In our annual spoken word showcase, three poets—Naziha Ullah and Brainer Nwabeke—take the mic and present incredible poetry. Hosted by poet Patrick de Belen, this event is geared towards high school students and will feature a Q&A with the poets!
Poet
Based in Toronto, Akil Elijah (he/him) is a Rapper and Poet. Akil continues to challenge the peers of his city with musical dynamics to shine as a recording artist and poet.
Poet
Ugoma Brainer Nwabeke (she/her) is a queer, Nigerian-born, instrumentalist and poet.
Poet
Naziha Ullah (she/her) is a Toronto-based educator, writer, and spoken word artist. Her work explores language, identity, family, and colonization, using poetry as a tool for reflection, resistance, and connection.
Patrick de Belen is a poet, filmmaker, educator and storyteller of many other mediums. His poetry, films and other projects often explore themes of mental illness, the Filipino-Canadian experience, liberation, grief and healing.
When he isn’t onstage, or writing, he is an educator and community builder, partnering with many institutions like addiction centres, mental health focused organizations, libraries, schools, jails and more – advocating for social change and storytelling platforms in as many spaces as possible. Follow his storytelling journey at @patrick_debelen
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