9 Weeks of Poetry & Spoken Word: Going to the Grave Empty
Find your voice through poetry in this 9-week journey focused on creative expression and Black women's mental health.
Location
Online
Good to know
Highlights
- Online
About this event
Join us for a transformative 9-week journey of poetry and spoken word, focused on finding your voice and exploring creative expression.
Hosted by the Thelma Matilda Alves Foundation, this special series creates a safe, supportive space for expression, healing, and community, with a focus on Black women's mental health journeys.
Led by award-winning spoken word poet Ogor Ozor, each session offers:
• Creative writing prompts
• Spoken word techniques
• Supportive feedback
• Community connection
• Tools for self-expression
The series culminates in a collaborative poetry film project where participant's voice and words become part of a powerful collective expression.
No previous poetry or spoken word experience is necessary - just bring your authentic self and willingness to explore!
SESSION STRUCTURE:
Each one-hour session includes:
• Introduction: Wellness check-in
• Middle: Exploring different spoken word artists and styles related to the week's theme, examining written poetry and poetic forms (sonnets, songs of lament, ghazals, etc.), followed by guided writing practice and optional sharing
• End: Session recap and take-home writing prompt
SESSION SCHEDULE:
All sessions run Thursdays, 7-8PM BST from the 10th July to the 4th September.
Each session topic will be posted on Instagram with more details - follow @thelmamatildaalvesfoundation for more information!
🌟 WHAT TO EXPECT:
✓ 9 transformative weekly sessions
✓ Award-winning facilitator Ogor Ozor
✓ Safe space for creative expression
✓ Focus on Black women's mental health
✓ Collaborative poetry film project
✓ No experience necessary
📅 SCHEDULE: Every Thursday, 7-8 PM BST
📍 LOCATION: Online via Zoom (link provided after registration)
🎬 BONUS: Participants' work featured in collaborative film project
⚠️ IMPORTANT: This is a series ticket - one registration gives access to all 9 sessions
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:
Ogor Ozor is an award-winning spoken word poet, storyteller, and passionate advocate for the transformative power of personal narratives. Her accolades include the Worldplay & Flow 2024 Poem of the Year and being named Best Spoken Word Artist 2024 by The Mainstream's Ones to Watch. Beyond her captivating performances, Ogor is a gifted facilitator who empowers participants to discover and share their stories with confidence and authenticity.
ABOUT THE THELMA MATILDA ALVES FOUNDATION:
The Thelma Matilda Alves Foundation, established in 2020 by Rayann Bryan in honor of her grandmother, is dedicated to championing the mental health and wellbeing of women from African and Caribbean descent in the UK. Inspired by her grandmother's experiences during the Windrush migration and the challenges of undiagnosed mental health issues, Rayann's work addresses the stark underrepresentation of Black women in both professional roles and as recipients of mental health support. The Foundation actively confronts prejudices and discrimination faced by Black women seeking mental health services, creating inclusive spaces that acknowledge the unique intersection of gendered and racialized issues affecting their wellbeing.
This program is funded by DYCP FUND.
Frequently asked questions
No, all levels welcome
Come to the next one! Consistent attendance is key to gaining the benefits of our sessions but we know that sometimes things get in the way. We will be posting highlights from the sessions as well!
We will be using a google document so you can journal and write your thoughts/ poems. One will be assigned to you in the first meeting.
Yes, only those identifying as women AND also of African and Caribbean descent can join.
Yes, a zoom account is required to take part in these sessions.