NEWS RELEASE
TYNEISHA THOMAS, BARRIE POET LAUREATE
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Barrie’s poet laureate Tyneisha Thomas and UPIift Black are hosting a pay-what-you-can community event Saturday, Nov. 23, with funds being raised for the Women and Children’s Shelter in Barrie.
Tyneisha, a.k.a. Ty the Poetess, expects that guests will leave with a new sense of harmony within Simcoe County through the use of literary arts and other creative disciplines. This poetic community event, which showcases local poets/ artists and business owners/professionals, aims to inspire guests with a feeling of fulfillment, motivation and connectivity.
'She Is More' is being held at UPlift Black’s Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion at 12 Dunlop St. E. in downtown Barrie on Nov. 23 with two event times: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
UPlift Black founder Shelly-Ann Skinner, recipient of the 2022 Community Builders Award in the Economic Development category, is an advocate for social justice and economic well-being who brings passion to community initiatives supporting artists, newcomers, LGBTQ2S individuals and marginalized communities.
This event is supported by Creative Barrie and curated by Ty the Poetess. All poets/performers will be provided an honorarium and all funds raised by admission fees/ art purchases and donations will be gifted to the Women’s and Children’s Shelter in Barrie.
“As a mother and girl mom, | really wanted to do something to empower the female-identifying people in our community,” says Thomas. “So often we feel as though we must compete; I’m hoping this event shows community members that instead we should complement.
"I also wanted to honour my predecessor, Victoria Butler. Through acts of fearlessness, she always spoke her truth while not forgetting the importance of helping those who cannot help themselves.”
“A few years ago, I published a small poetry collection about women throughout Barrie’s history who have been murdered or experienced domestic violence,” says Butler. “The point of the collection was to share these women’s stories while also raising funds for the shelter. The Women and Children’s Shelter is one of the most vital community assets in Barrie, and is always in need of support.
"I could not be more proud of my successor for raising money for the shelter through her event, She is More. As a poet laureate and a woman, it is so important for us to use our voices and platforms for causes so close to our hearts, and Ty is doing just that.”
She is More takes place on Nov. 23, 2024, from 1-3 p.m., and 5-7 p.m.
Watch as residents perform spoken-word poetry, many for the first time, and experience the divine powers of poetry. Individuals who identify as women will be sharing personal stories, providing encouragement to go after your dreams and introducing their local small businesses.
Admission fee is pay-what-you-can with all proceeds donated to Barrie’s Women and Children’s Shelter.
Experience the healing powers of poetry and sisterhood at She is More. Barrie's poet laureate, Ty the Poetess, and UPlift Black have partnered to provide a safe and inclusive gathering that highlights the arts and culture of Simcoe County by showcasing the amazing individuals that identify as women in our community.
Complimentary tea/coffee and popcorn will be provided. Artworks will also be available for purchase along with merchandise sold by local artists.
This is a family-friendly, all-ages event.
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