On May 25th, Word Seed Inc and CavanKerry Press hosted the first event in their Power of Words Summer Series at the Paterson Museum in Paterson, NJ. The event featured Tina Kelley, a New York Times bestselling author, and Talena Lachelle Queen, a spoken word artist and founder of Word Seed Inc.

The event was well-attended, with a standing-room-only crowd. Kelley and Queen both gave powerful and moving performances, and the open mic portion of the event showcased the true power of words.

Kelley's reading focused on her book, "Abloom & Awry (2017) from CavanKerry Press," a  collection of poems ordered by theme. Queen's performance was a mix of poetry and spoken word, and she spoke about her experiences as a black woman in America and love.

L-R: Felicia Sherrelle, Tina Kelley, Talena Lachelle Queen, Yves-Mary Fontin (Paterson Museum/ Power of Words, May 25, 2023)

The open mic portion of the event was a highlight of the evening. Several audience members shared their own poetry and stories, and the crowd was captivated by their words. Word Seed Inc president and founder, Talena Lachelle Queen, described the open mic portion as, "...an amazing and unexpected gift. The open mic is always my favorite part."

The Power of Words Summer Series is a collaboration between Word Seed Inc and CavanKerry Press. The series is designed to celebrate the power of words and to bring together writers, artists, and community members to share their stories through poetry. The next event in the series will be held on June 22nd at the Paterson Museum, 6:30PM.

About Word Seed Inc

Word Seed Inc is a non-profit organization that uses the power of words to inspire and empower people. The organization offers a variety of programs and services, including writing workshops, poetry slams, and public readings. Word Seed Inc is committed to creating a space where everyone can feel safe to express themselves through the written word.

About CavanKerry Press

CavanKerry Press is a small press that publishes books by emerging and established writers. The press is committed to publishing books of poetry and helping to heal communities. CavanKerry Press is also committed to publishing books that reflect the diversity of the world we live in.

About the Paterson Museum

The Paterson Museum is a museum located in Paterson, NJ. The museum's collection includes artifacts from the city's history, including textiles, furniture, and photographs. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and tours.

The Power of Words

Words have the power to change the world. They can inspire, motivate, and educate. They can also heal and comfort. The Power of Words Summer Series is a celebration of the power of words and the importance of poetry. The series is a reminder that everyone has a story to tell and that everyone's story matters.