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Ask the Arts & Music Editor: What’s the Difference Between a Poet and a Spoken Word Artist?

May 17, 2025 by admin

A thoughtful question came in recently from a local arts event attendee: “What’s the difference between a poet and a spoken word artist?” It’s a great question that many people wonder about as they discover the rich, vibrant world of the literary and performing arts.

Let’s break it down for everyone, because the arts are for everyone. Whether it’s words, music, sound, photos, movement, or color, we live with the arts every single day. And frankly, we can’t live without them.

Quick Guide: Poet vs. Spoken Word Artist

DEFINITITIN AND MEDIUM

A poet is anyone who creates poetry. Their work may live quietly on the page, be read silently, or be performed aloud. Poetry doesn’t always need to be spoken—it can be experienced visually, even through sign language or read by someone who is deaf.

A spoken word artist creates poetry specifically meant to be performed. The power of their work lies in how it’s delivered—through voice, rhythm, stage presence, and emotion. Their poetry is made to be heard and felt in the moment.

INTENTION AND FORM

Page poetry is designed for reading. Structure, language, and layout play key roles in understanding it. It often invites slow reflection and interpretation.

Spoken word poetry is built for performance. It prioritizes sound, timing, and emotional resonance—how the piece lands when spoken aloud.

Performance vs. Page

A poet may or may not choose to perform. Some prefer the intimacy of the written word, others enjoy live readings.

A spoken word artist is first and foremost a performer. Their work is meant to be experienced live, often memorized, with attention to delivery and audience connection.

ACCESSIBILITY AND AUDIENCE

Written poetry can sometimes be abstract or layered, rewarding close reading and familiarity with poetic techniques.

Spoken word poetry is typically more immediate, clear, emotional, and designed to reach a wide audience in real time.

SO, WHO’S WHO?

In short, All spoken word artists are poets, but not all poets are spoken word artists. It’s about medium and intention. Some poets publish and perform. Some spoken word artists print their work. The lines blur—and that’s a beautiful thing.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The Arts Are For Everyone

Whether it’s a poem scribbled in a notebook or a powerful spoken word piece echoing off the walls of a local open mic, the arts connect us. They help us make sense of the world. They tell stories, stir empathy, provoke thought, and offer healing.

Poetry—on the page or on the stage—is one of the oldest art forms we have. And it’s still evolving every day, right here in our community.

So if you’ve never been to a spoken word night, go. If you’ve never read a poetry collection, check one out. If you’ve never written a line of poetry, grab a napkin and start. Because the arts are not just for artists. They’re for everyone.

We need the arts. Every day. In every form.

From the music in your headphones, to the rhythm of a well-told story, to the photo that makes you stop scrolling—the arts are everywhere. Let’s keep celebrating them. Let’s keep creating. Let’s keep listening.

 

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blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

KTSM’S 2025 Black History Month Feature

February 21, 2025 by admin

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blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Information Session: 2025 Miss Black 915 Pageant

September 22, 2024 by admin

More information, rules, regulations, etc., will be provided during the information sessions. 

FB | IG | TikTok: @missblack915

2025 Miss Black 915 Pageant: A Celebration of Community & Black Womanhood

We are excited to announce the 2025 Miss Black 915 Pageant, an important event that celebrates and honors the beauty and strength of natural-born Black women aged 18 and above. This is not your typical beauty pageant; it is an initiative focused on authenticity, aimed at highlighting community, culture, and connection. Launched in 2020, this initiative reflects our commitment to valuing your community, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

The prestigious event will occur on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 6:30 PM—location to be announced.

Participation Requirement: This event is open to Black-identifying women and girls currently residing in El Paso County, Texas, and will remain from February 2025 to February 2026.

Important Information

  • Interest Meeting: Join us virtually via ZOOM on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 3PM for adults and 4 PM for teens. Registration is mandatory to receive the entry form.
  • Junior Miss Selection: A special selection for Junior Miss contestants aged 13-17 (high school grades 9-12) will occur in January. Please be aware that parental consent is mandatory for all participants under 18.
  • This event is open to Black/Black multi-cultural identifying women and girls.

Tickets for the event will be available at a later date.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase your talents, express your individuality, and proudly represent your community. We can’t wait to see the unique contributions you will bring to the 2025 Miss Black 915 Pageant!

Pageant Coordinator: missblack915@gmail.com

admin
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

EPCC to Host Fajitas & Margaritas Fundraiser Benefitting Students

September 18, 2024 by admin

The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Foundation, in collaboration with the EPCC Culinary Arts program, is set to host its annual Fajitas and Margaritas for Scholarships event. This exciting gathering aims to support student scholarships through a delicious evening of food and entertainment.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample and vote on the best recipes prepared by EPCC Culinary Arts students. The event will also feature live music, a silent auction, special guests, and door prizes.

Event Details:

  • What: EPCC Fajitas & Margaritas for Scholarships
  • Where: EPCC Administrative Services Center, Culinary Arts Building B, 9050 Viscount Blvd.
  • When: Friday, September 20, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Who: Open to the public; ticketed event benefitting EPCC students
  • Tickets: Available at go.epcc.edu/FMTickets

The community is invited to join this festive evening, supporting the next generation of students while enjoying great food and company.

admin
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Community News

Unlock Your Child’s Potential with The El Paso (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated STEAM Program

August 27, 2024 by admin

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blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Employment Contract Unanimously Approved for the New City Manager

August 27, 2024 by admin

Mayor Leeser Praises Process and Selection

“Today we formalized the selection of our new City Manager through an employment contract unanimously approved by the City Council. I am excited to see Ms. Dionne Mack leading our phenomenal City team” said Mayor Oscar Leeser.

This concludes a rigorous and transparent 17-month search process that produced over 120 applicants and resulted in 4 outstanding local candidates selected by the City Council. The 4 finalists then underwent a thorough and comprehensive process that included community meetings, engagement with City employees, interviews with 2 community selection committees and final interviews with the Mayor and City Council. The community was included through well-publicized meetings and surveys, the process was transparent, positively received by everyone that participated, and public input became a vital component not only of the search, but of the final selection.

“We selected the best and most qualified candidate for the position,” said Mayor Leeser. “Ms. Mack received overwhelming support from the community, and the fact that she has been part of our city team for 14 years allows her to hit the ground running without skipping a beat. The contract terms approved today further demonstrate her commitment to our community and particularly to the city team, by ensuring that her incentives are aligned with theirs and not requesting any additional performance bonuses. It is a fair contract for her, and a fair contract for our taxpayers. Great days are ahead for the City of El Paso under her leadership” added Mayor Leeser.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed City Manager for the City of El Paso. This city has a vibrant community and a bright future, and I am committed to working collaboratively with our dedicated team, City Council, and community partners to continue building on the strong foundation that has been established. Together, we will focus on creating growth opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for all residents, and ensuring that El Paso remains where people are proud to live, work, and visit. I am excited to lead this incredible city forward and serve El Paso’s people with integrity, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility” said Dionne Mack.

 

Ms. Mack’s appointment as City Manager officially begins September 3rd.

 

“I want to thank Col. Cary Westin for his outstanding stewardship of the city during his tenure as Interim City Manager, making great strides for El Pasoans on a number of fronts, as well as the City Council for their wisdom in listening to the community in their selection” added Mayor Leeser. “I also want to thank Robert Cortinas, Mario D’Agostino and Nicole Ferrini for their professionalism throughout this process and for their excellent representation of the best we have to offer in the city. The City of El Paso has a phenomenal team, and this process demonstrated what I’ve always thought, that we have the best in the country right in our own backyard” concluded the Mayor.

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blackelpasovoice.com

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Can You See Yourself in the FBI?

August 27, 2024 by admin

Over the past 18 months, former Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Downey and myself have shared what we’ve believed to be valuable information to help everyone protect themselves and their family members from common scams or have tried to introduce you to how the FBI works as far as recruiting, diversity, and transparency. 

I wanted to personally invite the readers to join the FBI El Paso Field Office for their in-person recruiting event in El Paso on Friday, September 6, 2024, to encourage talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore the unique and fulfilling career in the FBI. Throughout FBI employees’ careers, law enforcement officials meet and work with individuals from all walks of life, so the FBI values varied skills, opinions, and perspectives among its employees.

The FBI is positioned stronger to accomplish our mission because of the diverse knowledge and experience of our employees. The variety of skills and expertise among those on our team strengthens our investigations and helps us find new and innovative ways to protect the community. It takes folks from all industries and cultures to accomplish the FBI mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution of the United States, and we look forward to sharing more about our work at this important event.

Those who attend the FBI El Paso recruiting event will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with current FBI executives, special agents, intelligence analysts, linguists, IT systems, auto mechanics and other key FBI personnel for insight into the positions. In addition, many of the FBI’s Critical Incident Response components such as SWAT, Evidence Recovery Teams, Crisis Negotiations, Bomb Technicians, will be onsite to talk about their roles in FBI investigations and have their gear on display, FBI physical fitness advisors will be present to go over the FBI agent fitness test and applicant coordinators will provide guidance into the FBI application process.

If you are a college student or have a college student at home, we will have recruiters on hand to discuss the FBI’s 2026 Honors Internship Program, a summer paid internship for all our FBI locations across the nation. Learn more at fbijobs.gov.

There is no cost to attend, and attendees will not be required to submit a formal employment application following the event. But if you determine the FBI is the place for you, we will have computers set up so you can begin your application process, right then and there.

  • Event:FBI El Paso Diversity Recruitment Event
  • When:September 6, 2024, 3 – 6 p.m.
  • Location:UTEP – Natural Gas Convention Center

I hope you all can join us on the 6th and learn the FBI is only about Special Agents, we have a spot for anyone that has a desire to protect their nation and the communities they live in. What better way to learn about the FBI, than to come down and talk to individuals who may live next door to you about what they do.

If you can’t make it, call our Recruiter at 915-832-5000 or visit fbijobs.gov to see what benefits the FBI has to offer and what jobs are open across the nation.

John Morales

Special Agent in Charge, FBI El Paso

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blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: FBI El Paso Updates

Escobar endorses Kamala Harris; other El Paso leaders react to Biden leaving presidential race

July 21, 2024 by admin

Escobar endorses Kamala Harris; other El Paso leaders react to Biden leaving presidential race

by Robert Moore, El Paso Matters
July 21, 2024

El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, one of the national co-chairs of President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris after Biden ended his re-election candidacy Sunday.

“It’s time to unite & rally behind @KamalaHarris. She, too, earned 14 million votes in the primary, & will lead the fight for our freedoms against Trump’s Project 2025 that seeks (to) end our democracy,” Escobar said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter..

After several weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats following a disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump, Biden announced Sunday that he would no longer seek re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

Escobar and other El Paso Democratic leaders praised Biden’s presidency.

https://twitter.com/vgescobar/status/1815104458927624482

State Sen. César Blanco of El Paso, who also is a member of the Democratic National Committee and a “super delegate” at the Chicago convention, called Biden “a consequential president.”

State Sen. César Blanco

“He was effective while he was in office, and he’s got a lifelong history of public service. In many ways, I'm sad to see him leave, but that’s a personal decision that he’s made, and he’s decided to not seek the nomination,” Blanco said in an interview with El Paso Matters.

He said he wasn’t yet ready to endorse a presidential candidate.

“I’m going to hold off from making any endorsements until I get feedback from my constituents and get a sense of what they’re thinking,” Blanco said.

El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, who attended Biden’s White House announcement in June of stronger asylum crackdowns, called Biden “a friend to El Paso.”

“From COVID vaccines when we needed them most, to critical funding as we faced a difficult and challenging humanitarian crisis in order not to put the burden on the backs of El Paso taxpayers, President Biden’s administration has steadfastly stood with our city and I will always be grateful to him and his team for their support,” Leeser said in a statement.

Biden visited El Paso once during his presidency, making his first visit as president to the U.S.-Mexico border Jan. 8, 2023.

El Paso’s eight delegates to the Democratic National Convention next month, who said earlier this month they remained solidly behind Biden, endorsed Harris Sunday afternoon.

“We are ready to make history by standing firmly behind Vice President Kamala Harris as she becomes our first female president of the United States,” the delegation said. “With her unmatched experience as a prosecutor, Harris will decisively hold Donald Trump accountable for his 34-count conviction and his egregious disregard for both the law and for democracy. We are united, energized, and committed to supporting her vision of equality, progress, and justice for all Americans.”

The elected delegates are county Democratic Chair Michael Apodaca, County Commissioner David Stout, former city Rep. Alexsandra Annello, Yvonne “Bonnie” Daniels, Alicia De Jong Davis, Javier Aaron Paz, Dr. Jack Heydemann and Craig Sterrette.

Escobar and Blanco are super delegates to the convention because of their prominent roles in the party.

El Paso County Republican Party Chair Jorge Gonzalez couldn’t immediately be reached for comment for his views on Biden’s decision.

Irene Armendizariz-Jackson, the Republican nominee challenging Escobar for El Paso's 16th Congressional District seat, echoed Trump's sentiments about Biden's announcement.

https://twitter.com/BorderIrene/status/1815119185846153424

Olivia Troye, an El Paso native who served as a homeland security aide to former Vice President Mike Pence in the Trump administration, joined Harris at an event in Michigan on Wednesday to discuss abortion rights. She said she was surprised Sunday when she heard Biden was ending his re-election bid.

Olivia Troye

“I think we're seeing someone who had to make a very hard decision, but also seeing someone who is putting the country and the greater good over anything else, which is true Joe Biden's character from what we've seen,” said Troye, who resigned her role in the Trump administration in July 2020 and endorsed Biden. “I think he's had a successful presidency. Obviously, as a Republican, I don't agree with everything that they've done, but I do think that he has done a good job as president.”

She said she hopes Democrats rally quickly around Harris, and said they need to focus on persuading middle of the road voters.

"I think they need to be focused on independent and moderate (voters). … I think they need to let people like myself, who have traditionally voted Republican but who are not supportive of Donald Trump, I think they need to do the outreach to say, you have a home," Troye said in an interview with El Paso Matters.

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke of El Paso, who briefly ran against Biden for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, posted a brief message on X following Biden’s announcement.

https://twitter.com/BetoORourke/status/1815110519449129418

Former U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso, said he was disappointed by Biden’s decision to step aside, but not surprised because of the growing wave of elected officials who were calling on him to drop out of the election.

Reyes said Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Harris makes sense, but he is going to wait and see how things go.

“The most important thing is to make sure we put forth the very best candidate to keep Donald Trump from getting back in the White House,” Reyes said. “For the moment, I’m going to keep my powder dry.”

4 p.m. Saturday, July 21: This story has been updated with comments from El Paso's elected delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

5:45 p.m. Saturday, July 21: This story has been updated with comments from former Reps. Beto O'Rourke and Silvestre Reyes of El Paso.

El Paso Matters reporter Daniel Perez contributed to this story.

This article first appeared on El Paso Matters and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

admin
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Politics

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Faith & Marcus Smith | Imperial Legacy Clothing LLC

August 11, 2023 by admin

Amid the global surge in mental health struggles, it’s clear that childhood diagnoses profoundly influence one’s life path. Yet, societal biases often cast mental health concerns in a negative light, fostering misconceptions that hinder understanding. It’s high time for change. Meet Imperial Legacy Clothing, a refreshing brand rewriting the rules. Founded on unity, family, and innovation, it’s all about seizing control of your narrative (Imperial) and leaving an indelible mark (Legacy). With a dedicated sibling team and friends who intimately understand mental health, this isn’t just fashion – it’s a movement. Their ‘Feelings Collection’ boldly addresses the unspoken, assigning unique colors to universal emotions: sunny Happiness, deep blue Sadness, a hint of green Envy, fiery red Anger, and soft pink Love. This collection isn’t just about clothes; it’s about expressing what words can’t.

=====================

“Stay on your path regardless and surround yourself with positive energy. Learn to use negatives as learning experiences to help you reach your goals.” Faith Smith | @il_clothing

For more info, reach out: info@imperiallegacyclothing.com

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July Reviews with Ailehs Tony

July 1, 2023 by admin

Movie: Little Mermaid (theaters)

I am sure you are aware of all the controversy that surrounded this remake of the Little Mermaid, I am telling you to ignore, and go and witness the beauty of this film on your own. Halle Baily was excellent as Ariel. She played the part with such innocence. It takes a lot to be able to carry a movie although you don’t speak for the majority of it. I loved the new additions and some of the changes to our favorite sidekicks. I was upset when I heard that Queen Latifah didn’t get the part of Ursula but after watching Melissa McCarthy totally embrace the part, I couldn’t see anyone else as this character. She, like Halle owned this part. I fought the urge to join in on the singing. It totally took me back to when I watched the original Disney Little Mermaid.

IMO 7.5/10

https://youtu.be/kpGo2_d3oYE

——-

Movie: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Theaters)

The first installment caught me off guard with how good it was, so I went in expecting the same thing. To be blown away. I fought falling asleep possibly the first 15 minutes after that the story and action picks up and takes you on quite the journey. The animation of course was just fascinating. The chase scenes had you both laughing and anxious waiting to see if he was going to get to destination. Be prepared to be mad at the end while we have to wait for the next and final installment.

IMO 7/10

https://youtu.be/shW9i6k8cB0

——-

Movie: Transformers: Rise of the Beast (Theaters)

I was obsessed with Transformers when I was younger, tried to never miss an episode every Saturday. Seeing it on the big screen I just feel the same excitement. This installment of the Transformer is a reboot, sequel, and prequel. It is the eighth Transformers movie; it is a sequel to Bumblebee (attempted reboot) whereas it takes place in the 80’s a few years after we meet Bumblebee. Rise of the Beast reconstructs the franchise to be able to take the movies in a different direction. Anthony Ramos was great in his role and surprisingly so was Pete Davidson. I really couldn’t see or rather hear anyone else playing Mirage because Pete just nailed it. The story kept your attention; I don’t think there was a slow moment in the movie. Truly kept my attention the entire time. I am looking forward to future movies within this current trajectory.

IMO 8.5/10

https://youtu.be/itnqEauWQZM

——-

Movie: The Flash (Theaters)

There was a lot of off-screen drama pertaining to this movie mainly because of the actions of Ezra Miller. That being said I didn’t go in expecting too much because let’s be honest DC films are a hit or miss. Loved all the cameos and of course their bringing Michael Keaton back to don the suit. I feel like they underplayed him as well as Supergirl (I hope we see more of her) but the overall lesson of the movie was on point. Despite all the drama, Ezra Miller did excellently. There is no denying that they are a great actor.

IMO 6.5/10

https://youtu.be/jprhe-cWKGs

——-

Movie: The Blackening (Theaters)

This movie was so dang stupid. I could not stop laughing. You can’t go in expecting anything from this movie except for it to be dumb. It is almost similar to Scary Movie but not as wild. It drags near the beginning for about 10 minutes but after that you will be laughing. Just the interaction between the characters and them not taking themselves too seriously had me going. I am telling you don’t go see this if you are easily offended, because this movie plays on the fact that 9 out of 10 times in a horror movie black people are the first to go. But how is that possible when everyone in the movie is black. IJS.

IMO 7.5/10

https://youtu.be/ImM2EkqSFfU

——-

Movie: Elemental (Theaters)

This was a cute movie, not going to be one of Pixars biggest hits but it was enjoyable to watch. We’ve seen the story before, but it is just shown in a different manor which there is nothing wrong with that. The opposite attracts, following your dreams, sticking to your own path, story line, stepping out of your comfort zone.

IMO 7/10

https://youtu.be/rd4HFwP_KoA

 

Movie: Extraction 2 (Netflix)

The first Extraction just blew me away with the way the action sequence was filmed. I was overly excited waiting for part 2 to come out and it did not disappoint. It picks up where the first one ended and Rake is back in action doing what he does best except this time he has a team supporting him in the field. If you like action, you are going to enjoy this. I think one of the action sequences lasted over 20 minutes. It was just non-stop. Even though I personally like the first one a lot more it doesn’t take away from the fact that this one was good as well.

IMO 8/10

https://youtu.be/mO0OuR26IZM

——-

Series: Black Mirror (Netflix)

The 6th season is finally back. We are used to futuristic, technological episodes that make you think. This season went a different route. It kind of shadows how society is at the moment. How we are obsessed with true crime, reality tv, judging things we don’t understand, and knowing what to believe and not believe. I personally enjoyed this season although it went a totally different route and I am looking forward to future seasons.

IMO 8.5/10

https://youtu.be/5jY1ecibLYo

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