{"id":234345,"date":"2026-04-16T15:13:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T15:13:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/234345\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T15:13:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T15:13:10","slug":"our-voices-festival-of-words-brings-three-days-of-authors-poetry-and-storytelling-to-fort-lauderdale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/234345\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Voices: Festival of Words Brings Three Days of Authors, Poetry, and Storytelling to Fort Lauderdale"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Community Literary\u00a0Festival\u00a0Honors the Power\u00a0of\u00a0Books, Culture, and Creativity\u00a0in\u00a0Broward County<\/p>\n

Writers, poets, educators, and book lovers will gather\u00a0in\u00a0Fort Lauderdale\u00a0for\u00a0Our Voices:\u00a0Festival of Words, a three-day celebration\u00a0of\u00a0literature, literacy, and storytelling that highlights the power\u00a0of\u00a0the written\u00a0word\u00a0to inspire communities and spark imagination.<\/p>\n

Presented by Art Prevails Project, a Broward-based cultural arts organization dedicated to enriching the community through creative expression, the annual\u00a0festival\u00a0showcases a vibrant tapestry\u00a0of\u00a0storytelling and creates meaningful opportunities\u00a0for\u00a0readers and writers\u00a0of\u00a0all ages to connect.<\/p>\n

Located\u00a0in\u00a0the scenic heart\u00a0of\u00a0Fort Lauderdale, the\u00a0festival\u00a0will feature author readings, spoken-word\u00a0performances, panel discussions, youth workshops, book signings, interactive literacy activities, and more, uniting local and national voices\u00a0for\u00a0a dynamic cultural experience centered on books and education.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The\u00a0festival\u00a0was founded by Darius V. Daughtry, a writer and educator, and Founder and Executive Artistic Director\u00a0of\u00a0Art Prevails Project, whose work emphasizes using the arts as a catalyst\u00a0for\u00a0empowerment and social change.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis\u00a0festival\u00a0is deeply personal to me,\u201d said Daughtry. \u201cHaving grown up\u00a0in\u00a0the Sistrunk neighborhood, I understand the challenges this community faces\u2026 Art is the language\u00a0of\u00a0healing, and literature helps us tell the stories that bring people together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through performances, readings, and hands-on programming, Our Voices:\u00a0Festival of Words\u00a0aims to foster a love\u00a0of\u00a0books, showcase diverse literary voices, and strengthen Broward County\u2019s creative community.<\/p>\n

Festival\u00a0Highlights<\/p>\n

April 23 \u2013 Lit Lounge: Opening Reception & Artist Showcase<\/p>\n

The\u00a0festival\u00a0kicks off with a night\u00a0of\u00a0live entertainment, great vibes, live painting, and creative energy.<\/p>\n

April 24 \u2013 An Evening with aja monet<\/p>\n

Acclaimed poet aja monet takes the stage\u00a0for\u00a0an intimate evening\u00a0of\u00a0performance and conversation with Wilkine Brutus at the Bienes Gallery at Broward County Main Library.<\/p>\n

April 25 \u2013 Our Voices:\u00a0Festival of Words\u00a0(Main\u00a0Festival\u00a0Day)<\/p>\n

Held at the Ali Cultural Arts Center, the final day features a full lineup\u00a0of\u00a0literary programming, community engagement, and cultural celebration.<\/p>\n

1:00 PM \u2014 Featured Author Conversation<\/p>\n

Nationally acclaimed poet Richard Blanco headlines a special fireside chat with writer and journalist Carlos Frias, offering insights into storytelling, identity, and literature\u2019s role\u00a0in\u00a0shaping cultural narratives.<\/p>\n

2:00 PM \u2014 Panel Discussion: \u201cWhose Story Is It?\u201d<\/p>\n

A timely and thought-provoking conversation exploring journalism, representation, and the power\u00a0of\u00a0diverse voices\u00a0in\u00a0media, featuring:<\/p>\n

Raisa Habersham\u00a0of\u00a0the Miami Herald
\nIndependent journalist Nile Fortner
\nCarlton Gillespie\u00a0of\u00a0WLRN<\/p>\n

Moderated by Nikisha Williams\u00a0of\u00a0The Miami Foundation.<\/p>\n

All-Day\u00a0Festival\u00a0Experiences Include:<\/p>\n

Appearances by aja monet, Richard Blanco, and Fabienne Josaphat
\nChildren\u2019s Village with interactive literacy activities
\nSmall business marketplace
\nFree books, food, and drinks\u00a0for\u00a0attendees<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Book Fair Experience<\/p>\n

Students from across the region participate\u00a0in\u00a0a lively day\u00a0of\u00a0storytelling, museum tours, and interactive art projects that inspire creativity and a lifelong love\u00a0of\u00a0reading.<\/p>\n

Community Impact & Support<\/p>\n

\u201cOur Voices:\u00a0Festival of Words\u00a0demonstrates the arts\u2019 power to connect communities and inspire creativity,\u201d said Phillip Dunlap, Director\u00a0of\u00a0the Broward County Cultural Division. \u201cBy creating space\u00a0for\u00a0diverse voices and shared experiences, initiatives like this expand access to the arts and culture while nurturing the next generation\u00a0of\u00a0storytellers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Our Voices:\u00a0Festival of Words\u00a02026 is made possible by the generous support\u00a0of\u00a0sponsors and community partners committed to advancing literacy, the arts, and cultural engagement, including the David and Francie Horvitz Family Fund, The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, Broward Community Fund, Florida Power & Light, Children\u2019s Services Council, PEN America (Miami\/South Florida), South Florida PBS, and many others.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

More Information<\/p>\n

Full schedule and event details:\u00a0https:\/\/www.ourvoicesfest.com\/schedule<\/a>
Art Prevails Project:\u00a0https:\/\/www.artprevailsproject.org<\/a><\/p>\n


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