Check out Amanda's conversation with Tiriq Rashad!

A proud native of Atlantic City and Pleasantville, or “Atlantic-Ville” as he affectionately calls it, Tiriq Rashad draws deeply from his roots to craft a narrative style steeped in resilience, authenticity, and empathy. With a master’s degree in social work and a calling to heal through words, he has built a body of work that speaks to the soul while confronting life’s most difficult truths. His previous literary works, including his memoir A Diamond In God’s Dirt and his debut poetry collection, shine through our shade: an evolution of self-love, have garnered praise from readers and critics alike, including legendary poet Nikki Giovanni, who lauded his ability to capture both the universal human experience and the nuanced struggles of African American life.

His forthcoming album, Kiss My Art, is a soul-baring exploration of grief, healing, identity, and creative liberation. Rashad’s mastery of spoken word is complemented by lush arrangements of jazz and hip-hop, creating an immersive soundscape for his storytelling. From the album’s opening moments—anchored by the tender voicemail from his late mother—to the closing affirmation of strength in “Still Here,” every track is crafted to reveal resilience in the face of life’s storms. It is not just an album; it is a living memoir set to music, a testament to the courage it takes to feel, reflect, and grow.

Tiriq's Links: https://tiriqrashad.com/

CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel, PBS and Roku!

SUBSCRIBE AND STREAM HERE:
https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263
PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke/?source=social

Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/

And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE!
Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF...
Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop?

She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services

Music by: Buzu Buzu
https://www.instagram.com/bbuzu/

Poetry is Expression (ft. Tiriq Rashad)