Spoken word artistes took the spotlight at the third Poetry Echoes Of Expression, which took place at VP Records Cultural Center in Queens, New York on October 24.

Initially scheduled for September 26, it was postponed due to unstable weather. For founder and organiser, Richie Innocent, it was worth the three-week wait.

“It was a day that was brilliant like all the poets who were billed for the event, and those who got a chance to present when the mic was open, otherwise known as the open mic segment,” he told Observer Online. “The space was impressive and interaction between persons meeting others for the first time was warm and friendly.”

In addition to performing, Richie Innocent launched Eclipse, his second book. He also received a plaque from fellow poet Blaq Ice, who represented the Chicago-based People Of Extraordinary Talent (POET).

Also honoured was Pat Chin, co-founder of VP Records, who has supported Poetry Echoes Of Expression since its launch. She was presented with an award for contributing to the development of the spoken word genre.

Performers included Blaq Ice, Ras Igus, Bro Andrew Ewen, Marcia Jackson, Burnett Coburn, Yabez, Killa Boom Marj Da Poet and Jennifer Lumley. The event was emceed by author Sharon Gordon.

Richie Innocent was born in Kingston but raised in St Elizabeth. He credits his years at St Elizabeth Technical High School for spurring his interest in education and poetry.

The lanky artiste started his career 31 years ago as Innocent, a deejay. Since evolving as a poet, Richie Innocent has released songs like Where Are The Warriors, Hills mi Deh and the book Perseverance.

He is pleased with the progress of Poetry Echoes Of Expression.

“Our team of poets have shown that they can entertain an audience that is ready to embrace the genre that was started by Oku Onoura, Mikey Smith, Linton Kwesi Johnson and Mutabaruka, and carried on by the late Benjamin Zephaniah, Jean Binta Breeze and Yasus Afari,” said Richie Innocent.

— Howard Campbell