Chicago Soul Poem Shoot – Day Two: Legacy, Voice, and a Whole Lot of Soul
- Elgin Smith
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30
On April 26, 2025, Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative (SGLAI) took over the Harold Washington Library for Day Two of the Chicago Soul Poem shoot—and what unfolded was nothing short of transformative.
From the moment the doors opened, our team was met with a chorus of poetic voices that stretched across generations, genres, and lived experience. The day was filled with energy, intention, and an abundance of love for this city and its storytellers.
🔹 Soul Poem Shoot Highlights
In Room 804, we captured powerful "soloems"—individual reflections of Chicago life through poetry and stillness—on film. With special thanks to avery r. young for guiding the artistic vision of the shoot, and to Charles for capturing moving behind-the-scenes moments, we honored the subtlety and emotional weight of each poet’s presence.
We were deeply honored to share space and document works by:
Melinda Hernandez
avery r. young
Rachel “Raych” Jackson
Faylita Hicks
Nile Lansana
Starla Thompson
Olivia Mulcahy
Kim Ransom (in two dynamic segments)
Blaq Ice
And we cannot thank Patricia Smith, our living legend, enough for blessing us with her time, wisdom, and warmth.
🔹 A Moment for the History Books: Nakiyah + Patricia Smith
One of the most unforgettable moments of the day came when Nakiyah, one of our brilliant youth poets, performed her award-winning poem Freedom for none other than Patricia Smith herself. It was raw, powerful, and full of reverence—proof that the torch is being passed and held high.
🔹 Youth Leadership in Action: Cassius & Nakiyah’s First Workshop
Earlier in the day, Cassius and Nakiyah led their very first poetry workshop—and their energy was electric. After the session, both described the experience as deeply affirming.
“I'm really blessed. Really blessed.” – Cassius“You killed it. High five.” – Elgin Bokari“I’m proud of y’all both, man. For real. Y’all killed it.” – Cassius
Nakiyah reflected on the moment with a single, powerful word:
“Confident.”
Their leadership marks an exciting new chapter for SGLAI, as we continue to foster opportunities for youth to step into their own as both artists and facilitators.
The impact was immediate. One audience member responded:
“I thought I was off path. My mind had me suspended thinking my path was broken. My future was only pending. Heal from being bruised. Scars morphed into tattoos.How could I wish my path was different when it created art that can be used to inspire other dreamers, other authors, other believers?Our thoughts can be the biggest deceivers.My path doesn't define me, but it molded this strength a lot. You can't see from the outside.So I designed music, poetry pages for eyes to see or be highlighted on stages,and one day my mom and dad will see what God intended for me to create with this…because this broken road I've been led down wasn't all in.” — Workshop Responder
Another listener shared:
“My body. I fly when gratitude gives me comfort. I fly when I expect the best. I fly when I think of me. Amen.” — Workshop Responder
These words, sparked by Nakiyah’s poem, are reminders of the kind of ripple effect young artists can create when given the space to lead with voice and purpose.
🔹 Raych Jackson + Dahlia’s Poem
One of the most tender moments came when poet Rachel “Raych” Jackson read a piece written by Dahlia B, one of our youth participants.
“Thank you @avery_r_young! I’m very grateful to write and perform a Chicago soul poem, soloem, as well as read a talented youth, Dahlia’s piece. Shoutout the full team and @stompinggroundslai!”— Raych Jackson
Here is Dahlia’s poem, read beautifully by Raych in honor of Chicago’s vibrancy and youth creativity:
🔹 Reflections from the Poets
avery r. young captured the spirit of the day in verse, a reminder that the Chicago Soul Poem is not just a shoot—it’s a sacred, intergenerational transmission:
in copper-like stripe(s). or in re-worn pink fit. or wif p.o.e.t. on dey front. or a dopeness of emerald & salmon in fleece drip. her quiet be god. trombone. in dis wilderness of onion, jag(id) tower(s) & sunshine, her talkin de square(s) & glass her mama & auntie(s) became scripture enclosed. not swingin at de one thing dat proves a light be kissin her softly. surely. inside a lan(d) call(d) right now. a poet searches for kin. anudda negro who speaks shadow box.
Blaq Ice reflected:
“Received and honored to be a part of this powerful project. Please let me know of any future opportunities. I am grateful.”
We are proud of this community, and of every young person who continues to raise their voice through art and advocacy. Stay tuned for more updates and video recaps as we continue this powerful journey.