Lineages and Legacy: Activations of Spoken Word is a live spoken word experience curated by mentor and mentees of the Black Artist Waystation, part of Black Artists Across Lancaster, a YWCA Lancaster initiative that pairs Black artists across generations and disciplines.
This activation centers spoken word as both lineage and living practice—tracing how poetry has carried healing, reclamation, and storytelling across time. Through powerful performances, poets bring stories to life while exploring the evolution of spoken word from the barbershop, to grassroots movements, to Grammy-recognized stages, honoring the legacy of Black voice while activating its future.
Featured artists:
Evita Colon | Mentor
Elian Arce-Negron | Mentee
Ijah Anderson | Mentee
Honor the vibrant contributions of Lancaster's Black artistic community.
Date: May 8th, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Ware Center, Owen Grand Salon, 42 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603