The Speak Freely Foundation (SFF) presents its inaugural poetry festival on April 12-14, 2018 in North Charleston, SC. The 2018 Speak Freely Foundation Poetry Festival is purposed to raise awareness about poetry’s importance to the arts and youth. Studies have shown that fine arts are therapeutic, and through exposing children to the art of poetry, they will have an outlet that encourages them to express themselves through the three Rs (Reading, wRiting and Reciting).
The three-day festival offers fun, learning and creativity for everyone. Thursday evening will be The Poetry Show by SC Poets, along with open mic for anyone who wants to share their talents. Friday evening will be a networking mixer with refreshments and poetry recitation by SFF Founder Carlos Johnson. The final day of the festival is Speak Freely Saturday, which will include a poetry workshop led by the organization’s founder, children’s poetry competition, live visual art by Casso Creations and Quintin Chaplin, poetry recitations by students from Goose Creek High School’s creative writing program, interpretive poetry performances by Bria the Poet through martial arts, vendors, and more! All ages are encouraged to attend on Saturday. Ticket donations can be made through Eventbrite under the Speak Freely Foundation or 2018 Speak Freely Foundation Poetry Festival. Specific times and locations for festival events can be found on the Speak Freely Foundation Facebook page and Eventbrite page.