Participants are invited to join us a half hour before and/or after each workshop for snacks and community building time (optional).

Join cultural activist, emcee, poet, and writer Mic Crenshaw for an interactive workshop exploring the power of rhythm, rhyme, and storytelling as tools for self-expression and social change. Through rap, poetry, spoken word, and call-and-response, participants will discover how to craft meaningful, original, and transformative messages that reflect their perspectives and purpose.

The workshop blends presentation, conversation, hands-on activity, and reflection, creating a dynamic space to engage with the art of writing to a beat. 

Participants will:

• Experience live performance of Mic’s music in an interactive, community-centered setting

• Learn from Mic’s journey—from using hip-hop as a personal outlet to becoming a global voice for social transformation. 

• Explore techniques for shaping words and rhythms into impactful lyrical statements. 

• Discuss how these messages can be utilized individually and collectively in a variety of contexts, from art to civic engagement.

• Experiment with crafting their own rhymes and rhythmic phrases with guided instruction.

• Collaborate in small groups, receive feedback, and (optionally) share their work in a supportive space.

This workshop invites you to imagine new possibilities, amplify your voice, and collaborate in shaping narratives that inspire change. No prior experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm to imagine and collaborate with an open mind!

Venue and workshop details

Mobility access: Leaven Community Center is a wheelchair-accessible venue, with an entrance ramp. The workshop will take place on the ground floor. An ADA-accessible restroom is also located on the ground floor. 

Parking: There is a small parking lot, which includes one accessible parking spot. The parking lot may be full, though there are usually available street parking in the surrounding blocks. ree parking is also available on the surrounding streets. There is a ramp going from the sidewalk to the entrance of the venue. 

Public transit: There are stops for the TriMet bus within two blocks of the venue. There are stops for Lines 72, 8, and 17 within a six-minute walking distance.

Food and drink: Light snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic) will be provided for free.

Please contact r.medina@oregonhumanities if you have specific requests for accommodations or concerns about any aspect of participating in this workshop.