Today we’d like to introduce you to Every.word Poetry
Hi every.Word, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all began after participating in our local slam, when we found ourselves craving more time together as a community. In December, poets started cyphering late into the night, forming spontaneous circles under streetlights. Poets, poetry enthusiasts, and even curious passersby gathered to share their stories and poems, sometimes continuing well into the next day.
These cyphers sparked a collective desire to create a dedicated space for creativity and connection, leading to the formation of every.Word Poetry. What began as an informal group evolved into a partnership with The VORTEX, where we co-produce a weekly open mic on their Outdoor Stage every Monday night.
Organized and hosted by Michael Hatcher and Jasmine Games, seasoned poets and advocates, this free open mic has become a vibrant community space. It welcomes poets, musicians, and enthusiasts alike to share their lived experiences and showcase their artistic talents in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to building every.Word Poetry has been anything but smooth, but it’s been deeply rewarding. We began with a vision to support the community and provide more opportunities for local poets to be witnessed, but the path forward wasn’t always clear. Before partnering with The VORTEX, we lacked a consistent venue, which made it challenging to create a stable space for our work.
Once the open mic launched, the demand for programming and connection skyrocketed. The community wanted more than just a weekly event—they wanted workshops, deeper engagement, and more time with the every.Word team. Balancing these growing demands with our full-time jobs has required a tremendous amount of dedication and effort.
Another challenge has been finding the right marketing strategies to reach our desired audience. Connecting with a diverse and vibrant community while ensuring they feel seen and included has been a learning process.
However, one aspect that has come naturally is the diversity within our community. We’re fortunate to attract an audience that shares our appreciation for cultural richness and inclusion. This mutual respect has made the journey worthwhile, even when the road has been bumpy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At every.Word Poetry, we create spaces where art and community intersect. We specialize in amplifying the voices of spoken word poets, fostering a culture that celebrates storytelling, self-expression, and connection. Through our open mic nights, workshops, and community events, we’ve become a platform for poets, musicians, and artists to share their stories and build meaningful relationships.
We’re most proud of the vibrant and diverse community we’ve cultivated. Our events bring together individuals from all walks of life, creating an inclusive space where everyone feels seen and valued. Whether it’s the open mic on The VORTEX’s Outdoor Stage or our ‘Page and Stages Writing Workshop,’ we aim to nurture both the craft and the heart of poetry.
What sets us apart is our commitment to building a collective rooted in authenticity and cultural diversity. Our team, led by Michael Hatcher, and Jasmine Games, brings years of experience in poetry slam, spoken word, theatre, literature, education, and advocacy, ensuring that our programming is impactful and empowering.
We’re not just a poetry organization; we’re a movement that bridges art and activism, offering a home for creatives to thrive and inspire.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck, both good and serendipitous, has played a significant role in our journey with every.Word Poetry. Coming from two different cities, we met at a poetry event and discovered that we shared a similar vision for what we wanted to create for our communities and accomplish through our art.
Each of us brings professional experiences that have become invaluable tools in building every.Word. Michael Hatcher, a human resources professional with a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), brings strategic insight into fostering equitable spaces. Jasmine Games, as The Director of Education and Social Justice Activation at The VORTEX, a nonprofit theatre company, contributes a wealth of experience in advocacy and community building.
Our unique backgrounds have made it natural for us to create a community rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. What truly sets us apart, though, is the great chemistry we share as collaborators and our mutual respect for each other’s artistry. We feel lucky to have crossed paths and to now channel our shared passions into this thriving community.
Pricing:
- Open Mic: Free
- Pages and Stages Workshop: Sliding Scale Pay $5-25
- Ink & Pen Write-In: Sliding Scale Pay $5-25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://links.everywordpoetry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everywordpoetry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/everyWord-Poetry/61562392814747/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@everywordpoetry
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/everyword-poetry-104012005881
Image Credits
Hari Rajashekar (@hari.pxls), Jazmyn Chipman (@jcees.film), and Leo Scott (@majinboooka)
