Poetic Justice: A Night of Storytelling, Healing, and Caribbean Pride at Island SPACE

On the evening of Saturday, April 26th, over 70 guests gathered at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum to experience Poetic Justice: An Artistic Experience. Attendees gathered to celebrate National Poetry Month with an unforgettable fusion of spoken word, live music, and Caribbean culture.

 A Night of Storytelling and Resilience

Curated and hosted by acclaimed poet-author and entertainer Frankie Red Wordz and widely celebrated poet, recording artist, and curator Mecca Grimo, Poetic Justice delivered a night where voices rose to honor justice, identity, and healing. 

Guests arrived to the soulful sounds of The Tribe Band, featuring Eudora Sage on saxophone and Royce on keys, setting a warm and inviting tone during the reception hour. During this time, guests explored the Clover E. Thompson Archives through a self-guided tour, discovering the history of the Caribbean through donated artifacts.

The evening officially began with welcoming remarks from Island SPACE Manager, Mandy Laguerre, where she talked about Island SPACE, and shared insights into the museum’s ongoing programming.

After introductions by Frankie, Mecca Grimo opened the poetry segment with an original piece, opening the show with an inspiring start. The program then moved into a series of performances where youth writers and professional poets exchanged letters, creating a connection between generations.

Throughout the evening, youth participants—students from Permission To Succeed Education Center, a safe haven offering personalized support in reading, math, and writing—shared heartfelt letters addressed to their future selves. Each was then followed by a response from a featured poet. Mori Taiye brought her international perspective to the first reply, while Ben Francois responded with reflections on healing and resilience. After a brief intermission, May Reign answered with empowering words about strength and identity, and Quick the Poet closed the series with an energetic and engaging performance.

Each pairing created a meaningful dialogue between the past, present, and future selves of the performers and writers. Adding to the night’s excitement, Just John, a National Poetry Slam Champion, made an appearance, delivering a powerful piece that left a lasting impression on the audience.

Throughout the night, The Tribe Band kept the energy flowing, infusing the space with soulful music that complimented each spoken word performance.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt closing poem by host Frankie Red Wordz, bringing together the emotions and themes explored throughout the night. Museum manager Mandy followed with a sincere ‘thank you’ from Island SPACE, encouraging guests to continue their support. Guests then mingled for photos and casual conversation, carrying the inspiration of the evening into the night.

More than just a showcase of talent, Poetic Justice was a living testament to the power of art to inspire, uplift, and unite communities. Attendees left with a renewed sense of the impact spoken words can have.

This special evening was made possible with generous support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Enjoy this gallery of photos showing some of our favorite moments:

For more information on future events, visit islandspacefl.org/events.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Island SPACE is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Broward County Cultural Division, BBX Capital Foundation, Community Reinvestment Alliance of Florida, “King” George Jograj, Dr. Lydia Malcom of Authentic Behavioral Health LLC, and her husband, Mr. Waynewright Malcolm, Alexandra P. Davis, and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund.

About Island SPACE Caribbean Museum

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Caribbean’s diverse heritage through exhibits, educational programs, and events that spotlight the region’s history, art, and music.

The facility features a historical archive filled with information and artifacts from across the Caribbean region, a fine art gallery and multipurpose spaces.

The public is invited to visit the museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $15 per adult and $7.50 per child. Visit islandspacefl.org to learn more.

Get Involved

If you’d like to participate in a future staging of this event or to get involved otherwise, here’s how you can:

Sponsor an upcoming event: Correo electrónico mu****@***********fl.org or call 954-999-0989

Become a vendor at an upcoming event: https://islandspacefl.org/become-a-vendor

Volunteer with us: https://islandspacefl.org/volunteer

Become a museum member: https://islandspacefl.org/membership

Plan your visit to the museum: islandspacefl.org/visit

Book an event with us: Correo electrónico mu****@***********fl.org or call 954-999-0989