On Friday, June 13, 2025, Poetic Pages: Where Black Poets Speak will take place at the Hank Gallo Community Center in Lincoln Park, Jersey City. The event will begin at 5:30 PM and end at 8:00 PM, lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is free to attend and open to the public.
This event is part of the Juneteenth 2025 celebrations. Juneteenth marks the date of June 19, 1865, when over 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally told they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. Poetic Pages honor this history by creating space for Black poets to share their stories and speak openly about the past and present.
- The event is free and takes place on June 13, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Hank Gallo Community Center, 175 Lincoln Park, Jersey City.
- Three poets—ShakinDaWorld, EyeRene, and Positive Gunter—will read their poems, answer questions, and have books available to buy.
- Juneteenth remembers June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were told they were free, and this event honors that day through poetry and community.
Three Poets Will Perform Their Work Live
The event will feature three poets: ShakinDaWorld, EyeRene, and Positive Gunter. Each artist will present original work through live readings.
ShakinDaWorld is a multidisciplinary artist from Queens, New York. His style blends hip-hop, R&B, spoken word, and guitar. He is a Grammy-nominated guitarist and has performed with BRIC, a Brooklyn-based arts organization. He recently released a poetry book titled ShakinThesePages.
EyeRene is both a poet and a social worker. Her writing focuses on healing, empowerment, and advocacy. Her first book, Writing So the Healing Can Begin, explores her own lived experience and supports others through similar journeys.
Positive Gunter uses poetry to talk about personal growth. Her collection, Positive’s Reflections, addresses fear and shame with honesty. Her goal is to help others become more aware and confident by sharing her own truth.
Event Activities and Offerings
The night will include several activities in addition to the poetry performances.
First, there will be a live Q&A session where audience members can ask the poets about their work, giving attendees a chance to hear more directly from each artist and learn what inspires their writing.
Second, poetry books by each of the three poets will be available for purchase. These books include ShakinThesePages, Writing So the Healing Can Begin, and Positive’s Reflections.
Third, complimentary light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be served to all guests.
According to the event description, the event is meant to be more than a performance. It is described as a “reclamation” of Black voices and a way to “affirm stories, honor ancestors, and amplify artistry.” The event aims to preserve Black culture and provide a platform for truth-telling and creative expression.
Location, Registration, and Contact Information
The event will be held at the Hank Gallo Community Center, located at 175 Lincoln Park, Jersey City, NJ 07304. The venue is part of Lincoln Park, one of Jersey City’s major public parks.
Registration is available online through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1375126934679?aff=oddtdtcreator. While tickets are free, registering in advance helps the organizers prepare.
For questions about the event, attendees can reach out by email to [email protected].
