I recently had the privilege of photographing JJ’s Homecoming event and Open Mic in Detroit, a night that beautifully showcased the city’s thriving poetry and arts community.

A poet onstage at wearing a pink jersey during an open mic poetry event in Detroit

A poet speaks on stage during an open mic poetry slam in Detroit at Artist Village

I’ve known JJ since our days at Central Michigan University, and I’ve always admired his ability to bring people together through art and storytelling. Originally from Detroit and now based in Baltimore as a teacher, JJ is an accomplished poet who continues to build creative communities wherever he goes. His recent book, Lessons I Never Taught (Marble Steps Publishing), has taken him on a tour, and this Detroit stop was a special homecoming.

Poet RJMC smiles during JJ's Homecoming and Open Mic poetry slam event at Artist Village in Detroit

A person signs up for an open Mic poetry event at Artist Village in Detroit

The event was held at Artist Village in Detroit, a vibrant space that set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Poets from across the community shared their work with passion and power, filling the room with energy and connection. In addition to capturing portraits and moments from the night, I was able to bring out my video-making skills to document the performances in motion.

A DJ spins records during a poetry event at Artist Village in Detroit, michigan.

SolFull Poetry reads from their phone on stage during an Open Mic poetry event at Artist Village in Detroit

As a Detroit event and portrait photographer, it’s always an honor to use my craft to highlight artists and their impact. In a time when arts funding is being cut at historic levels, it feels especially important to share the power of gatherings like these. Art has always endured—and nights like JJ’s Homecoming and Open Mic remind us just how vital creativity and community are to the soul of a city.

A poet onstage during an Open Mic poetry slam event, JJ's Homecoming, at Artist Village in Detroit

The audience listens to a poet on stage during an Open Mic poetry slam event at Artist Village in Detroit

A poet reads from their phone on stage during an Open Mic poetry event at Artist Village in Detroit

Thank you, JJ, for inviting me to capture such a meaningful evening.

Video by me!

Music: Song: sumu - apart [NCS Release]
Music provided by: NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/apart
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/apartAT/youtube