On January 16, 2026, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) marked a major milestone with Poetry Unplugged: Still Dreaming!, the 10th anniversary edition of its signature spoken-word series. Sponsored by Citizens, the evening honored the enduring life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while reaffirming poetry’s role as a powerful vehicle for truth telling, reflection, and community healing.
Headlined by GRAMMY nominated artist Khemist Mayfield, the anniversary program brought together an extraordinary lineup of Pennsylvania-based poets, including Diarra Imani, Thembisile Gxuluwe, Devantae Butler, Leslie Ezra Smith, Shockie G, and Mike Smalls. Each performance spoke directly to the moment, weaving together themes of resilience, justice, vulnerability, and hope through language rooted in lived experience.
The evening was curated and hosted by Orlando Watson, Governor of the Recording Academy’s Philadelphia Chapter and a member of the Academy’s Spoken Word Poetry National Committee. Selecta set the sonic atmosphere during the performances, creating an immersive backdrop for the spoken word. Following the program, the celebration continued with an after party and open mic led by DJ Big Phill, extending the energy and sense of community well beyond the stage.
For ten years, Poetry Unplugged has served as a vital platform for elevating Black voices and fostering artistic excellence within Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape. The Still Dreaming! anniversary edition honored that legacy while continuing to look forward, reaffirming AWAACC’s commitment to spoken word as a space for imagination, dialogue, and collective dreaming.
