WriteGirl Partners with LA Music Center for Love Amplified Poetry Jam

Against a backdrop of funky beats, interpretive dance and a live audience, five WriteGirl alums and mentees performed an inspiring group poem at the Music Center in Los Angeles on June 14, 2023.

WriteGirl teens Shandela Contreras, Jazzmin Joya, Victoria Rosales, Rhiann Sheffie and Millissa Sutton co-wrote a poem called Love Amplifies as part of the Love Amplified Poetry Jam, a live event that wove together spoken word poetry, live music and dance.

This free night of entertainment included a screening of the short film Black is Beautiful, performances by poets Sean Hill and Terrell “The Artist” Lewis, live music from Everything Raw, and dance performances by UniverSOUL Hip Hop and USC’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Through the power of multidisciplinary creative collaboration, spoken word poetry became one with dance and music right before the audience’s eyes.

During the performances, WriteGirl staff and volunteers also handed out writing activities at the WriteGirl table to encourage attendees to reflect on their own experiences of love. Here are a few of the writing activities:

• When was a time you felt really loved? Describe it.

• Make a list of three things you love right now! And give us a few details.

Community members of all ages reflected and shared their experiences of love. It was a special night of community gathering and magic-making. WriteGirl is excited to continue collaborating with the Music Center in the future!