Black El Paso Voice

All Things Black in El Paso

Arts & Culture

2026 Black Book Expo and Author Fair

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Celebrating Resilience and Creativity: El Paso’s Black Voices Event

Click to purchase to attend.

Click to become a vendor.

El Paso is gearing up for a powerful Black History Month celebration that honors the written word, the spoken story, and the vibrant pulse of local artistry. Black Voices is more than just a book fair; it is a cultural showcase designed to amplify the narratives that shape our community.

Featured Authors: The Voices of Our Community

This year, we are proud to host an incredible lineup of local authors, ranging from New York Times bestsellers to inspirational guides and children’s creators.

  • Ron Stallworth: The legendary author of BlacKkKlansman returns with his newest work, The Gangs of Zion: A Black Cop’s Crusade in Mormon Country.
  • Angie Michelle Barraza: Bringing joy and representation to young readers with I Love Us: A Coloring Book, I Am Here, and I Love Us So Much.
  • Charles W. Smith, Jr.: Offering tools for mental and spiritual growth in Hello It’s Me Again: It’s Time to Win Within and the Obscurity Has A Face Student Manual.
  • Dr. Jackeline Biddle Richard: Sharing a profound story of resilience in Unbroken: A Journey from Pain to Power.
  • Nicole Haymon: Guiding readers toward their potential with Imperfectly Purposed: A Guided Journey on Your Path to Becoming Purpose-Full.

Kickstarting Black Children’s Book Week

In conjunction with the national initiative at Black Baby Books, we are celebrating the importance of representation in early literacy.

To support the mission of getting diverse stories into the hands of our youth, we will be hosting Children’s Book Giveaways. While this is not a fundraiser, we welcome donations at the door to help keep these initiatives thriving.

Three Featured Experiences

Attendees can immerse themselves in three distinct pillars of Black culture:

  1. Black History: The Art | The Music Experience history through live creative expression. We are currently issuing a Call for Artists: If you are an instrumentalist, singer, or poet, we want you on our stage!
  2. Black Book Mini-Expo | Fair This is your chance to “Meet the Author.” Browse the tables, discover your next favorite read, and get your copies signed on-site.
  3. Black History: The Stories A multi-generational storytelling showcase featuring monologues and spoken word from teens, young adults, and elders. Call for Talent: We are seeking actors and narrators to help bring these stories to life.

Join Us as a Vendor

Are you a local creator, author, or business owner? We invite you to be a part of this celebration.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A BOOTH. 

Stay Connected

Help us build community and support Black excellence in El Paso. This event also serves as a precursor to the Juneteenth El Paso Celebration on June 13, 2026.

Follow for updates: 📱 @blackelpasovoice 📱 @amplifyelpaso

Support Black Authors. Support Black Artists. Build Community.

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

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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.

 

A Story of Triumph: Dr. Jackeline Biddle Richard’s Unbroken Offers Hope to Domestic Violence Survivors

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 In her deeply moving and insightful new book, Unbroken: A Journey from Pain to Power, Dr. Jackeline Biddle Richard tackles the complex subject of domestic violence with a rare mix of vulnerability and strength. Her own journey as a survivor inspires the book, told through the fictional lens of Martina, an Afro-Latina woman grappling with the profound challenges and consequences of an abusive relationship.

On the surface, she appears to have it all—success, education, and a stable life—but beneath that façade lies a story of trauma and survival. Through Martina’s struggles and eventual transformation, Dr. Biddle Richard offers readers a window into the hidden realities of domestic violence while also challenging misconceptions that abuse only happens to certain types of people.

“Domestic violence doesn’t care about how much money you make or how many degrees you have,” Dr. Biddle Richard says. “It’s a problem that cuts across all demographics, and we need to stop pretending it’s someone else’s issue. It can happen to anyone, anywhere.”
Confronting Stereotypes and Sparking Conversation
Unbroken’s ability to confront common stereotypes about domestic violence is evident. The story’s focus on an accomplished, educated woman challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of who can experience abuse. It also highlights the critical role that community support, education, and access to resources play in helping to break the cycle of violence.

Dr. Biddle Richard, who is also a mental health nurse and educator, has long been an advocate for domestic violence survivors, particularly in Black and Latinx communities. Her expertise and personal experiences make her uniquely equipped to approach the subject with sensitivity and authority.

Meet the Author | Book Release
To celebrate the release of Unbroken, Dr. Biddle Richard is hosting a book signing and meet-and-greet event at Barnes & Noble at The Fountains at Farah in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to meet the author, discuss the book, and learn about her advocacy work.
This event is a celebration of her book and an opportunity for the community to engage in conversations about domestic violence and how to support survivors better. Dr. Biddle Richard also plans virtual book readings and Q&A sessions to ensure these discussions are accessible to a broader audience.

A Personal Reflection
I know Dr. Richard personally, and I can say without hesitation that her courage to share her story meaningfully is a testament to her resilience and commitment to helping others. I hope everyone who can will attend her book signing to hear her speak and connect with the message of Unbroken.

How to Get the Book
Unbroken: A Journey from Pain to Power is now available on Amazon and through the author’s website. For more information about Dr. Biddle Richard’s advocacy work and upcoming events, visit soymaravillosa.org.
This book is not just a story but a call to action and a resource for healing. Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or simply someone who wants to understand and help, Unbroken offers a powerful reminder that even the deepest wounds can heal, and no one is truly alone.

NAACP El Paso Branch Announces Freedom Fund Banquet on August 17th

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The NAACP El Paso Branch has announced its annual Freedom Fund Banquet, scheduled for August 17th at the Fort Bliss Centennial Club and Conference Center. This event is a social gathering and a powerful statement emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and voting rights.

The banquet, themed “Show Up to Vote,” will feature Casey Thomas, the first Vice President of the Texas NAACP, as the keynote speaker. Thomas is expected to provide valuable insights on political participation and its impact on the community.

Tickets for the event are $70.00 per person, and proceeds support scholarships and community activities that fund the NAACP’s civil rights initiatives. The dress code for the evening is semi-formal.

The El Paso Branch of the NAACP, the oldest branch in Texas, has a history of hosting impactful Freedom Fund events. These gatherings serve as a platform to celebrate achievements, recognize social justice heroes, and reinforce the organization’s commitment to equality and eliminating race-based discrimination.

For more information or to purchase tickets, interested parties can contact Diane Williams, the NAACP El Paso Branch Freedoms Fund Coordinator, at (334) 477-3733 or via email at naacpelpasobranch@yahoo.com.

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Angie Michelle Barraza | Art4Life

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Angie-Michelle Barraza (she/her), a local artist from El Paso, Texas, has cultivated a remarkable artistic journey spanning over two decades. With a Bachelor’s degree in studio art painting and a Minor in metals from the University of Texas at El Paso, she has established herself as a dynamic force in the creative landscape. As a former El Paso Art Association board member in 2021, Angie-Michelle showcased her commitment to the local art community. Her artistic exploration has birthed two compelling coloring books: “I Love Us” and “I Love Us So Much!” released in 2021 and 2023, demonstrating her ability to merge storytelling with interactive art. Angie-Michelle’s work portrays her experience as a Black/Afro-Latina woman in America. It extends to commissioned paintings enriching the city’s spaces and sharing her expertise through painting instruction at public events.

linktr.ee/angie_michelle

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“I deserve to take up space.”

Calling All Artistic Specialists! Join us in Shaping the Future of Young Black Artistic Visionaries!

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Attention artists specializing in painting, writing, music, dance, and other art forms! We invite you to join our mission of shaping the next generation of Black youth who are artistic visionaries from the ages of five to 18 years old.

No matter your creative expertise, whether it’s in painting, writing, music, dance, acting, or any other art form, your unique skills are highly valued. We are seeking individuals like you to become mentors and make a significant impact on the aspiring young artists of today.

By sharing your knowledge, experience, and passion, you can guide these talented individuals on their artistic journeys, helping them unlock their full potential. Together, we can create a community that celebrates creativity and nurtures the growth of future creative trailblazers.

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to the artistic legacy of tomorrow, we encourage you to join us as a mentor. Please contact Brandy Wyche at brandy@blackelpasovoice.com to learn more or express your interest.

Let’s come together to shape the future of art and inspire the next generation of Black artistic visionaries!

The Fox and the Cookie World Premiere Opera

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Shared by Cherry Duke, @utepopera
Director of Opera
Professor of Practice

Opera UTEP has commissioned a new opera, based on Aesop’s Fables, which will be premiered March 27 and 28, 2023 in Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. The words and music are by
acclaimed Black female composer Maria Thompson Corley. Dr. Corley will visit UTEP for the premiere and will also participate in several on-campus discussions and events open to the public.

In the 30-minute musical drama (called, THE FOX AND THE COOKIE), Grandma and Grandpa entertain their grandchild withs four fables of the Fox’s trickery. In the end, the family and the animals whom the fox tricked confront the fox about his behavior, and all enjoy Grandma’s cookies, together. The story explores themes of bullying, kindness, forgiveness, and sharing.
The public is invited for the two premiere performances and are encouraged to bring the young people in their lives!

The opening show on Monday, March 27 will have a reception with the composer and the cast after the performance, and after the Tuesday, March 28 performance, there will be “talkback” when the audience can talk with the composer and the creative team.

For those interested in learning more about the creative process, there will be a “Meet the Composer” session on Monday, March 27 at 12:30 p.m. in Fox Fine Arts Center and a “Lunch and Learn” session on Tuesday, March 28 at 12:00 p.m. in the UTEP Student Union.

The Tuesday event will feature a performance of Dr. Corley’s song, “I Am Not an Angry Black Woman,” performed by music major Abeni Merriweather, followed by a panel discussion of Black, female voices and social movement.

Opera UTEP will also give back to the community by presenting this opera for El Paso area children in special performances at UTEP and in elementary schools following the premiere.

This project is supported by interdisciplinary collaborators at UTEP, including the Center for Community Engagement, Women and Gender Studies, African American Studies, the
Department of Theatre and Dance, the Department of Art, the Department of Music, as well as the The Aaron and Sylvia Wechter Family Excellence Fund.

View this month’s UTEP Enrichment Events

Ailehs Reel Talk

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We welcome Ailehs Tony to BEP Voice as our resident “Reel Talk” host. Ailehs is a retired combat Veteran who says, “I still strive to serve the Veteran community by not only volunteering in the community, but also providing one on one peer support, coordinating peer support groups, and assisting with community resources.

For self-care, one of things I enjoy doing is going to the movies or watching new TV shows. There is just something about getting lost in the show you are watching, and it’s a nice break from reality.”

TheBEGroup: Auditions for Black History Month Play

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THE COLORED MUSEUM – AUDITIONS
Show Dates:
February 4th & 11th – NMSU University Arts Museum in Las Cruces, NM
February 18th & 25th – UTEP Rubin Center for the Visual Arts in El Paso, TX
A 1986 play written by George C. Wolfe. Serving as an elaborate satire of the prominent themes and identities of African-American culture. The play is set in a fictional museum were iconic African-American figures are kept for public consumption.
Non-union
5 Roles: All Black Cast
Man – 20s to 30s, Tall Model (Movement involved)
Woman – 20s to 30s, Tall Model (Movement involved)
LaLa LaMazing Grace – 30s to 40s, Female, glamourous night club singer with a fake french accent and a secret past
Ms. Roj – 30s to 40s, Transgender woman with a powerful snap
Topsy Washington – 30s, Female, loves parties, first on the dance floor (Movement involved)
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
For more info email: thebegroup@outlook.com