"Read a poem that reminds you human. Read a poem that reminds you God." Interview with Nor

April 2018 marks the 22nd year that poetry is being celebrated worldwide as an invaluable contribution to our lives and culture at large. Moved by the celebration of Black History in February and Women's History in March, the Academy of American Poets established National Poetry Month in 1996.

Here in North Carolina, you can partake in this remarkable celebration of creative expression in the Triad week after week if you know where to look. SPEAK.Mag points you to a local talent show in Greensboro. Here is an exclusive interview with the creator and host of Artists Unleashed! Talent Show, Rakeem 'OneVoice' Person:

SPEAK.Mag: OneVoice, tell us about your upcoming show. What should those in attendance look forward to?

​​Rakeem 'OneVoice' Person:

Gladly! Look forward to enjoying the fun parts of being an adult; going out, meeting new people, vibing to live entertainment. These shows always have an array of talent so there is something for everybody! Even if you've never attended an event like this before.

SPEAK.Mag: Sounds like the place to be on April 19, 2018. On Instagram, @autalentshow posted a flyer for the show. It will be at The Artist Bloc, right on Gate City Blvd, and doors open at 8:15pm. Guests will be able to sign up for an open mic. What else is available for guests?

​​Rakeem 'OneVoice' Person:

For everyone GoldenHeartDesserts.com always provides free cupcakes or other treats. The Artist Bloc has great drinks and drink prices. Since 2016, every show continues to have a wealth of positive energy. And lastly, the semi-finalists and the headliners (myself included) have all prepared a SHOW for everyone who attends. It's definitely an experience. SPEAK.Mag: Those interested in the open mic should "get on the good foot" it seems. Go ahead and talk to us about Artists Unleashed! Talent Show and this month's primary theme of "Call Us By Our Names".

​​Rakeem 'OneVoice' Person:

Well, 2018 marks the second year that the talent show has been connecting artists to new audiences. I've been blessed with many positive experiences working with seriously talented local artists. Two of those local artists, Kindra 'Soulsistah Kae' Thomas (co-host) and James 'King' Triplett (2017 Grand Champion), will be headlining "Call Us By Our Names" along with me for National Poetry Month.

SPEAK.Mag: The Erykah Badu reference is definitely appreciated in the show's title. "On & On" is one of the most popular songs by that timeless artist. What does "Call Us By Our Names" mean for this poetry show, in particular? ​​Rakeem 'OneVoice' Person:

Now, you know Erykah Badu is my (art) mama! She's such an authentic artist. And "Call Us By Our Names" is a command. It's a declaration of who we are as individuals. Each artist, from the semi-finalists to myself, will be unleashing our truth. And we're going to do it in such a way that the audience can be more than entertained. They can be moved to dance a little bit, yell out in agreement, clap, laugh, smile. It's all about movement.

SPEAK.Mag: As you have stated on your social media platforms, "Art moves and poetry SPEAKS." In case anyone hasn't picked up on it, this show will have two aspects to it: a talent show finishing up the first semi-finals round and an exclusive poetry performance featuring you and two previous talent show contestants. We can assume that the show will feature other talents besides poetry?

​​Rakeem 'OneVoice' Person:

Definitely. The semi-finalists are true artists in that they are truly creative. Very few of them, if any, can truly be put in one box. They made it to this first semi-finals round for a reason. Sometimes, even as the host, I am surprised by what the contestants bring to that stage! The Grand Finale will be extraordinary.

SPEAK.Mag:

Your passion for poetry and excellence in creative expression is evident, especially in your work. In one 2017 video clip on @autalentshow 's Instagram, you are performing a poem in which you say, "Read a poem that reminds you human. Read a poem that reminds you God." Break this quote down for our readers.

Rakeem 'OneVoice' Person:

Oooooo, this is one of my favorite things. I'm a poetry nerd, in case you didn't know. It's simple, really. This quote is from my poem "Come To Me" and it means just what it says. As the poet, I was instructing the audience to read more poetry. And specifically, to read poetry that reminds them of their humanity as well as their divinity. There is something about art, and in this case poetry, that can ground you. That can remind you of who you are. And that poem, overall, is intended to help someone, anyone, find one more reason to keep going because life is hard. Beautiful, but hard.

OneVoice, we cannot wait to get a drink and watch your cast do their thing! "Call Us By Our Names", presented by Artists Unleashed! Talent Show, is one of the events readers should definitely attend this National Poetry Month.

You can purchase VIP tickets to "Call Us By Our Names" in advance for $8.00 by clicking HERE or visiting www.only1voice.com/au. For more information on National Poetry Month visit www.poets.org. And, lastly, for scenes from previous shows follow @autalentshow on Instagram and subscribe to OnlyOneVoice on Youtube.