Join us at this month's Free Verse, a PSNY initiative designed specifically by & for BIPOC creatives, with Leilani!

Indulge in 'You Are What You Eat: The Many Flavors of You,' a workshop that delves into the intricate relationship between food and identity, where the most profound and emotional memories are intertwined with our culinary experiences.

Workshop Themes:
* Cultural Cuisine: Explore how the food of your upbringing has sculpted your identity. Unearth the stories embedded in family recipes that narrate the rich heritage you carry.
* Community: Food speaks a universal language, transcending borders. Investigate the communal aspect of food – shared meals, conversations around the table. How does food build a sense of belonging and community in your life?
* Food as Metaphor: Engage with different dishes as metaphors for experiences, emotions, and aspirations. Examine how these culinary symbols contribute to shaping individual identities.

Workshop Experience:
As the workshop concludes, participants will craft a piece that intimately explores the interconnectedness of food and identity. Just as we are what we eat, the narratives birthed in this workshop will serve as a testament to the many flavors of storytelling. These delicious tales, seasoned with the unique ingredients of each participant, will form a rich and diverse banquet, celebrating the flavorful mosaic that is each of us.

About the instructor: Leilani is an award-winning, internationally ranked spoken word poet and multi-hyphenate theater creative originally from Honolulu currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She is passionate about writing on the issues and injustices that she sees in the world around her and has a strong belief that spoken word is a powerful platform in amplifying unheard stories and marginalized voices. She has performed all around New York City and Honolulu, has featured at various venues and has won multiple awards in the slam circuit (including being the winner of the Honolulu Poetry Slam and at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe). She has a Bachelors of Arts in Theatre Studies from Chapman University and is also the founder and host of the Sakura Series (@sakura.series), a writing workshop, open mic and slam series dedicated to providing space for growth and self development. Writing and performing is an honor and privilege for her, and she can’t wait to continue doing this for the rest of her life.

This workshop is taught by and for Black, Indigenous, and other Persons of Color with an interest in poetry. We invite folks to connect in this safe, generative, BIPOC-centered space: to share work, experiences, and discourse. At the end of every workshop, we welcome the sharing of resources, such as literature, community events, and grants available for application. Respectfully and consensually connecting with other members outside of the space is encouraged. If you are not BIPOC-identifying, we kindly invite you to attend other PSNY events. While topics do not necessarily center around being BIPOC, this community space is designed specifically for the BIPOC experience. Attendees of our Monthly Free Workshops for BIPOC Creatives receive a 50% off discount code for our Weekly Virtual Workshops!