A Night of Spoken Word at Citrus Club

Come ready to listen, feel, and be inspired.

Join us for an unforgettable night of original spoken‑word poetry and storytelling, featuring powerful live performances and special appearances by two distinguished poet laureates. Experience oral expressions as they were meant to be heard, crafted for the voice, shaped by emotion, and brought to life through dynamic stage presence.

Spoken word is one of humanity’s oldest art forms, an oral tradition carried by storytellers, poets, and elders long before writing existed. Across global cultures, spoken word has always been a living, breathing bridge between story and community.

Featuring:

• Camara Gaither, City of Orlando Poet Laureate
• Shawn Welcome, Past Poet Laureate
• Hosted by Esu Ma’at

Cash Bar Available • Complimentary Lite Bites

AGENDA

Time: 7:30-9pm

Agenda: Open house style; come and go as you are able

Location: Citrus Club

Learn more about the featured Poet Laureates

Camara Gaither is the 3rd Poet Laureate of the City of Orlando, a mental health therapist (MSW, RCSWI), and teaching artist. She uses poetry to support mental health, inspire civic engagement, and elevate cultural storytelling. Camara has partnered with United Arts of Central Florida and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to lead programming that broadens access to the literary arts for underserved communities. In addition to her literary leadership, she provides therapy at Heart Bonds Counseling, integrating expressive arts to support clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Shawn Welcome is the co-founder of the Literary Arts Council of Central Florida and the former Poet Laureate for the City of Orlando. An award-winning professional speaker and gifted storyteller, Shawn uses his words to inspire, educate and entertain audiences around the world.
He has traveled extensively to perform, speak and facilitate writing and performance workshops dedicating his life to serving others and amplifying the voices of his community. In 2006 he founded Diverse Word, Central Florida’s longest-running open mic, which continues to provide a platform for creative expression nearly two decades later.
Shawn’s artistry and leadership have led him to collaborate with Disney, Universal Orlando, Nike, the Orlando Magic, the Orlando Business Journal and the University of Central Florida among others. He has also curated powerful educational poetry experiences for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Bethune-Cookman University, the 33rd Street J*il and Orange County Public Schools.
With a BA in English literature and an MA in applied sociology, Shawn blends creativity with cultural insight making appearances on National Public Radio and other media outlets to highlight his role in advancing the literary arts.
Shawn lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife Jannah and their five children continuing to strengthen the region’s literary community through vision, leadership and art.

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