Barrie’s poet laureate, Tyneisha Thomas, along with UPlift Black, is organizing a community event on Saturday, Nov. 23, to raise funds for the Women and Children’s Shelter in Barrie. The pay-what-you-can event will offer guests an opportunity to experience local poetry, arts, and creativity while supporting a vital cause.
Thomas, also known as Ty the Poetess, hopes the event will foster a sense of community in Simcoe County, connecting people through poetry and creative expression. The event, titled She Is More, will feature local poets, artists, business owners, and professionals, aiming to inspire and motivate attendees.
The event will take place at UPlift Black’s Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, located at 12 Dunlop St. E. in downtown Barrie. There will be two sessions: one from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and another from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
UPlift Black founder Shelly-Ann Skinner, a social justice advocate and winner of the 2022 Community Builders Award, will also be part of the event. Skinner’s work focuses on supporting marginalized communities, including artists, newcomers, and LGBTQ2S individuals.
The event is supported by Creative Barrie and curated by Thomas. All performers will receive an honorarium, and all funds raised through ticket sales, art purchases, and donations will benefit the Women and Children’s Shelter.
Thomas shared that, as a mother, she felt driven to empower female-identifying members of the community. “So often we feel like we have to compete, but I hope this event shows that we should complement each other,” she said.
She also wanted to honor her predecessor, Victoria Butler, who previously served as Barrie’s poet laureate. Butler is known for her work raising awareness about domestic violence through poetry. “The Women and Children’s Shelter is an essential part of Barrie’s community, and I’m proud of Ty for continuing this important work,” said Butler.
The She Is More event will feature performances from local residents, many of whom will be sharing spoken-word poetry for the first time. Participants will also share personal stories, provide encouragement, and promote their local businesses.
Admission is pay-what-you-can, with all proceeds going to the Women and Children’s Shelter.
The event is family-friendly and open to all ages. Complimentary tea, coffee, and popcorn will be provided. Art and merchandise from local artists will also be available for purchase.
Join Barrie’s poet laureate and UPlift Black for an evening celebrating poetry, sisterhood, and community support.
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