23 The Cypher is the Opposite of Prison: Liberating Language — The Peace Poets
Published April 17, 2018
This week, we’re talking with the Peace Poets: Lu Aya, The Last Emcee, Frankie 4, and A-B-E (and RAM 3 in spirit). We talk about the power and meaning of language, writing for healing and connection, the cypher as a gathering place for healing and reclaiming power through story. They also share thoughts on direct action, gender, conflict, and how they stay together as a crew through the decades. You’ll hear them burst into poetry and song throughout this episode because that is just what they do. It’s a joy to listen to.
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Read the Transcript
Note: This episode was published under Irresistible’s previous name, Healing Justice Podcast.
About our guests
The Peace Poets are a collective of 5 artists that celebrate, examine, and advocate for life through music and poetry. They’ve helped invigorate the social movements of our time with chants and songs. They hail from The Bronx and have performed across the world in over 40 countries. They’ve rocked the mic in prisons, schools, community centers, clubs, rallies, refugee camps, and on the blocks they live on. Fortified with the belief that the cypher is the opposite of prison, they are committed to raising up the power of the people to be creative and connected. Check out the work of the Peace Poets. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Resources
Practice: Sacred Writing
Check out the corresponding practice to join Lu Aya and The Last Emcee in a guided poetry writing exercise. You’ll hear Frankie 4 perform “Lightwork,” and be led through a series of prompts to write and share your own words.
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