Sponsor spotlight WE SPEAK brings community, connection and bold voices to the ECA Stage

The WE SPEAK event, scheduled for May 1 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, is a vibrant celebration of spoken word and personal storytelling. This year, acclaimed Seattle artists Amber Flame and Sharon Nyree Williams will headline the event, joined by talented young poets who have excelled in the 2025 WE SPEAK Youth Poetry Slam Competition. Participants will receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 and benefit from workshops designed to refine their poetic and performance skills. Aly Fellores, the competition's first-place winner, highlights the power of poetry in addressing personal emotions and fostering empathy among listeners. Flame and Williams, both influential figures in the arts community, emphasize the transformative potential of storytelling in effecting social change.

The event also features an open mic segment, encouraging attendees to share their own narratives inspired by themes of identity, injustice, and mental health. This initiative not only showcases emerging voices but also strengthens community ties through shared experiences. WE SPEAK aims to create a space where everyone feels empowered to speak their truth and connect through the art of poetry.