Filmed in 2020 and 2021 during the height of the pandemic, Poetry in Motion: St. Louis Poets Take the Mic will debut on Nine PBS in St. Louis on May 28 at 2:00 PM.
CHECK OUT THE TRAILER
Directed by Dana Christian and created, produced, and hosted by Lyah Beth LeFlore-Ituen, this documentary showcases compelling spoken-word performances from dynamic poets from the St. Louis area. Set against the backdrop of a city shaped by French and American roots, St. Louis has long inspired poets—from T. S. Eliot and Eugene Field to Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore —with its rich culture and complex history.
The documentary explores the city’s vibrant poetry scene while honoring the late poet laureates Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore and Dr. Michael Castro. Featured voices include the past and current St. Louis poet laureates Jane Ibur and Pacia Elaine, East St. Louis laureate Dr. Eugene Redmond, former youth laureates Grace Ruo and Diya Abbas, and acclaimed poets such as Jabari Asim, Marsha Cann, and Dr. Jason Vasser-Elong. The film also includes contributions from visual artist DL Warfield, dancer Alicia “Sunshine” Gbaho, and local musicians Stanley Coleman and Darrell Mixon. These diverse voices—reflecting a wide range of racial, cultural, gender, and spiritual identities—come together in celebration of poetry, place, and legacy.
Tune in to Nine PBS for the premiere on May 28 at 2:00 PM as we mark the Fifth Anniversary of the Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation (SBLF) this Mother’s Day. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us at feedback@sblfoundation.org.
Poetry in Motion: St. Louis Poets Take the Mic is set to become a monthly poetry reading series by SBLF, showcasing multiple poets starting in Fall 2025. The inaugural event will take place during the Community Curation at the MUSIC AT THE INTERSECTION (MATI) Festival & Conference inside High + Low scheduled for September 12-14, 2025. Keep an eye out for additional information, such as set times and our lineup of poets.
ST. LOUIS POETS:
First line from left to right: Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore, Dr. Eugene Redmond, Grace Ruo, Dr. Michael Castro, Pacia Elaine
Second line from left to right: Jabari Asim, Marsha Cann, Dr. Jason Vasser-Elong, Jane Ibur, Diya Abbas
