Mikhaella Norwood
Born in Detroit, raised in West Bloomfield, and graduating from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Mikhaella Norwood is a homegrown soul in the state of Michigan. As the 2019 Motown Mic - Spoken Word Artist of the Year, Norwood’s writing and speaking experience is extensive, gracing the jumbotrons of the Little Caesars Arena three times through her collaborative work with the Detroit Pistons and two TEDx stages.
Norwood released her debut book of poetry, Fruit: Haiku of Haikus for the Blossoming Soul in 2019 and serves as the Director for The Guild Poets, LLC.
Mercedes Pergande
Detroit-based, multidisciplinary artist, Mercedes Pergande, has been carving her own unique styles of artistry for over 10 years. From a very young age art, specifically writing verse, has always been a form of healing and expression for her. Poetry came to the forefront of her artistic styles after her father gifted her “A Rose That Grew From Concrete '' by Tupac Shakur. Learning that poetry could be raw and real opened a whole new world of passionate creativity. She is proud and honored to use her voice to voice to power social change, inspire, and connect with her audience.
Mercedes has received her B.A. in International Relations and currently works in fundraising and marketing for southwest Detroit nonprofit, Freedom House Detroit, serving asylum seekers and refugees. As a first-generation American Mercedes has been a lifelong advocate for immigrants’ rights. Unafraid to share her and her people's story through her work, she brings raw passion and unfiltered realness to the stage.
Mariah Smith
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mariah Smith is a poet and writer who uses her voice to illustrate the stories of those who do not have a platform to tell it for themselves. As a vocal advocate for the people of her city, Mariah focuses most of her work on her own life experiences and stories that people from various diverse backgrounds can relate to. Mariah uses her talent to turn the things that she sees into content that people from all different backgrounds can collectively empathize with, understand, and critically think about.
Currently, Mariah is a Ph.D. student in anthropology at Wayne State University and in October of 2020, she self-published her first poetry book, “Letters to U.”
Justin Gordon
Justin Gordon is a human being who loves the stage, a piece of paper, and a pencil. He graduated from the University of Michigan and earned a bachelors’ degree in English with honors, with a minor in global theatre and ethnic studies in 2018. Gordon is an alum of the National Theater Institute and currently is pursuing his Masters's degree in education at Harvard Graduate School of Education.
6 Mile Negus on the Honor Roll at Michigan is Justin’s debut book of poetry, published in 2018. The book started as his Honors’ Thesis, chronicling his experiences, obstacles and philosophies on his way to graduating with honors. Gordon has since toured his book in high schools, middle schools, and community centers throughout Michigan, giving workshops, presentations and performances.
Brittini Ward
Born and raised in Detroit, MI, with a Bachelor’s in Professional Communications/Graphic Design and Master’s in Social Justice and Community Organizing, Brittini Ward has been performing on many stages:
that she built for herself, on foreign lands, across borders, in different countries, in different states, on college campuses, elementary school programs, and some shared with other amazing artists that inspire her to keep going.
Brittini has received an Emmy Award from the 37th National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for her spoken word performance and a Community Award for her participation in “Message to the People: The Story of Malcolm X” showcase in San Antonio, Texas.
Currently, if not performing her poetic works or working on her first book…Brittini continues to curate creative spaces that promote self-expression, healing and love for community.
Oceania
Oceania is a poet, host, and educator originally from Detroit. As a multiethnic and multicultural woman, she navigates being Mexican, Syrian, and White, through a lens of deep reflection and with the desire to learn. Most importantly, Oceania believes in anti-racism, equity, empathy, and unity, as not just words, but everyday reminders for how to behave toward and deconstruct barriers against others.
Graduating from U of M- Ann Arbor as a first-generation student with both a BA and MA in Education and Leadership has earned Oceania the privilege to work toward system improvement within her own community. Oceania has performed on stages throughout the Midwest, published a book of poems, and looks forward to continuing her work as a poet, facilitator, and educator to bring authenticity to the mic.
Jason Ford
Jason Ford is a talented writer, director, and performer known for his ability to build genuine connections with his audiences. Jason, also known as SQUEEZE, is dedicated to developing communities centered on self-love and mutual respect.
SQUEEZE attended Eastern Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Electronic Media with a second major in business. He is a father of a daughter that he encourages to always be confident and to be willing to learn from her own mistakes.
William Arvell Royster
Hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Will Royster is a dynamic poet and speaker dedicated to using his voice to create social change. A two-time University of Michigan alum and Poetry Grand Slam Champion, Royster’s poetry has been featured by Russel Simmons’ All Def Poetry as well as Button Poetry, the largest global distributor of poetry media. Further, Royster’s leadership and accomplishments have been featured amongst The New York Times, BET, The Huffington Post, and many more. Royster founded The Guild Poets, LLC. in 2017 and currently serves as the Executive Director.