Art & Literary Festival: Poetry Night

We are kicking off our 16th Annual Art & Literary Festival celebrating the Harlem Renaissance with a free poetry night in partnership with Nebraska Writers Collective! Join us for the performances of four local poets in the Joslyn Castle Carriage House.

What: Poetry Night at the Castle

When: Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6:30pm, doors open at 6pm

Where: Joslyn Castle Carriage House

3902 Davenport St. Omaha, NE 68131

Noni Williams (they/she) is a poet, a teaching artist, a mathematician, a philosopher, a senior data professional born and raised in North Omaha, Nebraska. Noni finds purpose in using mathematical concepts as a lens for exploring the perceived world around them and fostering the joy of that exploration in others. Noni is a 2024 Ten Outstanding Young Omahan, 2024 Ten Outstanding Young American, an OEAA Outstanding Performance Poet nominee, and has created work featured by Joslyn Art Museum, Opera Omaha, Kiewit Luminarium, Juneteenth JoyFest, AfroFest, Omaha Diversity Experience, Silicon Prairie News, and others.

Paula is from E. StL Illinois, but has lived in Omaha most of her life. She graduated from Central High School in 1986 and completed her Bachelor’s degree from UNO in 2012, majoring in Business Administration. She held numerous positions at Wisconsin Physician Services. She also completed her Project Management and Lean Six Sigma certification.  She did all of this during the pandemic that disrupted livelihoods.  

Paula began writing and performing Spoken Word poetry to cope with life’s challenges, overcome shyness, manage fears and gain confidence. Paula’s adoration for poetry has extended to teaching the art at several middle and high schools, performing at churches, nightclubs, community centers, private events, theaters as well as featuring in plays in the Omaha area. 

Writing and performing Spoken Word poetry is her spiritual expression, personal empowerment, ancestral pride, intimate connection to the universe and a way to encourage others to speak their truths.   

Lite Pole (LP) is an emerging artist hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, whose innovative rhyme schemes and whimsical metaphors set him apart as one of the most unconventional and captivating lyricists on the music scene today. A natural-born creative, LP’s passion for art took root in childhood, but it was during 7th grade that his love for music truly ignited. Inspired by the freestyle sessions of his peers during lunch, he began honing his craft, blending vivid storytelling with intricate wordplay.

Over the years, LP has evolved into a masterful lyricist and a versatile producer, crafting immersive instrumentals under the moniker “2 Stomachs.” In 2011, he founded UnPlugged Connection™ (UPC), a platform for his music and clothing line. Through UPC, LP strives to inspire peace, elevate consciousness, and revive the lost “art” of storytelling in hip-hop.

With a unique sound and a visionary approach, LP continues to carve his path, connecting with listeners and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.

Am’Agyn Spencer is an accomplished junior at Duchesne Academy, known for channeling her passion for social justice into powerful performance poetry. A Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate Finalist and a dedicated member of her school’s SLAM Poetry Team, Am'Agyn uses her art to drive community change.

A recipient of the prestigious Nebraska 20 under 20 Distinguished Alumni Award and the Phenomenal Woman Academy Rising Star Award, her commitment to service and equity is foundational. She holds leadership roles on Mentor Nebraska’s Youth Advisory Board, the BLOC Youth Advisory Board, and is a Policy Fellow for the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table's Youth Lobby School, advocating for change in BIPOC and rural communities.

Am'Agyn's strategic impact is further evidenced by her selection to the Congressional Youth Advisory Academy (CYAA), her completion of Youth Leadership Omaha (YLO), and her First Place win in the Midland's African Chamber's Rising CEO's Entrepreneurship Program. Am'Agyn is a noble young leader whose commitment to creating an equitable society is powerfully amplified through her voice on the stage.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Joslyn Castle & Gardens