Spoken Word as an Act of Resistance

The literary art form of Spoken Word is present in various social movements and helps to provide a platform for bringing awareness to issues, articulating a vision and motivating large groups to come together for a cause. Spoken Word Artists not only advocate for marginalized individuals and inspire change in their communities, but for themselves. They use their craft as a way to “clapback” and “bounce back” from the oppressive systems in our society. In this session, you will learn how to utilize Spoken Word as an artistic art form, to share your narrative, practice self-care and radical self-love as a means to RESIST. Come ready to REFLECT, WRITE, and SHARE!

SECTION I

Introduction of Instructor

Overview of course

 What is spoken word?

 How do you define resistance

 Discuss spoken word as a tool for resistance

 Examples of spoken word as resistance

 Write your own piece of resistance and share

Community Guidelines

 Set them

SECTION II

Icebreaker/Introductions

 Think, pair, share

SECTION III

Resistance

 Discussion on resistance and spoken word

SECTION IV

Examples of spoken word and resistance

 #Black Lives Matter

 Islamaphobia

 Self-love

Discussion on examples

Writing Prompt

Time to write

SECTION V

Share writing prompts

Discuss takeaways

Reflection & deep breathing

Instructor Bio:

Maurisa C. Li-A-Ping

Maurisa C. Li-A-Ping is an educator, storyteller and humanitarian from Brooklyn, New York. She seeks to bring spoken word into conventional spaces within the academy to push the boundaries on ways of knowing and learning. Her dedication to her craft has led her to receive The Ernst Pawel Award for literary excellence. Her performances include the Women’s Center Stage Festival, World Famous Apollo Theater, United Nations, New York Civil Liberties Union Annual Benefit Concert and more. Maurisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. John's University, where she was heavily involved. Whether it was a McNair Scholar, Vice-President of Activities, Coordinator, or Peer Leader Maurisa used her leadership positions as a vehicle to give back to her community. At St. John's she established Haraya's 1st Legacy Scholarship for Racial Justice and then went on to be honored by Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. Maurisa is currently continuing her education in Indiana University- Bloomington's Higher Education Student Affairs Master’s Program. In her free time, she enjoys watching Shonda Rhimes reruns with Fudge Brownies or unwinding to a Chance and Tasha Cobbs playlist.