As writers, we are asked to be awareโto observe, analyze, empathizeโbut perhaps the most important action we can take is using our knowledge to create change. For decades spoken word artists tackle this task with fervor, finding themselves in the front lines of protests and even the front steps of the white house. In times like these we are in need of even more writers taking the brave step into the world of spoken word.
In this workshop we will discuss the basic approach to writing a politically charged spoken word poem, analyze contemporary examples, and try our hand at writing our own piece.
Caleb โThe Negro Artistโ Rainey is an author, performer, and producer. He hails from Columbia, Missouri, and holds a B.A. in English (Creative Writing) from the University of Iowa. His debut book,ย Look, Black Boy, became Amazonโs #1 new release in African American poetry, and was awarded first prize in theย North Street Book Prize. His second book,ย Heart Notesย was published in 2019 and was featured on Iowa Public Radio. He released two spoken word albums, a studio version ofย Look, Black Boy, and a performance album titled,ย Heart Notes Live!ย In 2023, as a part of theย Brucemore Artisan in Studio Program, Caleb produced his first short film,ย Willing to Grow.ย ย He also co-founded the literary magazineย Black Art; Real Stories, was published inย Iowa’s Best Emerging Poets – 2019, theย Little Village Magazine, and wrote a monthly column forย The Real Mainstream. For three years in a row he was named Best Poet/Spoken Word Performer in Cedar Rapids & Iowa City.
As a performer Caleb is the winner of multiple poetry slams across the country. In 2023 he competed in the UNESCO Slam-0-Vision global poetry slam where he ranked 7th worldwide. He has taken the stage in countless cities, including Saint Louis, Kansas City, Baltimore, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, New York City, and even internationally in London, England. He has shared the stage with spoken word titans such as Siaara Freeman, Denice Frohman, Javon Johnson, Ebony Stewart, Anthony McPherson, Danez Smith and Patricia Smith. Videos of his performances are also online atย Write About Nowย andย Button Poetry. Outside of poetry, Caleb acted in a number of plays, some of which includeย Blood at the Root,ย I and You, and the Iowa debutsย Exit Strategyย andย Luna Gale.
When he is not writing and performing he is actively curating a community of spoken word poets in Iowa City through his high school program,ย IC Speaks, and producing events like theย Mic Check Poetry Fest.
