A Journey Through Hip-Hop & the Power of Spoken Word
Kick off ECA’s Annual WE SPEAK with an inspiring pre-show talk and panel discussion.
6:00–6:20 PM | Opening Talk with Olisa Enrico
Olisa Enrico—Founder and Executive Director of Asé Theater and this year’s WE SPEAK eMCee—presents a dynamic 20-minute talk tracing the roots of Hip-Hop and Spoken Word. From MCs and DJs to graffiti artists and breakers, she explores how these art forms connect to community, culture, and identity, and how spoken word evolved from local expression to a vibrant global movement.
6:20–7:00 PM | Panel Discussion
Immediately following the talk, join a conversation with our 2025 WE SPEAK community partners and student competition judges.
Topics will include:
• Judging student work
• Mentoring and preparing youth artists
• Personal ties to spoken word and literary arts
• Creative process
• Visions for the future of spoken word in our community
2025 Judges:
Courtney Wooten, Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell, Jóse Francisco Robles, Julieta Altamirano Crosby, Naomi Baltuck, and Ryler Dustin
Special Guests:
Seattle Youth Poet Laureate Janae Lu and returning WE SPEAK co-finalist Jasper Rhodes (Edmonds School District)
This event is free with registration. Patrons who have tickets for the 7:30 PM presentation of WE SPEAK must also register for the Pre-Show Talk if they wish to attend.
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