layla. This book is Brenda’s way to connect mental health to dental health. Readers are able to follow Layla as she goes on her first dental visit. The book is filled with educational vocabulary and pictures that will aid readers in what to expect when they visit the office. Attached is an activity book for young readers to engage in dental learning! The book is available for reading at the Cumberland County Public Library Downtown Fayetteville, NC location and on Amazon.com. Portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book are donated in Layla’s honor.
Spirit Wolf Meet The Poet
A Fayetteville, NC poet originally from Miamisburg, Ohio. Trying to not let the veil of life stop me from living life and having the strength to survive. Stroke and gunshot survivor. Living my story from the trail of a survivor to hopefully encourage others.
Facebook: SpiritWolfpoetry
Email: spiritwolf67poet@yahoo.com
Joseph Church Churchwell
Em: jrc3designs@gmailcom Website: https://jrc3-designssquaresite https://jrc3designsmyportfoliocom/
Joseph “Church Da’Poet” is no stranger to the stage. Poet, spoken word artist,writer, motivational speaker, and playwright. Church is the Co-founder of City Soul Cafe one of the longest running open mics in the Triangle. Curator and Co-Founder of Black Poetry Theatre in which he produced several plays including “Black Poetry”. Starting his poetic path at the tender age of 14 to release emotions not easily shared.
As a motivational speaker, he infuses pieces of his story in ways that are relatable to all. His mission is to teach youth how to communicate their emotions through the art of poetry and spoken word.
PERFORMANCE/HOST:
Soul Series Presents - Marsha Ambrosius and Raheem Devaughn
Poetry vs Hip-Hop Queen Sheeba
National Folk Festival NC
BET Roy Ayers Tribute
PAFF Film Festival in Los Angeles
Sugar Shack in Harlem
Apache Cafe in Atlanta
Joseph “Church Da’Poet” Meet The Poet
FB - https://wwwfacebookcom/jrc3designs
IG- https://wwwinstagramcom/jrc3 designs/
IG – https://wwwinstagramcom/bullcityculture/ Tiktok- Bull City C.U.L.T.U.R.E (@bullcityculture) | TikTok
Tiktok- JRC3 Designs and Graphics (@jrc3designs) Linktree - linktree/jrc3designs (http://linktree/jrc3designs) Ph: 9197299939
Art of Cool Durham
Poetic Access - TV Show Host - 3yrs
RADIO APPERANCES:
WQQK 92.1 WNCU 90.1, WXDU 88.1, K97.5
Church has opened Saul Williams, Def Poetry Jam poets J.Ivy, Abyss, Georgia Me, Sonya Sanchez Marsha Ambrosius, Raheem Devaughn and performed with nationally recognized poets including Dasan Ahanu, Talaam Acey,
Tia Smedley, John Goode, Queen Sheba, Bluz and many more.
His thoughts are provoking, engaging, and informative. Breathing life into the mic while garner your attention with his strong voice and metaphors.
Church is true to the art
Available for Poetry Workshops: Elementary to Adult, Event MC/Host, Radio Podcast and shows.
For Booking:
Joseph “Church Da’Poet”
Em: churchdapoet@gmail.com
Ph: (919) 729-9939
Fb: Joseph Churchwell | IG: Churchdapoet | TikTok:Churchdapoet
Poetry, Edibles , Art , Candles & Everything Peace Journ
Attend a online poetry event.
Write to this prompt: What happens when everything goes right.
Attend Word Play April 11, 2025 Big Apple
Follow a poet writing a 30/30
Take part in a poetry event in a local library.
Take a picture with a poets product .
Read a five word story.
Attend NC Spoken, Vol. 3 on April 19th, at 7:30pm Arts Council of Fayetteville .
Write an acrostic poem at the market house. Write a free verse poem at J.Cole Mural
Take a picture with your favorite poet.
Write to this prompt: What happens when sadness overflows ? Attend a poetry show found on Eventbrite.com Attend Say it LOUD NC: The Creative Art Gala and Auction April 26, 2025
Attend Art Meets Life on April 4, 2025 Sweet Pallet
Attend a online poetry event.
Purchase product from a poet.
Take part in an online writing workshop.
Get an autograph from all members of a slam team.
Attend Java Expressions on Monday Nights at the Coffee Scene. Sign up and share on the OPEN MIC. Judge a poetry slam
Write to this prompt: What smell brings you to a happy place and why?
Write a haiku poem