BLK CURRENT: R.I.S.E POETRY SHOWCASE
“sharing your poems looks good on you”
Stepping into a BLK Current event is like stepping into a room of friends you’ve known for years.
BLK Current is a West Midlands based, Black-led interdisciplinary group for Global Majority creatives, focusing on pop-up projects, building local connections and supporting creative communities. Having launched in August 2025, the group held their first event at Bene Culture in Digbeth with visual art and community discussion.
The R.I.S.E (Rich in Spirit and Energy) poetry showcase and open mic fllowed the six weekly poetry workshops set up by Project Lead, Syl. The series of workshops bolstered writers in expressing their truths, with each week themed around a new prompt, style or reason. The showcase acted as a celebration, highlighting the journeys the writers went on. With four scheduled performers, the talent vibrated around the room - each sharing their work in their own unique forms; some as stories, some as prayers and some that were everything in between.
The open mic reiterated BLK Current's central principles. Thanks to the warmth of each scheduled performer, the BLK Current team and host Candice, a safe space was fostered for audience members to come to the front and share their own work.
Walking through the venue doors, I immediately felt welcomed. I was met by Jaz, who introduced me to the BLK Current team where I was able to connect with the people whose efforts enabled this wonderful event to take place. Before entering, Jaz made sure that anyone who did not consent to being filmed or photographed had a lanyard to be clearly identified, there were teas, coffees and snacks set up as well as chairs, beanbags and space to stand. It was plainly evident that consideration for performers and attendees alike had been at the forefront of the BLK Current team's minds.
The first performer who stepped up to the mic was BLK Current member Hazel, with their first poem themed around celebration as a tribute to all poets who took part in the R.I.S.E workshops. Hazel’s words are delicate, rhythmic and full of power. If there were any stray nerves quickly washed them away.
Next up was Dervina, whose voice commanded the attention of the room. Dervina took us on a journey, performing her works on affirmations, grief, street poetry and the important history of hair and dreadlocks. Her poetry is relatable, accepting and a force to be reckoned with all at once.
Ebele was third to perform. Her poems explore the split parts of self and the process of becoming whole through the lens of myth, nature and spirituality. Spoken softly and with clarity, her words were as compelling yet delicate.
The final scheduled performer was Thea. Thea’s work was thoughtful, measured and brave, drawing reflections from her own spiritual journey. She shared her poems in the forms of stories and prayers.
During the break, music, applause and laughter filled the room. The poets were hugging, chatting and catching up with each other and audience members. Many chatted over warming soup ahead of the open mic, while some sipped tea or read their books.
Seeing people from various walks of life stand up and share their poems was truly inspiring. Seven open mic slots were filled and it was a privilege to not only hear their work, but also what led them to be in this moment. Some were new to Birmingham and found a sense of community, some had never performed before and found courage and some just knew this was a safe space
BLK Current are currently working on some upcoming events, including queer film screenings and craft workshops. Follow @blkcurrent_ to be the first to know about what the wonderful team has planned.
With that, I think I’ll go and pick up my own pen.
@blkCurrent_
@blkCurrent_
(Background information and performer bio’s provided by BLK Current).