Freedom Rhymers ©
Freedom Rhymers whose name was inspired by the “Freedom Riders'' of the Black Civil Rights Movement, is a consortium of poets who give voice to the lived experiences of marginalized groups. In addition to contributing to L.T.V.'s programming, Freedom Rhymers can be sought to perform for conferences, workshops, trainings, lectures, and other events
You can contact Freedom Rhymers directly to discuss details, availability, and to determine the of the honorarium. [Note: It is important to normalize paying members of marginalized communities for their time, service, and vital contributions instead of asking them to perform such labor for free.]
Subject Matter: Ableism & Disability; Environmental Justice; Housing insecurity, food insecurity, classism, etc,; Black/African-American/Caribbean/African identity; Young Parenthood; Self-love
Dralandra Larkins
First Place
Freedom Rhymer
she/her/hers
Dralandra was crowned the first place winner of the Freedom Rhymers Juneteenth Edition Poetry Contest. She is a spoken word performer, arts educator and curator based in Minneapolis, MN. She is the co-editor of Cracked Walnut’s anthology “Rewilding Hope 2023.” Publication of her work has appeared in the Minnesota Women’s Press, Witness Writers and in multiple anthologies. She is a poetry slam winner who has competed and performed on platforms including the MN Black Authors Expo, Button Poetry, Maplewood Mall and the Black Business Ball Enterprise. Influenced by Black history and the soul of R&B, Dralandra’s poetic expression is rhythm, spirit, and intimacy. She is also a member of The League of MN Poets and Art to Change the World. As a witness to trauma, Dralandra dedicates her work to the art of healing and the practice of self-liberation. To view her work and to book a youth poetry workshop, visit her blog at www.dralandrawrites.com. Find and follow her on Instagram @dralandrawrites22
To contact her, dralandralarkins@gmail.com
Subject Matter:
Black/African-American/Caribbean/African identity
Nathan Wallace
Second Place
Freedom Rhymer
he/him/his
Nathan won second place in the Freedom Rhymers Juneteenth Edition Poetry Contest.
Nathan is a poet from Hinesville, GA and Atlanta’s 2019 Youth Poet Laureate. Nathan was season 6 winner of Screentime Slam and a member of the 2021 third Place poetry slam team in the world. Nathan also has a grammy nomination-considered album called Black Boy Blues and is the author of two poetry books “I’m My Own Therapist “ and “Before My Own Eulogy”. Find and follow him on Instagram @mrnathanwallace
To contact him, nathan9367@gmail.com
Subject Matter:
Black/African-American/Caribbean/African identity; Ableism & Disability;
Christian Contreras aka Silent Knight
Third Place
Freedom Rhymer
he/him/his
Christian a recent graduate of Oakwood University with a degree in Music. In the fall, he will be pursuing his masters in African American and African Studies at The Ohio State University. There, he intends to focus his studies on hip hop and the Diaspora in the age of Globalization, which encompasses spoken word and slam poetry. Though he has just recently began in the poetry scene, he plans to continue performing and slamming, as well as finding creative ways to use poetry to make a change. Find and follow him on Instagram @silentknightspeaks
To contact him, christian.e.b.contreras@gmail.com
Subject Matter:
Black/African-American/Caribbean/African identity
R.J. Gourdine
Freedom Rhymer
he/him/his
Born and reared in the great city of Newark, New Jersey, RJ Gourdine has a voice that captures the attention of his students and audiences around the state and along the east coast. In addition to performing, RJ is owner of Betty Lee Jean’s Kitchen, uniquely specializing in catering and event production.
Through all that he aspires to be, RJ lives by his mantra: “If there is something I can do to make the world a better place, then I must. If I must, then I will. iCan…iMust…iWill”! Find and follow him on Instagram @icanimustiwill
To contact RJ, rj.gourdine@gmail.com
Subject Matter:
Black/African-American/Caribbean/African identity; Love; Dreams; Hopes; Hard times
Jamai Wray
Freedom Rhymer
he/him/his
Jamai Wray is an author, curriculum developer and educational consultant for the New York City Department of Education. His curriculum is SEL and Entrepreneurial based. He teaches and mentors youth in the inner city communities and is proud to be the person he wish he had growing up. Find and follow him on I️nstagram @jamaiwray
To contact Jamai, mwrayent@gmail.com