Lyrical Assembly

#Book: Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning #Author: @cathyparkhong #RFR: @l.mn123 @calimedoc A Reads for Resistance recap by @lyricalassembly, for those that need to catch up, as well as a quick refresher and review before our next book club. In a time where there are ongoing injustices committed against marginalized communities, we must craft a theology that centers justice and solidarity with the oppressed. Historical frameworks of Christianity that have been built on white supremacy and colonialism cannot help us move towards justice. We must pursue a theology that allows us to live, breath, and create from a place of liberation and love. This book club was created specifically for creatives who wish to decolonize their faith, and learn about a Jesus who stands with the oppressed. Because we are a community of creatives, we will also explore how the content we learn can help inspire us to create art from a deeper place of authenticity and liberation. FREQUENCY: Every Saturday TIME: 9AM-10AM PST STRUCTURE: We will be reading one chapter a week, followed by a discussion on Saturday mornings. Discussion will be facilitated by leaders and artists in our community. #MinorFeelings #ReadsForResistance #BookClub #LyricalAssembly

#Book​: Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning #Author​: @cathyparkhong #Facilitator​(s): @l.mn123 @calimedoc A Reads for Resistance recap of chapter 1 by @lyricalassembly, for those that need to catch up, as well as a quick refresher and review before our next book club. In a time where there are ongoing injustices committed against marginalized communities, we must craft a theology that centers justice and solidarity with the oppressed. Historical frameworks of Christianity that have been built on white supremacy and colonialism cannot help us move towards justice. We must pursue a theology that allows us to live, breath, and create from a place of liberation and love. This book club was created specifically for creatives who wish to decolonize their faith, and learn about a Jesus who stands with the oppressed. Because we are a community of creatives, we will also explore how the content we learn can help inspire us to create art from a deeper place of authenticity and liberation. FREQUENCY: Every Saturday TIME: 9AM-10AM PST STRUCTURE: We will be reading one chapter a week, followed by a discussion on Saturday mornings. Discussion will be facilitated by leaders and artists in our community. #MinorFeelings​ #ReadsForResistance​ #BookClub​ #LyricalAssembly​

In this episode: -#performance Glory/Dear Dr. King by @eubanksme & @odthewordsmith -#flashbriefing Forgiveness PSA by @alfluent on the @LyricalOnes -#sermon "Wrestling Well" by @odthewordsmith at @oaklifechurch Text DECOLONIZE to 415-903-7699 to get connected to the Lyrical Assembly community. #LyricalAssembly #BayArea #1001NWC#Community #Broadcast#SundayService #SundayGathering@1001nwcpcusa @pcusa#LyricalLaFamilia #SanFrancisco#LyricalChurch #ArtsFaith #Bethel#OakLife #Church

ICYMI: Lacy Nguyen and Ashley Budelli debrief Reads for the Resistance with a review of Chapter 2. Join Read for the Resistance every Saturday from 9am - 10am. Chapter 2 Summary: This chapter runs through much of Reinhold Niebuhr’s career as one of America’s foremost theologians. Cone laments and is obviously exasperated by the fact that Niebuhr, who is manifestly capable of understanding Black sorrow and rage, never appears to “get it” about what America’s Black population needs. Niebuhr misses numerous opportunities to dig into Black experience and pain. Repeatedly, he declines to engage in Black suffering in any sustained way. He takes his cue from Hodding Carter and William Faulkner rather than Martin Luther King and ends up with a gradualist approach to an issue that requires revolutionary change. Needless to say, Niebuhr fails to make the connection between the cross of Jesus and the lynching tree. As a consequence, Niebuhr’s otherwise influential career is marred by his mediocre response to Black issues. As Cone assumes his own teaching responsibilities at Union, he returns appreciatively to Niebuhr’s writings. Nevertheless, America’s foremost Black theologians and ethicists never make the connection between the cross and the lynching tree. Douglas Decelle

This past week, we began reading the Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone together, and began unpacking what this books mean as creatives who make art. In case you missed Reads for the Resistance, here's a Chapter 1 Review and Chapter 2 Preview to prepare you for the upcoming reading tomorrow. We need a theology that sustains our communities, uplifts the marginalized, and preaches a gospel of love and justice. This book club is created for people who are interested in decolonizing their faith, and learning about a Jesus that stands with the oppressed. Reviewed by Lacy Nguyen and Kirk Davis. “The cross is a paradoxical religious symbol because it inverts the world’s value system with the news that hope comes by way of defeat, that suffering and death do not have the last word, that the last shall be first and the first last.” (Pg. 2) “The fear of lynching was so deep and widespread that most blacks were too scared to talk publicly about it.” (Pg. 15) “If the blues offered an affirmation of humanity, religion offered a way for black people to find hope.” (Pg. 18) “The final word about black life is not death on a lynching tree but redemption in the cross — a miraculously transformed life found in the God of the gallows.” (Pg. 23) Chapter 1 Summary: Cone begins his first chapter by observing that there are several parallels between the cross of Jesus and the lynching tree terror that stretched between 1880 and 1940, mostly in the Southern States. Both cross and lynching tree are wooden upright structures used to hang victims. Both are forms of spectacle torture designed to shame victims publicly. Both were used to reinforce social dominance by one group or cultural standard. And both have had an impact on Black Americans, especially those living under the terror of being lynched. Douglas Decelle

7 Last Poems is a spoken word event featuring 7 amazing poets from all over the bay area sharing poems inspired by the 7 last statements of Jesus during his crucifixion before his death. This is a powerful way to reflect on the life-changing love of Jesus during the Easter Season. 7 Last Poems also features special music from the 7 Last Poems Band along with DJ Sticky.

The Official Podcast Trailer of Lyrical Assembly, a nomadic faith, arts and activism community, who assemble to spread messages of hope that inspire and empower communities towards social change.

7 Last Poems is a spoken word event featuring 7 amazing poets from all over the bay area sharing poems inspired by the 7 last statements of Jesus during his crucifixion before his death. This is a powerful way to reflect on the life-changing love of Jesus during the Easter Season. 7 Last Poems also features special music from the 7 Last Poems Band along with DJ Sticky.

7 Last Poems is a spoken word event featuring 7 amazing poets from all over the bay area sharing poems inspired by the 7 last statements of Jesus during his crucifixion before his death. This is a powerful way to reflect on the life-changing love of Jesus during the Easter Season. 7 Last Poems also features special music from the 7 Last Poems Band along with DJ Sticky.

Bspokeit the Poet performs "Pretty in Pink" at Lyrical Opposition's Paradigm Rhymes Poetry Slam event at San Francisco State University's Jack Adams Hall. #ParadigmRhymes #Bspokeit #Poetry #SpokenWord #ViaAffirmativa #PrettyInPink #PoetrySlam #SanFrancisco #California

#Title The Faithful Church #Theme Risk-Taking Faithfulness #Series Deeper Waters #Scripture Luke 10:1-23 #Date November 17, 2019 #Poet Kofi Acquaah-Arhin #FirstPres #Hayward #CastroValley #DeeperWaters #Series #DeeperWater #LyricalAssembly #ArhinLaw #RiskTaking #Faithfulness #Love #KofiAcquaahArhin

Bspokeit performing at The Way Christian Church in Berkeley, CA, in tribute to Lauryn Hill. Hope Nights, in association with Lyrical Opposition presents, That Thing: The Re-Education of Lauryn Hill. We are wrapping up our “Hope Nights” Summer series with a tribute to the queen LAURYN HILL on Friday August 19, 2016 @ The Center for Faith and Justice in Berkeley, CA. Come see this one-of-a-kind artistic showcase, where multi-talented artists from all over the Bay Area will perform original work inspired by the genius of Lauryn Hill that has INFLUENCED music and culture GLOBALLY. We will be using the same mediums Lauryn Hill did to reach the masses; poetry, hip-hop, song and live music. We’ve been excited to see the growth of Hope Nights throughout this summer with tributes to Tupac Shakur and Marvin Gaye, but we believe this Tribute to Lauryn Hill will be the biggest and best show thus far. Please RSVP as soon as you can as we expect this show to be at full capacity. Performances: SOL Development (Live Hip-Hop/Soul) Zyah Belle (R&B/Soul) Porsche Nicole Kelly (Spoken Word/Poetry) Jreillah P (Spoken Word/Poetry) Brittany Williams (Spoken Word/Poetry) Cheddy (Spoken Word/Poetry) Johaunna Hamilton (Spoken Word/Poetry) Ariel Ward (Spoken Word/Poetry) Joy Elán (Spoken Word/Poetry) Yani Davis (Spoken Word/Poetry) DJ: Noel Tuttle If you're an artist interested in being apart of future events, feel free to attend any of our artist development workshops and rehearsals. You can find our workshop schedule at https://www.facebook.com/lyricalopposition/events or https://lyricalopposition.eventbrite.com. We look forward to seeing everyone at Hope Nights: The Re-Education of Lauryn Hill, as we “RE-EDUCATE” a generation about this amazing woman and the God given talent that was placed in her to inspire the world. Hope Nights, where Faith, Social Justice, and Art intersect! Attendees and guests are encouraged to quickly RSVP, as space is limited. For more information, please visit http://www.lyricalopposition.org/ or email us at info@lyricalopposition.org.

Bspokeit interviewed by Pedro Raies of 94.1 KPFA's La Raza Chronicles. On-Air, Bspokeit talks about how she got started with poetry, advice for upcoming artists, Lyrical Assembly events and her artist collective, Lyrical Opposition. La Raza Chronicles – November 5, 2019 A weekly Latino affairs magazine program with a local and international focus, highlighting the social, political and cultural events affecting the Latino community. Hosted by Pedro Raies

San Francisco, CA - Samuelu Veu (@uce_sv) of @lyricalopposition performed a spoken word poetry piece at @cornerstonesf for their collaboration with @newnorthchurch for Unity Night.⁣ Full IGTV Video: @lyricalassembly⁣ Podcast Audio: @lyricalassembly⁣⁣⁣ Event Description:⁣⁣ “You’re invited to our Unity Night of Worship where we will gather together for a powerful evening in the heart of San Francisco. We desire to partner and inspire unity through worship across our church communities in the Bay Area. The night will feature several local worship leaders, teams, and artists as we unite with one purpose to bring healing, build unity, and restore hope to our city and region.⁣⁣ On October 13 at 6pm, the night is hosted by @cornerstonesf, in partnership with @NewNorthChurch and 20 other local churches. We can’t wait to see you there!” -@newnorthchurch⁣⁣ If you would like more information, contact us at 650.349.1278 or hello@newnorth.church.⁣⁣ #CornerstoneSF #NewNorthChurch #WeAreNewNorth #BayArea #SanFrancisco #SpokenWord #Poetry #PoetsInAutumn #LyricalLaFamilia #LyricalOps #LyricalAssembly #LyricalAcademy #LyricalOpposition

Bspokeit performs "When I'm Anxious" at Sofar Sounds in San Francisco, CA. What is a Sofar show? A Sofar gig is an intimate show held in an unique venue, like someone's living room or an antique shop. It typically features three artists, playing four songs each. Every lineup is specially curated to give our audiences a diverse show. Website: https://www.bspokeitpoetry.com Booking: booking@lyricalopposition.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bspokeit Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bspokeit

On March 17, 2019, Lyrical Opposition artist, Fego Navarro performs, "Bad Dream" for City Life Church's "The Last 7" series in San Francisco, CA. #BayArea #SFNative #SanFrancisco #415 #FegoNavarro #Last7 #7LP #LyricalLaFamilia #LyricalAcademy #LyricalOps #LyricalAssembly #LyricalOpposition #VisualProphets

On October 13, 2019, Bailey Fan from 7 Last Poems shared a spoken word piece, "Dear Church" with FirstPres Hayward in Castro Valley, CA.

On Saturday, August 24, 2019, Brittany Williams (@bspokeit) performs at the @joycegordongallery, as part of a 90’s medley piece with fellow @lyricalopposition artists, @fegonavarro and @sethfeatha for the #AWOLtour with @thecraft.factory. Bspokeit the Poet (@bspokeit) was a part of a special collaboration piece with @fegonavarro & @sethfeatha! It was a one time performance, only at @thecraft.factory x @lyricalopposition at AWOL Tour at @joycegordongallery! Video: @beholdcreators / @visualprophets⁣ Graphic: @visualprophets⁣⁣ Full IGTV Video: @lyricalassembly⁣ Event Description: 2 Organizations, 1 celebration. The tour is hitting the bay area with upcoming creatives, and a presentation that will leave you inspired. The dream is finally happening. The Craft Factory and artist Kennis Clark are coming to together for a mini-tour like no other. He is one of the most dynamic artist that's on the rise and we are excited that you will able to catch him live. We are also collaborating with Lyrical Opposition, One of the biggest non profits in the bay area who provide powerful workshops to upcoming creatives. They will also take the stage in celebration form the previous workshops! There is one goal: To provide hope and impact to creatives thru a unique workshop event. So much is in store for you guys! #BayArea #SpokenWord #Poetry #Oakland #CraftFactory #BeholdCreators #JoyceGordon #Bspokeit #VisualProphets #LyricalLaFamilia #LyricalAssembly #LyricalAcademy #LyricalOps #LyricalOpposition

On September 8, 2019, Micah Bournes was in town and shared a few pieces with FirstPres Hayward’s Sunday Family Gathering. It was a blessing to have him and the pieces definitely resonated. Micah is a creative man of faith. In addition to performing poetry and music, he often speaks and teaches on creative writing, pursuing justice, and the way of Jesus. In partnership with World Relief and The Justice Conference, Micah has been able to share his passions and gifts all over the world. Like most kids growing up in Long Beach during the 90s, Micah was raised under the influence of hip hop. He regularly memorized rap lyrics from his favorite songs. But it wasn't until college when he started writing his own music; starting with hip hop and then branching out into the blues. A group of strangers walked into a room in LA. One by one they stood up, shared their most private thoughts, struggles, and desires. To many this sounds terrifying but, after seeing a spoken word open mic, Micah was hooked. That day he decided to give spoken word poetry a try. It worked. Support Micah Bournes with Monthly Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/micahbournes #MicahBournes #SpokenWord #Poetry #FightEvilWithPoetry #FirstPres #Hayward

On August 4, 2019, Kofi Acquaah-Arhin from New Life Community Church shared an original piece called "Bodybuilding" about fasting, a part of FirstPres Hayward's Spiritual Disciplines Sermon Series. LYRICAL OPPOSITION Donate: https://www.nfggive.com/guidestar/47-4435583 Website: http://www.lyricalopposition.org Contact: info@lyricalopposition.org Booking: booking@lyricalopposition.org Public Relations: pr@lyricalopposition.org Management: mgmt@lyricalopposition.org Submissions: submit@lyricalopposition.org LYRICAL OPPOSITION | SOCIAL + COMMUNITY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyricalopposition Google: https://www.google.com/+lyricalopposition Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyricalopposition Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lyricalops Medium: https://medium.com/@lyricalops Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/lyricalopposition Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/lyricalops LYRICAL OPPOSITION | MUSIC + VIDEO Noisetrade: https://www.noisetrade.com/lyricalopposition Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/lyricalopposition VEVO: http://www.vevo.com/artist/lyrical-opposition Vimeo: https://www.vimeo.com/lyricalopposition YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lyricalopposition PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lyrical-assembly Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/lyrical-assembly Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNDQyZmJjL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/X7Y4 Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/lyrical-assembly-6pdowm Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65qLMz7030CPGabWndd6Fb _________________________________________________ ABOUT LYRICAL OPPOSITION Lyrical Opposition is a lyrical family of artists, activists & administrators opposing injustice through the integration of faith, arts & activism. All donations are tax deductible, as Lyrical Opposition has 501c3 nonprofit organization tax-exempt status. #LyricalAssembly #LyricalLaFamilia #LyricalOpposition #February2020

Benjamin Uluave aka [BxCause] gets his Diversity and Unique Sound from being raised in Australia to a Tongan Father and Australian Mother. Surrounded by White Sandy Beaches, Concrete Jungles, or The Outback any given day, he Learned to adapt to all Environments and had a Landscape of Various Passions and Hobbies! He later left Australia with nothing but a Suitcase and a Dream and landed in the Bay Area to stay with his Grandma. He learned alot about the Tongan Culture and The California Street Culture, while trying to discover his Identity in Both Worlds. Going through continuous Trials he finally encountered Jesus Christ for the First Time at age 20. It was a LONG Journey but he recently Surrendered his Life to Jesus in 2013 and Pursued Ministry. He Co-Founded the Non-Profit Organization "The Collective 24" which has been helping Rehabilitate the Homeless Community of San Bruno for the Past Year. So when he's not Writing or Behind the Mic, he is being active in his Community bringing forth Change. BxCause has Wrote for Productions and Opened Up Shows from The Bay Area to Sacramento. Sharing Spoken Word at Schools, Colleges, to the front of AT&T Ball Park. Collaborating & Opening up Shows for, Hazel Rose, BQM, Astralogik, Trinity GV3NG, MacLai, Drew Allen, Izreal, ITW, Illuminate, V. Rose, RPSMG, Spec & more. B = Benjamin x Cause = A Person that gives Rise to an Action, a Phenomenon, a Movement! Through His Lyrics, Imagery and Lifestyle, he Hopes to deliver a Starting Point, to a Movement of Change for a Hurting Generation! #BeTheDifference

Benjamin Uluave aka [BxCause] gets his Diversity and Unique Sound from being raised in Australia to a Tongan Father and Australian Mother. Surrounded by White Sandy Beaches, Concrete Jungles, or The Outback any given day, he Learned to adapt to all Environments and had a Landscape of Various Passions and Hobbies! He later left Australia with nothing but a Suitcase and a Dream and landed in the Bay Area to stay with his Grandma. He learned alot about the Tongan Culture and The California Street Culture, while trying to discover his Identity in Both Worlds. Going through continuous Trials he finally encountered Jesus Christ for the First Time at age 20. It was a LONG Journey but he recently Surrendered his Life to Jesus in 2013 and Pursued Ministry. He Co-Founded the Non-Profit Organization "The Collective 24" which has been helping Rehabilitate the Homeless Community of San Bruno for the Past Year. So when he's not Writing or Behind the Mic, he is being active in his Community bringing forth Change. BxCause has Wrote for Productions and Opened Up Shows from The Bay Area to Sacramento. Sharing Spoken Word at Schools, Colleges, to the front of AT&T Ball Park. Collaborating & Opening up Shows for, Hazel Rose, BQM, Astralogik, Trinity GV3NG, MacLai, Drew Allen, Izreal, ITW, Illuminate, V. Rose, RPSMG, Spec & more. B = Benjamin x Cause = A Person that gives Rise to an Action, a Phenomenon, a Movement! Through His Lyrics, Imagery and Lifestyle, he Hopes to deliver a Starting Point, to a Movement of Change for a Hurting Generation! #BeTheDifference

Sometimes when I hear my heart language, it's never really coupled with a definition. / Because every translation is really just an English proclamation and I wish that every time someone asks me, "Do you remember the language? I'd rather just tell them I'm fluent in listening..." ⁣ Date: January 11, 2019⁣ Event: Bars for Myanmar⁣ Series: Paradigm Rhymes⁣ Venue: Spats⁣ Where: Berkeley, CA⁣⁣ A great first open mic appearance and performance by Meesh called “Suka” at our open mic event at @spatsbar in Berkeley, CA, in collaboration with @BridgesMyanmar called #BarsforMyanmar⁣ Spoken Word Video by @BeholdCreators⁣ MC'd by OD the Wordsmith ⁣ If anyone know the artist, please tag her. ✌✌ Paradigm Rhymes // Bars for Myanmar // January 11, 2019 // Spats Bar⁣ ⁣ Berkeley, CA - AyeYo!!! We back... like we neva left... @lyricalopposition in partnership with @spatsbar Is hosting an open mic & showcase in effort to raise awareness (and funds) for the @bridgesmyanmar organization!⁣ ⁣ Make sure to show your love for #art #poetry #family #youth #education and #humanity by showing up and showing out this Friday! See y’all there!

Bailey Fan from San Francisco, California, shares her original and powerful spoken word poetry piece, "Dry Bones" which was written and inspired by the text from Ezekiel 37. This performance was taken place at FirstPres Hayward in Castro Valley, California on May 12, 2019 as part of FirstPres Hayward's Sunday Gathering in Castro Valley, CA. #DryBones #BaileyFan #SpokenWord #Poetry #Ezekiel37

Spoken Word Poet & Filmmaker, Kimane Juneau performs a poetry piece called “A Message to You” at FirstPres Hayward in Castro Valley, CA.

Lyrical Poet, Fego Navarro shares a spoken word poetry piece at FirstPres Hayward in Castro Valley, CA. "Bad Dream" is an original piece that was included, as part of a liturgical medley with R&B/Soul singer, Michael Kim-Eubanks during FirstPres Hayward's Sunday Gathering on April 7, 2019. Fego Navarro is a Salvadorian American rapper/actor from San Francisco, CA. Fego’s musical journey in Hip Hop began in his teen years at church. After church service, he would get together with his friends and kick freestyle raps outside the temple. This developed into a passion for writing his own songs and attending local open mics to showcase his talent. At home his mother played a variety of music ranging from Cumbia to Soulful American oldies. This gave Fego an appreciation for all types of music. Where as Fego’s father a militant man who in the 1980s joined the FMLN, to fight in the civil war which has left a long lasting impact on his home country of El Salvador which after effects can be seen to this day.The joy of family and the pain of war can be witnessed within Fego’s music. In 2013, Fego was featured on a song titled “them days” by an artist named Nate. It premiered on MTV U and Snoop Dogg also featured it on his online show “Underground Heat” where it wast number #1 in 2013. One of Fego’s many talents cast him in a film titled “Sin Padre” Directed by Jay Francisco Lopez. It went on to win the audience award for the San Francisco Latino Film Festival. Fego is currently a member of the artist collective Lyrical Opposition, which centers its efforts on supporting the elements of Hip-Hop in San Francisco for all ages. Fego’s most recent projects include a music project titled “Heart of Man” which is available on all music platforms and streaming services. As well as promoting a second film “Love Cecy” which recently premiered at the New York Latino Film Festival presented by HBO. You can stay up to date with the latest from Fego Navarro by following his social media stay connected and lookout for upcoming shows, music, and films.

“Everything that was meant to be a tomb for me, I transform it and make it a womb for me.” In this captivating poem, Jermaine describes his journey from a dark place in his life to a place of joy and hope. After having thrown in the towel, he finds himself empowered by his faith to get back on his feet and fulfill his purpose. Jermaine Hughes is a youth leader, facilitator, and spoken word artist from Oakland, California. Growing up in relative safety but surrounded by poverty and violence, he longed to find ways to help others in his community. He found his voice during high school at a Youth Speaks poetry slam. Later, his exploration in effecting change led him to try everything from organizing to proselytizing. After attending the School of Urban Missions Bible College, he dedicated himself to local and global missions working with kids and victims of sex trafficking in the US, Mexico, and Ethiopia. Recently, he founded a company focused on health and financial coaching for youth. He has performed spoken word poetry with Bay Area-based Lyrical Opposition (http://www.lyricalopposition.org/) for the past two years. His poetry explores the experience of a young, African-American male struggling to find God, justice, and himself. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

On April 14, 2019, OD the Wordsmith performed, "The Beatitudes" at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma during their Palm Sunday service. This piece was performed in part of a special production by SHBC called "The Red Letters" sermon series. #Blessed #BeMyDisciple #Beatitudes #SermonOnTheMount #RedLetters #SHBC #SouthernHills #Baptist #Church #ODtheWordsmith #Tulsa #Oklahoma #PalmSunday #Sermon #Series More about Southern Hills Baptist Church Website: https://mysouthernhills.church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/mysouthernhills.church

On February 10, 2019, Jermaine Hughes does a poetic Gary Vaynerchuk-esque freestyle in front of the Way Christian Christian Center in Berkeley, CA. He expresses current events and relevant life situations in order provide value with transparent storytelling. If this is relatable to your situation, we hope you feel encouraged and empowered. Learn more about Jermaine Hughes on the following platforms: Website: http://www.jermainehughes.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjermainehghs/

"This piece was inspired by my struggle to fit in as a Christian knowing that I had an unchurched background. I grew up being in love with graffiti murals and wanting to paint my own. I drew a lot when I was younger. And later i found poetry and spoken word. This all was part of my identity before becoming a Christian and is something that, though I have tried to shake, I have also failed to." -Jermaine Hughes "This is a poem I wrote when I was struggling with my identity as a christian. I knew that I was a believer but I knew that I didn't fit in with others because I didn't grow up in church. i grew up drawing what I saw on the walls and in magazines. I later on found poetry. These were huge parts of my identity that I thought I could and should shake once I became a christian. However, I learned that not only could I not shake these parts of my idenity, but that I could use them to express my faith. Enjoy." -Jermaine Hughes Website: http://www.jermainehughes.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjermainehghs/

Jermaine Hughes sharing some words on his personal experience of being grateful amongst brokenness. This audio is from one of Jermaine’s videos called, “Grateful for being broken,” originally published on January 5, 2015. "The moment when the worst becomes the best thing...CoDA and SLAA. Following the worst time in my life I look back and can see how terribly necessary those trials were. The question: Now am I grateful? Now do I see that God is and was good???" -Jermaine Hughes You can find more about Jermaine Hughes on his website at https://www.jermainehughes.org.

A quick freestyle from our friend from the #4BarFriday community, Joseph Daye from Herndon, VA. LYRICAL OPPOSITION Donate: nfggive.com/guidestar/47-4435583 Website: lyricalopposition.org Contact: info@lyricalopposition.org Booking: booking@lyricalopposition.org Public Relations: pr@lyricalopposition.org Management: mgmt@lyricalopposition.org Submissions: submit@lyricalopposition.org LYRICAL OPPOSITION | SOCIAL + COMMUNITY Facebook: facebook.com/lyricalopposition Google: google.com/+lyricalopposition Instagram: instagram.com/lyricalopposition Twitter: twitter.com/lyricalops Medium: medium.com/@lyricalops Meetup: meetup.com/lyricalopposition Snapchat: snapchat.com/add/lyricalops LYRICAL OPPOSITION | MUSIC + VIDEO Noisetrade: noisetrade.com/lyricalopposition Snapchat: snapchat.com/add/lyricalops Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/lyricalopposition VEVO: vevo.com/artist/lyrical-opposition Vimeo: vimeo.com/lyricalopposition YouTube: youtube.com/lyricalopposition PODCAST Apple Podcasts: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lyrical-assembly Breaker: breaker.audio/lyrical-assembly Google Podcasts: google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNDQyZmJjL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz Pocket Casts: pca.st/X7Y4 Radio Public: radiopublic.com/lyrical-assembly-6pdowm Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/lyricalopposition Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/65qLMz7030CPGabWndd6Fb #Freestyle #Herndon #Virginia #JDaye007

An acapella spoken word verse in poetic form by Son the Gifted. This piece is apart of the Lyrical Opposition CIVPHR series which can viewed in its entirety at https://www.youtube.com/lyricalopsvevo LYRICAL OPPOSITION Donate: nfggive.com/guidestar/47-4435583 Website: lyricalopposition.org Contact: info@lyricalopposition.org Booking: booking@lyricalopposition.org Public Relations: pr@lyricalopposition.org Management: mgmt@lyricalopposition.org Submissions: submit@lyricalopposition.org LYRICAL OPPOSITION | SOCIAL + COMMUNITY Facebook: facebook.com/lyricalopposition Google: google.com/+lyricalopposition Instagram: instagram.com/lyricalopposition Twitter: twitter.com/lyricalops Medium: medium.com/@lyricalops Meetup: meetup.com/lyricalopposition Snapchat: snapchat.com/add/lyricalops LYRICAL OPPOSITION | MUSIC + VIDEO Noisetrade: noisetrade.com/lyricalopposition Snapchat: snapchat.com/add/lyricalops Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/lyricalopposition VEVO: vevo.com/artist/lyrical-opposition Vimeo: vimeo.com/lyricalopposition YouTube: youtube.com/lyricalopposition PODCAST Apple Podcasts: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lyrical-assembly Breaker: breaker.audio/lyrical-assembly Google Podcasts: google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNDQyZmJjL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz Pocket Casts: pca.st/X7Y4 Radio Public: radiopublic.com/lyrical-assembly-6pdowm Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/lyricalopposition Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/65qLMz7030CPGabWndd6Fb

Lyrical Poet, Demitrius Burnett shares a spoken word poetry piece at FirstPres Hayward in Castro Valley, CA. "Irresponsible" an original piece was included, as a part of a liturgical medley with Alternative vocalist, Alex Largusa's rendition of "Moving Forward" during FirstPres Hayward's Sunday Gathering on March 31, 2019. Demitrius Burnett is originally from Chicago, Illinois.

Post-Performance Interview from Seth Carmenatty. He explains what the spoken word piece is about and shares other random facts. Recorded on March 24, 2019.

Lyrical Poet, Seth Carmenatty shares a spoken word poetry piece at FirstPres Hayward in Castro Valley, CA. "Surrender" an original piece was included, as a part of a liturgical medley with R&B/Soul singer, Michael Kim-Eubanks' rendition of "Lay It All Down" during FirstPres Hayward's Sunday Gathering on March 24, 2019. Seth Carmenatty is originally from Bushwick, Brooklyn. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lyrical-assembly/id1457738784?i=1000434073937 Google Podcast: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNDQyZmJjL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EJkgsQkPf93pJuQJZCTfY?si=SWqQf8zRRLeePgaStmClag Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lyricalopposition/poetry-surrender-seth-carmenatty #SpokenWord #Poetry #SethCarmenatty #MisfitSFC #MisfitNYC #LyricalAssembly #LyricalAcademy #LyricalOps #LyricalOpposition #Podcast #FirstPres #Hayward #SundayService #Gathering #Soul #LyricalPoet

On October 15, 2017, OD the Wordsmith, in the spirit of a new series, God of the Margins, he gives his first keynote appearance and talks about superheroes, origin stories, and the civil rights movement. OD the Wordsmith speaks on mutants with a study on Professor X and Magneto’s positive and negative fights from the margins. Recorded at Oak Life Church in Oakland, CA.