The Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation is launching its first ongoing event during Black History Month, Poetry In Motion: St. Louis Poets Take The Mic.
Poetry In Motion will present “UNAPOLOGETIC D9 AND HBCU VOICES” on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the High Low Listening Room, 3301 Washington Avenue in St. Louis. Hosted by Dr. Jason Vasser-Elong, this event, which aims to honor and celebrate the Divine Nine (D9) African American fraternities and sororities, as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), will showcase poets, writers, visual artists, musicians, and scholars, recognizing their important roles in public service, community empowerment, and academic excellence. Attendees are welcome to arrive at 6:30 pm to view artwork and network, with the program starting at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $20.
Poetry In Motion draws inspiration from its namesake, Poet Laureate Emeritus Shirley Bradley LeFlore, who created community programs during the formation of the Black Artists Group (BAG) in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The project began as a documentary filmed during the 2020-2021 pandemic by SBLF’s executive director, Lyah Beth LeFlore-Ituen, and directed by renowned St. Louis filmmaker Dana Christian. The film highlights St. Louis poets, including former and current poet laureates Jane Ellen Ibur and Pacia Elaine, as well as East St. Louis laureate Eugene Redmond. It premiered on Nine PBS in 2025. These diverse voices, representing a broad spectrum of racial, cultural, gender, and spiritual backgrounds, united to celebrate poetry, place, and legacy.
Poetry In Motion made its debut as a community event at the 5th Annual Music at the Intersection (MATI) festival in 2025 at the High Low Listening Room, featuring performances by both emerging and established poets, along with a poetry panel. Following its initial success, Poetry In Motion is returning to the High Low as a regular program of SBLF during Black History Month. “Coming together through art during times of social and political unrest is vital,” says LeFlore-Ituen. “It promotes unity, builds resilience, and provides a peaceful, accessible way to process collective trauma, elevate marginalized voices, and encourage dialogue. I look forward to seeing Poetry In Motion help transform shared pain and mutual concerns into a public, creative expression that strengthens community identity and inspires activism.”
Poetry In Motion will return in March 2026. Keep an eye out for future updates.
SBLF Foundation, Inc. / POETRY IN MOTION
UNAPOLOGETIC D9 AND HBCU VOICES
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | Admission: $20
Art Browse and Networking 6:30 PM | Showtime 7:00 PM
High Low Listening Room | 3301 Washington Avenue | St. Louis
For more information: Lyah Beth LeFlore-Ituen
