Berks Bards welcomes Jazer Willis to join us at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts to read selected poetry. Following his reading, we'll allow ANYONE to step up to the mic and read what moves them.
When: December 5th 2019 at 6 pm
Where: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Studio 238
201 Washington Street Reading PA 19601
Read Jazer Willis' Bio below:
Jazer Willis is a Black, Afro Sensitive and Christ centered speaker, appreciative of the arts and nationally recognized poet. Jazer is currently pursuing his BA in political science with a focus in religious studies as it relates to how the world works, at Albright College in Reading, PA. Willis's work concentrates on his own identity and what seems to affect it, as a young, African American - Christian man. Jazer speaks on race, faith, social justice, love of self, celebration of life - channeling familiar memories, overcoming adversity, and creating a periscope into what it means to be present and still surviving.
“As a rising poet, I was mentored by some of the most gifted writers”, Willis said. Jazer honed in on his writing skill by being apart of Philadelphia’s poetry collective, Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement (PYPM) at the start of 2016. Jazer has read poetry, “slammed” poetry and given speeches in various cities and gatherings. Including, numerous competitions at Brave New Voices, featuring in social hubs such as The Union League of Philadelphia, and Chicago’s Christian - oriented, Poets In Autumn Spoken Word Show, Storytellers.
Below is a sample poem from our featured poet:
Alabaster
An ode to my mouth, from my feet - discussing my anointing.
Why you so loud for?
I hear God called you to preach
You must think you better than your pastor
Think you better than Jesus
You think you can walk in his shoes and not be bruised?
Say the things he says and get away with it?
Like the devil ain’t listening
Like this valley don’t got shadows
and a voice worth listening to
We gon’ have to walk
Slowly
Until what you say catches to what you do
Understand that purpose is worth the pain
fervency is full of fatigue
And the Lord who is word from the beginning
has grace enough to be an alabaster
Open himself
ready of oil
Spilling over with truth in scripture
All
To prepare you.
Watch Jazer Willis perform "White Lie" at the 19th Annual Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival
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