NXTHVN Performs: Black History's NXT Future

Join us for an evening of spoken word featuring New Haven Poet Laureate, Yexandra Diaz, and live music featuring students Music Haven. This year, our annual high school apprentice-led program invites performers to share original poetry, short stories, and music that honor their ancestors.

This is a free, teen-centered program. All ages are welcome.

To sign up to perform, email NXTHVN apprentice Abby Cadet at [email protected]. 

Performers: Consider the impact of those who came before you and how you will impact the generations that come after you. Feel free to respond to these prompts: “to my ancestors…” or “when I am an ancestor…” This theme is inspired by our summer-fall 2025 exhibition, Reverence: An Archival Altar, which celebrated everyday Black New Haven greats.  

ABOUT YEXANDRA DIAZ

Yexandra "Yex" Díaz is a nationally recognized, award winning poet. She is the New Haven Poet Laureate and Artistic Director of The Word New Haven, a literary arts organization. Off stage, she serves her local arts council and the Connecticut Office of the Arts in strategic development, supporting sustainable creative economies. 

ABOUT MUSIC HAVEN

At Music Haven, young musicians study with and are mentored by our resident musicians from first, second, or third grade until they graduate from high school. At the heart of their model is the relationship between teacher and student, and the relationships between the young musicians, themselves. Through music, they build community, develop resilience and self-confidence, and experience collective struggle and success. Music Haven serves students from 25 different schools throughout the city of New Haven.

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