Poets, writers and rappers in grades 9-12 are invited to experience a day of learning, creating and expressing who they are and what is on their minds with “America’s Got Talent” Season 15 winner Brandon Leake at the High School Poetry Jam, taking place November 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street.
School groups, creative writing classes, literary clubs and solo poet hobbyists from anywhere in Arizona will be able to hear Leake perform spoken word and learn his tips and tricks for making art with words and voice using raw emotion, energy and freedom. No experience is necessary.
“Often times we have stories and emotions that we just need to express and get out,” said Leake. “This is a space to share those thoughts – without judgement – on stage, if you choose, or just in your notebook.”
“Expression through poetry is recognized by health professionals as a valuable healing tool,” added Jennifer Rosvall, The Holland Center Executive Director. “We are humbled and honored that Brandon will be at The Holland Center to not only teach poetry as art, but also help our youth see poetry as a healthy outlet for their thoughts and emotions.”
Tickets are $10 each and include lunch and a swag bag. Space is limited and will fill up fast. To secure a spot, please purchase tickets as soon as possible at hollandcenter.org/event/poetry-jam.
Brandon Leake is an award-winning spoken-word poet, artistic educator and motivational speaker from Stockton, Calif. He is best known for his 2020 America’s Got Talent (AGT) win, earning the coveted golden buzzer, and is the competition’s first (and only) spoken-word poetry champion. His creative mixture of art, charisma and passion tailored to his own unique personal narrative has taken him across the world as a speaker and performer.
Leake has performed in locations such as New Zealand, Mexico, Canada and 36 U.S. states for his “Dark Side Tour,” which promotes his first-ever published poetry chapbook and his crown jewel, “Deficients: A Tale From My Dark Side” – an album rooted in transparency and healing.
Brandon is also the founder and CEO of Called to Move (CTM), an artistry organization with the pursuit of aiding youth in self-actualizing and personally developing through the art of poetry. This endeavor has led to Brandon leading workshops around the world with several curricula he has developed himself, and in particular, teaching youth in his hometown of Stockton, CA.
